Autumn In The Garden

 October marks a pivotal time in the garden. As autumn fully sets in, the days grow shorter, and the first frosts 

may appear. It’s a time for harvesting, preparing for winter, and setting the stage for a beautiful spring. 

Though it’s cooling down, October is still a great time to plant for next year’s garden: 

Plant spring bulbs: Daffodils, tulips, and crocuses should be planted now for a stunning spring display. Ensure they are planted at the correct depth (usually 2-3 times the height of the bulb) in well-

drained soil. 

October is a busy month for garden maintenance, ensuring your plants and soil are well-prepared for the colder months ahead: 

Clearing fallen leaves: Regularly rake leaves off lawns to prevent the grass from becoming smothered. These can be composted or used to create leaf mold. 

Cut back perennials that have finished flowering, and prune climbing roses after they have finished blooming. 

Mow the lawn less frequently as growth slows down, and consider applying an autumn lawn feed high in potassium to strengthen the grass over winter. 

With frost on the horizon, take steps to protect your garden: 

Move tender plants indoors: If you have any tender perennials in pots, bring them into a greenhouse or conservatory. 

Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of tender plants to insulate the roots against frost. 

Protecting ponds: If you have a garden 

pond, consider covering it with netting to prevent fallen leaves from accumulating and decomposing in the water. 

As the weather turns colder, garden wildlife will start preparing for winter too: 

Keep bird feeders stocked with high-energy foods like sunflower seeds, fat balls, and suet to help them build up reserves. 

If you have space, consider creating a hedgehog shelter with piles of leaves or logs. 

Ensure there is a way for wildlife to escape from ponds, such as a small plank or stones at the edge, as amphibians and other creatures may fall in while searching for water. 

Start a new compost heap with the end-of-season plant material, grass clippings, and kitchen waste. 

Clean and disinfect greenhouses, and check for any repairs needed before winter. 

Garden planning: Use the quieter time to plan next year’s garden, considering crop rotation and new plant varieties to try. 

October is a month of transition in the garden. By staying on top of your tasks now, you’ll not only protect your garden through winter but also set it up for a successful and vibrant spring. 

Happy gardening!