On the plot
October is a busy time for vegetable growers. Sow broad beans, over-wintering carrots, onion sets, garlic and shallots for a strong start next season. Watch for white fly on brassicas and treat promptly. Begin digging over your plot, plan next year’s layout with crop rotation in mind, and check leeks for rust.
In the Garden
Plant spring bulbs like daffodils, tulips and crocuses for vibrant spring colour. Autumn heathers, chrysanthemums and cyclamens brighten gardens now, while wallflowers, winter pansies and aubrietia add cheer through winter. Move tender plants indoors before frosts, prepare soil for autumn planting, prune climbing roses, and plant new-season clematis. Clean water butts, store hoses, and service your garden tools.
By the pond
As the weather cools, reduce feeding your fish and switch to wheatgerm fish food, which is easier for them to digest in lower temperatures. Cut back or clear away aquatic plants that are past their best and check your pond is secure to keep herons at bay.
About the house
Bring some colour and scent indoors by planting prepared hyacinths in containers, perfect for brightening up winter days. Begin reducing how often you water your houseplants as their growth slows. If you’re looking for instant seasonal decoration, a beautiful range of autumn and winter hanging baskets is available now to enhance porches or indoor spaces.
Family & Friends
October is also the time to help local wildlife prepare for the colder months. Build up the fat reserves of wild birds by offering fat balls and other high-energy treats. Hedgehogs will soon be hibernating—any time between October and April—so providing food now can help them survive the winter.
Tip
To prevent snails and slugs from using your garden hose as a winter hiding place, fold the end of the hose over before storing it.
Pick of the month
- Bedding: Winter pansies, Cyclamen & Calluna
- Trees: Liquid amber, Amelanchier, Sorbus (Mountain Ash)
- Shrubs: For Flowers Fuchsias, Hydrangeas, Camellias, and Potentillas; for berries Callicarpa and Pyracantha; and for autumn colour Euonymus Elata, Dogwood & Japanese maples
- Climbers: Virginia Creeper
- Fruit: Blue Berries
Days to Remember
- 1st Oct – International Coffee Day
- 21st Oct – National Apple Day
- 31st Oct – Halloween
Follow morleynurseries.com for ideas on how to encourage your children to enjoy gardening and much much more.