At a Glance
- Prepare vegetable plots for winter and plan next season’s crops with crop rotation.
- Care for pond fish by reducing feeding and cutting back aquatic plants.
- Plant spring-flowering bulbs and autumn colour plants for seasonal display.
- Support wildlife by providing food for wild birds and hedgehogs.
- Reduce watering of houseplants and prepare winter indoor plants like hyacinths and amaryllis.
On the Plot
October is a good time to prepare the vegetable plot for the colder months and start planning for next season. Sow broad beans and overwintering carrots, and plant onion sets, garlic and shallots. Keep checking brassicas for whitefly and watch out for signs of rust on leeks. As beds become empty, start digging over the plot and think about where next year’s crops will go, remembering the benefits of crop rotation.
By the Pond
As temperatures fall, reduce feeding pond fish and change to wheatgerm fish food. Cut back aquatic plants and remove debris, weeds and excess oxygenating plants. It is also worth checking that your pond is properly protected from herons.
Family & Friends
Help wild birds prepare for colder weather by providing high-energy foods such as fat balls, while keeping feeders clean and fresh to help prevent disease. Hedgehogs will also be building up vital fat reserves before hibernation, so providing suitable food and fresh water can give them a helping hand.
In the Garden
Plant spring-flowering bulbs including daffodils, tulips and crocuses, while autumn heathers, chrysanthemums and cyclamens provide plenty of seasonal colour. Wallflowers, winter pansies and aubrietia can also be planted now.
Move tender plants indoors before the first frosts and prepare soil for autumn planting. Prune climbing roses after flowering and plant clematis. Clean water butts and roll up and store plastic hoses ready for winter.
Top Tip
When storing your garden hose, fold the end over to help prevent snails and slugs crawling inside and blocking the pipe!
About the House
Reduce watering houseplants as their growth begins to slow. For colour and fragrance indoors, plant prepared hyacinths in containers for winter displays. Amaryllis bulbs can also be planted now ready to provide a spectacular display around the New Year.
Pick of the Month
Look out for Hibiscus, Hydrangea, Weigela, along with climbing Clematis viticella and Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’. This month’s pick is Prunus subhirtella.
Follow morleynurseries.com for ideas on how to encourage your children to enjoy gardening and much, much more.