Get your garden ready for the colder months with essential tips for planting spring-flowering bulbs, caring for your pond and houseplants, and attracting wildlife. Learn what to sow, prune, and protect in your garden this October, and discover the best picks for perennials, climbers, shrubs, and trees to bring vibrant autumn color to your outdoor space.
On the Plot
Sow your broad beans and over-wintering carrots, onion sets, garlic, and shallots. Keep an eye out for whitefly on your brassicas and spray appropriately. Start digging over your plot and planning for next season, bearing in mind crop rotation. Additionally, watch out for leek rust.
In the Garden
Now is the perfect time to prepare your soil for autumn planting. Plant spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, and crocus. You can also create a display of autumn heathers, calluna, and chrysanthemums, along with various autumn-flowering cyclamens, wallflowers, winter pansies, and aubrietia. As the weather cools, start moving tender plants indoors before the frosts arrive.
It’s also a good time to prune climbing roses after enjoying their final flush of flowering. For clematis, remember: roots in the shade and leaves in the sun. Clean your water butts and roll up and store plastic hoses. Finally, arrange a service for your lawnmower, hedge trimmers, and other equipment in good time for next year.
By the Pond
As the seasons change, reduce feeding your fish and start using wheatgerm fish food. Clear away or cut back aquatic plants, and ensure your pond is heron-proof to protect your fish.
About the House
Plant up containers with amaryllis. For a touch of winter color and scent, plant prepared hyacinths in containers. Remember to reduce watering for houseplants during this season. You can also create beautiful autumn and winter hanging baskets to brighten up your home.
Family and Friends
Birds love fat balls, so it’s important to use good-quality ones. They provide essential fats and protein that help birds survive the winter.
Additionally, help hedgehogs build up their fat reserves for hibernation, which lasts from October to April.
Pick of the Month
Perennials: Heuchera
Climbers: Clematis
Shrubs: Skimmia
Trees: Acers & Sorbus for Autumn Colour
Vegetable: Onions & Garlic