Hopefully you have managed to enjoy the summer months, and at the time of writing we have had our first significant rainfall which has started to refresh our gardens. Autumn is very close and here are some jobs that you may wish to undertake this month.

​

Collect & compost fallen leaves. Rake up fallen leaves to prevent lawns from being smothered and store them in leaf bags or a corner to make leaf mould for next year.

​

Plant Spring Bulbs. October is a good time to plant tulips, daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths and alliums.

Divide & Replant Perennials. Split overgrown clumps of plants like hostas, daylilies and asters. Replant to refresh borders or share with neighbours.

​

Move & Replant Shrubs. Deciduous shrubs are easier to move now that they are going dormant. Replant in prepared holes with compost and water in well.

Plant Winter Bedding. Pansies, violas, wallflowers and forget-me-nots can be planted for colour through winter/spring.

​

Cut Back & Tidy Perennials. Cut back faded stems and remove dead foliage to reduce overwintering pests. Leave some seed heads for wildlife.

​

Protect Tender Plants. Bring in tender plants like pelargoniums and fuchsias or cover with fleece. Lift dahlias and cannas once first frost blackens the foliage.

​

Prune Trees & Shrubs. Lightly prune climbing roses, summer fruiting raspberries and wisteria. Avoid hard pruning spring flowering shrubs as they will have set next year’s buds already.

​

Sow Hardy Annuals & Green Manure. Sow hardy annual flowers like cornflowers and larkspur in borders, and sow green manure in veg plots to improve soil over winter.

​

Clean & Maintain Tools. Sharpen and oil secateurs, hoes and shears, and wash pots, clean water butts and tidy sheds before winter.

​

Linda Lawes

​