Everything You Need to Do In The Garden in October

Fri, Oct 11, 2024 15:52 CET

October can be quite a busy month for gardeners. There are plenty of jobs to complete this month to prepare the garden for the colder winter months ahead. This can include planting, pruning, maintenance and harvesting.

A rake in the grass

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So, what jobs do you need to do in the garden this month? To help you get a better understanding of everything that you need to do in the garden in October, gardening expert Fiona Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk has created this comprehensive guide going over all of the essential jobs and how to do them properly so that your garden is set and ready to take on the harsh winter months.

Planting in October

There are several things that you can plant in your garden now, including winter bulbs, trees, shrubs, and perennials. Below is an overview of all of the things that you can plant in your garden now to keep it in the best shape:

Winter Bulbs

You can now plant winter bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. These bulbs will bloom in the spring and add some lovely colour to your garden. When planting bulbs, make sure you plant them at the correct depth. The general rule of thumb is to plant your bulbs at a depth equal to three times their height.

Bulbs should also be planted in a location where there is plenty of sunlight. Most bulbs will prefer to grow in well-drained soil. When planting bulbs, add a fertiliser to the soil. This will help the bulbs to grow and bloom.

Trees and Shrubs

You can plant some deciduous trees and shrubs in your garden in October. This will give them enough time to establish themselves before the winter months. When planting trees and shrubs, make sure to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball. Add some compost or well-rotted manure to the soil. Plant the tree or shrub at the same depth as it was growing in the nursery. Make sure you water the plant thoroughly after planting.

Trees and shrubs should be planted in a location that receives plenty of sunlight. They should also be planted in well-drained soil. When planting trees and shrubs, it is important to stake them to help them support themselves.

Perennials

Divide and replant any perennials you have that may have become overcrowded. This will help them to thrive in the spring. Ot divide a perennial, you will need to carefully dig the plant up and gently separate the clumps. Replant the clumps in a new location. Water the plants thoroughly after replanting.

Perennials should be divided roughly every 2-3 years. When dividing them, it is important that you remove any dead or diseased parts of the plant. Perennials should be planted in a location which receives plenty of sunlight. They also need to be planted in well-drained soil.

Pruning in October

Pruning is another important job that you need to complete during this month. There are several plants that may benefit from being pruned at this time. Below is a list of the plants that you should prioritise with pruning during this month:

Roses

Roses should be pruned at this time to shape them and remove any dead bits of wood or diseased wood. When pruning roses, make sure you use clean and sharp pruning shears. Cut back the stems to around 6-12 inches from the ground. Remove any dead or diseased wood.

Roses should be pruned in the autumn or in early spring. If you prune your roses in autumn, they will be less likely to bloom the following spring. However, pruning during this time can help to shape the plant and remove any dead bits or diseased wood.

Shrubs

Prune any deciduous shrubs that have finished flowering. When pruning shrubs, make sure to remove any dead or diseased wood. You can also shape the shrub by removing any unwanted branches.

When pruning shrubs, it is important to avoid pruning them too heavily, as this could weaken the plant. You can also choose to prune shrubs in early spring.

Fruit Trees

Prune fruit trees to help improve their shape and yield. When pruning fruit trees, make sure you remove all of the diseased wood or dead wood. You can also thin out the branches to help improve circulation and also improve sun penetration.

Fruit trees should be pruned during late winter or early spring. When pruning fruit trees, it is important that you avoid pruning them too heavily as this could weaken the plant and reduce its yield.

Garden Maintenance in October

During October, you will also need to do some garden maintenance to help make sure your outdoor space is ready to take on the harsher winter months. Below is a list of garden maintenance tips for October:

Rake Leaves

Rake any fallen leaves now and compost them. This will help prevent them from smothering your lawn and plants. Composting leaves is a great way to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment.

Leaves can be composted in a compost pile or in a compost bin. When composting the leaves, it is important to also add some green materials to the pile, such as grass clipping or kitchen scraps. This will help balance out the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of the compost.

Mow The Lawn

Continue to mow your lawn regularly in October, but avoid cutting it too short. This will help to keep it healthy and strong. In autumn, you can mow your lawn at a slightly higher height than in the summer, as this helps to protect the grass roots during colder weather.

Your lawn should be mowed at a height of 2-3 inches. It's important to avoid mowing the lawn when it is wet, as this could damage the grass.

Fertilise

You should fertilise your lawn during October as this will help it to recover from the summer months. A balanced lawn fertiliser is a good choice for autumn fertilisation. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertiliser package.

Winterise Your Garden

It’s also important to winterise your garden now. You can protect your tender plants from the winter weather by covering them with frost blankets or row covers. Insulate pots to protect the roots from the colder weather. You can use bubble wrap or other insulating materials to do this.

Clean Up

Clean up your garden by removing any debris and dead plants. This will help any prevent pests and diseases from sticking around. This will also help to improve the overall appearance of your garden.

Winterise Your Gardening Tools

Keep your garden tools stored in a dry place to prevent them from rusting. You can also lubricate the moving parts of your tools to help prevent them from freezing. Make sure to clean and dry the tools before storing them for the winter.

Harvesting

You can now harvest some of your garden crops. Below is a list of the crops that you can harvest and enjoy at this time:

Harvest the Last of Your Summer Vegetables

Now is the time to harvest any remaining summer vegetables, such as peppers and tomatoes. Be sure to harvest the vegetables before they become overripe. Summer vegetables should be harvested at their peak ripeness. This will ensure that they taste their best.

Pick Apples and Pears

You can now pick your apples and pears before they become overripe. Store these fruits in a cool, dark place for the best results. This will also help to prevent them from ripening too quickly. You should pick these fruits when they are firm and have a good colour.

Final Thoughts

October may seem like a winding down period for the garden. However, with a little bit of effort now, you can ensure a vibrant and healthy space ready for spring. By following these tips and tackling these essential jobs, you will be giving your garden the best possible chance to survive the winter and flourish again next year.

So, it's time to grab your gardening gloves, pick up your tools, and get out there to enjoy the crisp autumn air while making your garden ready for winter. Remember, a well-maintained garden in October will equal to a happy garden in the spring!

FIONA JENKINS

Fiona Jenkins is a UK-based landscaper with over twenty-five years of experience in the industry. As a gardening expert for MyJobQuote, one of the UK's top trades-matching sites, Fiona offers her expert advice to MyJobQuote's tradespeople and homeowners and has also been featured as a gardening expert for a range of reputable publications.

MyJobQuote is one of the UK's top trades matching sites that helps individuals find a reputable tradesperson in their local area.

MyJobQuote also has a wide range of experts with extensive knowledge in interior design, cleaning, gardening, property, construction and more. MyJobQuote's experts have been featured in over 700 publications, including Woman and Home, The Times, House Beautiful, BBC News and more.