Jobs For The Garden In October

Autumn has officially arrived! This is one of the most beautiful times of the year, as leaves become crisp and change colour. However, with the days becoming colder and darker it is important not to abandon your garden during October. Whether it’s managing your current crops or planting new ones in preparation for Spring, there is plenty to be getting along with.

Vegetable Garden

• In order to prevent your patch getting pests and diseases, remove all finished crops.

• Plant asparagus and cut back any which is yellowing.

• Sow broad beans in preparation for Spring.

• Before the weather begins to frost, harvest squashes and pumpkins.

• Continue to plant onion and garlic bulbs in order to build on the crops which will be ready for harvesting next summer.

• Cabbages are ready to be harvested, when you do so, leave the root in the soil and cut across the stem.

• Begin to grow mushrooms.

• Cauliflowers need to be protected by wrapper the external leaves around them and tie them with string.

• Harvest Tomatoes.

The Lawn

• The main job which needs to be carried out during October is clearing up fallen leaves. Rake the leaves of your lawn with Birstall’s Spear and Jackson Elements Flexo rake.

• Repair any dead patches of lawn and lay down any turf which needs replacing.

• During this month, the last mow of the year can be carried out.

Fruit Garden

• To prevent any diseases from spreading cut any diseased fruits from branches or the grounds. By carrying out this simple practice it wills stop any infections spreading to next summers fruit.

• It is essential that citrus trees are moved indoors. Store them in a bright place away from radiators. Reduce watering but keep them hydrated.

• Cut back any canes which have grown on summer-fruiting raspberries and tie new ones to the wires which they grow on.

• To avoid pests, place a winter wash onto trunks and branches.

• Plant blueberry crops.

• Split up clumps of rhubarb and re-plant the healthy sections.

• Bareroot fruit trees can be planted now, such as apples, cherries, pears and plums.

• Continue to check whether apples are ripe enough to be harvested.

• Once you have picked all of your fruit from the fruit cage, allow birds in as they will pick off pests.

Flower Garden

• In preparation for Spring, plant daffodils, tulips and allium bulbs.

• Barerrot trees and shrubs are ready to be planted.

• Plant hedges.

• Overhanging plants need to be cleared from pathways.

• Plant Clematis.

• Cut away any plants which have died down.

• Plant bedding plants which will harvest in Spring such as winter pansies, wallflowers, bellis and primulas.

• Fallen rose leaves need to be cleared to prevent any diseases.

• Move trees and shrubs

• Replant any summer displays such as hanging baskets with winter plants.

The Greenhouse

• It is likely that your greenhouse will be looking fairly empty. It is essential that you clean and disinfect it to prevent any diseases from spreading.

• Try to allow as much light in the greenhouse as possible.

• Move plants which are prone to frosting into the greenhouse.

• Check to make sure that any plants which are being moved into the greenhouse are free of pests.

• Begin using your greenhouse heater in preparation for any early frosts.

Published October 6th, 2015 by Jordan. Article ref 4039

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