Jobs in the Garden: October 2023

Series
10/05/2023 3:11pm 2 minute read

October marks a transitional period in the UK garden, as the vibrant hues of summer fade into the warm, earthy tones of autumn. It's a month of preparation and maintenance to ensure your garden thrives in the months to come. Here are some essential garden jobs to tackle this October:

1. Plant Spring Bulbs: October is the perfect time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. The soil is still warm, and this will give them a head start for a beautiful display next year.

2. Tidy Up: As leaves begin to fall, keep paths and lawns clear to prevent slipping hazards. Compost the leaves to create rich, homemade mulch for your garden.

3. Prune and Divide Perennials: Trim back spent perennials and consider dividing overcrowded clumps to ensure healthier growth in the future.

4. Lawn Care: Give your lawn some attention by aerating, scarifying, and applying an autumn lawn feed. This will help it recover from summer stress and prepare for winter.

5. Protect Tender Plants: As temperatures drop, protect tender plants by moving them indoors or covering them with fleece to prevent frost damage.

6. Harvest and Store: Harvest any remaining fruits and vegetables, like apples and pumpkins. Store them in a cool, dry place for future use.

7. Wildlife-Friendly Actions: Provide food and shelter for wildlife by putting out bird feeders and leaving some areas of your garden untamed for insects and small mammals.

8. Plan for Next Year: Use this downtime to plan and prepare for next year's garden. Research new plants, design changes, and set goals for the coming seasons.

October in the UK may bring cooler weather, but it's also a time of natural beauty and important garden tasks. By taking care of these jobs now, you'll set the stage for a flourishing garden in the months ahead.