Jobs in the Garden: October 2025

Essential Gardening Jobs for October in the UK

October marks the full arrival of autumn, with cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and shorter days. It’s an important month for tidying up the garden, planting for the future, and protecting plants from the colder weather ahead. Here are the key gardening tasks for October:

1. Lawn Care

• Continue raking up fallen leaves to prevent the lawn from becoming waterlogged.

• Mow the lawn for the last time before winter, keeping the blades higher than usual.

• Aerate compacted soil and apply an autumn lawn feed to strengthen roots.

• Edge the lawn to keep it looking neat throughout winter.

2. Planting and Sowing

• Plant spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and alliums.

• Move tender perennials such as fuchsias and dahlias indoors before the first frost.

• Plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and roses while the soil is still warm.

• Sow sweet peas in pots under cover for an early display next year.

3. Pruning and Cutting Back

• Prune climbing roses and late-flowering shrubs to prevent wind damage.

• Cut back herbaceous perennials once they start to die down.

• Remove dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs.

• Trim hedges before the arrival of frost.

4. Harvesting and Storing

• Harvest late-season fruit such as apples, pears, and quinces.

• Pick the last of the summer vegetables, including pumpkins and squashes.

• Store root vegetables like carrots and potatoes in a cool, dark place.

• Dry herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage for use over winter.

5. Supporting Wildlife

• Leave some seed heads on plants like sunflowers and teasels for birds.

• Install bird feeders and top them up regularly as food sources dwindle.

• Create leaf piles or log piles to provide shelter for hedgehogs and insects.

• Clean out bird boxes ready for winter nesting.

6. General Maintenance

• Clean and store garden furniture before winter weather sets in.

• Check greenhouse heaters and insulate if necessary.

• Clear out gutters and drains to prevent blockages from fallen leaves.

• Cover garden ponds with netting to keep out debris.

October is a busy month for gardeners, but by tackling these essential tasks, you’ll ensure your garden is prepared for winter while setting the stage for a beautiful spring. Happy gardening!