OCTOBER

General

For some people, October is the end of the gardening year.  However, that might have been the case some years ago but certainly not now.  One noticeable change, it's getting darker and much cooler in the evenings.  October also brings the Autumnal colours as the trees and shrubs take on a whole new appearance.  Leaves changing colour and fruits and berries adding to their glow.

Lawns

Now is a good time to make a new lawn by laying turf.  There is still time for the roots to grow into the underlying soil before the onset of Winter.  Clear any dead leaves and reduce mowing.  Apply an Autumn feed and make repairs as necessary.

Roses

If planting a new rose bed next month, now is the time to prepare the soil.  Double dig the the area (two spades width deep) and add farmyard manure or garden compost with added bonemeal. If there has been a problem with blackspot on roses, continue to take off the affected leaves and remove any fallen leaves around the base of the plants.  Do not put these on the compost heap.

Patios and Containers

Continue to plant containers with winter bedding and spring flowering bulbs.  Shrubs and Evergreens will look good alsol.   Remember, they will need to be watered occasionally, but keep them moist not wet.   Be prepared to move any tender plants into the greenhouse as the weather becomes colder.  Stop feeding plants that are permanently planted in containers.

Vegetables

Cover any late sown summer crops.  The extra warmth will help prolong there growing time.  Some of the winter crops, like sprouts will probably be ready for picking this month, although main crop potatoes are best left in the ground for as long as possible.  As you remove the last of the runner beans, it is a good idea to start digging over the ground, incorporating garden or farmyard compost, to allow the frosts to do their work. 

Trees Shrubs and Climbers

Now is a good time to plant container grown shrubs and roses.  Be sure to prepare the soil well and incorporate a good supply of well rotted compost.  Time taken in this preparation will reap rewards later.  Be prepared for windy days and check that any tree ties are secure and not applied too tightly so as to cause problems to the bark.

Spring Flowering Bulbs

There is still time to plant spring flowering bulbs including Tulips and Hyacinths.    Remember, bulbs are versatile and can be planted in most areas of the garden, including beds and borders, under shrubs and hedges, rock gardens, containers as well as in the lawn.  Bybrook Barn Garden Centre still have a good range of bulbs available.  If you would like advise on how or what to plant, please contact us.

Herbaceous

Continue to dead-head Dahlia's.  As soon as the first frosts blackens the foliage, cut stems down to about 6 inches above the ground.  Carefully lift them out of the ground, avoid damaging the tubers.  Cut out any tubers that have become damaged and then dust the cuts with yellow or green sulphur.  Remove as much soil as possibly and stand them upside down in a frost free place for about a week to allow the sap to drain out of the stems.  Place tubers in shallow boxes and cover with slightly damp compost.  Do not allow the compost to come into contact with the crowns of the plant.  Stored tubers must be kept frost-free. Tidy around other herbaceous plants, but leave seed-heads for the birds to feed on.

Greenhouses

Now is the time to give the greenhouse a good clean in readiness for the Winter.  Plenty of warm water with  a suitable greenhouse disinfectant will do the job.  Clean out any pots or seed trays that are not required.  Bring into the greenhouse those plants that are likely to be damaged by frost. Should any watering be necessary try and do it before midday.  If you have heating, ensure that it is working correctly.

Ponds

If you use a pump, this should now be removed.  Clean it and store for the Winter.  Thin out underwater plants and remove old water lilly and other fallen leaves.  This needs to be done to avoid the risk of toxic gas build up as well as the shortage of oxygen when ice forms on the pond.  Place a net over the pond to avoid winter debris falling in.  Continue to feed the fish for as long as it is obvious that the food is being eaten.

WE WILL BE HAPPY TO HELP WITH ANY GARDENING ENQUIRIES