The air is getting nippier but that doesn’t mean you should be spending any less time in your garden – an outdoor living expert has revealed the top jobs you should get started on this month
While the weather may be cooling down it’s not time to hang up the gardening gloves just yet.
Contrary to popular belief, October can actually be one of the busiest and most important months for gardeners. With frostier weather and shorter days on the horizon, this month can be crucial in prepping your garden to withstand the cold snap and grow back the following spring.
Composite decking brand Trex has worked with TrexPro and outdoor living expert Simon Parry, owner of Simon Parry Landscaping & Gardening, to share his must-do gardening jobs for October.
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Rake up fallen leaves
Simon says: “Leaving piles of wet leaves on the lawn can cause patches of yellowing, moss growth, and even fungal disease, while collected leaves can be turned into free, nutrient-rich leaf mould that will benefit your garden.
“To make leaf mould, use a rake or leaf blower to gather leaves into piles, moisten them if they’re dry, then bag them up in bin liners with air holes or store them in a wire bin to break down over time.
“After two years, they should be well-rotted and usable as seed-sowing compost, or mixed with equal quantities of sharp sand, garden compost and good quality soil for use as potting compost. If you don’t want to make leaf mould, fallen leaves can just be added to your usual compost bin as they are.”
Improve soil with compost or manure
Simon advises: “Speaking of compost, October is the perfect time to improve your soil by adding organic matter to it that will replenish nutrients, improve its structure and help it retain moisture, setting up your borders and beds for next season’s planting.
“Spread a generous layer (around 5–7cm) of well-rotted manure or garden compost over empty beds and lightly fork it in or leave it as a mulch for worms to work in naturally.”
Continue pruning shrubs and perennials
According to Simon: “If you haven’t already started, October is the time to cut back perennials and prune shrubs to prevent wind damage, maintain their shape and help them conserve energy for winter.
“Use clean, sharp secateurs to remove dead stems and faded flowers. Cut perennials back close to the base but leave some seed heads (like echinacea or teasels) for wildlife interest.”
Protect tender plants from frost
Simon warns that the first frosts of winter can strike in October. Therefore, tender perennials such as dahlias, cannas and pelargoniums need protection to survive.
He says: “For dahlias, that means digging up the fleshy tubers they grow from and storing them over winter in a frost-free shed. The same applies to the underground stems – called rhizomes – that cannas grow from.
“Keeping pelargoniums alive over winter means digging them up, shaking excess soil from their roots, trimming the plants to about half their size and allowing them to dry. You can then place them in newspaper, brown paper bags or a cardboard box and store in the shed or any other cool, dark, frost-free place.”
He adds: “Alternatively, you can pot up individual plants and place them in a cool but bright location such as a greenhouse or conservatory. If you choose this option, keep the compost dry, watering very sparingly (if at all) over winter.”
Lift and divide overgrown perennials
Simon says: “Dividing clumps of perennials rejuvenates plants, promoting more vigorous growth and flower production by improving airflow and providing more space for roots and shoots. It’s also a cost-effective way to create new plants that can fill any empty spaces in your garden.
“Use a fork to lift the clump, split it into smaller sections with a spade or knife, and replant immediately in enriched soil. Doing this in October means the soil will still be warm enough to allow the roots to establish before winter.”
Liven up your deck or patio with autumn colour
The cooler weather is no excuse not to liven up your outdoor space in the cooler months. Simon advises that all it takes is some strategic planting.
He says: “Pansies and violas in pots will provide a strong burst of colour and continue flowering into winter, while foliage plants like heuchera, heathers and ornamental grasses will add texture and colour beyond the colder months into spring.”
Clean and store garden tools
Simon advises: “With many of the main autumn garden jobs complete, take the time to clean and store your tools properly to prevent rust, stop any diseases spreading and extend their life.
“Wash any mud off tools with water and dry them thoroughly before oiling metal parts with linseed oil or WD-40. Once clean, store tools in a dry shed or garage.”