Jobs For October

Plant wallflowers, primulas, violas & other spring bedding plants

Plant spring flowering bulbs

Cut back faded perennials

Keep hanging baskets looking good by dead-heading, watering & feeding

Lift dahlia & cannas tubers/rhizomes after the first frost

Raise pots off patios to prevent them from sitting in water

Bring tender plants in from the cold to greenhouses or conservatories

Now is the time to harvest vegetables and store for winter

Harvest maincrop potatoes along with any remaining beans, carrots & cabbages

Make sure that Brussels sprouts plants are securely in the ground and add a high nitrogen feed if leaves begin to yellow

Dig over soil once crops have been harvested

Prune back berry bushes and plant new fruit canes if required

This is the ideal month for moving & planting trees, shrubs, climbers & hedges

Trim deciduous trees in order to keep them tidy during the winter months

Take hardwood cuttings from Rosa, Salix & Forsythia

Check tree ties are secure & intact in case of winter storms

If possible open greenhouse vents on warmer days

Clean, disinfect and insulate your greenhouse if not done last month

Your last chance to scarify, aerate & top dress lawns

Apply an autumn lawn feed

Rake any fallen leaves from your lawn

Check chrysanthemums for signs of white rust

Rake up leaves from lawns, flower beds, patios and paths

Shred any un-diseased leaves and place in your compost heap