Tim's Gardening Tips

October in the Garden

Flower garden

• Cut down herbaceous perennials as they die back.
• Divide and replant herbaceous perennials that have become too large.
• Finish planting spring flowering bulbs, such as alliums and crocus.
• Finish moving any tender plants into the glasshouse, conservatory or indoors where they will receive good light.
• After the first frosts, lift tender bulbs, corms and tubers, such as cannas, dahlias and gladioli, and store in a frost-free place.

Roses, shrubs, hedges & climbers

• Start pruning climbing roses that have finished flowering.
• Remove fallen rose leaves affected by black spot and burn or put into municipal green waste recycling.

Trees

• Finish planting evergreen trees, including conifers, by the end of the month.
• Check tree ties and stakes and adjust if required.
• Clear fallen leaves and compost.
• Finish harvesting apples and pears.

Lawns & meadows

• Continue mowing the lawn if required.
• Regularly rake and clear fallen leaves off lawns.
• Scarify lawns with a spring tine rake or motorised scarifier, to remove thatch and moss.
• Aerate lawns by spiking with a garden or aeration fork.
• Top dress lawns with sharp sand and/or loam and brush into aeration holes.
• Apply an autumn lawn feed, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Ponds & water features

• Net ponds to prevent autumn leaves falling in.
• Clear excess debris and fading water lily leaves from the water.
• Cut back overgrown marginals.

Wildlife

• Clean out birdbaths.
• Replenish birdfeeders.
• Make a leaf pile for hibernating mammals.

Out and About

• Visit the RHS London Autumn Harvest Festival on 13-14 October 2009.
• Take time out to enjoy the autumn colour. For spectacular displays I recommend The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, or Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire.