October is a lovely month to enjoy the changing colours in the garden, while getting everything ready for winter. Plant spring bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, crocuses and alliums. Plant them in groups for the best effect.

Plant trees, shrubs and perennials while the soil is still warm. Autumn planting gives them time to establish their roots before spring. Collect fallen leaves and make leaf mould – an excellent, peat-free soil improver. Leave some leaves under hedges and shrubs to provide shelter for wildlife.

Look after your lawn. Once the grass has recovered from the summer, October is a good time to scarify, aerate and repair bare patches. Cut back perennials that have finished flowering, but consider leaving some seedheads standing for birds and winter interest. [Read more…] about October Gardening Tips from Wellie

Looking back through the September gardening tips I’ve written over the years, I think this year our gardens are likely to be looking rather different. After such a hot, dry summer, many lawns will have turned brown and borders may be looking tired. The good news is that, with some autumn rain, most lawns should begin to recover and green up surprisingly quickly.

Resist the temptation to apply an autumn lawn feed until the grass has started to grow again. Feeding a dormant, drought-stressed lawn won’t do it any favours, so it may be better to wait until October if the dry weather continues.

Take some time to observe how your garden has coped with this summer’s conditions. Which plants have thrived despite the heat, and which have struggled? This can be invaluable information when planning future planting. If you’re looking to add new plants this autumn, consider choosing varieties that are more tolerant of hotter, drier conditions, helping to make your garden more resilient as our climate continues to change. [Read more…] about September Gardening Tips from Wellie

Deadhead regularly to keep roses, dahlias, cosmos and other summer flowers blooming into autumn.  Water deeply, not little and often. Early morning or evening watering helps reduce evaporation, especially for pots and hanging baskets.

Trim lavender after flowering, cutting back the flower stems but avoiding old woody growth.  Vegetables to sow now for autumn and winter, spring cabbage, spinach, rocket, lettuce and hardy herbs for later harvests.  Plant new strawberry runners now to establish strong plants for next year’s crop.  Feed tomatoes weekly with a high-potash fertiliser and remove side shoots from cordon varieties. Collect seeds from your favourite flowers to grow next year or share with friends.

Keep on top of weeds before they have a chance to set seed.  Leave some flowers standing to provide nectar for bees, butterflies and other pollinators through late summer.  Plan ahead. August is a good time to think about where you could plant spring bulbs and autumn shrubs when the weather cools.