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.
Protect tender plants from the first frosts. Bring pots under cover and wrap vulnerable plants if cold weather is forecast. Keep an eye on containers and raise pots off the ground so they don’t sit in water during the wetter months. Think about wildlife. Leave a little untidiness – piles of leaves, hollow stems and seedheads can provide valuable food and shelter for insects and birds.
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