The temperatures are now dropping and the nights are drawing in, so it is important to get as many jobs done in the garden before it gets too cold. Wallflowers can be planted now. Continue planting spring flowering bulbs. Cut back herbaceous perennials that have died down.
Split and divide older clumps of overgrown perennials. Prune
climbing and rambling roses now and tie in stems to prevent damage in high winds. Avoid feeding plants late in the season as this will encourage soft sappy growth that is more vulnerable to damage by frosts. Pot up and bring under glass tender plants such as fuchsias, citrus and brugmansias (Angels trumpet) before first frosts, cutting back if necessary.
Cut down asparagus foliage as it yellows and dies. Harvest pumpkins and squashes when the stalks are dry and brown and when the fruit is hollow when tapped. Plant autumn onion sets and garlic. Sow overwintering broad beans for an early crop next year.
Apply grease bands to fruit trees to protect them from winter moth. Apply autumn lawn feed and regularly rake and clear fallen leaves. October is a good month to lay turf onto prepared, raked ground. Clean bird baths and replenish bird feeders. Net ponds to prevent autumn leaves falling in.
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