Gardeners Calendar for October

Autumn has arrived! There is a chill in the air and a few of the more northerly parts of the country have already had frost predicted. There is plenty to do in the garden now, as this is one of the best times of year to plant new shrubs etc, as they have the whole winter to become established. Have a look at our new product Border in a Box. It’s a collection of plants together with a planting plan that takes the hard work out of designing a new border or revamping an old one.

It’s the start of the big clean up. When your annual climbers start to look rather messy be brave and cut them down. Clean up their supports and repair and repaint or stain as needed. Don’t forget to add the material to the compost heap or use your local green recycling facilities.

You can attack the lawn now as well. The damper conditions will encourage moss to grow which can leave you with a patchy lawn. The more fit and energetic can use just a wire rake, but good results are achieved from an electric scarifier which can easily be hired. An autumn feed can be applied now as well. Pick up and compost leaves as they begin to fall. And gradually raise the height of the cut on your mower.

The greenhouse will need less water now. If you haven’t cleared the green house start now. The last tomatoes may ripen on the vine but they will ripen up just as well in boxes indoors but out of the sun. Remove any shading to maximise the light during the coming months.

Store any netting in a box away from where cats, hedgehogs or mice can get in it and make a nice comfy bed in it!

Sweet peas can be sown now in deep pots of compost ready to plant out in the spring. Don’t forget to pinch the tops out so you get bushier plants.

Spread netting over the pond to keep out falling leaves.

Plant spring flowering bulbs into the borders and pots.

Now is a good time to move plants that need relocating, plant new hedges, shrubs, roses etc.

Generally clear and tidy the garden. Remove weeds and algae from paths using chemicals or a good stiff brush. Weed and tidy the edges of the borders.

A final note

As we approach November and the ‘firework season’ which seems to start earlier each year could we remind you to check over any bonfires for hedgehogs before they are lit - not just a kick on the side as this just makes them curl up! If possible store the material away from where you want to burn it and move it on the day. If you find one it is best to leave it alone, but failing that a box in a corner of the garden packed with dry leaves and grass with a hole about 7-8” wide will do. Be careful moving them- wear thick gloves or cover them with a towel, the spines can draw blood!

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Shrubs to plant now :-

                                                                           

  Lonicera fragrantissima     Chaenomelesx superba 'Crimson & Gold'     Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia'         Mahonia aquifolium  

   Clck on any of the pictures to go to the relevant catalogue page

   See you next month!

Judith