October is a pivotal month in the gardening calendar. As autumn settles in, gardens across the UK begin to wind down from summer's abundance. But there's still plenty to do! From tidying beds to planting for next spring, October offers a final flurry of activity that will help your garden weather the winter and flourish when warmth returns.
Protect Tender Plants from Frost
The first frosts can arrive in October, especially in colder regions. Now's the time to shield delicate plants that won't survive freezing temperatures. Bring potted tender perennials (like geraniums, fuchsias or citrus) into a greenhouse or indoors. If they're too large to move, wrap them in fleece or burlap for insulation. Plants such as dahlias and cannas can be lifted from the ground once frost blackens their foliage ‚ store the tubers in a dry, frost-free place until spring. A little effort now will ensure your treasured plants make it through the winter unscathed.
Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs
October is prime time for planting spring bulbs. Daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, and tulips planted now will reward you with brilliant colour when spring arrives. Plant bulbs at the correct depth (usually about two to three times the bulb's height) in well-drained soil. You can create natural-looking drifts in lawns or fill pots for a bright spring display. If you haven't planted bulbs yet, it's not too late – get them in the ground before it freezes, and look forward to a burst of spring cheer.
Sow and Plant Winter Crops
Just because winter is approaching doesn't mean you can't grow anything. Certain crops thrive when started in autumn. Garlic, for example, benefits from autumn planting – the cloves need a cold spell to form good bulbs by next summer. Simply split a garlic bulb and plant the individual cloves (pointy end up) into well-drained soil or pots. October is also an ideal time to sow hardy broad beans and peas for an early crop next year, or to transplant spring cabbage seedlings into their final positions. These plants will establish roots before winter and leap into growth as soon as temperatures rise.
Harvest and Store Autumn Produce
By October, many summer crops are reaching their end, so it's harvest time for remaining fruits and vegetables. Pick pumpkins, winter squash, and any lingering courgettes or tomatoes before frosts ruin them. Apples and pears should be harvested now too – store only the healthy, unbruised ones in a cool, dry place so you can enjoy them for months. As for pumpkins and squash, cure them in the sun or a dry place for a week or two to harden their skins, then store them somewhere frost-free. Don't forget to also dig up any tender root crops like carrots or potatoes left in the ground, or protect them with a thick layer of mulch to prevent the soil from freezing.