What to do in the garden this month: October
The soil is still warm, the sun is shining but the days are getting colder. Some much needed rain has started to fall and the garden is looking somewhat greener than it did earlier in the year. Typically old school gardeners would have cut back the garden but our understanding of gardens as ecosystems has evolved. So what should you be doing in the garden?
Stop deadheading roses in favour of hips. Roses have had a great year but the hips are not only gorgeous to look at but nutritious for wildlife and us humans (seeds not safe for human consumption). They can be made into tea, jelly or soup even and are rich in vitamins and antioxident. Great at this time of year for an immune boost.
Collect seed from your own garden, you’ll know when the seed is ready as it will look dry and rattle when shaken. Do it on a dry day, store in a paper bag and label. These make great swaps with friends or can be gifted.
Divide plants that have become too large or hollow in the middle to rejuvenate and create more plants for free. This can be done with lots of plants but if unsure look it up first. Some examples I often divide in Autumn are Geums, hardy geraniums, Salvias, Nepeta, Stachys and ornamental grasses, If a plant is in flower I would leave it alone, for example Japanese anemones flower in Autumn so are best divided in Spring. My technique is to cut back the whole plant to a few inches of growth, dig up the clump, divide with. a sharp spade into 2/4/6 depending on the size of the plant/root system. Some plants can even just be pulled apart with your hands into lots of smaller plants. Replant into a suitable position and water well (even if it is raining) as this will help the soil settle around the roots.
Pull out unwanted seedlings that have self seeded where you don’t want them. It’s much easier to do this now when the roots are young. Give your gravel a rake too to dislodge seedlings and sediment.
Collect fallen leaves to make leaf mould, it is a great soil conditioner, free and is much kinder to the environment that buying in compost. All you need to do is pile it up in a corner. You can get Jute sacks for this purpose, bin bags also work (with holes punched in for air circulation) or you could make a wooden/chicken wire container. On average it takes 2 years to full break down so if your garden is big enough have two piles on the go so you always have a supply. You will know its ready when the texture is fine and the colour is dark brown.
Plant bare root roses/trees and shrubs. This is an economical way to add structure into your garden and give it a head start, especially with dormant plants. They will focus on their root system and by Spring be acclimatised to your garden, ready to go. This is perfect for you are happy with your garden or have a soild plan to work to. Hold off if you are planning to redesign the layout as plants resent being moved often.
Plant spring bulbs but not Tuilips! Bulbs are a cheap and effective way to have something in bloom from winter till Spring, filling that gap before the peak of the summer. Some bulbs are perennial, meaning they will return and can even multiply. Do your homework and experiment with pots too, bringing flowers close to the windows and doors for the colder months. I hold off till November (or later) for Tulips as the warmth and wet we are experiencing can cause a fungal disease called Tulip fire.
Remove saucers from pots, most plants will resent sitting in soggy/icey water though the winter months. Instead raise pots on pot feet to assist drainage.
If you feel overwhelmed with planning the planting for next year or want to learn how to garden do get in touch to see how Lucy June garden Design can work with you.
