TINA WOODHAMS GARDENING NOTES FOR OCTOBER
The effects of the hot and dry summer we experienced this year are still very visible in our gardens. The recent rainfall was extremely welcome and the greens in our lawns and borders are slowly returning!
Autumn in October brings that distinct earthly smell in the air and noticeably cooler temperatures, but don’t be fooled into thinking that the garden is slowing down as this season is one of the most productive and satisfying times of the year.
Check the weather forecast for early frosts so you are ready to move tender plants under cover and harvest everything that needs to be brought in before the colder temperatures arrive.
Drought stressed plants are particularly prone to powdery mildew at this time. Clear dead and decaying foliage from the borders and empty summer bedding from pots to make way for autumn and winter bedding underplanted with spring bulbs for a colourful display.
This is the time to give the soil a boost, so apply a generous helping of mulch and organic matter onto the surface, typically at a depth of 5-7 cm, and around the crowns of herbaceous perennials. Do not dig it in, just leave for the worms to do their magic over winter and it will improve the soil structure, drainage, fertility, and overall plant health.
Sowing grass seed for new lawns or repairing patches in your existing lawn is ideally undertaken in early autumn when the soil holds warmth from summer, rain is more reliable, and weed growth is less vigorous, allowing roots to establish strongly before winter frosts. The same principle applies to planting new fruit trees, bushes and canes.
In the vegetable garden, hoe off those persistent weeds and apply a mulch onto cleared patches of soil. Stake all brassica plants and secure nets over to prevent devastation by pigeons before you can harvest them! October is an important month for sowing seeds such as broad bean, pea and spinach so that they can slowly establish during winter and reward you with an earlier crop next spring. Winter salads and lettuce can also be sown under cover, in a greenhouse or on a windowsill for harvesting throughout the colder months. Don’t forget to fleece any young plants grown outdoors in case of any early frosts.
It’s time to start tidying up for winter and prepare for next year. Ensure that in between all your hard work you take time to relax in your garden; sitting and observing in it will bring fresh ideas to the fore.
Happy Gardening!