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Today we are open from
09:00 - 16:30

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Today we are open from
09:00 - 16:30

Garden Tips for October

“The end of the summer is not the end of the world. Here’s to October…” – A.A. Milne

It’s a busy month, the leaves are turning to rich shades of gold, red and orange and it’s time to gather in the last harvest from your summer crops, prepare your garden for winter and start that all-important planning for spring.

Here are some tips to get you started…

  • Perennials such as geraniums, agapanthus and salvias should be lifted and divided. You should be able to tease any clumps apart by hand, or by using a couple of garden forks back to back, any woody roots can be cut using a knife or the sharp edge of a spade.
  • It’s time to cut back herbaceous perennials. Leaving the hollow flower stems standing provides an excellent home for any overwintering insects.
  • Dahlia, begonia and gladiolus bulbs can be lifted and stored somewhere dry over the winter months. If you are leaving them in the ground, make sure you cover them with a thick layer of mulch.
  • Move any half-hardy plants into a frost-free spot such as a greenhouse or a sunny windowsill.
  • To protect climbing roses and shrub roses from strong winter wind damage, prune them back by half.
  • Cut all this year’s summer fruiting raspberry canes down to ground level, leaving any new ones to bear fruit next year.
  • It’s also time to harvest the last of your French and runner beans. Then cut them down to ground level, leaving the roots in the ground to release their stored nitrogen.
  • If you have any green tomatoes left, pick them and let them ripen indoors (TOP TIP! Place them in a paper bag with a banana it will speed up the process, check the bag regularly for any which are going past their best)
  • October is a great time to plant new trees and shrubs. (Don’t forget if you download our app, you’ll receive 50% off any one plant – that’s off the most expensive one in your trolley!) The soil will still be warm from the summer, giving the roots some time to settle in over winter, ready for next spring.
  • Cyclamen and violas are perfect to plant up pots to give you a gorgeous pop of colour at help get you through the cold winter months.
  • Plant your spring bulbs such as daffodils, irises and crocuses. Leave tulips though and plant them in November.
  • Use pot feet to raise any pots and prevent them from becoming waterlogged and frozen over the winter months.
  • Give your lawn some TLC. It’s time to aerate and scarify your lawn and feed it with some low-nitrogen autumn feed. Sow some seeds or lay some new turf to fix any bare patches (keep the birds from pinching the seed by covering it with a layer of fleece until the seeds have germinated.)
  • Make your own leaf mould – sweep up any fallen leaves and collect them into a leaf pile, over time they will break down and make an excellent soil conditioner.

October is a great month for gardening. Our staff are always happy to help. We have everything you need for your garden this autumn, so visit us and see what’s in store!

“It must be October, the trees are falling away and showing their true colours.” – Charmaine J. Forde

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Reviews

James Lee
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Very good size garden centre that will have everything you could possibly need. There is a massive stock of plants and tree's aswell as a large stock of pots with great designs. Inside the garden centre has loads of indoor plants, seeds and tools. There is also a cafe which I was unable to visit but its nice to have the option to have some food and warm drink. The car park is a great size.
Robert Saunders
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Nice garden centre. Lively and popular with plenty of plants. The Garden Cafe, on a Sunday lunchtime, extremely busy - you need to book a table ahead of your arrival.
Eileen Gerard
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With friends we enjoyed a celebratory high tea. The choices of sandwiches n cake were delicious and all the Staff looked after us really well. A very happy Team. Many thanks.
Claire Prysor-Jones
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Great garden centre with lots of different items and there is plenty of parking. Cafe was good with lots on the menu and the cakes looked amazing. The staff were really friendly and helpful. Definitely looks like it's very popular and would recommend
Brian Vince
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We received a voucher in the post for a buy one get one free Cream Tea and decided to use the voucher today. What a lovely cream tea we had with warmed scones, clotted cream, jam and tea 0f our choice in a nice clean atmosphere.. keep up the good work.. we'll be back again soon
Sharon Woods
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Such a beautiful garden centre. All plants look in great condition. We ate in the cafe and the food was amazing. We will return again soon.
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Opening Times

Garden Centre

MONDAY09:00 - 17:30
TUESDAY09:00 - 17:30
WEDNESDAY09:00 - 17:30
THURSDAY09:00 - 17:30
FRIDAY09:00 - 17:30
SATURDAY09:00 - 17:30
SUNDAY09:00 - 16:30

The Garden Restaurant

MONDAY09:00 - 17:00
TUESDAY09:00 - 17:00
WEDNESDAY09:00 - 17:00
THURSDAY09:00 - 17:00
FRIDAY09:00 - 17:00
SATURDAY09:00 - 17:00
SUNDAY09:00 - 16:30

Garden Centre open for browsing only on Sunday until 10:00

Telephone: 01243 756175
Email: customerservice@brickkilngardencentre.co.uk

How to find us

Bognor Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 1EJ

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