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

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. The soil will still be warm from the summer, giving the roots some time to settle in over winter, ready for next spring.
  • Cyclamen, pansies and violas are perfect to plant up pots, giving you a gorgeous pop of colour all winter long.
  • 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!