October in the Garden

October is a beautiful time in nature, with the leaves changing colour and the crisp autumn air. This is a month for tidying up, raking leaves and preparing for next spring. And after a few hours outdoors on an autumn day, there’s nothing nicer than a hot bath and a cup of tea. So here’s how you can earn them!

Blackcurrants

Jobs in the garden for October

  • Replace dead or damaged hedging plants: Dig out old plants, taking care to remove as much of the old root as possible, before adding organic compost to support your new hardy hedge.
  • Clear up fallen autumn leaves (diving in is optional)
  • Cut back perennials that have died down
  • Plant Dwarf Apple trees, either in patio planters or directly into the fruit garden. Choose a mixture of both eating and cooking varieties to ensure good cross-pollination.
  • Plant Blackcurrants, Redcurrants and White Currants. Enrich the soil with a good compost before starting, and plant 3 feet apart in rows.
  • Kill off weed growth by applying WeedFree 360 to affected areas. This weed killer will kill weeds on contact, right down to the roots, without contaminating the soil. It can also be used on patios and tarmac driveways.
  • Plant Tulip, Daffodils and Crocus bulbs now for colour next spring. Bulbs can be planted in patio containers and borders.
  • Tackle unwanted moss and lichen growth. Apply Patio Magic to slates, tiles, driveways and footpaths – simply mix with water and apply to affected areas on a dry day.
  • Order seeds for next year.