1. Bare Root Preparations:
October is the perfect time to prepare for the upcoming bare root planting season. While it’s not quite time to plant just yet, you can get ready by:
Planning: Decide where you want to plant your bare root trees or shrubs and clear the area of any weeds or debris.
Soil Preparation: Improve the soil by incorporating compost or well-rotted manure to ensure your bare root plants will thrive once it’s time to plant.
Gather Supplies: Make sure you have everything you need, such as buckets for soaking roots, stakes for supporting young trees, and mulch for retaining moisture.
Benefits of Bare root Plants:
Cost-effective – Often cheaper than potted plants.
Quick to establish – They adapt faster to their environment.
Lightweight and easy to handle – Perfect for larger planting projects.
2. Creating Habitats:
As the weather turns colder, our garden wildlife could use a helping hand. It is the perfect time to create cosy habitats that will offer shelter and food during the winter months. Here’s how you can make your garden a wildlife haven:
Leaf and Log Piles – Gather fallen leaves or logs and place them in a quiet corner of your garden. These piles provide warmth and shelter for insects, hedgehogs, and even frogs. They’ll appreciate the cover, and in return, they'll help keep garden pests under control.
Install a Bird Feeder – Adding a bird feeder is a fantastic way to support garden birds when food becomes scarce. Opt for a variety of seeds, nuts, and fat balls to attract different species. Position it in a spot that offers some shelter from wind and predators.
Create Insect Hotels – Stack up old pieces of wood, bamboo canes, or bricks with gaps between them. This creates a cosy retreat for beneficial insects like ladybirds and solitary bees, which play a crucial role in pollination and pest control.
By making your garden wildlife-friendly, you'll not only be helping local species survive the winter but also encouraging a healthy, balanced ecosystem that benefits your garden all year round.
3. Frost Protection:
As temperatures start to drop, it’s important to protect your garden from frost damage. A little preparation now can help delicate plants survive the colder months ahead. Here’s how to keep them safe:
Use Horticultural Fleece or Cloches – Cover tender plants with horticultural fleece or cloches to shield them from frost, but avoid using plastic sheets directly on plants, as this can cause damage in freezing conditions.
Move Potted Plants – If you have potted plants, move them to sheltered spots, such as against a house wall or into a greenhouse, where they’ll be less exposed to frost. Grouping pots together can also help them retain warmth.
Mulch Around the Base – Apply a layer of mulch (such as compost, straw, or bark) around the base of your plants to insulate the roots and retain moisture. This helps to keep the soil temperature more stable, reducing the risk of frost damage.
Taking these steps will give your plants a fighting chance against the cold and ensure they emerge healthy and strong when spring arrives.
4. Autumn Harvest:
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to gather the last of your home-grown produce before the frost arrives. Make the most of your hard work and enjoy your harvest all winter long by following these tips:
Harvest Pumpkins, Squash, and Root Vegetables – Keep an eye on your pumpkins, squash, and root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. Harvest them before the frost sets in, as cold temperatures can cause damage. Use a sharp knife or garden fork to carefully lift them from the soil.
Pick Apples and Other Fruit – If you have apple trees or other fruiting plants, now's the time to pick any remaining fruit. Gently twist the apples – if they come away easily, they’re ready to be harvested. Be sure to handle them carefully to avoid bruising.
Store Your Harvest – To keep your produce fresh, store it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space, such as a garage or shed. Avoid stacking them directly on the ground to prevent rot. Use crates or boxes lined with newspaper and make sure to avoid storing any bruised or damaged fruit, as it will spoil quickly and can affect other produce.
By taking the time to gather and store your autumn harvest properly, you can enjoy the fruits (and veggies!) of your labour well into the winter months.
5. Hedge Planting:
Autumn is an ideal time to plant hedging, as the soil is still warm, and there's plenty of moisture to help new roots establish. Adding hedges not only provides privacy but also creates valuable shelter for wildlife. Follow these steps to give your hedging the best start:
Choose the Right Spot – Pick a sunny or partially shaded location with well-drained soil. Hedges thrive in areas with plenty of light, so avoid spots that are too shaded.
Prepare the Soil – Clear any weeds and loosen the soil to help the roots spread out more easily. Mixing in some compost or well-rotted manure will give your hedge a nutrient boost and improve soil structure.
Plant and Water Regularly – Space your hedge plants according to their variety, and dig a hole that’s wide enough for the roots to spread. After planting, water thoroughly and continue to water regularly, especially if the weather is dry. This helps them establish a strong root system before winter sets in.
By planting your hedges now, you’ll give them plenty of time to settle in, so they’re ready to thrive when spring arrives. They’ll soon provide you with added privacy, wind protection, and a welcoming habitat for birds and other wildlife. Check out our hedge calculator for guidance on how many plants you'll need for your space.
6. Install Water Butts:
Harvesting rainwater is a simple and eco-friendly way to keep your garden hydrated during dry spells, and October is a great time to set up a water butt ready for the wetter months ahead. Here’s how to make the most of this sustainable water-saving solution:
Choose the Right Location – Position your water butt underneath a down pipe from your house, shed, or greenhouse to collect as much rainwater as possible. This ensures you capture every drop, even during light showers.
Select the Right Size – Water butts come in a variety of sizes, so choose one that suits your garden's needs and available space. A larger butt is ideal if you have a big garden or lots of containers to water.
Install and Maintain – Once installed, fit a lid or mesh cover to prevent leaves and debris from getting inside, and remember to clean the water butt occasionally to avoid any build-up of sediment. You’ll have a ready supply of water that’s perfect for your plants, and you’ll reduce your water bills in the process!
Collecting rainwater not only helps you save money but also benefits your plants, as rainwater is softer and free from chemicals often found in tap water. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference to your garden and the environment.
As we move into November, the garden continues its journey into the heart of autumn. This month will be all about preparing for the winter months ahead while enjoying the last of the autumn colours. You’ll want to start thinking about protecting more delicate plants from the dropping temperatures, planting winter bedding, and giving your soil some TLC before it gets too cold. November is also an excellent time to plant winter-flowering shrubs and evergreens, adding interest to your garden during the quieter months. Keep an eye out for our next guide, where we'll share more tips and tasks to keep your garden thriving as we head towards winter!
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