October 2024

GARDENING JOBS FOR OCTOBER

Flowers:

 Plant up containers with Pansies, Violas, Polyanthus, Bellis and Wallflowers

and mix with the coloured leaved forms of Ivy to trail over the edge and Spring bulbs

to grow up through the display.

Towards the end of the month we could experience the first frost, which will blacken

the growth of Cannas, Dahlias and other tender perennials. When this occurs, cut off

the growth at just above soil level and dig up the roots with some soil still attached

and store away for the winter in a dry and frost free place in an upside down position.

This will drain moisture away from the crown as the stems decay and the drying out

process continues. Do not be tempted to cover the roots at this stage and certainly

never cover the roots with polythene at any time. Alternatively, some people prefer to

leave the roots in the soil particularly if you have a well-drained soil. If this is so,

cover over the crowns of the plants with a mulch of straw, bracken, leave mould or

old potting compost to a depth of 10cm (4”). The plants should then come through

the winter unscathed.

Trees and shrubs :

Plant new trees and shrubs now while the soil temperatures are still

relatively warm, this will aid establishment greatly.

Propagate ornamentals such as Roses, Cornus, Forsythia and Philadelphus by

hardwood cuttings. Cut a piece of this year’s growth and trim to approximately 9 to

12 inches in length. Remove the top section and cut just below the leaf bud at the

base of the cutting. Insert about two-thirds its depth in the soil where it can be left

undisturbed for the next twelve months or insert several cuttings around the edge of a

deep pot and leave outside in a sheltered position.

Fruit :

Pick the last of the apples as they ripen and plant any new fruit bushes required

now. Prune out the old fruited canes of Blackberries and other hybrid berries and tie

in new growth to supports.

Apply grease bands around trunks of fruit trees to protect from winter moth damage in

spring.

Vegetables :

Finish the planting of Onion sets and Garlic. Continue to harvest

Pumpkins, Squashes and Marrows. Lift the last of the Potatoes before frosts start.

Diseases:

 Rake up fallen leaves around Roses to limit the spread of Black Spot and

other fungal diseases next year.