News

MONTHLY GARDENING TIPS - OCTOBER

GENERAL

As leaves fall they should be collected and placed in a wire enclosure so that they can rot down and become leaf mould, an invaluable soil conditioner

Continue the clearing up and cultivation of vacant beds and borders

LAWN

Remove fallen leaves from the lawn every few days. If a carpet of leaves remains o­n the lawn it causes the grass to yellow and rapidly deteriorate

Brush off worm casts regularly with a stiff broom if they become troublesome. Certainly do so before mowing or else the lawn will smear

If leatherjackets are a nuisance, spread a sheet of black polythene over the affected area of the lawn overnight. In the morning the little pests will all have come to the surface and can be swept up

POND

Net the pond and around it to prevent falling leaves from blowing into the water

FLOWERS

Make preparations for planting new shrubs and roses. Dig the soil thoroughly incorporating plenty of well rotted organic matter

Continue planting spring flowering bulbs. Consider both formal and naturalised plantings

Plant spring bedding plants such as wallflowers and forget-me-nots, along with winter pansies

Prepare winter hanging baskets with heathers, ivies, pansies and dwarf bulbs

Reduce the growth of strong growing shrubs and roses by about o­ne third to prevent them blowing about in autumn gales and causing wind rock

Cut back all herbaceous plants and tidy up beds and borders

As soon as the frost has blackened the foliage, lift and dry gladioli and dahlias ready for winter storage

VEGETABLES

Lift all remaining crops that can be stored. Parsnips are always left in the ground and lifted as required as their flavour is improved by frosting

Remove all crop debris of peas and beans. Cut of the foliage and dig in the roots as they are rich in nitrogen which can be utilized by a succeeding crop

Tidy up vegetables which are to over-winter removing faded foliage. Tall growing Brussels sprouts benefit from the individual support of a cane

Plant out spring cabbages early in the month so that they establish well before severe winter weather

FRUIT

Clear up all fallen leaves especially those that show signs of scab or other fungal diseases which may carry over the winter if allowed to remain o­n the ground

Make preparations for planting new fruit trees and soft fruit bushes and canes

GREENHOUSE

Test the heating system and make sure everything is in order

If shading still remains o­n the greenhouse remove it now as plants will require all the light that they can get

Insulate the greenhouse with polythene or bubble wrap.