Want to Make the Most of your Garden this October?
With the unseasonably warm weather we’re experiencing it’s a great time to get some of those last-minute gardening jobs done before the cooler weather sets in.
If you’re lucky enough to have some outside space to enjoy you will know that they require regular maintenance and it feels like we are forever weeding and mowing, but here are some other things you can do in your garden this October…
Empty Summer containers and hanging baskets and renew with winter plants such as Heather, Primrose, Cyclamen, Winter Pansies or Violas. You can do the same with flower beds and planters.
Remove trays from under pots and raise to prevent waterlogging over winter (it may be worth holding off on this task until later this month as the weather is set to be warm and dry for the foreseeable).
Collect seeds from your hardy perennials and re-sow straight away for fresh blooms for next year.
Plant Spring bulbs such as Daffodils, Crocus, Tulips and Fritillaries in pots, containers, and beds for a colourful Spring-time display.
Reduce the height of shrub roses to avoid damage over winter.
There are also plenty of things you can do in your garden to help your local wildlife over winter..
Install bird feeders in your garden and stock with calorie-rich foods such as peanuts, suet and sunflower hearts. If you keep these feeders well stocked, the birds will return time and again.
Leave food out for hedgehogs, specifically chicken flavour cat or dog food or hedgehog biscuits. You can also provide shelter for them with hedgehog houses.
Prune hedges now before the temperature gets too cold and whilst nesting birds have vacated for the winter. It is illegal to disturb nesting birds, and some begin nesting as early as January so now is the best time to prune.
It’s not all about the garden, there are also plenty of things you can be doing to keep your houseplants happy and healthy at this time of year..
Feed your houseplants regularly throughout autumn to keep them looking their best.
Reduce the amount you water houseplants and move them away from cold windows at night to protect them from cooler temperatures.
Plant Amaryllis bulbs for a stunning floral festive display.
Keep house plant leaves clean and free from dust to ensure they can absorb as much of the dwindling daylight as possible.