How: Choose containers with good drainage, fill with compost, and plant bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths at the recommended depth.

Deadheading flowers

Task: Deadhead your flowers.

Why: Deadheading promotes the last of their flowering potential and keeps the garden looking tidy.

How: Remove spent blooms just above the first set of healthy leaves.

Sowing early carrots

Task: Sow early carrots.

Why: Sowing now will give you a head start for an early spring harvest.

How: Sow seeds in a sheltered spot or under cloches, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Bringing in tender plants

Task: Bring in tender plants before frost hits.

Why: Tender plants such as fuchsias, citrus, succulents, and salvias are vulnerable to frost damage.

How: Move potted plants into a greenhouse, potting shed or indoors. For plants in the ground, cover them with horticultural fleece or cloches.

Sowing winter salads

Task: Sow winter salads.

Why: Winter salads like lettuce, rocket, and mizuna (Japanese greens) can provide fresh greens throughout the colder months.

How: Sow seeds in a cold frame, greenhouse or potting shed. Protect young plants with horticultural fleece as temperatures drop.

Mulching raised beds

Task: Mulch your raised beds.

Why: Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the soil structure over winter.

How: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to the surface of the soil.

Collecting and storing winter fruit and vegetables

Task: Collect and store winter fruit and vegetables.

Why: Proper storage extends the shelf life of your harvest and ensures you have fresh produce over winter.

How: Harvest root vegetables like carrots and beetroot, and fruits like apples and pears. Store them in a cool, dark place, such as a shed or cellar.

Additional October gardening tasks

Protecting perennials

Task: Protect perennials from frost.

Why: Frost can damage tender perennials.

How: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of plants and cover with fleece if necessary.

Dividing perennials

Task: Divide overcrowded perennials.

Why: Dividing perennials promotes healthy growth and can rejuvenate older plants.

How: Dig up the plant, separate the root clump into smaller sections, and replant each section with plenty of space.

Pruning climbing roses

Task: Prune climbing roses.

Why: Pruning helps shape the plant and encourages healthy growth next season.

How: Remove any dead or diseased wood and trim back to shape, tying in new shoots as necessary.

Continue planting trees and shrubs

Task: Plant trees and shrubs.

Why: The soil is still warm enough for roots to establish before winter.

How: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, plant at the same depth as it was in the pot, and water well.

Checking greenhouse ventilation

Task: Ensure proper greenhouse ventilation.

Why: Good airflow reduces the risk of mould and mildew.

How: Open vents on warm days and close them in the evening to maintain a stable temperature.

Saving perennial seeds

Task: Save seeds from perennials.

Why: Saving seeds is a cost-effective way to grow new plants next year.

How: Collect seeds on a dry day and store them in labelled paper bags or envelopes in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause seeds to rot.

We hope these tasks ensure your garden is well-prepared for winter and set up for success in the coming spring. Happy gardening!