Autmn is clearly making it’s mark in the garden this month with ever increasing shades of bronze, gold and reds. This time of year though sad to see summer gow can be as truly spectacular as the summer. As the light starts to reduce and the coller evenings come there is an excitement in the air as well as that distinctive autumn smell. Berries start to come into their own at this time of year as do Asters and it’s time to fill in the gaps with winter bedding to keep the spirit uplifted.

It’s a perfect time to start to plan for next year and whilst a time to take things easier there is much that needs to be done as a gardeners work never ends.

Greenhouses

Remove crops that have finished in the greenhouse and clear away all debris. Remove shading from the glass if you have used it and wash the greenhouse down to remove any build up of dirt or disease before overwintering plants.

Written by Day Lily on 2007/10/14 | Permalink to this article

General Gardening

Generally tidy up beds removing fading leaves and old growth and removing weeds as necessary. A top dressing of compost or rotted manure can be applied around the base of perennial plants and generally across flower borders.

If you lift your gladioli’s, now is the time to do so. Clean the corms removing soil debris and store in a cool dry place to prevent rotting.

Winter bedding can be planted to brighten up empty pots and dull areas to provide colour through until spring.

If you haven’t already, bring in tender perennials for overwintering. Busy Lizzies, Pelargoniums can be potted up with any damaged or poor foliage being removed to keep plants tidy and disease free.

Leaf mould is very good for the garden and is easy to make. If you don’t have the space for a compost bin for leaf mould, you can use black bin bags instead. Fill the bags will old leaves and tie the bags, these can then be tucked away at the back of the garden or in the shed producing leaf mould for next year.

Written by Day Lily on 2007/10/14 | Permalink to this article

Lawncare in October

Scarify your lawn this month using a tine rake. By doing this you remove all the thatch (debris) and moss that has built up through the summer which allows more air to the roots and encourages healthier fuller growth of the lawn. Once scarified you can aerate the soil using an aerator or garden fork which breaks down the compaction of the soil that has occured during the summer. If your lawn is prone to waterlogging apply lawn sand after aerating and brush into the holes created, which will help improve drainage.

Increase the height of your lawn mower blades as grass will be growing much slower now and a longer length grass is better for the winter weather. Apply an autmn lawn weed, feed and mosskiller if you wish, which provides the lawn with specific nutrients for root development rather than grass growth.

Written by Day Lily on 2007/10/13 | Permalink to this article

Bulbs

There is still time to buy and plant spring flowring bulbs. Though the choice may be limited some suppliers may start special offers to clear some stock and so keep an eye open for bargains.

Written by Day Lily on 2007/10/13 | Permalink to this article