What to Do in the Garden in October
October is prime planting season. As leaves fall, it's time for bulbs, bare-root plants and thorough garden tidying.
October brings autumn colour and falling leaves. This is prime planting season - perfect for trees, shrubs and spring bulbs. It's also time to prepare the garden for winter and make the most of the last mild days.
Key Garden Tasks for October
- Plant spring bulbs - last chance for tulips by end of month
- Plant bare-root trees, shrubs and roses
- Collect and compost fallen leaves
- Protect tender plants from frost
- Lift and store tender bulbs
- Plant garlic cloves
Flowers
October is ideal for planting trees, shrubs and spring bulbs. Autumn colour is at its peak.
October Flower Tasks
- Plant tulips by the end of the month
- Plant bare-root roses, shrubs and climbers
- Lift dahlia tubers after frost blackens foliage
- Lift and store gladioli, cannas and begonias
- Move tender perennials to frost-free positions
- Plant winter bedding in containers
- Cut back perennials or leave for winter structure
- Collect seeds from remaining seedheads
- Take hardwood cuttings from deciduous shrubs
- Move evergreen shrubs if needed
Fruit and Vegetables
Harvest late crops and start preparing beds for next year.
October Fruit and Veg Tasks
- Harvest remaining apples and pears
- Store apples in cool, frost-free conditions
- Lift and store carrots, beetroot and parsnips
- Clear spent crops and add to compost
- Plant garlic cloves for next year's harvest
- Cover leafy crops with cloches for extended harvest
- Plant bare-root fruit trees and bushes
- Prune blackcurrants after leaf fall
- Move strawberry runners to new beds
- Dig over empty vegetable beds
Greenhouse
Reduce watering and clean the greenhouse. Prepare for overwintering plants.
October Greenhouse Tasks
- Clean greenhouse glass thoroughly
- Remove shading from greenhouse
- Reduce watering as growth slows
- Bring in tender plants for overwintering
- Insulate with bubble wrap if needed
- Check heater is working
- Ventilate on mild days to prevent fungal diseases
- Pot up forced bulbs for Christmas
- Remove dead and dying foliage
- Watch for grey mould in damp conditions
House Plants
Adjust care as temperatures and light levels drop.
October House Plant Tasks
- Reduce watering as growth slows
- Move plants to brighter positions
- Keep away from cold draughts and radiators
- Stop feeding until spring
- Clean leaves to maximise light absorption
- Check for pests sheltering for winter
Garden Maintenance
Autumn tidying and preparation for winter are the main focus.
October Maintenance Tasks
- Rake up fallen leaves for leaf mould
- Clear leaves from lawns and borders
- Net ponds against falling leaves
- Apply autumn lawn fertiliser if not done
- Continue lawn mowing as needed
- Drain and store hosepipes
- Lag outdoor taps
- Clean and oil tools for storage
Tags
Comments
Join the conversation
Create a free account to leave comments, share photos, and connect with other gardeners.
Related Articles
What to Do in the Garden in November
November is for planting and protecting. Get bare-root plants in the ground and protect tender specimens from cold.
What to Do in the Garden in September
September bridges summer and autumn. Make the most of the harvest while preparing for the colder months ahead.
What to Do in the Garden in January
Your complete guide to January gardening tasks. From planting bare-root roses to pruning fruit trees, discover everything you need to do in the garden this winter month.
What to Do in the Garden in April
April is a busy month for gardeners. From planting out hardened-off seedlings to supporting climbing plants, here's your complete guide to April gardening.
What to Do in the Garden in August
August continues the summer bounty. Plan for autumn while enjoying abundant harvests and late summer colour.
What to Do in the Garden in May
May is a glorious month for gardening. With the last frost risk passing, you can finally plant out tender crops and enjoy the explosion of spring colour.