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
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