SEASONAL JOBS

October garden jobs: what to do now

A practical UK checklist for lawns, borders, hedges, bulbs, greenhouses and wildlife as the garden heads into winter.

Start with the jobs that protect the garden

October is a transition month. Grass may still be growing, soil can remain warm enough for planting, and wet weather can quickly turn small maintenance jobs into bigger problems. Prioritise clearing heavy leaf fall from lawns and paths, checking supports, and dealing with damaged or diseased material.

Lawns

• Remove fallen leaves so the grass is not smothered.
• Mow only when needed, and keep the cutting height a little higher than in summer.
• Scarify and aerate only if the soil is not waterlogged, frosty, very wet or very dry.
• Use an autumn lawn feed rather than a high-nitrogen summer feed.

Borders and planting

• Plant spring-flowering bulbs.
• Plant trees, shrubs, roses and climbers while the soil is still workable.
• Divide congested herbaceous perennials where appropriate.
• Do not feel obliged to cut every perennial to the ground; useful stems and seed heads can help wildlife.

Greenhouse and tools

• Clean greenhouse glazing and reduce watering as growth slows.
• Check heaters and ventilation before colder weather arrives.
• Service power tools that will not be used much over winter.