October Jobs
General:
Start collecting up fallen leaves to make leafmould. Store in either a chicken wire cage or in black bags pierced with holes at the bottom for drainage. Leave for a year and use as mulch on the borders.
Deadhead dahlias on an almost daily basis to ensure the flower display continues until the first frosts. The spent flowers are cone shaped, whereas the new buds are round.
Plant early irises e.g. Iris reticulata and Iris histrioides, into shallow pots for colour in February and March. Incorporate grit into the compost as they require good drainage. Cover the bulbs with the compost mix, then spread a layer of grit over the surface. Leave outside in but protect from heavy rain.
Take hardwood cuttings from shrubs and fruit bushes, to make new plants for free.
Sow sweet peas in deep pots and keep them in a cold frame or sheltered place outdoors. Protect from mice.
Make a lasagne bulb pot - plant bulbs in layers for a succession of flowers next spring. Plant late tulips at the bottom, narcissus in the middle, and dwarf irises or crocus on the top. Cover the pot with a fine mesh to deter mice.
Take cuttings from non flowering shoots of tender plants.
When all crops have been harvested, clean out the greenhouse in readiness for bringing in tender plants for the winter.
Fruit & Veg:
Harvest any remaining green tomatoes and place in a paper bag with a banana to aid ripening.
Sow trays of broad beans now for planting out early next spring. Seedlings are hardy and can be planted outdoors but protect from mice.
Sow rocket seeds in greenhouses borders or trays for cut - and - come - again harvests through the winter.
Harvest main crop potatoes - once the stems have withered, lift them carefully on a dry day. Leave them in the sun for a few hours to dry their skins, brush off excess earth (don't wash them) and pack into paper or hessian sacks.
Preserve soft herbs - chop parsley, mint, and tarragon leaves finely and freeze into ice cubes to use in casseroles.
Move young spring cabbage plants into their final growing position when they have five or six leaves.
Wildlife:
Add asters (michaelmas daisies) to your borders to attract bees and butterflies galore.
Resist the urge to cut back dying perennials.
Many have seedheads for birds provide shelter for insects and spiders, and protect the soil from winter weather.
Plant winter aconites, crocuses and grape hyacinths for early pollinators next year.
Plant up a pollinator container - choose nectar rich plants such as sedum, michaelmas daisies, japanese anemones, hebes, single flowered dahlias, salvias, rudbeckia and cosmos. Place in a sunny sheltered spot.