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October Tips

Flowers
Dig up and store Dahlia tubers and Gladiolus corms
Plant trees and shrubs since this is an ideal time for these plants to "settle in"
Bare-root Roses also establish well if planted now
Winter and spring flowering bulbs such as Daffodils, Narcissi and Crocuses should be planted now in the garden or patio containers
 
 
Flowers
Apples and Pears which are ripe should be picked and handled carefully prior to storage in a cool, airy position
Blackberry, Raspberry and Loganberry canes that have finished cropping should be cut out and new canes can be tied in to support framework
Check that stakes on fruit trees are secure and are not constricting growth
Plant Strawberries during the middle of the month for cropping next summer
 

Flowers
Sow cauliflower, lettuce, broad beans and peas under cloches in a sheltered spot
Harvest and store marrows and pumpkins before the first frosts
Potatoes, carrots and beetroots can be lifted and stored
Provide deterrents to avoid the ravages of pigeons on brassicas
Dig over ground as it becomes vacant
 
 
Flowers
October is an ideal time to make new lawns from turf as the turf is unlikely to dry out and moist, warm soils aid root establishment
Scarify established lawns to remove dead grass and spike the surface with fork or lawn aerator to help drainage
Apply an autumn lawn food such as 'Levington Autumn Extra' which contains Mosskiller
Reduce mowing frequency and set the blades high. By the end of the month it will be time to stop cutting and the mower should then be serviced in preparation for next year
 

Flowers
When frost threatens, heating may be required at night
Water in the morning only so that the foliage does not remain wet at night
Clean the glass both inside and out to maximise use of the winter sun. At the same time remove any greenhouse shading
Wash pots and trays and store for use next spring
Sow winter lettuce in the greenhouse border soil
Ventilate the greenhouse with care in order to keep up air movement and alleviate dampness
 
 
Flowers
Plants which are at their best this month:
Cyclamen hederifolium
(Sowbread) 		Parthenocissus quinquifolia
(Virginia Creeper)
Acer palmatum and varieties
(Japanese Maples) 		Amelanchier Ballerina
(Snowy Mespilus)
Pyracantha
(Fire Thorn) 		Liquidamber styraciflua
(American Gum)
Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'
(Smoke Bush) 		Rhus glabra 'Laciniata'
(Sumach)
Callicarpa bodinieri 'Profusion'
(Beauty Berry) 		Cortaderia selloana
(Pampas Grass)
 
<<Sept - Nov>>