October is when the garden really begins to wind down after the growing season, but there is still plenty to do before winter settles in.
October is one of the best planting months of the year. The ground is still carrying some warmth from summer, while the rain usually provides enough moisture to help new plants settle in. Trees, shrubs, roses and hedging can all be planted now, provided the soil is workable. If your garden has heavy or poorly drained ground, however, resist the temptation to plant simply because the calendar says you should.
There is still time to plant spring bulbs, too. Daffodils are particularly well suited to Irish gardens, while crocuses, alliums and other favourites can be tucked into borders, lawns and containers. Plant them deeply enough and, come spring, you’ll be rewarded for the effort made on a damp October afternoon.
The lawn likely needs attention, although restraint is important. Avoid walking on saturated grass, and give the mower a rest if conditions are too wet. If the grass needs cutting, raise the mower height rather than giving it a close summer-style trim. On a dry day, rake away fallen leaves, aerate compacted areas and keep the grass slightly longer than you would during summer.
Now is a good time to tidy your borders, but remember to use restraint. One of the commonest autumn gardening mistakes is cutting everything back simply because it looks untidy. The seedheads and stems of many herbaceous plants provide valuable winter shelter and food for garden wildlife. Remove diseased or mushy material, but leave healthy stems standing until later in the winter.
As for the leaves, regard them as a gift rather than a nuisance. Gather them into a leaf-mould pile and, given time, they will become an excellent natural soil conditioner.
This week has also served as a reminder to prepare for the inevitable stormy days of winter. Check tree ties, stakes, fences, gutters and sheds before the Atlantic weather arrives in earnest.
Remember too to clean and oil your tools, clear gutters and make sure water butts are ready for the wetter months. A few well-timed jobs now will make spring arrive with considerably less work — and considerably more colour.
