October Garden Tips

Still not too late for some Indian summer, but showery conditions are the norm and temperatures will drop.  You may need to continue with pest control throughout the garden. A good time for digging, yes soil will benefit from winter frost by being broken down at this stage. There are still a few chores, such as clearing finished crops and plants to be finished this month. Be sure to complete those landscaping projects.

LAWNS

Apply sand or autumn feed and aerate lawns to maintain healthy growth.  If you have a patch that is damaged or heavily infested then repair it or lay new turf in that area. You still have time for lawn repair . Your renovated lawn will appear over the next two weeks.  

For the established lawn now is the time to cut back on mowing and only mow when the blades are 3 inches high and do not cut so low from now on. Don’t forget to trim the edges

HEDGING

Plant new evergreen hedges  but complete this task sooner rather than later.

ROSES

Continue with pest control.  Remember to hoe the soil for aeration. Since in September you thought about the plan for late autumn planting for next year, October is the time to get out there and do it.

HERBACEOUS BORDERS

As for Roses October isthe time to plant herbaceous perennials.  Plant bulds between shrubs for spring flowering.  Plant Daffodils and tulips for spring and Irises for next May . Dig the ground for winter weathering and Spring planting.

Cut back Dahlias as soon as they are blackened by frost. Either winter chrysanthemums by leaving them in the ground or lift nad house them . Tidy Iris beds before winter and remove dead leaves and weeds.

TREES & SHRUBS

Keep any grass away from the trunks of shrubs and trees, and remove any self sown trees or shrubs such as sycamore or ash. Prune shrubs that have finished flowering.  Plant deciduous trees and shrubs towards the end of October avoiding frost if there is any.

PATIOS & DECKING

That patio needs a good clean or power-hosing  to remove moss, funghi and algae. Remove plants that are past their best and move others to a shady place. Clean out pots not required for winter and store.

VEGETABLES

You can still sow winter cabbage seeds but only in warm area and also lettuce for early winter. Try sowing lettuce under glass. Set out brussel sprouts in a nursdery bed. Lift such vegetables as beetroot and marrows and store in a dry place.

FRUIT

If you haven’t done so yet now you should harvest fruits  such as apples pears and plums as they ripen and store in a cool dark place. Pick late varieties of strawberries and raspberries.  Prepare ground for new trees  and plant late in October. Remove dead canes of rasberries. Don’t forget to put grease bands or moth traps around fruit trees to catch winter moths.

Monkeypuzzle.ie will be delighted to help with any of the above or any other garden or landscaping matters.  Please call Daragh at 012897751   

September Garden Tips

Perhaps an Indian summer..... lets hope September brings sunshine at last..  You may need to continue with pest control throughout the garden. A good time for Lawn repair as well as harvesting vegetables and fruit. Enjoy your garden but there are many chores, such as clearing finished crops and plants to keep up with this month. Now is the time to complete those landscaping projects.

LAWNS

Apply sand or autumn feed and aerate lawns to maintain healthy growth.  If you have a patch that is damaged or heavily infested then repair it or lay new turf in that area. Such things as bindweed or couch grass need to be removed form the area. Either spray with a weed killer such as Round Up, and leave for a few days or else dig it out . Prepare the area for seeding, rake in new seed and cover with a dressing of compost and turf mulch. You might lay out a mesh of wool across the seeded area to keep birds away. Your renovated lawn will appear over the next two weeks.

HEDGING

Last trim late this month.  Plant new evergreen hedges from mid Septembeer.

ROSES

In order to get those long stems, remove any small buds with your fingers to allow the main stem to grow. Continue with pest control.  Remember to hoe the soil for aeration. Also time to think about and plan late autumn planting for next year

HERBACEOUS BORDERS

Cut back any flowers that have finished flowering.  Trim dead heads from others, and keep plants well supported especially in windy weather.  For sweet pea mulch and water as needed. Fertilise others such as chrysanthemums.  Take cuttings for the house  Plant bulbs between shrubs for spring flowering.  Plant Daffodils and tulips for spring and Irises for next May . Stake and tie up remaing flowers such as gladioli , Dahlias against equinox gales.

TREES & SHRUBS

Keep any grass away from the trunks of shrubs and trees and remove any self sown trees or shrubs such as sycamore or ash. Prune shrubs that have finished flowering.  You can plant evergreen shrubs during a damp spell and support them with stakes till established

PATIOS & DECKING

Planter will need regular watering. Remove dead heads and top dress the pots . Make sure pots are in a shady place when the sun is hottest. Clean out pots not required for winter and store.

VEGETABLES

Now is the time to sow winter cabbage seeds  and also lettuce for early winter. On the herb front take cuttings from mint, sage or rosemary and put in pots.  Sow parsley and chervil.

FRUIT

Harvest fruits  such as apples, pears and plums as they ripen and store in a cool dark place. Pick late varieties of strawberries and raspberries.  Plan any new fruit trees for planting in late October.

Monkeypuzzle.ie will be delighted to help with any of the above or any other garden or landscaping matters.  Please call Daragh at 012897751