October in the Garden

Monkey Puzzle  

Hi again.

Despite the fact that we still have touches of that Indian summer with temperatures un-seasonally high it is time for Octobers Garden Tips

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.

WHAT ABOUT SOME COMPOST

Well this is the perfect time to start your composing. Fallen leaves the last of the lawn cuttings, border debris can all be added together mixed and placed in a bin. Add large quantities slowly to the main composter and just wait for it to darken go crumbly and smell sweet and earthy next year.

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 nursery 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 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