Head of Horticulture blog: October 2024

Despite it seasonally being the time when a garden’s pace of growth slows down, for the keen gardener October is far from a time to pack away the tools! This month is time to prepare the garden for the colder months ahead while ensuring that spring is well set up for success.

Clearing Leaves

One of the most prominent tasks in October is managing the falling leaves. Deciduous trees and shrubs shed their leaves, and while these can create a beautiful autumnal scene, they can also present challenges. If left on lawns, leaves can suffocate the grass by blocking out light and trapping moisture. Regular raking or blowing of leaves is essential, especially to keep lawns in good condition. However, leaves are not merely waste—they can be added to the compost pile or used to create leaf mould, which makes an excellent soil conditioner.

Composting 

With a combination of fallen leaves, vegetable trimmings, and grass clippings, your compost heap can thrive. If you’ve not started a compost pile yet, now is the time to begin. Remember to balance green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials for a well-functioning compost heap.

Tidying Beds 

Clear dead and decaying plant material from flower beds and borders. Removing plant debris reduces the chance of pests and diseases overwintering in your garden. However, leaving some seed heads, such as those of ornamental grasses or Echinacea, can provide food for birds and add structural interest to the winter garden.

Protecting Tender Plants

 October often brings the first frosts of the season. Many plants, especially tender perennials such as dahlias, begonias, and cannas, need protection. Lift tubers and bulbs after the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place. Mulch the base of tender plants that will remain outside or consider covering them with fleece to shield them from frost damage.

Mulching and Insulation

Mulching is another vital task at this time of year, helping to protect the roots of plants from freezing conditions while also improving soil structure. Use organic materials like compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mould to create a protective layer around the base of shrubs, perennials, and trees. Mulching not only insulates but also helps retain moisture and suppresses weed growth.

Spring Bulbs

October is prime time for planting spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths. Planting these bulbs early in autumn gives them ample time to establish roots before the ground becomes too cold. Be sure to plant bulbs at the correct depth—generally, this should be about three times the bulb’s height.

Dividing Perennials

 Many herbaceous perennials, such as hostas, asters, and geraniums, can be divided in October. Dividing these plants not only helps to rejuvenate them, encouraging healthier growth, but it also gives you more plants to spread across the garden or share with friends. Dig up the plant, separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each has some roots attached, and replant in a new location.

Shrubs and Trees

The soil is still warm enough to encourage root growth, but the cooler temperatures and increased rainfall reduce stress on newly-planted specimens. It’s also a good time to relocate any plants that may have outgrown their current position. Ensure the hole you dig is large enough to accommodate the root ball, and water the plants well after planting.

Mowing

Even though growth slows down in October, lawns may still need mowing. Set the mower blades higher than in summer to avoid stressing the grass. Depending on the weather, you may only need to mow once or twice this month. However, avoid mowing when the ground is wet, as this can damage the turf.

Aerating and Scarifying

October is the perfect time to aerate your lawn, particularly in areas prone to compaction. Use a garden fork or a mechanical aerator to create small holes across the lawn. This helps to improve drainage and allows air and nutrients to penetrate the soil. Scarifying, or raking the lawn, removes thatch—dead grass and organic matter that can build up over time, stifling new growth.

Feeding

An autumn lawn feed, which is high in potassium and lower in nitrogen, can help strengthen grass for the winter ahead. Potassium encourages root development, which improves the lawn’s ability to withstand frost and other harsh conditions. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds in autumn, as these promote soft growth that is more susceptible to frost damage.

Harvesting 

October is a bountiful month for harvesting in the vegetable garden. Crops such as pumpkins, squashes, root vegetables, and late-season apples and pears should be gathered before the first frosts. On dry days, dig up any remaining potatoes to avoid them rotting in the ground. Greenhouse crops like tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines should be brought indoors if frosts are forecast. 

Sowing for Next Season

Certain crops can be sown in October to give them a head start for next year. Hardy broad beans, peas, and winter-hardy lettuce varieties can be sown directly into the ground, while garlic and onion sets can also be planted now. These crops will overwinter, with growth resuming in early spring.

Protecting the Soil

After harvesting, it’s important to protect the soil in your vegetable garden. Green manures such as mustard or clover can be sown to improve soil fertility, while adding compost or well-rotted manure will help replenish nutrients for the next growing season. Alternatively, cover bare soil with mulch or horticultural fleece to prevent erosion and suppress weeds.

October is a critical month for wildlife as animals begin preparing for winter. Gardeners can play an essential role in supporting local wildlife. Bird feeders should be cleaned and restocked with high-energy food, such as sunflower seeds and fat balls. Piles of leaves, logs, and other garden debris can provide shelter for hedgehogs and other small creatures. If you have a pond, ensure there’s a way for wildlife to access it safely.

Art in the Garden – Autumn Glory (15 Oct 2024, 10:30am – 3:30pm)

Join local artist Marina Stuart for a day of outdoor sketching and painting inspired by the vibrant autumn colours at Furzey’s tranquil garden. The session includes time in the activity barn and outdoor sketching, allowing participants to create a unique piece of artwork. All materials are provided, and attendees keep their sketchbook and painting. A hot drink is included, but participants should bring suitable footwear, something to sit on, and either a picnic or lunch from the tea rooms. 

Apple Weekend (19–20 Oct 2024)

Celebrate seasonal fruit and local crafts with a weekend filled with fun activities. Taste over 50 varieties of apples, including the plant heritage collection of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Bring your own apples for expert identification local expert Chris Bird or for apple pressing to make juice. Enjoy browsing craft and produce stalls, with activities for all ages. Regular garden entrance donations apply, and pre-booking is recommended. 

Playful Pumpkins (26 Oct – 3 Nov 2024)
Explore Furzey Gardens’ Playful Pumpkin trail, featuring 20 uniquely decorated pumpkins crafted by local artists and people with learning disabilities. Enjoy the autumn scenery while keeping the little ones entertained with this fun, quirky display. Pumpkins are generously donated by Sopley Farm Bakery, Shop & PYO. Regular garden entrance donations apply, plus £1 for the trail map. Pre-booking is recommended.