October’s forecast is looking mild, with nights mostly over 7C (the temperature under which plants generally stop growing) right until the end of the month.
Warm Octobers extend the growing season into Official Autumn, squeezing the best out of plants that bloom until frost stops them, such as many dahlias, repeating roses, and late flowering perennials like Verbena bonariensis. For the same reason, clumps of perennials that need dividing should bounce back very well and have a great start next year if you split them now.
For later season fruit like apples and pears, or your fresh herbs, a warm October is generally great – sometimes humidity is an issue for disease, hopefully that’s not your problem.
Warm September-Octobers are a good time to see Honey fungus toadstools appear, a lingering warmth in rainy Autumn is their favourite.
And this pleasant weather is lovely for planting out Spring bulbs and potted plants, helping them to establish some roots before winter.
With so many smaller pot grown plants, like clematis, a perennial plant, or an ornamental grass to maintain interest into Autumn, it’s preferable either to get them in the soil right now, or to wait till after the last Spring frosts next year, when the soil warms up.
But! November is almost here, the start of the bareroot planting season, so before you buy any pot grown trees or hedging this month, check the prices of their bareroot equivalents for delivery from next month.
The potted plants might be cheaper if discounted, but by default the bareroot versions are better value: cheaper, easier to work with, and sure to establish well with basic care.
Dry spells this month are ideal for soil preparation, especially on heavier soils before they get too claggy. Experienced clay soil gardeners know that clay is a sensitive creature, and it’s best to minimise walking on and working her when wet. When you need holes and trenches for planting trees and hedges this Winter, it’s best to do the digging this month when the soil is still crumbly, rather than wet and sticky later.
Autumn is a top time to visit parks and Arboretums to admire trees turning red, yellow, and orange in person, before deciding which trees you want to add to your collection.
Tasks this month should include a thorough weeding before Winter so all those sneaky Autumn seedlings can’t put down roots, and slug inspections in sensitive areas.
Towards the end of the month, keep an eye on the forecast for early frosts, and make ready to do what you do with all the leaves falling.
