Did you know that autumn is a great time for planting and transplanting? The soil is still warm and moist. In terms of gardening, you can consider autumn as the second spring. And by planting (or 'potting') spring bulbs now, you'll have some early anticipation and a colourful start to the new gardening season! There are still plenty of enjoyable tasks you can do in your garden and on your balcony in October. We'll list them for you!
Don't forget: October 4th is World Animal Day!
On October 4th, it's World Animal Day, and you can treat your pets with treats, toys, or shelters and beds from our garden centre in Hereford. As it gets colder, you can also entice our feathered friends to your garden or balcony with nest boxes and feeding trays and silos. As a thank you, the birds will help you in your battle against slugs and caterpillars from the boxwood moth!
12 garden and balcony tasks
- Plant spring bulbs: We have a large collection in stock now. So, be quick before they sell out. From daffodils and tulips to grape hyacinths, crocuses, and hyacinths. Plant these bulbs before winter arrives, as they need a cold period to bloom early in spring. You can plant them in pots, containers, in the lawn, and in the perennial border, so you'll surely find a spot for them.
- Plant late bloomers: You can still plant a variety of things since, as we mentioned, the soil is still warm and moist enough. Think of late bloomers like stonecrop (Sedum), autumn asters, Japanese Anemones, Helenium, Rudbeckia, and Echinacea .
- With the soil still warm and now moist, this is a great time to plant trees, shrubs and perennials to establish themselves before winter. Berried shrubs like Pernettya (Gaultheria) Pyracantha and Cotonester make a great autumn display.
- Replace summer bedding displays in containers with plants with autumn and winter interest such as pansies and our range of dwarf shrubs that will remain colourful throughout winter.
- Dig up spent bulbs and tubers: Dahlias, tubers begonias, and gladioli should be dug up after the first frost when the leaves start turning black. Gently remove as much soil as possible from the bulbs and tubers and their roots and store them in a cool, frost-free, and dry place until next spring. Dahlia tubers should be placed upside down to drain fully before winter storage.
- Secure climbing plants: Beautiful climbing plants like climbing roses, clematis, and honeysuckle have long shoots that can sway against the windows and may break during a storm or under a layer of snow. So, make sure to secure them well. Use our soft ties to avoid damaging delicate stems.
- Care for the lawn or establish one: You can still establish a lawn by sowing grass seed or laying turf. You can reseed bare spots in the lawn. Keep mowing this month but set the blades of your mower higher, and spread some lime over the grass to prevent moss formation. Rubbish advice! Remove leaves from the grass and toss them on the compost heap or use them as cover material for frost-sensitive plants in the border or pots. Or toss them into a pile behind a bush in a sheltered spot: an ideal wintering place for a hedgehog, toad, or frog.
- Remove fallen and dying leaves from the pond and stretch a net over the pond to catch falling leaves.
- Clear leaves from the gutters: This will prevent blockages and leaks.
- Hang birdhouses: And take a look at the latest bird feeding trays and silos feeders in our garden centre in Hereford.
- Tidy up the shed, the garden shed, or the garage: After all, it's almost time to store away the garden furniture, frost-sensitive ornaments, and empty pots and containers. Also, check if your garden tools are clean and sharp.
- October 4th, it's International World Animal Day. Our garden centre in Hereford has all sorts of treats, but also toys, baskets, shelters, and other necessities and accessories for your beloved pets. And plenty of bird feed for your feathered garden guests, of course.
Is autumn the end of the gardening season? Not at all, not by a long shot. There's still plenty to do in the garden and on the balcony in October. With our 15 fun and practical tips, you'll make autumn a delightful season. Visit our garden centre in Hereford soon.
