OCTOBER –
During October you can continue planting Spring bulbs. These include daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, fritillaria, erythroniums and irises. Tulips can be planted later in the month and on into November. It’s also a good month for planting new shrubs and perennials. As soon as the first frost strikes you will need to lift and store dahlia tubers. Cut the hollow stems back to about 10cm (4in) above the tuber then turn them upside down to allow any water to drain out. Store in a cool, dark, airy, frost-free place.
Now is also the time to sow hardy annuals. These will germinate quickly and the seedlings will flower earlier than spring-sown annuals. Your summer pots and containers will now be finished, so replant with a new selection to provide colour and interest through autumn and into spring. Maybe try using an evergreen shrub such as a dwarf conifer and then fill the pot with seasonal bedding to provide flowers during mild spells.
Temperatures, especially in exposed areas can take a rapid drop in October, particularly at night. Move large containers of tender perennials (fuchsias, argyranthemums, pelargoniums etc) into the shelter of the greenhouse or conservatory for winter.You can also lift non-hardy plants carefully from borders, pot them and bring under cover.
Mid autumn is a good time to plant all evergreens, but ensure that you keep them watered for a couple of months so they can put out new roots. If you have a greenhouse, remember to close this at night, but open it wide in the mornings to allow air to circulate and prevent overheating which can lead to disease.
In bloom this month: Aster (Michaelmas daisy), Sedum (Stonecrop), Viburnum opulus.
