Flowers and bedding
The summer bedding should reach its end this month. Replace it with autumn/winter bedding
but bear in mind that this will only flower in sunny periods. If the winter is wet and
dreary the plants will tend to wait till early spring. You can get round this by buying
odd bits and pieces from garden centres when they are in flower to brighten an area up for
two or three weeks. Winter bedding is very cheap and can almost be treated like outdoor
cut flowers, bought to cheer you up and moved when it has lost its colour. Wallflowers
should be available until the beginning of next month but be careful they don't run out
before you get there. Continue planting spring bulbs.
Perennials
Planting of new plants and division of congested ones can be done now. Leave on any flower
heads that will be decorative over the winter. Cover with old leaves or bracken any that
are slightly tender. Don't over tidy the bed unless you have had a problem with fungal
diseases. As a rule the more dead material on a plant over winter the better protected the
living parts will be from the frost. Dahlias can be lifted as soon as their foliage is
blackened by frost. The tubers should be stored somewhere cool, dry and frost free. Bring
pot grown Chrysanthemums into the greenhouse.
Shrubs and climbers
It is the best time for planting anything except evergreens which will do better if
planted in the spring. They will not come to much harm however, if you want to plant them
now providing that they are well protected from the wind. Other plants have sufficient
time to develop their roots before they need to make demands on them in the summer.
Trees and hedges
Hedging plants should be widely available to buy from the end of the month. This is the
most economical way to buy a hedge. Make sure the ground is thoroughly prepared and the
plants well supported. A tree or hedge is usually in the soil for a minimum of 20 years so
it is silly to skimp on preparation.
Roses
Keep spraying and dispose of all dead leaves rather than letting them lie or composting
them. Prepare new rose beds. Bare root roses are normally available at this time of the
year which is the best time to plant them. It is also a good time to plant container grown
roses. Remember to prepare and support well.
Lawns
Keep using the autumn lawn food. It contains more potassium which helps root development
rather than leaf growth. Root development will lead to a healthier lawn which is more
drought resistant. Leaf growth at this time of year will be soft and unhealthy and will be
prone to disease and damage in the cold weather. It is alright to seed and turf new lawns.
Scarifying, aeration and top dressing should still be possible.
Vegetables
Plant out spring cabbages.Pick the last of the tomatoes. Plant winter and spring
lettuce.Cut marrows and lift beetroots. Tidy up and clear away any plant remains. Time for
digging!
Fruit
Prepare site and order plants if you are planning a new bed for next year. Now is the time
to put greasebands on apple and cherry trees. Pick and store apples and pears. Cut out
canes that have fruited on blackberries and loganberries. Keep spraying.
Pond
Thin oxygenators and remove old lily leaves. Tidy up and continue to feed fish if they are
still eating.
Greenhouse
The insulation should now be in position and the heating on. Bubble wrap is an excellent
insulator and allows a good quantity of light through. Bring all tender plants in to the
greenhouse. Consider spraying them with a fungicide as a preventative measure.
Indoors
Keep plants away from cold draughts and reduce the watering.Stop feeding unless plants are
flowering.
