October Gardening Tips

Lawns
You will more than likely only need to cut your lawn once or twice now before the end of the season. Cut it on a slightly higher setting than you normally would. There’s still time to fertilise your lawn in preparation for winter. A ‘Weed n Feed’ product applied now will kill off any broadleaf weeds you may have, and give your lawn the vital nutrients it needs in preparation for the English winter. Do not use these products on any newly laid lawns. There’s also still time to lay a new lawn in preparation for next spring. Don’t delay if you’re looking at hiring a helping hand, as most gardener’s are very busy this time of year and if you want to use your garden at the start of next spring, now’s the time to prepare!


Pruning

Due to the recent rainfall and sunshine, you’re hedges and shrubs are more than likely in need of a good prune. Cut back any longer shoots to tidy them up. Wait until winter to prune your fruit trees when they have finished growing and are laying dormant. It’s a good idea to prune or tie back any trees or shrubs that over-hang your lawn as your lawn may suffer from lack of sunlight if not corrected.


Planting

It’s a great time of the year to prepare your garden for next year by planting some new plants or shrubs. You should still be able to snap up a bargain or two at your local garden centre if you hurry! Be sure to pick up some compost at the same time.


Bulbs

Plant your spring flowering bulbs as soon as possible for a brilliant floral display next year. Your local garden or DIY centre will have plenty to choose from. Planting them is easy, just dig a small hole approximately 2’’-3’’ and push them individually, or better still in groups into the ground and cover over with soil. Buy a bulb planter to make it even easier.


Ivy

Ivy seems to have gone crazy this year, growing up trees, fences and houses faster than ever before. Be sure to keep ivy of any trees or shrubs as it will be harder to contain later on as it gets older and stronger. It’s a good idea to keep it away (or contained) from windows, doors and roofs as it expands when it grows and can cause structural damage costing you money.