These gardening tasks should be done before autumn comes to a close (Image: Getty)
As winter draws closer, there are a number of gardening tasks to complete before the first frost arrives. These last few days of October are the perfect time to plan for next year and to finish off any leftover tasks you’ve been putting off.
To ensure your garden stays healthy all year round, Paul Parker, gardening expert at plants and bulbs specialists J. Parker’s has shared his advice for the last days of October and early November. Start with planting spring bulbs if you haven’t gotten around to it yet. While this should ideally be done in early autumn, it’s not too late to get some bulbs in the ground before frost arrives.
Paul says: “Think about where you are placing them to create a stunning display once the weather begins to warm again.
“I always recommend you play with different heights and textures, for example, tulips, daffodils and alliums make great taller-flowering varieties. Mix these with Fritillaria, miniature narcissi and crocuses for lower-growing interest.”
Prune climbing roses
Another task that can be done in October or November is pruning any climbing roses, with Paul advising: “Climbing roses shouldn’t need a vigorous pruning.
“Avoid the main framework of stems altogether, only cutting side shoots that are crossing or sticking out down to just above the bud. In the early autumn months, you should focus on only pruning the long shoots that may be susceptible to wind damage.”
This is the perfect time to prune climbing roses (Image: Getty)
However, if the plant is less than two years old then pruning should be avoided, otherwise you’ll risk stunting its growth.
Lift tender plants
“The occasional frost may not be too far away, so it is important to lift tender bulbs and tubers over the next few weeks,” says the expert. “It’s best for plants such as dahlias and begonias to be lifted and stored inside over winter, to protect their delicate tubers once the cold weather hits.
“To do this, wait for the first frost to blacken the leaves. Using a garden fork, gently lift out the tuber clump.
“Once the tubers are removed, leave them to dry upside down for a couple of days so that the stems can dry out. Over winter, leave the tubers in a moisture-free, cool area such as your garage or shed.”
Make the most of dropped leaves
As leaves fall from the trees, you may find your garden is a little messier thn before. However, rather than throwing leaves into your wastebasket, you can use them as compost.
Just add some fresh grass clippings rich in nitrogen from the spring and summer months, keep the pile moist (but not wet) and well aerated, and in a year or two, you’ll have the perfect compost to add vital nutrients to your soil.
Move rooted plants
Late October and early November is the perfect time to move rooted plants as this is when they enter their dormant stage. Paul explains: “By late autumn, once your trees, shrubs, climbers, and hedging are fully defoliated, they have entered their dormant phase.
“They can be lifted and moved to a new spot in your garden. Late October is the ideal time for moving rooted plants, as the soil is still warm, so it leaves time for roots to establish in their new position before the winter frost fully kicks in.”
