Gardening Advice.

October We have almost come to expect a mild and fine October...perhaps the result of climate change...so take advantage of it and enjoy the garden in its colourful Autumn splendor...Winter is just around the corner!

Lawns: Mow once a week with the blades higher than their summer setting and rake up fallen leaves. There is still time to complete your autumn lawncare routine which will prepare it for next year. see Monthly Lawncare Guide. for more details.

Pots: Summer displays will probably be at the end of their useful life now. Replace with some small evergreen shrubs or conifers and seasonal bedding for interest through the winter.

Cut back perennials to ground level once they have died down. This can be done in Spring but doing it now makes the garden look much tidier through the winter

Seeds: Keep looking out for plants that are seeding and collect for sowing or storing.

Buy bulbs in the same way you would buy onions; Choose those that are firm with no root or shoot growth and no obvious signs of disease, mould or discolouration. You can get good deals on bulbs this time of year through catalogues or online as summer sales are still on.

Planting: Crocus and daffodils can be planted now while tulips and hyacinths can happily be left until next month.
This is a good time to plant or move conifers and shrubs. If you are planning to grow a hedge now is a good time

Support: flowering perennials with canes or frames to prevent them being blown over or broken by heavy rain.

Pond Care: Put a net over the pond to prevent leaves falling in. Remove any decaying plants such as lilly leaves.

Further Advice A great resource for gardening advice is the online version of Which magazine. For advice on buying items such as lawn mowers, trimmers, furniture and gardening gadgets, as well as tips, techniques and test results