October Gardening Tips: Autumn Change This Year
As we move into autumn, the wow factor of summer colour gives way to the softer tones of leaves turning yellow and orange, with seedheads developing into shades of golden brown.
Normally, September marks the start of autumn, when cooler temperatures and rain help gardens recover from summer. Not this year. Prolonged heatwaves, dry conditions and a hosepipe ban left many plants stressed due to water shortage.
It’s stayed warmer for longer too, and we’re seeing confusion in the borders. Some perennials think it’s spring, pushing out new leaves and even the odd flower. It’s a lovely surprise but that new growth won’t get the chance to toughen up before the first frost.
As things cool down, keep an eye on existing plants for signs of lingering stress and water them carefully as and when they need it, particularly if there’s not much rain.
Q&S’s Garden Notes – October
3 things you can do this month
- Lawn support: Complete autumn lawn renovations before the weather gets too cold. Scarifying, aerating and overseeding now helps lawns recover from summer damage and develop strong, healthy root systems over winter. Warm soil is good for new seed, but keep it watered if there’s no rain.
- Wildlife shelter: When the time comes to cut back herbaceous perennials, leave some seedheads and older growth. That way visiting wildlife gets its share of food and shelter over winter, and you get architectural interest.
- Plant vigilance: Check plants regularly for signs of water stress. Even as temperatures drop, the dry, windy days can still draw moisture from plants and soil.
There’s always plenty going on in the Q&S gardens, from propagating and turfing to harvesting and nature spotting, but these few simple things can help you keep your own green space ticking over nicely, especially in an autumn that’s anything but typical.
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