As winter approaches, gardeners should complete several essential tasks before the first frost arrives. The final days of October offer a prime opportunity to plan ahead for the coming year and finish any outstanding jobs.
Paul Parker, a gardening expert at plants and bulbs specialists J. Parker's, has shared his guidance for the closing days of October and the start of November to keep gardens healthy through the year.
Plant Spring Bulbs and Prune Climbing Roses
If not already done, now is the time to plant spring bulbs. While early autumn is the optimum time, there is still a chance to get bulbs into the ground before frost arrives. Parker advises: "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."
Pruning climbing roses can also be carried out in October or November. Parker notes: "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." However, if the plant is less than two years old, pruning should be avoided to prevent stunting its growth.
Lift Tender Plants and Use Fallen Leaves
With frost potentially near, lifting tender bulbs and tubers is important. Parker explains: "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."
Fallen leaves can be turned into compost rather than discarded. Combine them with fresh grass clippings rich in nitrogen from spring and summer, keep the pile damp but not waterlogged and well aerated, and within a year or two, the result is ideal compost to deliver essential nutrients to the soil.
Move Rooted Plants Before Winter
Late October and early November represent the ideal window for relocating rooted plants, as this is when they enter their dormant phase. Parker says: "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."
