Monty Don has shared an important gardening step for October that will reward gardeners with wonderful growth next summer. Among his top tasks for the month, he recommends sowing seeds of a particular plant to give them the best chance for the following year.
Why October is the Best Time for Sweet Peas
Sweet peas, officially known as Lathyrus odoratus, are popular for their intense fragrance. According to the gardening expert, October is the best time to sow their seeds. By sowing sweet peas in October, gardeners can expect bigger plants with a stronger root system. Sown this early, they should flower even earlier next spring and last much longer.
How to Sow and Protect Sweet Peas
Monty Don explains his method for sowing seeds, using a three-inch pot, though he notes that root-trainers also work well. He advises using a good potting compost rather than seed compost, and placing the seeds to germinate on a windowsill or in a greenhouse until the leaves have grown.
At that point, they need to be moved outside to a cold frame or protected spot to shield them from hard frosts, becoming drenched, or being ruined by mice. By April, they should be ready to plant out, and by summer, they will be blooming beautifully.
Other October Gardening Tasks
However, there is a slight disadvantage: some plants will require storing and others will need protection over winter if the weather turns particularly bad. This is why Monty Don suggests sowing them now, followed by another batch in February to reduce any risk of damage.
The Royal Horticultural Society suggests that when planting them, you need to find a sun-filled area with enough space for the plant to climb or bush out, depending on its habit.
Moving away from sweet peas, Monty Don suggests other useful habits for October. He advises beginning to dig any ground you may want to replant this winter or use for the spring ahead. Doing it now means the soil is still likely dry and there is more daylight before the clocks change. It can be a daunting task, so he suggests working towards it in 30-minute weekly sessions or 15-minute gradual sessions. Don recommends leaving the soil in large slabs for the weather to break down over winter.
Additionally, in October you should cut back and compost all rotting foliage around the borders of your garden, but be sure to leave some structure for winter.
