Skip to main content
Colourful trees in autumn

October gardening tips

Hello, fellow garden enthusiasts!

October is a magical month in the garden. The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and there’s plenty to do to keep your garden looking lovely. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, here are some simple and friendly tips to help you make the most of your garden this month.

1. Tidy Up Your Garden

As the leaves fall, it’s a good idea to keep your garden tidy. Rake up fallen leaves and add them to your compost heap. This not only keeps your garden looking neat but also provides you with rich compost for next year.

A rake on a lawn covered in autumn leaves

2. Plant Spring Bulbs


Now is the perfect time to plant spring bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. These little beauties will bring a splash of colour to your garden when spring arrives. Just dig a hole, pop in the bulb, cover it with soil, and give it a good water.

Sprouting spring bulbs in small pots

3. Protect Your Plants


With the colder weather approaching, it’s important to protect your more delicate plants. You can use fleece or cloches to cover them and keep them warm. If you have potted plants, consider moving them to a sheltered spot.

Plants covered with a blanket

4. Harvest Autumn Veggies


October is harvest time for many vegetables. If you’ve been growing pumpkins, squash, or root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, now is the time to pick them. Enjoy the fruits (or veggies) of your labour!

Carrots, swede and parsnips on a table with a black background

6. Prepare Your Soil


If you’re planning to plant new beds or borders next year, now is a great time to prepare the soil. Dig in some compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil structure and fertility.

A pair of legs and an arm holding a spade standing on some soil between two bushes

7. Feed the Birds


As natural food sources become scarcer, it’s a good idea to start feeding the birds. Hang up some bird feeders and keep them topped up with food. This will attract a variety of birds to your garden and help them through the winter.

A bird feeder holding four fat balls and a blue tit clinging to the cage

8. Enjoy the Autumn Colours


Finally, take some time to enjoy the beautiful autumn colours in your garden. The reds, oranges, and yellows of the leaves can be truly stunning. Grab a cup of tea, sit back, and soak in the beauty of the season.

Happy gardening! 

Colourful trees in autumn