Maintenance for your flowers
October is a month of essential maintenance for your flowers before we are deep in the midst of what autumn has in store for us.
To help flowers survive what is to come, raise containers onto ready-made feet or even bricks, so they are not sitting in water through winter. Tender plants/bulbs such as Tigridia and Galtonianeed to be moved into a conservatory or greenhouse to stave off the winter chill. Any left-over summer bedding that is struggling is best replaced with a newer display, and any supports or stakes will need removing from herbaceous plants as they subside for the winter months. One other element of the garden not to forget is the hanging basket, as some essential deadheading, feeding and watering will help to maintain them until mid-autumn.
Prepare for problems
With autumn upon us, it’s worthwhile this month to be wary of developing problems in the garden and have a plan of regular jobs in place. Garden jobs such as, checking stored apples frequently, and removing any rotting fruit that could spoil the crop (mouse controls near stored fruit and vegetables are also a handy precaution) and removing old plant debris from around the vegetable patch will help to reduce the overwintering spread of pests and diseases. Other signs to keep an eye out for are yellowing leaves on Brussels sprouts, which could be a symptom of grey mould – they need removing quickly to help stop it becoming a problem. Keep an eye out for pests such as winter moth, which can be controlled with grease bands, and flea beetle, which is a sustained problem until the end of the month.
Guided Walk: Autumn colour in the woodland walk
Get outside and enjoy the autumnal colours at RHS Garden Harlow Carr. On 22 October, between 10.30am and 12pm, come and join this informative guided woodland walk around Harlow Carr with gardener Katy Trohear. Throughout the tour you will see and learn about a variety of splendid trees, full of impressive colour and scents for the autumn season, and also which specimens are suitable for growing at home. Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing.
October half-term – Repulsive plants and frightening food
There is fun to be had for all the family this October half-term, at RHS Garden Hyde Hall. Between 25 October and 2 November, there is a programme of events and activities on the exciting theme of ‘Repulsive plants and frightening food’. Along with trails and walks around the autumnal surroundings, there is fun on hand in the form of pumpkin carving, slime making, and good old-fashioned detective work.
Activities and events are being held at all four of our RHS Gardens this half-term for families to enjoy.
Listen to the latest RHS podcast
Listen to our latest podcast, where we offer seasonal information, you can hear tips on growing fruit and veg, and get up-to-the-minute help and advice.
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