Make your gardens structurally sound
As the weather turns colder and wetter, it’s important to prepare your garden structures for the change in climate.
Areas that may need your attention in October include draining out standpipes and irrigation lines to avoid damage from water freezing inside them, and cleaning out water butts to make them ready to catch the extra water expected this time of year. You should also repair any broken or rotted wood in the structure of your compost heap, and then turn it well. It’s also worth building a leaf pen for autumn leaves. And complete any maintenance works on sheds and greenhouses before the cold weather sets in.
Tasty tips to keep fruit growing
Most of the fruit in your garden will have been harvested by now, so October is a good time to prepare for next year to ensure another bumper crop. Remove damaged stems from stone fruits and paint the wounds. Take advantage of apple tasting days to order stock, and order new raspberries – make sure they are certified. Take cuttings of blueberries, currents and gooseberries. And of course, prepare the ground for new fruit trees, nuts, vines, canes and bushes.
Not already a member of the RHS? Join from just £39 and start enjoying free garden visits, personalised advice and discounted shows tickets.
Enjoy a harvest brunch at Wisley
Each weekend during the harvest celebrations the Restaurant at RHS Garden Wisley will be hosting a special brunch from 10-11.30am. Enjoy freshly pressed Wisley apple juice and coffee while our chef talks you through sensational autumn produce and the best ways to cook and preserve it. After, enjoy a meal of Greek yoghurt with Wisley berry compote, brioche rolls with fruit field jam, plus classic egg dishes. £17.50 per person, advance booking essential.
Inspirational grasses, autumn lawn care, and more jobs to do right now
Listen to our latest podcast, which includes timely tasks in the garden, a step-by-step guide to autumn lawn care by RHS Wisley Garden Manager, Matthew Pottage, and Neil Lucas, nurseryman of Knoll Gardens, gives his expert suggestions for ornamental grasses that you can use in your garden.
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