Still time to plant and sow
The days may be getting chillier, but you can look forward to next year by planting and sowing for a fabulous spring display.
October is the time to plant Primula, Viola and winter pansies, forget-me-nots, Bellis and wallflowers. Plant these and other spring bedding plants in pots or prepared ground, whichever you prefer. In milder areas you can also still sow seeds for hardy annuals. They will overwinter and burst into life next spring. You can also still keep planting spring-flowering bulbs. As if that wasn’t enough, there is still time to put new herbaceous perennials in the ground – the soil is still warm and it is not as dry as it is in the summer. Finally, for a lovely summer display, remember to plant lily bulbs in pots.
Keep sowing veg too
If you thought it was too late to start sowing vegetables think again! There’s still plenty you can do to enjoy an early harvest. If you live in a milder area, you can sow broad beans where you want them to grow, and they will overwinter. You’ll want to cover them with cloches or fleece in colder regions. It also protects them from pesky pigeons. Again in milder areas you can sow peas and carrots in cold frames, and everywhere it is time to plant autumn onions and garlic for a summer crop next year. If you want to grow green manures, this is your last chance to sow them in the south of the UK, in colder areas it is too late.
What now? Rosemoor Oct 10
Opening times 11-12.30
It’s not always easy to work out what jobs need doing when in the garden. But the tutor on this workshop at Devon’s RHS Garden Rosemoor will take you through the gardening year, offering expert advice, hints and tips on what seasonal jobs need doing when. Topics for autumn will include, digging, protecting your tender perennials, planting shrubs and trees, dividing herbaceous perennials and planting bulbs. The event costs £11 for RHS members, £20 for non members – to book call 020 31765830 and quote booking ref: 10692 (weekdays 9am-5pm).
Autumn Festival at Hyde Hall Oct 18-19
Opening times 10:00 – 18:00
Come along to RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex and enjoy everything about autumn. There will be fabulous fruit and veg displays as well as apple juicing, pressing and of course tasting! Crafts on display will include chain sawing, wood carving, and there will be a chance to buy wooden gifts – time to do a bit of early Christmas shopping! The National Vegetable Society will be there to offer tips on growing, along with Lucy Chamberlain, of Grow Your Own magazine. Children will be able to have a go at the longest apple peel competition – and there’s a mini farm too. There’s no need to book and entry is by normal garden admission.
Get listening
Listen to our latest podcast, featuring news and expert tips from the RHS at http://www.rhs.org.uk/podcast
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