insideKENT Magazine Issue 31 - October 2014 | Page 116
OUTDOORLIVING
YOUR GARDEN: october
The Autumn Chill Sets In
Although we had some warmer days over September, the autumn is now definitely here for
real, and it feels colder. It's a beautiful time of year, with the trees changing colour. Sometimes
it may seem pointless raking, when the wind blows even more leaves onto the lawn, but just
think of all the lovely leafmould you can make! It's also time to start preparing for early frosts.
TOP 10 JOBS THIS MONTH
1. Clear up fallen autumn leaves regularly
2. Cut back perennials that have died down
3. Divide herbaceous perennials and
rhubarb crowns
4. Move tender plants, including aquatic ones,
into the greenhouse
5. Plant out spring cabbages
6. Harvest apples, pears, grapes and nuts
7. Prune climbing roses
8. Order seeds for next year
9. Last chance to mow lawns and trim hedges
in mild areas
10. Renovate old lawns or create new grass
areas by laying turf
TOP TIPS
Lawns
In many colder areas, this month is the last
opportunity to scarify, aerate and top dress lawns.
Scarification removes layers of thatch and can
be done with either a spring-tine rake or a
powered scarifier.
Afterwards apply an autumn lawn feed;
these are low in nitrogen, so discouraging lush
green growth that would only succumb to cold
and diseases over the winter months.
This is definitely your last chance to sow
grass seed in mild areas of the UK. Cover newly
sown areas with clear polythene to protect them
from cold or fierce rain, if these are forecast in
your area. Light to moderate rain will aid
germination.
Rake fallen leaves off lawns before they
block out light and air penetration to the grass.
On large lawns a leaf-blower will make the job
much easier, but only powerful models are
capable of shifting leaves from damp lawns.
This is the last chance to mow recently
sown grass areas, to neaten them up before the
winter. Don’t cut lower than 2.5cm (1in). Topping
with the mower will also prevent weeds getting
out of hand.
Trees & Shrubs
October is an ideal time for moving and planting
trees, shrubs and climbers, as well as for hedge
planting. Bare-rooted deciduous trees and shrubs,
as well as root-wrapped evergreens, become
available towards the end of the month, so you
coul