1. You can start planting tulips now, either in pots or in the ground. The deeper they are planted in the ground the more chance there is of them reappearing next year – but do protect them well from squirrels who love to eat them.
2. It’s not too late to plant Narcissus and other bulbs like Allium, but again as deep as you can if planting in the ground as squirrels do love to lunch on Allium.
3. Many grasses come into their own at this time of year turning lovely autumnal colours so leave well alone and let them die down naturally – and think about adding to them for next year.
4. Now’s the time to move seedlings of plants like forget-me nots and foxgloves where you want them so they can get their roots down before winter. Cerinthe have been particularly prolific seeders this year but not always where they are wanted.
and moving self-seeded forget-me-nots, foxgloves and Cerinthe.
5. Prune back roses by about a third to help prevent windrock disturbing the roots during winter.
6. I emptied a compost bin today leaving it as a pile on the soil but I don’t want to spread it until late winter, so it’s best covered up to prevent the rain leaching out all the nutrients.
7. In the vegetable garden, prepare the soil for planting an early crop of broad beans but try to protect them from birds by covering with cloches or rigid netting until they get going.
8. Cover up those brassicas, if you have any, to keep them safe from pigeons. That includes broccoli, kales and cabbages.
9. This is a good time to divide rhubarb clumps which have become congested. This will also help to keep the plant vigorous.
10. Clean birdfeeders and birdbaths to stop the spread of disease by scrubbing well with soapy hot water and then rinsing well before replenishing.
Happy gardening all!
Pat K
Discover more from Charlton and Blackheath Amateur Horticultural Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Charlton and Blackheath Amateur Horticultural Society 