'I'm a gardening expert - here's five jobs for your October to-do list'

Autumn may be settling in but it doesn’t mean it’s time to hang up the gardening gloves.

With the cooler weather and intermittent showers, most of us are spending more time indoors. However, an expert has revealed that October is actually a pivotal month for gardeners.

Giving your garden TLC in October sets the stage for a flourishing spring, protects wildlife populations, and ensures your plants and lawn can still thrive while dormant. James Ewens, gardening expert at Green Feathers says: “October is a month of preparation and preservation in the gardening world.

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"By planting, pruning and feeding intentionally, you’ll pave the way for a fruitful spring. October is critical for protecting your wildlife, our garden’s animal friends need help stocking up on food and shelter."

1. Last chance to plant spring bulbs

James advises that you haven’t already planted your spring bulbs, now is the time. Popular spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils and crocuses need a chance to settle in and establish roots before the winter frost settles in.

James says: “Planting them imminently means the soil is still workable, and your bulbs can nestle in nicely for the winter. Crocuses are early bloomers, tulips mid-spring bloomers, and daffodils say hello in late spring. Staggering your bulb varieties, even if they’re in the same plot, allows colour to pop in your garden continuously through spring.

"And pollinators will love you for it as they emerge from hibernation in spring - what better than to wake up to a vibrant purple crocus for breakfast!”

2. Tidy up borders

October is the optimal time to cut back any messy borders that have spent foliage. James advises: “Many herbaceous perennials die back in October, and leaving them in disarray not only looks untidy, but it also becomes inviting for pests and diseases - they love decaying foliage.”

However, he adds that not all plants or shrubs need to be cut back. He says: “Some hardy perennials can survive through the winter months, like rudbeckia, which offer shelter and a food source for birds.

"It’s a good idea to refrain from bird-loving perennials, as our feathered friends need all the help they can get in those bitter cold months.”

3. Prepare for frost

“In some parts of England, that bitter frost sets in as early as October,” James warns. “Plants in containers are especially vulnerable to the cold, so move them closer to the house, shelter them, or insulate them with fleece, straw, or bubble wrap.

He adds: “For plants in pots, you can create somewhat of a microclimate - moving them to a south-facing or west-facing spot, or near a hedge or wall - so they can huddle together for warmth.”

When it comes to frost-proofing flowerbed plants, James insists that covering is essential. He recommends: "Fleece or hessian are breathable, so they’re a great option to protect your plants while allowing airflow to circulate.

"Adding a layer of mulch to flowerbeds also helps insulate soil, lock in moisture, and protect plant roots from fluctuating temperatures."

4. Prioritise wildlife

James says: "Wildlife is up against it in winter, making October the perfect time to create a safe haven by providing water, food, and shelter for those scarce cold months.

"Something as small as leaving the seedheads on your sunflowers, planting native trees and shrubs, and supplementing your garden with bird-loving food like high-energy bird cakes or fat balls provides a much-needed food source for birds.

"Building a bug hotel or hedgehog house is a fantastic way to provide natural shelter for insects and mammals. Keeping a small, ice-free pond provides a vital water source for birds, for drinking and bathing. Small, simple steps can make your garden a haven when natural resources become scarce."

5. Last lawn cut

Depending on your location, it might be time to cut the lawn. James advises that as temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten, grass growth slows down, meaning October is often the time for your final lawn cut of the year.

James says: “Once temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius, grass will simply stop growing. Leaving your lawn cut too late in super cold conditions can actually harm your grass long term, and if you stop mowing too early in the year, you’ll risk a messy lawn and weakened grass.

“When making that last mow, follow the one-third rule, raise your mower height to improve airflow, and never cut too short. A well-timed final cut helps your lawn enter winter looking neat, with strong roots ready for a quick recovery in spring.”