October is a real month of transition, early in the month it can still feel like late summer, by the end we may well have had the first frosts and the hour has gone back. Tasks will therefore change as the month progresses. In early October, dead-heading Dahlias will prolong flowering, but by the end of the month you may be lifting the tubers for winter storage.

October is a good time to move established shrubs. The soil is warm, so roots will start to establish as soon as they are re-planted, but growth is slow, so there will be less stress on the plant. For deciduous shrubs it is best to wait until leaf fall is complete.

There is lots that can be done to prepare for next spring. Feeding and scarifying lawns will help them to overwinter in better condition. It is the perfect time to plant spring bulbs and hardy spring bedding –like primulas wallflowers and forget-me-nots. You can also sow sweet peas now for next summer’s display.

In the kitchen garden it is also a time for enjoying the fruits of this year, while preparing for next year. Harvest hard-skinned squashes and pumpkins before the first frosts ready for storage, putting boards under the ripening fruit helps to protect them from rotting if the soil gets damp. In our garage they are currently joined by potatoes, onions and garlic.

Storage of squashes, potatoes and onions

Our domestic “giant” pumpkin was hard fought, although neither of them were exactly giants, with the winner weighing in at a whisper under 30kg.

Pumpkin contest

Apply grease bands to minimise infestation by winter moths on apples and pears and for next year plant autumn sowing garlic and onion sets and they’ll get good root systems established before winter sets in.