Gardening Jobs For October

October often feels like a pause between seasons - the summer growth has slowed, but winter isn’t quite here yet. That doesn’t mean the garden goes quiet, though. Far from it. This is a month for clearing, protecting, planting ahead, and giving your space the care it needs before colder weather settles in.

Whether you’re lifting tender blooms, planting spring colour, or tidying up structures before the storms roll in, there’s plenty to keep you grounded outdoors this month.

Your October garden to-do list

• What to plant and sow
• Lift, divide and tidy perennials
• Protect tender plants from frost
• Seasonal maintenance for structures and tools
• Prune, trim and support trees and shrubs
• Take cuttings and collect seeds
• Clear leaves and prepare for wet weather
• Plan ahead for winter and early spring

Gardening jobs for flowers

Plant now for spring displays
Spring bulbs are October staples - and for good reason. Get your tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and alliums into the ground while the soil’s still warm enough to encourage strong root growth. Add some wallflowers, violas, or forget-me-nots around borders and containers to keep colour coming through those first grey months next year.

Tip: For a longer-lasting display, stagger your bulb planting every couple of weeks. You’ll get a more extended burst of spring cheer.

Lift, divide and tidy up perennials
By now, many herbaceous perennials will have finished flowering. Cutting them back clears the way for new growth next year - but feel free to leave anything with bold seed heads (rudbeckia, echinacea) for winter structure and wildlife interest.

If any clumps are overcrowded or flowering poorly, lift and divide them. It’s a great way to rejuvenate the plant and spread your favourites around the garden.

Protect tender plants before frost arrives
Once the first frosts hit, it’s time to lift tender tubers like dahlias, cannas, and begonias. Let them dry off before storing somewhere frost-free. In milder gardens, you might be able to leave them in-situ - just mulch well and keep an eye on the forecast.

Refresh containers and direct-sow hardy annuals

Swap out tired summer containers for hardier choices - cyclamen, winter pansies, heathers, or small evergreens. And in sheltered spots, you can still direct-sow hardy annuals like cornflowers and larkspur to flower earlier next year.

Tip: Raise pots onto bricks or pot feet to improve drainage and avoid waterlogging as rainfall increases.

Jobs for trees & shrubs

Planting and moving while the soil stays warm
Much like with bulbs and perennials, the soil is still warm enough in October to establish roots before winter. That makes this a prime month for planting trees, shrubs, climbers, and even hedging.

Thinking of relocating something that’s outgrown its spot? This is also a safe time to transplant established shrubs - just keep them well watered after moving.

You’ll soon start seeing bare-root and root-wrapped trees and shrubs become available too - a great option for hedging, fruit trees, and roses, often at lower cost than potted plants.

Cut back and secure

Now’s a good time to give deciduous hedges their final trim before winter winds make them unruly. Shrubs that are normally pruned hard in spring - like buddleja or lavatera - can be lightly cut back now to reduce wind damage and neaten their shape.

And if your climbing roses haven’t had an autumn tidy, trim back any long, whippy growth and tie in the rest securely.

Tip: Autumn winds can rock newly planted or shallow-rooted trees. Check stakes and ties are still secure, and firm in anything that’s shifted in wet soil.

Propagate from hardwood cuttings
October is an ideal time to take hardwood cuttings of woody shrubs - like forsythia, dogwood, currants, or roses. Place them in a sheltered area, either directly in the ground or in pots, and leave them to root over winter.

You can also collect ripe seeds or berries from trees and shrubs (like rowan or mulberry) for sowing now or storing for spring.

Maintenance jobs for garden structures

With autumn weather turning wetter and windier, this is the right time to look after your garden’s framework - the sheds, glass, paths, and supports that quietly hold everything together. A bit of maintenance now can spare you from bigger repairs later.

Clean the glass inside and out to let in as much light as possible through the darker months. Clearing out spent crops and dead leaves also helps stop pests and fungal problems from overwintering. While you’re at it, check for cracked panes or damaged seals - anything that could let in a cold draught or unwanted damp.

Sheds, tools and storage
Take a moment to tidy up your shed or storage area before winter really settles in. Tools stored dirty will suffer for it, so give everything a quick clean before putting it away. It’s also worth checking the shed roof for leaks and making sure nothing is sitting directly on damp ground - especially wooden handles or power tools.

Trellises, fencing and supports
Wooden structures like arches and trellises can deteriorate quietly through the colder months, especially if they’re already under strain from climbers. Trim back overgrown growth where needed, and check for signs of rot, wobbly posts, or loose fixings. If the wood hasn’t been treated recently, a fresh coat of preservative can help it see out the season in good shape.

Paths, patios and leaf buildup
Slippery paths are one of the most common cold-weather hazards in the garden - and they start in autumn. Keep on top of fallen leaves, especially on paving, decking, or gravel. If moss or algae has already crept in, give surfaces a scrub with a stiff brush or pressure wash while the weather’s still relatively mild.

Gutters and water butts
Leaves will be falling thick and fast by now, so check that gutters and water butt inlets are clear. A blocked downpipe can cause surprising damage if left alone, and this is also a great chance to empty and clean out any stale water before the next round of rain fills things back up.

Furniture, covers and overwintering kit
Garden furniture that’s not in use can be stored away now - or cleaned and covered if it’s staying outdoors. Breathable covers will help avoid mould. And if you use fleece tunnels or cloches to protect young or vulnerable plants, now’s the time to make sure they’re in good condition and ready to go before the first real cold snap. Tip: Start a leafmould bin if you haven’t already - a simple mesh frame in a corner is all you need. By next year, those bagfuls of leaves will turn into rich, crumbly mulch your soil will love.

Looking ahead

October is a month of preparation - not pressure. There’s no rush, no deadline, but every small task you tick off now will make life easier come winter. Whether you're lifting the last summer flowers or planting the promise of spring, it’s all about keeping your garden resilient, tidy, and quietly ticking over.

So pull on a jumper, grab a warm drink, and enjoy the slower pace of autumn jobs. Your garden will thank you for it next year.

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