After what felt like a whirlwind start to the month, with blustery winds and stormy weather, we’re absolutely thrilled to see at least ten days of great gardening weather on the horizon! This is the moment we’ve been waiting for – a golden opportunity to get out into your garden, breathe in that crisp autumn air, and set things up for a spectacular spring.
October is far more than just falling leaves; it’s a pivotal month for preparing, planting, and perfecting your outdoor space. And here at ACW Garden Centre, we’ve got everything you need to make the most of it.
Your October Gardening Checklist:
Plant Spring Bulbs: Now is truly the ideal time to get those spring-flowering bulbs into the ground. Think ahead to a colourful display of daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths. Planting them now gives them ample time to establish roots before winter sets in, promising a dazzling show next year.
Winter Bedding Plants: Don’t let your garden beds look bare! We have an incredible selection of vibrant winter pansies, cheerful violas, and trailing pansies that will provide continuous colour through the colder months. Pop them into borders, containers, and hanging baskets for an instant lift.
Shrubs & Trees: Autumn is an excellent time for planting new shrubs and trees. The soil is still warm, allowing roots to establish before the ground gets too cold. Explore our wide range of favourites, from evergreen structural plants to those offering stunning autumn foliage and winter berries.
Perennial Cutback: As many perennials start to fade, now’s a good time to cut them back. This tidies up your borders and can help prevent diseases from overwintering. Leave some seed heads for winter interest and hungry birds, if you like!
Compost & Mulch: Treat your beds to a treat! Top them up with a good layer of compost or well-rotted manure. This feeds the soil, improves its structure, and helps retain moisture.
Harvesting: If you have a vegetable patch, continue harvesting any remaining crops like root vegetables, squashes, and late-season greens.
Lawn Care & Mower TLC:
Your lawn has worked hard all summer, surviving the hot weather and long drought, and October is prime time for some restorative care. Give it a final cut (raising the blade height slightly), rake up fallen leaves regularly to prevent smothering, and consider aerating and scarifying to improve drainage and remove thatch. Now is also the perfect time to apply an autumn lawn feed, designed to strengthen roots for winter rather than promote leafy growth.
And while you’re thinking about your lawn, don’t forget your trusty lawnmower! As the mowing season winds down, it’s the perfect opportunity for mower maintenance and servicing. Bringing it in now means it will be in tip-top condition, ready for action next spring. Our team offers many years of free, expert advice on everything from care tips to finding the perfect mower. Looking to upgrade? Check out our latest range of lightweight mowers and cordless models, offering unparalleled ease of use and efficiency, available in store now!
So, pull on your gardening gloves, embrace the beautiful autumn days ahead, and let ACW Garden Centre help you make your October garden truly flourish!
We look forward to seeing you.
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