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Finally, we got some dry weather in September and for the first time this year, the water butt ran dry. We have enjoyed a decent Indian Summer but now head into Autumn with October upon us. It can be a mild month, but the evenings will draw right in, the clocks go back and it’s time to light the fire. For me, October is the last working month in the garden and I aim to get everything tidied up and put to bed. There are always things to do through the winter like raking up leaves but I do not actively garden through the winter months. It’s time to take to the kitchen and rinse out the cook’s glass.
The lawn can do with any minor repairs or re-turfing and can have a last cut this month. Scarify with a spring tyne rake and get all the dead thatch out to keep it healthy during Winter. There is no reason why the mower cannot be wheeled out for a quick trim on a good day, but when it gets wet it’s best not to walk on it too much.
The summer crops will finish up in October and any frost tender vegetables should be taken and put in store. Dig a trench for next year’s climbing beans and fill it with compost. The trench can be left open to place kitchen trimmings in or raked over and the corners marked with canes. Winter crops like Parsnips and Leeks can be left in the ground and lifted when required. I also have a small crop of Turnips coming along nicely and looking forward to lifting them at the end of the month. Personally, I leave my Maincrop Potatoes in the ground because they last much better than in a canvas bag but the best advice is to lift and store. Give the patch a good digging over, remove all the weeds and leave it ready for next Spring. Mulch the Rhubarb with compost or manure when it finally dies down, although mine is showing no signs of slowing up.
Give the borders a final weed and tidy and plant out Tulip bulbs. Perennials can be divided and replanted. I like to prune back everything this time of year although some people argue that it’s best to leave it until the Spring to provide shelter for small creatures and insects. Tidy up pots and containers and replant for Winter/Spring. There will be a dazzling array of Primulas, Pansies and Violas available in the shops.
Last year was a bumper year for apples but my Braeburn hasn’t amounted to much this year. The fruits are small and blemished and I will pick them towards the end of the month and see what I can do with them.
The Potting Shed pub at Langley - Dog friendly.
My quest for the spiritual pub was finally realised when we visited The Potting Shed at Langley on the Tenterden Road. It represented a great union of gardening and drinking inducing a nirvana of extreme contentment that was shattered when the Junkyard Mutt took a dislike to a poor Labrador. The low menacing growl that emanated from her beastly form sent parents reaching for their children whilst fearing for their lower limbs. Before we knew it the place was empty.
UHS is always looking for new members and try to encourage a fun attitude towards friendly competition. So if you want to grow your own fruit, vegetables and flowers or even enter any of the shows we hold each year, please get in touch. We would be happy to hear from you.
Sean Barry - Upchurch Horticultural Society
