Jobs for October in the Organic Garden

Gardening Jobs for October: Prepping Your Garden for Winter 

As October rolls in, the garden begins its slow transition from the bountiful days of summer to the quiet dormancy of winter. The cooling temperatures and shorter days signal a time to reflect on the growing season and prepare your garden for the colder months ahead. It may feel like things are winding down, but there’s still plenty to do! Whether you're tending to your vegetable patch, flower beds, or lawn, these tasks will help keep your garden thriving and ensure a strong start next spring.

Here’s a list of essential jobs to tackle in your garden this October

1. Harvest and Store Your Last Crops

October is often the last chance to harvest late-season crops like pumpkins, squashes, and apples. Don’t let them go to waste—be sure to pick them before frost sets in. Root vegetables such as carrots, beets, and potatoes can be lifted and stored in a cool, dark place for use during the winter months.

2. Tidy Up Beds and Borders

As annual flowers and vegetables begin to die back, remove any spent or diseased plant material from your garden beds. This helps prevent overwintering pests and diseases. You can compost healthy plant material to enrich your soil, but anything diseased should be binned.

3. Add to Your Compost Heap

October is a perfect time to add all those fallen leaves to your compost heap. Create a balance by mixing carbon-rich "brown" materials (leaves, straw, woody stems) with nitrogen-rich "green" materials (grass clippings, kitchen scraps) for the best compost results. Turning your compost pile occasionally will speed up decomposition.

4. Plant Spring Bulbs

Now’s the time to think ahead to next year! Plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths before the ground becomes too cold. They’ll reward you with a beautiful burst of color when spring arrives.

5. Prepare Your Garden for Winter

Mulching is key at this time of year. Spread a thick layer of organic mulch—such as compost or well-rotted manure—around plants to protect their roots from frost and enrich the soil. Don’t forget to cover tender plants with fleece or cloches to help them survive the winter chill.

6. Sow Green Manures

Green manures, like clover, winter rye, or vetch, are wonderful for soil health. They suppress weeds, add nutrients, and improve soil structure. Sow them in empty vegetable beds, and they’ll work their magic over the winter.

7. Divide and Replant Perennials

If you have overcrowded perennials, October is a great time to divide them and move them to new areas. Plants such as daylilies, hostas, and hardy geraniums will benefit from the extra space and should establish themselves well before the cold sets in.

8. Plant New Trees and Shrubs

The soil is still warm enough for planting, so now’s the time to plant trees, shrubs, and hedges. This gives their roots a chance to settle in before winter. Look for bare-root trees for easier handling and healthier growth come spring.

9. Cut Back Herbaceous Perennials

Cut back any herbaceous perennials that have finished flowering, but don’t be too tidy! Leaving seed heads on plants such as sunflowers and echinacea provides a food source for wildlife, and some can add visual interest to a winter garden.

10. Take Care of the Lawn

Rake up fallen leaves to avoid smothering your lawn and reduce the chance of fungal problems. This is also the perfect time to scarify (rake deeply) and aerate your lawn, improving its health before winter sets in.

11. Save Seeds

Collecting seeds from your plants is a rewarding job in autumn. Save seeds from your favourite flowers and vegetables to sow next year. Store them in a cool, dry place in labelled envelopes for easy planting. I have made some Seed packet printable for you to download HERE 

12. Light Pruning

It’s important to prune certain plants lightly at this time of year, such as roses. This helps prevent wind damage and keeps plants healthy through the winter months. Summer-fruiting raspberry canes should be pruned down to ground level after they finish fruiting.

Final Thoughts

October is a month for wrapping up the garden year and putting plans in place for the future. By taking the time to do these tasks now, you’ll not only protect your plants and soil through the winter but also ensure a head start for the next growing season. So grab your gloves and get to work—spring will be here before you know it!