October Jobs in the Garden

October is a truly autumnal month; the clocks go back in the wee small hours of Sunday 26th (2025) and we lose nearly two hours of daylight over the month as both sunrise and sunset draw in.  But don’t be tempted to hibernate just yet!  During those precious daylight hours, there is still plenty to keep you busy in the garden.  Most October gardening tasks are about tidying up for winter, protecting tender plants and preparing the soil and borders for next year. There are also lots of useful jobs you can do now to support garden wildlife through the colder months.

Here are our top garden jobs for October:

Plant

October isn’t just about sweeping leaves and cutting back plants, it’s also the perfect time to add colour and structure to the garden. Pot up a cheerful display of autumn and winter bedding plants such as Cyclamen, heathers, Skimmia and winter pansies. These thrive in colder weather (especially if you keep deadheading them) and work beautifully in pots by doorways or patios, where they’ll provide a splash of colour on grey days.

Remember: pots need less water now than in summer. Remove saucers and raise containers on pot feet or pebbles to prevent waterlogging.

This is also a great month to plant evergreen shrubs, trees and conifer hedges  (link to ‘how to plant a tree or shrub’ blog).  The soil is still warm enough for roots to establish before winter sets in, and with summer flowers fading, you can see the “bones” of your garden more clearly, helping you spot where extra planting is needed.  You can also think about planting roses.

And don’t forget bulbs: plant daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths now, but leave tulips until November to reduce the risk of disease.

Greenhouse

If you’re lucky enough to have a greenhouse, October is the month for a deep clean and seasonal reset. By now, tomatoes and summer crops are finishing, and tender plants will soon need to come inside.

Clear out debris and sweep floors to reduce pests and diseases. Wash glass inside and out with a safe, natural cleaner like vinegar or lemon juice to let in as much light as possible.  Add insulation such as bubble wrap or fleece while staging is empty, to prepare for frosty nights. Fit guttering and a water butt if you haven’t already – harvesting rainwater is invaluable after this year’s hosepipe bans.

A clean and well-prepared greenhouse now will give overwintering plants the best chance to thrive.

Move

Before the first frost, it’s essential to bring in tender plants. Perennials like Gazanias and Coleus can be dug up, potted and moved to a frost-free, bright place. Tubers such as Dahlias and Cannas may survive in the ground in milder regions like ours but, to be sure, lift, dry and store them in a cool dark space until spring.

Exotic-looking plants – from bananas to citrus – should also be sheltered. A conservatory or bright porch works well, but avoid overly hot, dry rooms.

October is also the month to pack away hoses, irrigation systems, and sprinklers. Empty them fully to prevent frost damage and store them somewhere dry until next spring.

Cut and Divide

October is ideal for propagation and plant division:
Take hardwood cuttings from ornamental shrubs, roses, or fruit bushes. Use sharp, clean tools and pot them in gritty compost or directly into garden soil.
Divide clumps of herbs and perennials such as chives, lemon balm, hostas, and daylilies. Replant one section into the original spot and pot up extras for other parts of the garden or to share.
This is also the right time to cut back herbaceous perennials that have died down, unless you’re leaving seedheads for birds or winter interest.

Wildlife

October gardening isn’t only about plants – it’s also about supporting garden wildlife in autumn.
Clean and disinfect bird boxes, ready for next spring’s nests.
Build a log pile or insect hotel in a quiet corner to give hedgehogs, frogs, and beneficial insects shelter over winter.
Cover ponds with netting to stop leaves falling in, but make sure wildlife can still access water.
Wrap grease bands around fruit tree trunks to prevent winter moths laying eggs in next year’s crop.
Feeding birds with high-energy food such as sunflower seeds and suet balls will also help them survive the colder months.

In Summary

There’s no shortage of October jobs in the garden. From planting shrubs and bulbs, cleaning greenhouses, and protecting tender plants, to dividing perennials and supporting wildlife, this month is all about preparation, protection, and planning for spring.

So wrap up warm, grab your gardening gloves and make the most of those autumn daylight hours.  Your garden (and its wildlife) will thank you!