Autumn is a time of transformation in the garden as the weather cools and daylight decreases. To ensure a healthy and productive garden next year, there are several critical tasks that need to be completed in October. This article covers ten essential jobs for gardeners to prepare their gardens for the winter and set the stage for a successful spring.
1. Protect Winter Salads and Asian Greens
As temperatures drop, winter salads and hardy greens like tatsoi will experience slower growth. You can extend their growing season by using row covers such as fleece or cloches. A simple polythene tunnel made from bamboo canes and water pipes can protect plants from the cold, while also keeping the soil drier during wet conditions. Ensure adequate airflow to prevent mold and plant diseases by occasionally opening the covers.
2. Harvest and Cure Winter Squash and Pumpkins
By October, the leaves of winter squash and pumpkins may be looking tatty or even dead. This is the time to gather your harvest. To store squash for up to 6 months, you need to cure them first. Lay the fruits in a warm, well-ventilated area for 1 to 2 weeks, allowing the skins to harden. A greenhouse bench works well for this process.
3. Ripen Green Tomatoes Indoors
As the temperature drops below 68°F (20°C), tomatoes will ripen slowly or not at all. Light plays a minimal role in ripening, so there’s no need to expose them to more sunlight. Instead, gather green tomatoes and place them in a bowl with riper fruits like bananas, which release ethylene gas. For stubbornly green tomatoes, place them in a closed environment like a cardboard box with a banana to increase ripening.
4. Storing Root Vegetables
For regions with mild winters, root crops like carrots can be left in the ground, covered with mulch to keep the soil workable. However, if you expect prolonged freezing temperatures, it's best to dig them up and store them in boxes layered with damp potting mix or sand. Make sure the roots are not touching each other to prevent rot from spreading.
5. Storing Late-Season Fruits
Late-season apples and pears can be stored effectively if handled properly. Pick fruits by gently lifting and twisting them off the branch; they should come off easily when ready. Wrap blemish-free fruits in newspaper and store them in breathable boxes in a cool, frost-free place. Properly stored, these fruits can last for several months.
6. Plant Garlic
October is the ideal time to plant garlic. Choose between hard neck and soft neck varieties. Hard necks produce fewer but larger cloves and are very hardy, with edible flower stalks called scapes. Soft necks produce more cloves, though smaller, and store well. Order your garlic early to ensure availability, as it is a popular crop.
7. Handle Autumn Leaves
Fallen leaves can be a valuable resource. On garden beds and grass, they decompose naturally, enriching the soil. However, remove them from paths and terraces to prevent slipping hazards. Gather leaves into a cage to create leaf mold, a superb soil conditioner. Fully decomposed leaf mold takes about 2 years, but you can use partially decomposed material after one year.
8. Cut Back Perennials
As plants like asparagus and rhubarb die back, cut them down to just above ground level. This not only tidies the garden but also prepares these plants for their next growing season. Yellowed leaves of rhubarb can be added to the compost heap.
9. Compost Management
If you have the space, consider expanding your composting setup. Two compost bays are ideal: fill one while the other matures. Simple structures made from pallets or similar materials work well. Compost is the lifeblood of any garden, turning organic waste into valuable fertilizer.
10. Prepare for Next Season
October is the time to prepare for next year's gardening efforts. Clean your tools, order seeds, and plan out your garden beds. Consider which crops you want to grow and how you can improve your soil structure and fertility.
By following these essential tasks, you will set your garden up for a successful winter and vibrant growth in the spring.
