Mid to late autumn can be an unpredictable time of the year.
The first of the real night frosts will usually have already occurred, signalling the end of any remaining tender annual plants and making most gardeners consider the onset of winter.
There is still time, however, when weather permits, to finish any delayed planting of Spring flowering bulbs and Autumn/ Winter bedding.
Autumn leaves are still looking colourful but will soon be falling. Don’t be tempted to let leaves stay too long on beds, borders or lawns, where they can cause damage and harbour pests and diseases.
Monthly reminders:
Fruit & Vegetables
Prune gooseberries, raspberries and blackcurrants now and plant new bushes and canes. Plant new apples, pears and plums. Pot herbs for the greenhouse, conservatory or even on a windowsill for use over winter. Start winter digging and complete as soon as practicable.
Flower Garden
Plant herbaceous plants and try some hellebores (Christmas Guelder Roses) now available in a range of colours.
Trees, Shrubs and Roses
All of these can still be planted. Remember that dwarf and semi-dwarf conifers are available in many shades of green and gold.
Pots & Containers
Clear the last of any summer bedding and bring tender fuchsias and geraniums into a frost-free, well-lit area for winter. Protect vulnerable or tender plants that must remain outdoors. Put all pots on blocks or pot feet to avoid waterlogging.
Greenhouses
Clean and disinfect ready for winter.
Garden Birds
Winter feeding should have already started. We have a vast range of feeders, roosting boxes and a wide selection of food for different species. Don’t forget to provide water for birds.
Plants Looking Good Now:
Ornamental reeds, grasses, pyracantha, liquidamber, cotoneaster, conifers, pansies, violas, heathers, photinias, elaeagnus.
At Farnborough Garden Centre we have been busy setting out our range of Christmas trees, Holly and Fir wreaths, door swags and planted table decorations. We are always sure to carry a constantly changing range of gifts and homeware, perfect for those special seasonal gifts.
For something really different visit our ‘Treasured Teddies’ shop for a wide selection of limited edition collectors bears along with lots of everyday cuddly companions. We hope the weather stays kind and you have time to visit us this month.
Pete’s Top Tips for Preparing your Garden for Winter.
1. Leaf clearance, fallen leaves will need to be cleared regularly as if left they can damage the plants beneath them.
2. Pruning and training, begin winter pruning starting with deciduous plants but don’t prune unnecessarily and weaken growth. Remember plums and cherries should be left until summer to deter silver leaf disease.
3. Plant Protection, protect those tender plants from the winter cold. Use fleece hessian or where appropriate bubble wrap.
4. Outdoor Pots and Containers, lift all pots and containers onto pot feet or blocks to prevent waterlogging.
5. Ponds, submersible pumps should be removed from ponds now and stored through winter together with any lights etc.
Written by Pete Toms
Farnborough Garden Centre
On A423 Southam Road,
Nr Farnborough, Banbury,
OX17 1EL
01295 690479
