It’s autumn, the leaves are falling, and – whisper it quietly – winter is just around the corner! Now’s the time to get stuck in and set up your garden to look its best for next spring, with Adam Kirtland’s top tips

Blimey… it’s October already, where did September go? And did we ever really get those golden autumn days that were promised? The weather has been a mixture of sunshine, showers and sudden chill, but whatever it has thrown our way, the fact remains. Winter is just around the corner, and now is the time to get our gardens in order.

Autumn is a season of preparation as much as it is of colour and beauty, and the jobs you do now will set you up perfectly for the months ahead. I have pulled together some of my top tips for October, a mixture of tidying, planting and protecting, that will reward you handsomely once spring arrives. 

Collect those fallen leaves

One of the unmistakable sights of October is the carpet of fallen leaves across lawns and paths. As lovely as they look at first, they can quickly turn into a soggy, slippery nuisance if they are left where they fall. On the lawn in particular, they block out light and air, encouraging moss and bare patches. A weekly rake or leaf blower makes light work of the job, and while it might seem like a chore, the good news is that the leaves are incredibly useful once collected.

Pile them into black bin bags with a few holes poked in for air, then tie them up and tuck them out of sight in a shady corner. By next year, the leaves will have rotted down into leaf mould, which is one of the very best soil improvers you can make at home. It is slow to form, but the results are worth the patience. Think of it as nature’s free gift to your garden. 

Plant bare-root fruit

October is also the beginning of bare-root season, which is the very best time to plant fruit trees and bushes. Apples, pears, plums, raspberries and gooseberries are all widely available as bare-root plants. They are lifted from the ground once dormant and sent out without pots, which makes them easier to transport, usually cheaper to buy, and healthier in the long term because they establish quickly in their new soil.

The key is to get them planted as soon as you can. Pick a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil, dig a hole wide enough to spread out the roots, and give them a good soak in a bucket of water before planting. Firm the soil back gently but securely, water them in, and then let them rest through the winter. By spring, you will start to see the first signs of growth, and with a little luck you could even be picking your first crop the following year. Planting fruit is an investment that rewards you year after year, and autumn is the perfect moment to start. 

Bring tender plants under cover

While many hardy perennials will happily sit through frost and rain, there are some plants that simply will not cope with a cold British winter. Pelargoniums, fuchsias, salvias and cannas are just a few that benefit from extra protection. If they are left outside, the frost will blacken their foliage and likely kill them off. The good news is that they are easy to save if you act now.

Cut back any straggly growth, check them carefully for pests, and pot them up if they have outgrown their containers. Then move them somewhere frost-free, such as a conservatory, greenhouse or bright windowsill. They do not need heat, just protection from freezing temperatures and waterlogging. With the right care, they will tick over quietly all winter and be ready to burst back into life when spring returns. 

Show your lawn some care

Lawns can look a little tired by the time October rolls around, but this is the perfect month to give them some attention. A light scarify with a rake will remove thatch, which is the build-up of old grass and moss. Spiking compacted areas with a garden fork will improve drainage, which is especially important before the heavy winter rains arrive. If you have any bare patches, sowing grass seed now can still work as the soil is warm enough for germination, though growth will be slower.

An autumn lawn feed is a wise investment too. Unlike summer feeds that are high in nitrogen, autumn feeds contain more potassium and phosphorus, which strengthen the roots and help the grass withstand cold weather. A little effort in October can mean a thicker, healthier lawn when spring arrives, without the patchy start we often see after winter. 

Plant spring bulbs for a brighter future

October is prime time for planting spring bulbs, and it is hard to resist the thought of daffodils, tulips, crocuses and hyacinths bursting into bloom after the long dark winter. Bulbs are simple to plant and even simpler to care for. Choose a sunny spot, dig a hole two to three times as deep as the bulb itself, and drop it in with the pointed end facing upwards. Cover with soil, water lightly, and then let nature take over.

Bulbs work beautifully in borders, pots or even tucked into the lawn for a natural look. You can layer them in pots too, planting tulips deeper, then daffodils, then crocuses or muscari nearer the surface, so that you get a succession of flowers from March through to May. It is a project that takes just an afternoon, but the reward is months of colour when you need it most.

So, there you have it, five key jobs for October. Gather up the leaves and make your own compost, plant fruit to harvest in years to come, bring tender favourites indoors, give your lawn a boost and fill your garden with bulbs for spring. For more ideas and tips, keep an eye on my Instagram where I share plenty of inspiration as the year rolls on.