With the first touch of autumn upon us, the garden is beginning to change – but Adam Kirtland is already looking ahead and planting a host of golden daffodils for an explosion of colour next spring

When we reach this time of year, things start to take a turn – and not always for the worst! Autumn is a fantastic season and truth be told, it’s one of my favourites, not least of all because it’s right about now that I’m deep in planning mode for the garden for next year and just how we’re going to have a bigger, better and bolder spring display of daffodils (and more) to begin the year.

The nip in the air signals the changing seasons and the curtains closing on another summer gone by, but what a summer it’s been – a mixed bag of weather, that’s for sure! But we move forward, and our resilience as gardeners carries us on into what delights the garden holds for us in a brand-new calendar year. But let’s not jump that far ahead just yet, hey? Here are some jobs to keep you and your hands busy in the garden in October.

Plant up daffodils

Planting daffodil bulbs in the garden this time of year is a simple and rewarding task that can bring vibrant colour right at the beginning of spring. Start by selecting a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil, which is essential for healthy growth. Dig a hole roughly three times the height of the bulb, typically around 10-15cm deep. Place the bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing upwards, as this is where the stem will emerge, some bulbs are less obvious than others so in this case, plant on their side and they’ll figure it out!

Space the bulbs about 10-15cm apart to ensure they have enough room to grow and develop. After positioning, cover them with soil, gently firming it down to remove any air pockets that could hinder growth. Water the area thoroughly after planting to help the bulbs settle and establish roots, but they won’t need any more water from you until they start to appear next year. Over the coming months, the bulbs will remain dormant, but by early spring, you’ll be greeted with cheerful daffodil blooms, brightening your garden and marking the start of a new gardening season.

Reuse old compost

As you start to think about using some of your summer pots for even more of those bulbs, consider reusing the compost from these as mulch on your garden… Start by emptying the old pots and breaking up any large clumps of compost. Check for and remove any plant roots or debris that may be remaining before you move onto the next step.

Once you’ve done this, spread the compost evenly across the soil in your garden border. Aim for a layer about 2-3cm thick, but anything is better than nothing. This will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and gradually improve the soil as it breaks down. The compost will not only protect the soil during winter but also add any nutrients that may be remaining in the compost, directly into your soil, giving your plants a healthy start when the growing season begins again.

Make your choice

Deciding when to cut back perennials depends on your garden and your own personal preference, but cutting them back now tidies up the garden and give you an idea of spaces and gaps you might want to fill. However, leaving perennials standing provides food and shelter for wildlife during winter and can add visual interest with seed heads and frost-covered stems.

Waiting until spring to cut them back also helps protect the plants from harsh weather. If you prefer a neat garden, cut back now; if you value wildlife and winter interest, wait until spring (which is what I do!). There are some fantastic perennials that look incredible over winter, Rudbeckia and Echinacea come to mind and you’ll still see birds pecking at their dry seed heads through the darker months ahead.