Page 47 - ESPC_Oct24

GARDENING
gardening tips,
October

with Dobbies

As the days get colder and the leaves start to fall, Dobbies Garden
Centres has outlined everything you need to be doing in your
garden this October to get it in top shape for the winter months.

Lawncare
Nigel says if there’s only one thing you do in
your garden this month, it should be looking
after your lawn. Tidying up leaves, cutting your Maintenance Plant care
grass and applying lawn dressing are just the Nigel says now is the time to maintain your Although the weather is cooling down, Nigel
basic things you can do to ensure a healthy garden and keep it in good shape for next says you can still enjoy planting in October,
lawn come spring. He comments: “Raking fallen year. He says: “Perennials and ornamental with a wide range of spring bulbs available
leaves off your lawn is an important first step and grasses that have finished flowering can be now at Dobbies. He says: “Early spring
will instantly make your garden look tidier. Add cut back now to improve their appearance flowering bulbs such as daffodils can be
leaves to a compost heap or rot them down into and encourage them to flower again next planted now for a colourful spring display.
leafmould, and don’t forget to clear leaves off year. Just make sure you’re not cutting stems If planting in pots, you can add some winter
paths, patios and decking as they can become back by too much as these will provide wildlife bedding plants like violas and pansies to the
slippery and dangerous as temperatures drop. a place to shelter over the colder months. top layer so you have some nice colour as
you wait for the bulbs to grow.
“Scarifying your lawn will help remove any dead “Prune any climbing roses to encourage
grass or moss that can suffocate your lawn over flowers next year, and remove any dead or “Fragrant indoor bulbs such as prepared
Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel winter. Once you’ve done this, apply a lawn dying branches. You should also tie in any hyacinths and paperwhites can also be
Lawton says there are some dressing to improve the soil and strengthen your new shoots and prune dead flowers back to planted now in time for Christmas and
Dsimple steps you can take grass in preparation for colder months. two thirds of their length to protect them New Year.
to nourish your outdoor space and from harsh winds.
prepare it for the season ahead, “October is also your last chance to give your “Tender potted plants such as begonia,
from planting spring bulbs for a lawn one final trim before the cold weather really “Keeping your soil healthy is vital to ensure fuscsias or citrus trees should be brought
beautiful display next year, to taking sets in, just make sure to set your blades on the better plant growth next year. Mulching indoors towards the end of the month
care of your lawn in autumn. highest setting. Grass doesn’t grow over winter borders with Bloomin Amazing Peat Free Soil when it gets colder, and you can keep them
so this is your chance to ensure your lawn looks Enricher will provide plenty of nourishment in a conservatory or any other frost-free
Whether you’re an avid vegetable nice and tidy beforehand as you won’t need to and protect plant roots from frost over winter.” room with good lighting.”
grower, flower fan, or just want a cut again until next year, however, you should
tidy garden, here’s what you should make sure you’re keeping on top of weeds as
be doing this October. these will continue to grow in autumn.” For more autumn gardening advice and inspiration visit dobbies.com.

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