🌿 Jobs to Do in the Garden in October

As the crisp autumn air sets in and the leaves begin to fall, October is the perfect time to get your garden ready for the colder months ahead. While it might be tempting to hang up your gardening gloves for the year, there’s still plenty to do to keep your outdoor space healthy and looking great — and to make sure you’re set for a strong start next spring.

Here’s our guide to the key gardening jobs to tackle this October👇

🍂 1. Tidy Up Fallen Leaves

Fallen leaves look beautiful at first, but they can quickly turn lawns and patios slippery and damp.

• Rake leaves regularly from lawns and borders.

• Add them to your compost heap — they make fantastic leaf mould.

• Keep paths and decking clear to avoid slips.

🌼 2. Plant Spring Bulbs

October is prime time for planting bulbs that will bring a burst of colour next year.

• Choose daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths for early spring colour.

• Tulips can wait until later in the month or even November to avoid tulip fire disease.

• Plant bulbs in well-drained soil, two to three times their depth.

🪴 3. Cut Back Perennials

As perennials die back for the winter, give them a tidy trim.

• Cut back faded flowers and yellowing stems to keep beds looking neat.

• Leave some seed heads (like echinacea or alliums) for birds and winter interest.

• Add the trimmings to your compost heap if they’re healthy.

🌳 4. Prune Trees and Shrubs

Now’s a great time to shape deciduous trees and shrubs before they go dormant.

• Remove dead or diseased wood and thin out crowded branches.

• Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs now — you’ll cut off next year’s buds!

🌱 5. Prepare the Lawn

Help your lawn recover from summer wear and prepare for winter:

• Rake out thatch and moss.

• Spike compacted areas for better drainage.

• Apply an autumn lawn feed (low in nitrogen, high in potassium) for root strength.

• Repair bare patches by sowing lawn seed.

🥕 6. Harvest and Store Produce

If you grow your own, October is harvest season!

• Gather pumpkins, squashes, apples, and root vegetables before frost.

• Store them in a cool, dry place.

• Dig up tender plants like dahlias or cannas and store the tubers indoors.

🌧 7. Protect Tender Plants

Frosts can arrive early in some parts of the UK.

• Move potted plants under cover or wrap them with fleece.

• Insulate greenhouses and check heaters are working.

• Lift any remaining tender summer plants before the cold hits.

🪵 8. Clean and Maintain Garden Tools

A bit of care now will save you hassle next year:

• Clean, sharpen, and oil tools before storing them.

• Drain and store hoses to prevent freezing.

• Give your shed or greenhouse a good tidy-up.

🐦 9. Help the Wildlife

Your garden can be a lifeline for birds and small animals in autumn and winter.

• Put up bird feeders and keep them topped up.

• Leave some leaf piles or logs in a quiet corner for hedgehogs and insects.

• Avoid cutting back everything — a little wildness helps nature thrive.

🌻 Final Tip: Plan for Next Year

As you tidy up, take note of what worked well this year and what didn’t.

Sketch out plans for new beds, seating areas, or planting schemes. Winter’s the perfect time to dream up your next garden project!