GardenAdvice gardening calendar first week in October 2026
October focus: make the most of cooler, wetter conditions by planting ornamental plants, getting spring bulbs into the ground, improving soil and preparing the garden for winter.
Plants and planting
- Plant hardy perennials, shrubs and trees while the soil is workable and not waterlogged. Water new plants thoroughly and keep checking them during dry spells.
- Plant spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, crocuses, alliums and ornamental onions. Tulips are usually best left until later in autumn to reduce the risk of some bulb diseases.
- Lift and divide overcrowded herbaceous perennials if needed, replanting healthy sections into improved soil.
- Keep deadheading late flowers where it helps extend display, but leave seedheads that provide winter structure or food for birds.
Soil and compost
- Spread well-rotted compost or manure over empty beds and around established plants, keeping it clear of plant stems.
- Keep collecting fallen leaves and add suitable material to a leaf-mould pile. Remove diseased foliage and persistent weed roots from ordinary compost.
- Do not work soil when it is saturated. Wait until it crumbles rather than smears or sticks to tools.
Vegetables and edible areas
- Harvest remaining crops before hard frost where appropriate and clear spent annual vegetable crops.
- For gardeners growing edibles, October is a useful month for planting garlic and overwintering onion sets in well-drained soil.
Lawns
- Rake up leaves regularly so grass is not shaded or smothered.
- Raise the mower height slightly and avoid mowing wet ground. Repair small bare patches when conditions are suitable.
Ponds and water features
- Remove excessive fallen leaves before they sink and begin to decay.
- If blanket weed is present, lift out small amounts gently with a cane, checking carefully for pond wildlife before disposal.
Pest and disease checks
- Inspect roses, shrubs and perennials for blackspot, mildew, aphids and other lingering problems.
- Remove badly affected leaves and clear diseased material from beds rather than adding it to ordinary compost.
- Check containers for vine weevil symptoms and make sure pots drain freely as autumn rainfall increases.
A gardening gift to enjoy together
A GardenAdvice one-day gardening course makes a thoughtful gift for a gardening partner. The course takes place in the recipient’s own garden, can be tailored to their interests, and is available as a gift voucher. Find out more at GardenAdvice gardening courses.
Try the new MyGardenTeam system
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Try the MyGardenTeam demo here:
The demo gives you an opportunity to explore the new online members area and see how Elena can help with plant identification, gardening questions, saved plants, plant wish lists and garden border design.
MyGardenTeam – ongoing support for your garden
The new features are part of our continuing development of MyGardenTeam as a complete online gardening support service.
The idea is simple: your garden changes every season, so your gardening support should be there all year round.
With Elena AI, saved garden information, your plant lists, your wish list, saved gardening advice and the new Garden Border Designer, MyGardenTeam is becoming a much more powerful tool for planning, managing and enjoying your garden.
