October:

Clear Old Vegetation – Remove dead foliage and dying plants. If disease-free, add to the compost heap.

Remove Plant Supports – Store away bean poles, canes, and other supports for future use.

Cover Beds with Sheeting – Use polythene or weed suppressant membrane to reduce weed growth and prepare for earlier spring sowing.

‘Cure’ Pumpkins and Squashes – Cut and leave them to dry in the sun to harden the skins, improving storage life.

Lift Carrots and Root Vegetables – Harvest and store for winter use.

Earth Up Leeks and Celery – Protect stems by earthing up to keep them blanched.

Cover Late Crops – Use cloches to protect tender late-sown crops, especially salads.

Harvest Fruit – Continue picking apples and pears, storing only undamaged fruit to prevent rot.

Sow or Plant
Broad Beans – Sow early varieties to overwinter for a June harvest.
Spring Cabbages – Last chance to transplant. Firm the soil and cover with netting to protect from birds.
Garlic – Plant cloves in well-drained soil to overwinter; the longer they grow, the bigger the bulbs.
Rhubarb – Now is the best time to plant new sets or divide and replant old crowns.
Fruit Bushes – Plant bare-root bushes now, allowing them to establish before next season.

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