October in the Garden
Leaves fall, soil rests, and the garden begins to dream 🍁
October brings the full arrival of autumn — crisp air, shorter days, and a kaleidoscope of colour as the trees turn golden and red. It’s a beautiful month for being outdoors, with the satisfying rustle of leaves underfoot and the smell of bonfires in the distance. While growth slows, there’s still plenty to do to tidy, plant, and prepare the garden for the colder months ahead.
Top Jobs for October
- Divide established rhubarb crowns – Lift and split healthy crowns into sections with at least one strong bud apiece, then replant to create new plants for next year.
- Cut back perennials – Remove faded stems and tidy up borders to make way for fresh spring growth.
- Divide herbaceous perennials – Refresh older clumps by dividing and replanting them in enriched soil.
- Move tender plants – Bring tender and aquatic plants into a greenhouse, conservatory, or sheltered spot before the first frosts arrive.
- Plant out spring cabbages – Get them established before the cold weather sets in.
- Harvest autumn fruits – Pick apples, pears, grapes, and nuts, storing them in a cool, frost-free space.
- Prune climbing roses – Tidy long shoots and remove any dead or diseased growth to keep plants healthy.
- Collect seeds – Finish gathering seeds from favourite plants to dry and store for next year’s sowing.
- Give lawns their final cut – In milder areas, mow lawns and trim hedges one last time before winter.
- Renovate or create lawns – Repair bare patches or lay new turf while the soil is still warm enough to root.
General Garden Care
October is the month for raking leaves — even if it feels endless! Collect them to make leaf mould, one of nature’s best soil improvers. Keep an eye on forecasts and be ready for early frosts by having horticultural fleece to hand for tender plants.
It’s also a great time to enrich borders with compost or well-rotted manure, giving your soil a boost before winter sets in.
Top 10 Jobs This Month
- Divide established rhubarb crowns.
- Cut back perennials that have died down.
- Divide herbaceous perennials.
- Move tender or aquatic plants into protection.
- Plant out spring cabbages.
- Harvest apples, pears, grapes, and nuts.
- Prune climbing roses.
- Finish collecting seeds for next year.
- Give the lawn its final mow and trim hedges.
- Renovate or lay new turf while conditions are mild.
What’s in Stock This Month 🌿
At Newquay Garden Centre, October is all about preparation, planting, and cosy autumn colour. You’ll find:
- Spring-flowering bulbs — tulips, daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths
- Autumn bedding plants — pansies, violas, cyclamen, and wallflowers
- Compost, mulch, and leaf bags for soil care and tidy-up jobs
- Horticultural fleece and greenhouse accessories for frost protection
- Roses, shrubs, and ornamental grasses to refresh borders
- Lawn repair seed, turf, and autumn feed for healthy winter lawns
Visit us for seasonal inspiration — our friendly team can help you prepare your garden for a colourful, healthy start next spring.
Cornwall Gardening Tip
Cornwall’s mild coastal autumn often means the first frosts arrive later than elsewhere, but wet, windy weather can strike early. Protect tender plants from salt-laden winds by moving them into shelter or wrapping them in fleece. Take advantage of the still-warm soil to plant bulbs and perennials — Cornwall’s gentle climate helps them root well before winter.