Blog section 26 · Seasonal garden guide tabs

The Potting Shed

Jobs for this month

Oct

Plant tulip bulbs now for spring colour
Plant 15 cm deep, pointy end up, in groups of seven.
Done
Lift and store dahlias
After the first frost blackens the leaves.
Done
Make leaf mould for free
Bag damp leaves, poke holes, wait a year.
Done

Nov

Prune roses before winter winds
Cut tall stems by a third to stop wind rock.
Done
Plant bare-root fruit trees
Cheaper than potted and they settle in fast.
Done
Wrap tender pots
Bubble wrap or hessian keeps roots above freezing.
Done

Dec

Pick holly and ivy for wreaths
Cut sprigs with berries from the sunny side.
Done
Plan next year's veg beds
Rotate crops so soil stays healthy.
Done
Feed the birds
Fat balls and fresh water make a big difference.
Done

Jan

Chit early potatoes
Stand seed potatoes in egg boxes on a cool sill.
Done
Winter-prune apple trees
Open the centre so light and air get in.
Done
Order seeds early
Popular varieties sell out by February.
Done