Knollys Garden Centre

Gardening Calendar - October to November

October

· Clear up fallen autumn leaves regularly
· Dig up outdoor tomato plants and hang upside down in greenhouse or shed to ripen.
· October is a good time for digging over vacant areas of the vegatable plot, as the approaching cold weather will help to improve the soil structure by breaking it down into crumbly particles.
· After digging over these areas should be covered with new planting or polythene to prevent new weed growth.
· Cut down faded herbaceous perennials and add to compost heap.
· Any remaining summer bedding should be cleared and replaced with seasonal bedding.
· Plant wallflowers, forget me not and other spring bedding plants in prepared ground. Keep them well watered if no rain is forecast.
· Bring all tender plants into the greenhouse or conservatory.
· Plant lily bulbs in pots.
· Reduce the watering of house plants as the days shorten and the growth stops.
· Check tree stakes before winter storms can cause damage.
· Consider building a post and chicken wire leaf pen for autumn leaves. These turn into leaf mould , very useful as a soil improver.

November

· Mulch around fruit trees with horse manure compost.
· Trap winter moths by placing grease bands around fruit trees.
· Protect tender herbs, use cloches to protect from wind and rain.
· Plant tulip bulbs.
· Plant out winter bedding, heathers, cyclamen and polyanthus can all add a splash of colour.
· Continue clearing the fallen leaves.
· Check on hyacinths and paper white daffodils being forced into early growth. When they are 25mm high bring them into a light cool room to grow. When flower buds appear they can be brought into a warmer room to provide a seasonal display.
· November is an ideal time top plant roses. Avoid planting in an area where roses have previously been grown to prevent rose sickness.
· Rake fallen leaves off lawns before they block out light and remove moisture from the grass.
· Rake fallen leaves from ponds that are not netted.
· Hang bird feeders to encourage winter visitors to your garden.
· Ensure your garden tap is insulated against frost.
· Good time to think about major landscaping projects.

December

· If you have not done so already now is the time to dig soil improvers into vacant areas of the garden. Cover these areas with old carpet or polythene to keep the soil dry, weed free, and easier to work in the spring – particularly useful with heavy clay soils.
· Clear polythene will raise the temperature of the ground enabling earlier sowing in the spring.
· Black polythene is a better weed suppressant.
· Check on tender plants outdoors and protect with fleece.
· Improve drainage of heavy clay soils by working in plenty of bulky organic matter such as composted bark.
· Good time to plant bare root trees and shrubs.
· Pruning and renovation of many deciduous trees and shrubs and hedges can be carried out now and throughout the dormant season.
· For larger trees you will need the services of a tree surgeon.
· Avoid walking on lawns on frosty mornings. It can damage the grass and often leads to brown footprint shaped marks.
· Add lights and power to sheds and greenhouses so you can continue to garden on wet days and winter evenings.
· Plan any major landscaping work.
· Prevent premature needle drop on your x-mas tree by not placing near heat sources such as a fire or radiator. Choose a tree stand that will hold water keeping the tree fresher for longer.

Have a very merry x-mas