Gardening Tips for October

• Dahlias will continue flowering until the first frosts. There is no need to continue with feeding but the tubers will continue to mature underground and should not be lifted until after the top growth has died down.
  
• Plant winter flowering pansies to replace your summer bedding, they are great for providing colour all winter long. We grow a vast variety of colour shades and don’t forget to add some fish/blood/bone fertiliser when planting it certainly will be worthwhile for your display.
  
• When picking fruit such as apples, treat them as if they were eggs - damaged or bruised fruit will not keep. Cup them in the palm of your hand rather than using the tips of your fingers, it is easy to puncture the skin with long fingernails. a long handled fruit picker is a good investment if your fruit tree is hard to reach and will prevent unnecessary bruising. We have a good selection to suit your requirements in our tool section.
  
• The end of the summer can be a good time for planting, the soil is warm and plants will establish rapidly. Make sure the root ball is thoroughly watered before planting and do continue watering until the plant is established.
  Bone meal is an ideal fertiliser to use when you plant, a handful mixed well with compost in the planting hole is ideal and will help while the plant is becoming established as it is great for promoting root growth.
  
• Herbaceous borders should receive your attention this month. Most herbaceous perennials need dividing every three to five years to retain their vigour. The best method is to carefully lift the plant and chop through the centre of the clump using a spade or two forks back to back. Select healthy vigorous sections to replant in your chosen spot. The soil does need to be moist and the newly divided clump needs to be kept watered. Late flowering varieties and grasses are best divided in spring.