October
- Bexley Garden Centre
- Sep 30, 2025
- 2 min read
October is a big “switch-over” month in the garden – cooler nights, falling leaves, and the start of real autumn jobs. It’s the perfect time to tidy up, protect tender plants, and get ready for winter, while still enjoying seasonal colour and a few cosy touches around the home and garden.
October jobs in the garden
Garden protection & weather prep
Nights can turn chilly quickly, so start protecting tender plants. Bring delicate pots into shelter, use fleece, and check containers aren’t sitting in water as rainfall increases. It’s also a good time to clean and store summer pots, and refresh autumn containers with seasonal plants.
Lawn care
Keep mowing as needed, but raise the cutting height as growth slows. Clear fallen leaves regularly to prevent yellow patches, and consider an autumn lawn feed to strengthen the grass for winter. If you’re repairing patches, early October is usually your last good window before it gets too cold.
Veg patch & seed prep
Harvest remaining crops, clear spent plants, and add compost or soil improver to beds ready for next season. If you grow winter veg, keep an eye on pests and protect crops as temperatures drop. It’s also a great time to tidy your tools and organise your seed stash for next year.
Trees & shrubs
October is ideal for planting many trees and shrubs while the soil is still workable. Add mulch around new and existing plants to protect roots and improve soil. Collect leaves for leaf mould if you have space – it’s a brilliant free soil conditioner.
Wildlife
As natural food sources change, keep bird feeders topped up and provide fresh water. Leave some seed heads and berries where you can, and create a small “wild corner” (log pile/leaf pile) for overwintering insects and other garden visitors.
What’s in store this month
Seasonal autumn plants for pots and borders
Compost, mulch and soil improvers
Frost protection: fleece, cloches, pot feet
Autumn lawn feed and leaf rakes
Spring bulbs (for planting now for next year’s colour)
Wild bird food and feeders
And our seasonal favourites: ceramic pumpkins for autumn decorating
October garden FAQs
Should I move plants indoors in October?
If you have tender plants that won’t tolerate frost, October is a good time to start moving them into a greenhouse, porch or bright indoor spot – especially if the forecast shows cold nights.
What should I do with fallen leaves?
Clear them from lawns and paths regularly. You can compost them, or bag them up to make leaf mould (a fantastic soil improver) if you’ve got the space.
Is October a good time to plant bulbs?
Yes – it’s one of the best months for planting many spring-flowering bulbs, helping them establish roots before winter.
Do I need to feed the lawn in October?
An autumn lawn feed can help strengthen roots and improve resilience through winter. Just avoid feeding if the lawn is waterlogged or frozen.
Should I still feed birds in October?
Yes. As the weather cools, food becomes harder to find, so topping up feeders and providing water can really help.
Visit us today...
at our Bexleyheath or Barnehurst for autumn essentials — bulbs, compost, mulch, lawn care, frost protection, bird food, and seasonal décor..
