Gardening jobs to do in October

Keep your garden in the best shape possible with our monthly gardening checklists.

Planting and Transplanting

October is a great time to plant any trees, shrubs, or perennials. The soil is still warm, which encourages good root growth before winter.
Transplant any existing shrubs or perennials that have overgrown their current location.
Sow seeds for cool-season vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, and carrots.

Pruning and Trimming

Prune any dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs. This helps prevent potential disease and provides a clean start for spring growth.
Trim back any overgrown hedges or bushes to maintain their shape and size.
Remove spent flowers from annuals and perennials to encourage continuous blooming.

Preparing for Winter

Apply a layer of mulch around perennials and trees to help insulate their roots from winter temperatures.
Clean up garden beds by removing fallen leaves, dead plants, and debris. This helps prevent disease and makes for an easier spring cleanup.
Drain and store garden hoses and watering equipment to prevent freezing and damage during winter.

Lawn Care

Rake fallen leaves from the lawn regularly to avoid suffocating the grass and inhibiting growth.
Aerate the lawn to relieve soil compaction and improve water and nutrient absorption.
Overseed any bare patches in the lawn for a dense and healthy turf next year.

Bulbs and Perennials

Plant spring-flowering bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, before the ground freezes to enjoy a vibrant display early in the next growing season.
Divide and transplant crowded perennials to maintain their vigor and promote better blooming.
Inspect stored bulbs and remove any rotten or diseased ones to prevent the spread of infection.

Vegetable Gardens

Harvest remaining warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants before the first frost hits.
Plant garlic cloves for a late summer harvest next year.
Clear out spent vegetable plants from the garden beds and add compost or organic matter to replenish the soil.

By following these gardening tasks for October, you can make the most of the transitional period between summer and winter. The efforts put in now will ensure a healthier garden come spring, and you'll be able to enjoy the beauty and productivity of your outdoor space all year round!

Explore all monthly gardening tasks

Explore all of our monthly gardening checklists: