October’s five most important gardening jobs - Expert advice from Wilkinson Sword

Expert tips from Wilkinson Sword 

October is the ideal time to prepare the garden for winter while laying the foundations for a healthy, colourful spring. From tidying borders to protecting plants against the colder weather, Wilkinson Sword shares five essential jobs gardeners should prioritise this month, along with the tools to get them done. 

1. Cut back perennials and tidy borders 

Remove dead or diseased foliage and cut back perennials that have finished flowering to keep borders tidy and reduce the risk of disease. However, leave ornamental grasses and some seed heads standing to provide winter interest and food for wildlife. 

Tool recommendation: Wilkinson Sword pruners for precise pruning, alongside garden shears for tidying softer growth. 

2. Plant spring-flowering bulbs 

October is a great time to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, crocuses and alliums, giving them time to establish before winter. Plant bulbs at a depth of around two to three times their height, in well-drained soil, with the pointed end facing upwards. 

Tool recommendation: A Wilkinson Sword hand trowel for planting bulbs in borders and containers, or a bulb planter for larger displays. 

3. Prune shrubs and remove dead wood 

Inspect shrubs, roses and small trees for dead, damaged or diseased branches, removing them with clean cuts to encourage healthy growth. Before pruning, check the plant’s specific requirements: spring-flowering shrubs are generally best pruned after flowering, rather than in autumn. 

Tool recommendation: Wilkinson Sword secateurs for smaller stems and loppers for thicker branches that are beyond the reach of hand pruners. 

4. Clear fallen leaves and keep paths safe 

Regularly clear leaves from lawns, patios and garden paths to prevent slippery surfaces and help stop lawns becoming smothered. Rather than discarding every leaf, collect healthy fallen leaves to make leaf mould, a valuable soil conditioner for future use. 

Tool recommendation: A Wilkinson Sword rake for gathering leaves from lawns and borders, with a garden fork to help turn collected leaves where needed. 

5. Protect plants and prepare the soil for winter 

Move tender potted plants to sheltered positions, raise containers onto pot feet to improve drainage and apply mulch around suitable plants to help protect their roots. Use well-rotted organic matter to improve the soil in empty beds and avoid digging when the ground is waterlogged. 

Tool recommendation: A Wilkinson Sword garden fork for incorporating organic matter into suitable beds, and a hand trowel for applying mulch around individual plants. 

Ends

Editors notes

Wilkinson Sword's mission is to provide gardening tools of premium quality and performance that help make gardening easier and more enjoyable! Reflecting 100 years of cutting excellence, the gardening tools collection comprises highly engineered quality products, including pruners, shears, loppers, stainless steel garden tools as well as a range of axes and multi-tools. Every product in the range is put through rigorous quality tests to ensure the high-quality design, durability and strength expected from this trusted brand. Every product comes with the reassuring stamp of a 10-year guarantee.