Did you know that autumn is a great time for planting and transplanting? The soil is still warm and moist. In terms of gardening, you can consider autumn as the second spring. And by planting (or 'potting') spring bulbs now, you'll have some early anticipation and a colourful start to the new gardening season! There are still plenty of enjoyable tasks you can do in your garden and on your balcony in October. We'll list them for you!

15 garden and balcony tasks

  1. Plant spring bulbs: We have a large collection in stock now. From daffodils and tulips to grape hyacinths, crocuses, and hyacinths. Plant these bulbs before winter arrives, as they need a cold period to bloom early in spring.
  2. Plant late bloomers: You can still plant a variety of things since the soil is still warm and moist enough. Think of late bloomers like stonecrop (Sedum), autumn asters, Japanese windflowers, monkshood (Aconitum), sneezeweed (Helenium), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), and purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea).
  3. Plant ornamental grasses: In autumn, ornamental grasses shine in the low-angle light that falls on their flower spikes and sway gracefully in the wind. Even in winter, ornamental grasses ensure that you don't have to look at a dull, empty garden or bare terrace.
  4. Plant evergreen plants and shrubs: Ivy, honeysuckle, barrenwort, periwinkle, (mini) conifers, and yew are just a few of the robust and beautiful evergreen plants and shrubs you can find in our garden centre.
  5. Plant roses, (berry) shrubs, and small trees: Autumn is particularly the ideal time for planting shrubs and small trees. This way, they'll be well-rooted come spring.
  6. Create an atmospheric, colourful garden or balcony table: Fill containers and pots with winter pansies, chrysanthemums, heather, Pernettya, Skimmia, Gaultheria, and autumn cyclamen.
  7. Dig up spent bulbs and tubers: Dahlias, tuberous begonias, and gladioli should be dug up after the first frost when the leaves start turning black. Store them in a cool, frost-free, and dry place until next spring.
  8. Secure climbing plants: Beautiful climbing plants like climbing roses, clematis, and honeysuckle have long shoots that can sway against the windows and may break during a storm or under a layer of snow. Make sure to secure them well.
  9. Care for the lawn or establish one: You can still establish a lawn by sowing grass seed or laying turf. Keep mowing this month and spread some lime over the grass to prevent moss formation.
  10. Maintain the pond: Remove fallen and dying leaves from the pond and stretch a net over the pond to catch falling leaves.
  11. Clear leaves from the gutters: This will prevent blockages and leaks.
  12. Remove water trays and plates under your pots: From now on, there will only be more rain, and you don't want your plants to drown or risk the roots rotting.
  13. Hang birdhouses: And take a look at the latest bird feeding trays and silos in our garden centre.
  14. Tidy up the shed, the garden shed, or the garage: After all, it's almost time to store away the garden furniture, frost-sensitive ornaments, and empty pots and containers.
  15. World Animal Day: October 4th is International World Animal Day. Our garden centre has all sorts of treats, toys, baskets, shelters, and other necessities for your beloved pets.

Is autumn the end of the gardening season? Not at all, not by a long shot. There's still plenty to do in the garden and on the balcony in October. With our 15 fun and practical tips, you'll make autumn a delightful season. Visit our garden centre soon.