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Jobs for October

With shorter, cooler days growth on the plot slows considerably this month, but there is still plenty to do. Harvesting continues with the last of the tender crops such as squashes needing to be moved inside before the frosts strike and as Sue Hoy reminds us, it’s not too early to begin preparations for the season ahead

KG quickies

● Some gardeners prefer to sow broad beans now and overwinter them for an early crop. It really depends what part of the country you’re in – and how severe the winter is. I find that seed sown in modules in early spring soon catches up. Sow double staggered rows in shallow drills, spacing the beans 23cm (9in) apart, allowing 60cm (2ft) between rows. ‘The Sutton’ and ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ are both suitable for autumn sowing.
● If you have light soil, mulch any areas of the plot you have cleared of crops. The mulch (garden compost, well-rotted manure or leaf mould) will protect the soil from winter weather and can be dug in when the ground is prepared for planting in spring. Don’t try this on heavy soil as it will TURN wet and sticky.
● Root crops like carrots are normally dug up and stored, (traditionally in boxes of sand) before the first of the winter weather strikes. They can be left in the ground, where they will keep better and have a good flavour, if the rows are protected by straw. This will not only protect the crops from hard frosts and prevent them rotting, it will make them easier to dig up in freezing conditions. Try it with beetroot, turnips, swede and new potatoes which have been planted late for a Christmas crop.

KG TOP TIPS

● Pot up clumps of mint and chives for a sunny kitchen windowsill so that you can cut them easily over the winter.
● Plant garlic 16-18cm (6-7in) apart if you didn’t do so last month. On heavy soils, start them in a module first so that they’re planted with a good root system.
● Sow rocket thinly in shallow drills early this month for a winter crop. Thin to 15cm (6in) apart.
● Cover cauliflower curds with one of the larger lower leaves to help protect it from early frosts.
● Finish harvesting pumpkins and squashes before they’re damaged by frost.

For lots more advice, see this month's issue, available to buy online!

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