October

This is a month of rapid new growth for the whole garden, so there is plenty of work to do. Spring is well underway, keep an eye on the weather, pay attention to weeding and feeding. A well fed plant will better survive diseases, pests and drought.

Key Points

  • Now is a good time to install a home irrigation system before the warmer weather arrives.
  • Spray lawns with Yates Turfix to eradicate any broadleaf weeds. Feed with a slow release lawn fertiliser.
  • Re-pot houseplants – go one size larger, use fresh, new potting mix and liquid feed weekly.

The Edible Garden

  • October is a busy month in the vegetable garden. Proper preparation done in August and September will now start to pay dividends.
  • It is now warm enough to sow seeds directly into the ground – peas, beans, carrots, sweetcorn, silverbeet, beetroot, lettuce, cucumber, courgettes, pumpkins and tomatoes, can all be sown this month.
  • October is also the perfect time to plant new plants of Rhubarb, passionfruit, and tamarillos. Blueberries should also be planted now.
  • Feed citrus trees this month with a good citrus and fruit tree fertiliser. Spread out to the drip line of the tree and water well after applying.
  • Plant out fresh herb plants this month for summer use. Herbs do well in pots and baskets. It is a good idea to plant mint in a pot as it can be very invasive in the garden. More on herbs.
  • October is also tomato month. Plant out tomato seedlings and be sure to stake taller varieties at time of planting. Water well with warm water, and when watering during the growing season be careful not to wet the leaves and foliage of tomato plants.Feed tomato plants regularly with liquid tomato food.

The Flower Garden

  • Continue to plant out seedlings of summer flowering annuals, Also summer flowering bulbs such as Dahlias, Begonias, and Gladioli, and Calla Lily.
  • Plant up hanging baskets and pots – remember to add in some Crystal rainwater granules and Saturaid, to enable easier and less frequent watering through the summer. More on container gardening.
  • Feed roses with a good quality rose food. Mulch roses and other flowering shrubs to conserve moisture.
  • Spray roses with Shield to prevent fungus diseases and pest damage.
  • Prune back spring flowering shrubs after flowering has stopped.
  • Liquid feed annuals and perennial with Yates Thrive Flower and Fruit plant food.

The Lawn

  • Spray for Onehunga weed, it comes in to flower in September and October now is the time to spray for it. 
  • Attack the broadleaf weeds in the lawn. Wait for a calm day before using any sprays.
  • Sow new lawn; take advantage of the spring rain and warmth to germinate new seed. 
  • Fertilise your lawn for spring. Apply evenly across the whole lawn and water in.