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Three 'crucial' jobs anyone with allotment needs to do in October
Gardening expert and nutritionist, Rosa Jones has provided a list of jobs to carry out in your allotment in October to give yourself a 'head start' i…
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October Allotment Guide: Key Steps to Maximize Your Next Harvest
As October arrives, gardeners are encouraged to begin preparations for the next growing season, according to Rosa's Kitchen Garden, a nutritionist and avid gardener. The focus for this month is on proactive tasks that can significantly reduce workload and enhance yield in the spring. Key recommendations include clearing out all spent crops such as beans, cabbages, and courgettes. "Leaving diseased plants to rot in the beds can harbor pests and diseases that will persist through winter," Rosa explains. Healthy plant material should be added to compost heaps to create nutrient-rich soil for the following year. Soil preparation is another crucial step. Gardeners are advised to fork over empty beds to loosen compacted soil and break up any clumps. Incorporating a layer of compost or well-rotted manure will nourish the ground. For those with heavy clay soil, mixing in grit or coarse sand can dramatically improve drainage over the colder months. Planting garlic, shallots, and onions now in sunny, well-drained spots will allow them to establish roots during winter, promising an early harvest next summer. Mulching with materials like straw, shredded leaves, or garden waste is also recommended to protect the soil from frost, retain moisture, suppress weeds, and gradually release nutrients. Additionally, planting brassicas, cabbages, kale, and sprouting broccoli in October can lead to a winter harvest. Protecting young plants from slugs with collars or netting is essential to prevent them from being eaten. Finally, tidying paths, checking structures, sharpening tools, and planning future crops by reviewing seed catalogues will ensure a well-prepared and productive allotment for the upcoming season.
