October Gardening Tip: Prepare Your Hampshire Garden for Winter
October brings the first frosts to most of Hampshire, which marks the start of the garden’s winter rest. But there’s still plenty to do — and getting things right this month means much less work come spring.
Clear & Compost
Cut back dead perennial stems — but leave some seedheads standing for birds and winter structure. Add spent plant material to the compost heap and turn it to accelerate decomposition. Clear vegetable beds ready for a winter green manure or mulch.
Plant Trees & Hedging
October is perfect for planting bare-root hedging and container-grown trees. The soil is still workable and warm, but the reduced evaporation means less watering stress. Add a stake and tree tie for anything over 1.5m tall to prevent wind rock.
Protect Hardscape
Check patios, driveways, and paths for any loose pointing or cracked slabs before winter. Water freezing in cracks causes significant damage. Small repairs now prevent costly replacements later.
Helyers’ October Tip: Plant tulip bulbs from mid-October for the best results. Mix bold single colours in large drifts for maximum impact — they look fantastic in borders and pots alike.
Need help with your garden’s winter prep or planning a spring project? Speak to the Helyers team today.