So far the autumn has not turned out as we were promised. The heatwaves have gone but the hoped for rain has barely arrived. A few showers have dampened the ground and encouraged the grass to grow but done little else and we are still in full drought restrictions.
The rain will eventually come and I think it might be wise to prepare the ground to receive it. If the ground is baked hard most of the rain water will simply just run off. So I suggest where possible you break the soil surface using a hand fork so the rain when it comes can penetrate. Do this on borders, around trees and shrubs and on the vegetable plot. I think if you do this now you will be amazed at how little the rain has penetrated.
Ensure that all new fruit trees, bushes and canes are planted before the end of November. The soil is still warm enough to stimulate root growth provided they are well watered in. This allows the plant to develop a good root system before the inevitable drought next summer! Incorporate garden compost in the soil around the root and ensure it is well watered in. A stake may be required.
It is possible that soon there may be a frost though in recent years this is uncommon before Christmas, so bring in or protect all frost sensitive plants.
Finish harvesting squash and pumpkins. As they ripen they loose their sheen and sound hollow when tapped. Use a sharp knife to cut through the stem leaving about four inches attached to the fruit. This acts as a plug against the ingress of moisture and rot so never lift it by the stem in case it gets damaged. Once picked the fruit needs to be placed in a warm bright place such as a greenhouse for two to three weeks to allow the skin to toughen and the flesh to sweeten. Store them in a cool dark frost free place until used. Most will last four to six months.
Autumn sown onions and garlic planted in modules should be showing signs of life. Though both are fine outside over winter I plant a few in the poly tunnel which gives an earlier crop with slightly larger bulbs and protects them from allium rust. Remember to leave space from spring planting of tomatoes.
Now is the time to cut the hedges before birds start nesting. So what to do with the fallen leaves? It is wise to rake them up from lawns as they may become slippery and damage the grass. Elsewhere it’s up to you to do what you like. Piles of leaves in the corners of gardens provide a good sanctuary for wild life. Swept up leaves can be composed preferably with plenty of cardboard to prevent them getting too soggy.
Alternatively for the enthusiast fill a old compost bag with damp leaves; seal it and make a few holes with a fork and in a couple of years you will have leaf mould!
Remove yellow leaves from brassicas and ensure that they are protected from pidgeons, free of caterpillars and upright! Remember parsnips and sprouts taste better after a hard frost.
Check stored vegetables and watch out for rats and mice.
Hopefully by next month I will have the dates for the shows in 2027 and the new schedule will be being printed.
Also December is the month to review the year with its successes and failures and plan ahead.
Good Gardening
Peter Estcourt