October 2024 Newsletter

As the vibrant days of summer fade into the cool embrace of autumn, October presents a wonderful opportunity to prepare your allotment for the quieter months ahead. Whether you’re still harvesting the last of your crops or gearing up for next year’s growing season, this month offers a chance to care for your soil, plan for spring, and enjoy the changing colors of the garden. Here's how you can make the most of October on your allotment.

1. Final Harvests & Autumn Crops

October is a time of abundance for many late-season crops. Be sure to pick:

• Pumpkins and squash: Harvest these before the first frost hits. They store well in a cool, dry place.

• Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beetroots: These can stay in the ground until you’re ready to use them.

• Brassicas such as cabbages, Brussels sprouts, and kale: These hardy crops thrive in the cooler months and often taste sweeter after a frost.

Keep an eye on your autumn-planted crops, such as spinach and winter lettuces, ensuring they’re well-watered during dry spells.

2. Prepare Your Beds for Winter

As your summer crops come to an end, it’s time to clear and care for your beds:

• Remove spent plants: Clear away old vines, stalks, and any weeds that may have sprouted. Be mindful to compost any disease-free plant material.

• Mulch and compost: Spread a layer of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure over your beds. This will protect the soil from erosion and enrich it for next year’s planting.

• Sow green manure: Planting green manure, such as clover or mustard, helps to improve soil structure and suppress weeds through winter.

3. Plant for Spring

Believe it or not, now is the perfect time to plan ahead for next spring:

• Garlic and onion sets: These can be planted now for a harvest next summer.

• Broad beans: Sow varieties like 'Aquadulce' for an early crop in late spring.

• Spring bulbs: Plant daffodils, tulips, and crocuses to enjoy beautiful blooms when the weather warms up.

4. Protect Your Plants from Frost

As frosts approach, take steps to safeguard any delicate plants still in your allotment:

• Cloches and fleece: Use these to cover young or frost-sensitive crops, such as winter lettuces, to extend their growing season.

• Lift tender crops: If you’re growing anything like dahlia tubers, it's time to lift and store them in a cool, frost-free place over winter.

5. Tools and Tidying Up

October is the perfect month to tidy up your allotment, preparing it for the winter ahead:

• Clean your tools: Prevent rust and prolong their lifespan by giving them a thorough clean. Sharpen any blades that need attention, and oil wooden handles to protect against the damp.

• Organize your shed: Take time to declutter, and ensure any leftover seeds are stored properly in a cool, dry place.

• Rainwater collection: Empty and clean water butts before the winter rains, ready to collect fresh water for next season.

6. Wildlife in the Allotment

Encouraging wildlife can help keep pests in check and maintain a healthy ecosystem on your allotment:

• Create habitats: Leave piles of logs or stones in a corner of your plot for hedgehogs, frogs, and beneficial insects.

• Bird feeders: Hang bird feeders to support birds during the colder months. They’ll also keep pest populations down when spring comes.

• Insect hotels: Install or build insect hotels to provide shelter for pollinators and natural predators like ladybirds and lacewings.

7. Planning for Next Year

October is a great time to reflect on the past growing season and start planning for the next:

• Crop rotation: Keep your soil healthy by rotating crop families next year. For instance, avoid planting brassicas in the same spot where they grew this year.

• Seed catalogs: Start browsing seed catalogs and making a wish list for your next growing season. Early orders ensure you get the best varieties before they sell out.

Allotment Tip of the Month: Mind Your Compost

October is ideal for starting or maintaining your compost heap. Make sure to strike the right balance between green materials (vegetable scraps, grass clippings) and brown materials (dried leaves, cardboard). Turning your compost regularly will help it break down faster, ready to nourish your soil for the growing season ahead

Happy Gardening! Your Allotment Team 🌿