October Jobs on the Allotment: Preparing for Winter

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, October is a crucial month for allotment gardeners. It's the time to harvest the last of the summer crops, prepare the soil for the colder months, and plant winter vegetables. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your October on the allotment.

Harvesting the Last of the Summer Crops

October is your last chance to harvest many summer crops before the first frosts arrive. Be sure to:

• Pick remaining tomatoes: If your tomatoes haven’t ripened, bring them indoors to ripen on a sunny windowsill.
• Harvest pumpkins and squashes: These should be collected before the frost sets in. Leave a portion of the stalk attached to prolong storage life.
• Gather apples and pears: Pick these fruits when they are ripe and store them in a cool, dry place.

Planting for Winter

With the right planning, your allotment can continue to produce through the colder months. Consider planting:

• Garlic: October is the perfect month to plant garlic cloves. They will develop roots before the winter sets in and grow vigorously in spring.
• Onions: Winter onions or Japanese onions can be planted now for an early summer harvest.
• Broad beans: These can be sown directly into the soil in October for an early crop next year.
• Winter lettuces and hardy greens: Varieties like mizuna, mustard greens, and winter lettuces can be sown under cloches or in a cold frame.

Soil Preparation

Preparing your soil for the winter months is vital for a successful growing season next year. Here are a few steps to take:

• Clear out old crops: Remove any remaining summer crops and compost the healthy plant material.
• Weed thoroughly: Weeds can take hold over the winter, so make sure your beds are weed-free.
• Add organic matter: Dig in well-rotted manure or compost to enrich the soil.
• Mulch: Apply a thick layer of mulch to protect the soil structure over the winter and suppress weeds.

Protecting Your Plants

The cold, wet weather can be tough on your remaining crops. Take steps to protect them:

• Cloches and cold frames: Use cloches or cold frames to protect young plants and extend the growing season.
• Fleece: Cover tender crops with fleece to protect them from frost.
• Windbreaks: Erect windbreaks to shelter plants from strong winds.

General Maintenance

October is also a good time to take care of general maintenance tasks around the allotment:

• Clean and store tools: Clean, oil, and store your tools to prevent rusting over the winter.
• Tidy up: Clear debris and ensure paths are tidy to prevent accidents in wet and icy conditions.
• Check structures: Inspect sheds, greenhouses, and other structures for any repairs needed before winter storms.

Wildlife Care

Finally, don’t forget the wildlife that shares your allotment:

• Feed the birds: Provide food and water for birds. They can help keep pest numbers down.
• Create habitats: Leave some plant stalks and seed heads for insects and create log piles for hedgehogs.

Conclusion

October is a busy month on the allotment, but the efforts you put in now will pay off with a productive garden next year. By harvesting the last of your summer crops, preparing the soil, planting for winter, and protecting your plants, you’ll ensure your allotment thrives through the colder months. Happy gardening!