Shropshire in October
Frosty air. Mists along the Severn. The quiet shift from late sunshine to slow, earthy mornings. October feels steady here in Shropshire — purposeful, even.
But in the garden, now is the moment to act. Whether you’re on a breezy Long Mynd hillside or tucked behind town walls in Shrewsbury, there are timely jobs to set your garden up for a better winter — and an even better spring.
Here’s your Shropshire-based October garden guide, tailored to local weather, soil quirks, and microclimates. Before diving in, check the weekend forecast: clear nights in valley spots often bring early frosts.
What to Plant in October
Bulbs: Lay the Foundations for Spring Colour
Now’s the perfect time to plant:
- Daffodils
- Alliums
- Tulips (can wait until later, but October works fine too)
Planting rule of thumb:
Plant at 2 to 3 times the height of the bulb, pointy end up. Water in after planting to help soil settle.
Tip: Plant bulbs in layers (“lasagne planting”) for a longer flowering display.
2. Shrubs and Small Trees: Get Them Settled Before Winter
October’s combination of warm soil and natural rainfall makes it ideal for:
- Container-grown trees and shrubs
- Wildlife-friendly hedging (e.g. hawthorn, holly, hazel)
- Specimens with winter bark or berries
Use peat-free compost, mulch well, and water in thoroughly.
3. Hardy Perennials: Time to Divide and Refresh
Split mature clumps of plants like:
- Geraniums
- Daylilies
- Heleniums
Label sections, space thoughtfully, and finish with a generous mulch.
Protecting Plants from Frost
Start Here: Which Plants Need Priority Protection?
- Dahlias
- Tender salvias
- Pelargoniums
- Anything labelled “half-hardy” or “borderline hardy”
When frost blackens dahlia leaves, lift the tubers or mulch them well.
Protection Tips That Work
- Use fleece or cloches on cold nights
- Group pots near warm walls
- Raise containers on pot feet to improve drainage
- Vent during the day to avoid damp
Store lifted tubers in a cool, dry, frost-free space. Label now – your spring self will thank you.
Lawn and Soil Care
Scarify, Aerate, Overseed: What’s the Difference?
- Scarify: Rake out moss and thatch if you can’t see soil between grass blades
- Aerate: Spike compacted areas or heavy clay patches
- Overseed: Apply lawn seed after scarifying and aerating. Keep moist until germinated
Feed Lightly
- Only feed if your lawn looks tired
- Choose an autumn-specific formula that supports roots, not leafy growth
- Water in if no rain’s due
Mulch and Leaf Management
- Bag fallen leaves to create leafmould
- Apply peat-free mulch to beds
- Avoid working wet or saturated soil, especially on clay — it causes compaction
Wildlife-Friendly Tidy Up
- Hold off major rose pruning – save it for late winter
- Leave hydrangea flowerheads to protect new buds below
- Leave seedheads and hollow stems for overwintering insects
- Pile leaves in corners to shelter hedgehogs and toads
Before lighting bonfires, always check for hibernating wildlife.
Greenhouse and Houseplant Care
October To-Dos
- Clean glass to maximise winter light
- Vent on sunny days to prevent damp
- Reduce watering and stop feeding houseplants
- Watch for pests (e.g. red spider mite). Increase humidity for vulnerable plants
Veg Patch and Allotment Jobs
What to Plant
- Garlic
- Overwintering onions
- Hardy broad beans
Under Cover Crops
- Winter salads such as mizuna, lamb’s lettuce, mustard greens
- Use cold frames, cloches, or tunnels
Rotation Reminder
Shift crop families yearly – even a 3-bed system helps reduce pests and disease.
Weekend Project Ideas
1. Small Patio Plan (2 to 3 hours)
- Plant 3 pots of mixed bulbs
- Move tender pots near the house
- Add pot feet and prepare fleece
Shopping list: Bulb mix, peat-free compost, fleece, watering can, pot feet
2. Family Garden Plan (Half-day)
- Scarify and spike worn lawn patches
- Overseed bare spots
- Rake leaves into sacks
- Plant garlic in a sunny spot
Shopping list: Spring-tine rake, lawn seed, garlic bulbs, leaf sacks
3. Wildlife-Friendly Plan (2 hours)
- Leave ornamental seedheads
- Net the pond
- Plant a native hedge section
Shopping list: Pond net, peat-free mulch, hedging whips, stakes and ties
Visit Love Plants Shrewsbury
Want a second opinion? Bring a quick sketch or a few photos and pop into Love Plants, Shrewsbury.
We’ll help you:
- Match the best bulbs and shrubs to your garden
- Choose peat-free composts and fleece
- Plan your plot for spring — no pressure, just helpful advice
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does the first frost usually hit Shropshire?
First frosts often follow clear, still nights. Valleys and riverbanks (like near the Severn) get frost earlier than towns or hills.
How deep should I plant bulbs?
Plant at 2 to 3 times the bulb’s height, then water in to settle the soil.
What’s the difference between scarifying and aerating?
- Scarifying = removing moss and thatch
- Aerating = spiking soil to relieve compaction
Many lawns benefit from both in October.
Can I prune roses and hydrangeas now?
- Wait until late winter for major rose pruning
- Leave hydrangea flowerheads for winter — they protect new buds
How do I overwinter dahlias and pelargoniums?
- Dahlias: Lift after frost blackens leaves, store cool and dry
- Pelargoniums: Move indoors before frost
Are slugs still a problem in autumn?
Yes. Try physical barriers, tidy hiding spots, or encourage predators like hedgehogs. Avoid harmful pellets — especially if you have pets.
Final Checklist
- Checked the local 5-day forecast?
- Moved or protected tender plants?
- Planted bulbs for spring colour?
- Scarified or aerated key lawn areas?
- Left some seedheads or a leaf pile for wildlife?
Final Thoughts:
October is when great gardens are made quietly. A few smart jobs now save trouble later and give you colour, structure, and joy when spring arrives.
Need help? Bring your photos or plan into Love Plants, Shrewsbury. Let’s get your garden ready, together.
