Tasks for October
Try to keep the greenhouse as dry as possible as this discourages diseases such as Botritis.
Pinch next year’s plants into shape rather than at every joint. Very little feed is required but pests and fungal diseases need to be watched.
This month is the time when we prepare for winter. The main thing if you have a greenhouse is to clean it right out so that no pests or diseases are around when you put your plants away. Wash all the frames and staging using a strong disinfectant such as ‘Jeyes Fluid’ if possible. A spray with a mixture of fungicide and insecticide after will do no harm either. Check all the glass and frames to see if any are damaged as it will be easier to change them now than in the winter. If you have heaters make sure that they are working correctly, along with thermostats if you use them. If you do not have a greenhouse think of where you are going to over-winter your plants and prepare the place that you are going to use. It’s just a matter of waiting for winter and you putting your plants to bed until the spring.
