Gardening expert George Irvine on top tips for autumn

Hallowe’en will be with us in just over a week and afterwards we get ready to celebrate Bonfire Night. But before that we look to the end of British Summer Time when the clocks get put back by one hour. The good news is that we gain an extra hour of sleep.

After the clock changes our night times becomes lengthy. No fireworks please, though if you’re holding a private family party, make sure the children are under strict supervision. If you’re having a private bonfire, make sure no flammable material is kept nearby.

Gardeners need to take care if planning a family gathering for Bonfire Night. (Image: Kevin Woblick/Unsplash.com) Nearer the shortest day, or longest night, gardeners can look forward to enjoying their own home-grown Christmas potatoes and sprouts.

Fortnightly Garden Talks

Forthcoming fortnightly garden talks take place during the day at Cardwell Garden Centre.

The next talk will be held on Tuesday, November 5, when members will be treated to an illustrated presentation of the Gardenfest entries, complete with a commentary.

Any readers wishing to come along to this event are welcome to come along and bring a friend with them.

Planting vegetable bulbs

Over the coming weeks shallot bulbs and garlic bulbs can be planted.

Shallots can be planted into the soil, and garlic bulbs can be split into separate cloves, either in the soil or in large containers.

Autumn is the ideal time to plant vegetable bulbs such as garlic and shallots (Image: Nick Fewings/Unsplash.com) Both are quite hardy and should be capable of surviving the winter cold, although covering with horticultural fleece is advocated if the weather becomes extremely cold or snow falls deeply.

You can use a cold frame if need be and cover the bulbs with cardboard or a few sheets of paper.

Be careful when you are handling the shallots that you split the shallots before you plant them singularly into whatever size, whether you plant them into the soil or into a large container.

Garden birds need our help

Winter is a crucial time to ensure gardens are full of food, water and shelter for birds.

However, bird-friendly gardening isn’t just for Christmas and there are many benefits for planning a season-by-season feast for our feathered friends.

Garden birds will always appreciate a helping hand in the winter. (Image: Forest Simon/Unsplash.com) If you place a dish with water out for the birds, do make sure you keep the water clean and change it frequently and do not let it freeze over.

Water being used as a bird bath should be kept from freezing, and wild bird seed can be kept in a seed container and checked regularly.

Shopping event for gardeners

Cardwell Garden Centre are hosting a special shopping event which offers Christmas bargains at their open night, which takes place on Thursday, November 7.

The event kicks off at 5pm and is open until 9pm with full restaurant service until 7.30pm and drinks and snacks until 8.30pm. Mulled wine and mince pies and seasonal food tasting is on offer with 10 per cent off selected Christmas goods.

Cardwell Garden Centre's Christmas season kicks off on November 7. (Image: Cardwell Garden Centre) Santa will be in attendance in his grotto, while face painting and live music for the children will keep the youngsters happy and  carol singers and bands will entertain the adults.

The Christmas lights will be switched and in the run up to Christmas special attractions will include Breakfast with Santa, opening weekends from November 9 from 12.30-5pm, weekends from November 30 from 10am-5pm, and Wednesday-Friday 12.30-5pm during December.

Do come along and enjoy the Christmas fun at Cardwell.

Getting ready for tulip time

Unlike other spring bulbs, tulips should not be planted too early; the best time is in November.

Over the coming weeks is the ideal time to have a look at what bulbs are available, and there are hosts to choose from.

Tulips are available in a wide range of colours. sizes and forms. There are small rockery types which are ideal to plant in containers or at the front of a bed.

There are other taller varieties, though some may be so tall that they will need to be staked for support, particularly in windy locations.

November is the best time to plant tulip bulbs for a splash of spring colour. (Image: Julie Blake Edison/Unsplash.com) Tulips come in an array of semi forms, ranging from single flowers on one stem to double flowers on one stem, and indeed, some are even known to be fragrant.

When you plant tulip bulbs. if the soil is quite soggy then some sharp sand should be placed in the planting hole so that the bulb is not sitting on very wet soil, which will cause the bulb to rot.

Once flowering is over, the bulbs can be left in the soil, or you can lift them and dry them and replant them next year. No matter what avenue you choose to adopt, tulips will generally last for a good few years.

Tulips can also be planted and grown in containers and either on their own or along with other bulb species such as daffodils, crocus or spring flowers.

Tulips can be cut to form colourful bunches of cut flowers to create your very own bouquets along with other species.

Pests and diseases defined

Canker is a pest and disease normally affecting apple trees. To avoid it, once the leaves have dropped, cut off the infected areas and leaves and burn them – do not add them to compost bins.

Woolly aphids that appear on apple trees can be scrubbed off with a brush with a drop of washing up liquid added, or you can use winter tar wash.

Aphids can be dusted off with a brush - sometimes with a little washing up liquid added. (Image: Dustin Humes/Unsplash.com) Powdery mildew usually appears on plants that are too dry and have been grown against a wall. Give the plants a good soak.

Greenhouse plants are useful

During the winter months, it is a great idea to keep most of our plants indoors or in the greenhouse.

However, it is important to be sure that they are kept under proper conditions in terms of temperature, water, light and location in the house.

Ensure that house plants are not exposed to unnecessary conditions.