Gardening in October in Ireland | What To Do

What to Sow in October

Sow broad beans outdoors for an early crop next year — the Aquadulce Claudia variety is best for autumn sowing. Sow hardy peas (Kelvedon Wonder or Meteor) for overwintering in mild areas. Continue sowing green manures on bare ground. Sow winter salad crops under cover for continued harvests. Wildflower seeds benefit from autumn sowing in Ireland. Garlic cloves should be planted this month for the best results — they need a cold period to develop properly.

What to Plant in October

October is the premier bulb-planting month. Plant daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, alliums, scilla, fritillaries, anemones and muscari. Plant bare-root roses, trees, hedging and fruit bushes — the selection is excellent and prices are lower than container-grown plants. Plant new rhubarb crowns. Divide and replant established perennials. Plant out wallflowers, sweet williams and other spring-flowering biennials. Continue planting garlic cloves in well-drained soil.

What to Harvest in October

Harvest the last tomatoes — green ones can be ripened indoors on a sunny windowsill or in a drawer with a ripe banana. Lift remaining beetroot, carrots and parsnips. Pick the last beans, courgettes and peppers before frost damages them. Harvest pumpkins, squash and sweetcorn. Continue picking apples, pears and autumn raspberries. Collect nuts from hazel trees. Lift celeriac. The first Brussels sprouts may be ready after a frost sweetens them. Dig up and store dahlia tubers after the first frost blackens the foliage.

Lawn Care in October

October lawn care focuses on preparation for winter. Carry out autumn lawn renovation: scarify, aerate, overseed and topdress. Apply autumn lawn feed. Continue mowing on a high setting as needed — growth slows significantly in October. Clear fallen leaves regularly from the lawn to prevent moss and disease. This is the last good month for laying turf before winter. Ensure the lawn is well-drained — address any waterlogging issues before winter arrives.

General Garden Tasks for October

Clear spent summer crops and add to the compost heap. Protect tender plants with fleece or move under cover. Lift and store dahlia tubers, begonia corms and gladiolus corms. Plant spring bulbs in borders and containers. Move tender pot plants indoors. Clean and insulate the greenhouse. Install cloches over winter salads. Clean, sharpen and oil all garden tools before storing for winter. Turn compost heaps. Net ponds to catch falling leaves. Check and repair garden structures, fences and sheds before winter storms arrive.

Ireland-Specific Tips for October

October in Ireland marks the full arrival of autumn, with spectacular foliage colour in gardens and woodlands across the country. Average temperatures drop to 9-13°C, and the first ground frosts are likely in inland areas of the Midlands, though coastal areas of Cork, Kerry and Dublin may remain mild. October rainfall is typically heavy, with the west coast receiving the most. Strong Atlantic storms become more frequent. The changing clocks at the end of the month dramatically reduce gardening time in the evening. Enjoy the autumn colour at Killarney National Park, Glendalough and the gardens of Powerscourt.

Frequently Asked Questions

October is the ideal time to plant the majority of spring-flowering bulbs in Ireland. Plant daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, alliums, muscari (grape hyacinths), scilla, fritillaries, anemones, snowdrops (as dry bulbs), winter aconites and iris reticulata. Save tulips for November planting to reduce the risk of tulip fire disease. Plant bulbs at a depth of two to three times their height. Add grit to heavy clay soil for drainage. For a natural look, scatter bulbs and plant where they land. Layer different bulb types in containers for successive flowering.

Yes, lift dahlia tubers in October or early November after the first frost has blackened the foliage. Cut the stems back to about 15cm above the tuber. Carefully dig around and under the tuber with a garden fork, lifting gently to avoid damage. Turn the tubers upside down for a week to drain moisture from the hollow stems. Once dry, store in boxes of barely damp compost, vermiculite or wood shavings in a cool, frost-free shed or garage. Check monthly through winter and remove any tubers showing signs of rot.

October is an excellent time to plant trees in Ireland. Bare-root trees become available from October through March and represent exceptional value. The soil is still warm from summer, encouraging immediate root growth, and autumn rains provide natural moisture. Plant deciduous trees, fruit trees, native hedging species and evergreens now. Prepare a generous planting hole, stake securely and water well. The mild Irish autumn gives trees several months of root development before winter dormancy, giving them a strong advantage over spring-planted trees.

MCDS.ie is your trusted online store for plants, garden tools, and outdoor essentials. We help you create beautiful, low-maintenance gardens with quality products delivered across Ireland.

What To Do In Your Irish Garden In October