What to do NOW: October 29 - November 4

Planting of bare-root deciduous trees, hedging and shrubs can continue in good weather. Do not plant into wet ground or into planting holes that fill with water, because the wet conditions cause the roots to rot.
All kinds of pot-grown trees and shrubs can also be planted, of course.
Check that young trees are securely staked — wind-rocking can seriously damage young trees that are not yet wind-firm.
Check wall shrubs and climbers to ensure they are firm.

Spring bulbs should be in the ground by now but should be planted if not.
Tulips can be planted quite late and still do very well.
Bedding plants for spring colour should be put in now, if not already done.
Lift dahlias, begonias and gladiolus in frosty localities to prevent damage, or cover them with soil in milder areas.

If moss has been a problem last year, lawn mosskiller can be used now. Moss will grow strongly in the coming months and may have built up to damaging levels.
Even though grass growth has slowed, occasional mowing is a good idea if the soil is not too wet. Grass tends to grow a little over winter and an occasional mowing will keep it right.
Trim lawn edges to leave them neat for winter, and where they meet borders looking tidy... a perfect contrast to withered stems of flowers and bare shrubs.

This is an ideal time to plant new fruit trees and bushes of all kinds.
Dig over vegetable ground, removing old crops to the compost heap, unless they are diseased.
Control weeds over areas of ground that will be dug over later.
Spread compost and rotted manure before digging it in.

Remove all plant debris and dead plants and ventilate occasionally.
Water very little to reduce the risk of grey mould disease.
Set up a greenhouse frost protection heater to protect tender plants, such as geraniums or fuchsias.
Be careful not to over-water house plants from now on and drain them after watering to avoid having them standing in water in a saucer, which rots the roots.

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