Monty Don’s garden staple that should be planted in October

Renowned gardening expert has revealed his latest tip for creating a garden that brings beauty for years to come.

In his column for Gardeners’ World Magazine, Monty shared that October’s unique conditions make it the perfect time for gardeners to start .

In his feature, titled ‘The Full Monty’, Monty explained that the warm soil of early autumn provides the ideal environment for hedge planting.

He explained that during this time, plants face minimal demand from their leaves, which allows the roots to easily take hold and flourish.

The result is a healthy and thriving hedge that will provide structure and privacy for years to come.

Monty explained that planting hedges in autumn doesn’t require advanced gardening skills, making it accessible to everyone – whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner.

“So plant hedges. Make them low, tall, straight, and curved. October is the best month because the soil is warm, and the roots will get established with little or no demand from the foliage,” Monty shared.

He also offered advice on getting the best results at an affordable price: “Plant small and not only will it be much cheaper, but it will also establish much quicker.

“Keep the base weed-free and mulched, and let the leaders of each plant reach the desired height before cutting back,” Monty added that trimming once a year, after birds have nested, is usually all that is needed.

“That’s it. Not a lot of room for horticultural expertise or opportunities for displaying your gardening credentials. But decades of pleasure and beauty await you,” he said.

Beyond hedges, Monty encouraged gardeners to focus on other essential autumn tasks to prepare for a vibrant garden in the coming year.

In a previous episode of Gardeners’ World, he underscored the importance of planting spring bulbs during this time, describing it as the “biggest” and “essential job” for the rest of September and into October.

He stressed the importance of ensuring good drainage for the bulbs, using a pot with a significant hole at the base and lateral drainage for demonstration.

“Most bulbs are better planted in September if you can get it done,” Monty advised.

Monty also highlighted the value of taking cuttings during autumn to maintain a vibrant garden well into the next season.

Cuttings allow gardeners to create exact copies of their favourite plants, and Monty has previously noted that using semi-ripe cuttings from the current year’s growth often yields the best results.