October

From slugs to staking, follow the expert advice to keep your plants thriving this season

Fill border gaps, spruce up container displays and divide perennials. Get ahead for next year by planting crocuses for spring and taking salvia cuttings

Make sure your borders look as colourful as possible by promptly deadheading this month to encourage more blooms. Annuals such as cosmos and pot marigolds can run out of steam this month if the flower

Simple steps to keep your plot looking good

Look to the beautiful beds and borders of Hidcote Manor to discover how to prolong the season of interest, with this advice from National Trust head gardener Lottie Allen

Brighten up the season with a collection of cheerful, chirpy and colourful containers