October is almost here, and the weather remains changeable. October is a busy month, but it is also one of the most rewarding times in the garden. With the soil warming, plants growing rapidly, and everything beginning to flower, there is plenty to enjoy; however, this is also the month when chasing weeds can become a full-time job, so hoeing and hand-pulling while weeds are small is still the best option in planted areas. Couch grass and convolvulus need particular attention; remove every runner and root you can find, as even small pieces left behind will quickly grow and spread. Once the obvious weeds are cleared, cover the soil with a good layer of weed-free compost or mulch to block light and discourage new weed seeds from germinating. Then it is time to plant, plant, plant! Annuals and perennials will grow rapidly now and soon help to leave no room for weeds. If plants, roses and shrubs have not yet been fed, now is the time. Compost enriched with blood and bone and a little sulphate of potash will provide food and encourage flowering and fruiting. Water new plantings regularly, preferably in the morning, allowing the foliage and soil surface to dry before nightfall. Roses benefit from well-rotted stable manure and compost spread around the drip line rather than dug into the soil, as digging can damage roots. Keep manure away from the stems and spread it around the outer feeding roots. If greenfly appear on young rose growth, they can often be removed with your fingers or a strong jet of water. Once leaves have hardened, birds will also help. Hostas are beginning to unfurl their beautiful leaves, so take care not to damage the pointed tips while working around them. Keep them well watered and give a dressing of compost and blood and bone. Slugs will soon be looking for them too; copper tape around containers or suitable sharp barriers can help keep slugs away. Lilies and peonies are pushing upwards now. Put stakes or supports in place before they become too tall, as it is much easier to support them early. They also appreciate consistent moisture. Camellias that have finished flowering can now be trimmed and shaped. If a bush has become dense, remove some branches from the centre to allow more light and air through, encouraging future bud formation. Keep an eye on blossom trees too; any growth appearing from below the graft should be removed. Lawns are growing quickly now that the soil is warming. New grass seed should be sown thickly and kept moist until established. Do not fertilise newly germinated grass, as fertiliser can be too strong. Established lawns can be fed, preferably when rain is expected, rather than during dry sunny weather when fertiliser may scorch the grass. Vegetable Garden: If you have a vacant patch of ground, why not turn it into a vegetable garden? Clear, expose, and loosen the soil, add compost, and make simple edges using whatever is available. Keep weeds down around the outside and start planting what seedlings are available, but Corn, pumpkin, squash and zucchini need to be sown under cover for protection from cold nights. Tomato plants are available, so get greenhouses ready to hold the summer crop and plant when nights become warmer. Carrots can also be sown now; if carrot fly has been a problem, covering carrot rows with insect netting after germination can help protect the crop. Avoid disturbing the plants unnecessarily, as the scent released when carrots are thinned can attract carrot fly.  Herbs. A sunny spot enriched with compost or well-rotted manure makes a wonderful herb garden, and mixed herb pots planted now will grow quickly and make thoughtful Christmas gifts. Fruit trees, raspberries and gooseberries are flowering, so sunshine and plenty of pollinating insects are especially welcome. Blueberries need acidic soil and consistent moisture; a mulch of pine needles can help maintain suitable conditions for both blueberries and strawberries. News from our wonderful Community Gardens: Their next Community Classroom series runs throughout October. Visit our website  https://www.waitakicommunitygardens.nz/   or look out for flyers. Cheers,Linda.