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Varying heights of palm trees lined up.
October is a fantastic time to be in the garden in Queensland. It's not too hot and things are shooting away for spring. Here are some ideas for what to do in your garden this month.

Two plumeria plants in purple plastic pots

Hero plant this month: Palms

Gardeners all love planting. This month we are spoilt for choice. But in Queensland, palms are number one as they are ideal for the climate.

Plant them around pools, for their cool and calming effect or as a bold accent plant. There are varieties that also grow well indoors in pots.

As a general rule, fertilise in spring, summer and autumn. Pop into store for advice about what to use on your palm.

Water deeply and regularly when it's warm and dry.

Close up of a yellow and purple flower

What else to plant

Geraniums are another great choice.  Known for their prolific and colourful blooms, they are, easy-care, hardy and tolerate full sun.

Osteospermums are also sun lovers. They grow well in pots, or mass plant in the garden for good effect. They thrive in well-drained soil and for a longer blooming season, remove spent flowers.

For a blaze of colour you can't go past everyone's summer favourite, petunias. Plant them in a sunny spot in the garden, in pots or hanging baskets. Azaleas and plumeria are also in store to plant too.

Don't neglect the vegie patch. It's a good time to plant tomatoes, eggplants and capsicums as they really like the sun.

Watermelons and rock melons will do well too and if you've got room put in a few pumpkins too. But remember the vines spread so you'll need some room. Plant cucumbers, lettuce, beetroot, silverbeet, beans and quick growing radishes.

Pruning a flower bush with secateurs

Maintenance

In October there's a flush of growth, so it's the perfect time to get the pruners out.

Remove spent flowers and tip prune  grevilleas and callistemons as well as other natives. Pruning now promotes good shape and growth. Prune poinsettias and snow flake after flowering.

Give the garden a dose of fertiliser. But don't fertilise when the forecast is for hot weather. 

Remember to feed natives with a low phosphorous option. If you've got any questions about what to feed your garden, pop into store and ask the experts.

Keep water up to shrubs such as gardenias, hydrangeas, and ixoras. They need water to put on their flower show.

Before the heat of summer, is a great time to apply mulch. It helps soil retain moisture and protects plant roots. Lucerne and sugar cane are great options. As they break down, they provide valuable nutrients to the soil. Spread about 5-7cm thick.

Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and beans

Harvest

When you grow vegies, there's nothing better than harvest time and a chance to enjoy the fruits of your labour. Pick cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and beans for the table.

There you go, lots to do in the garden in October.

A scented geranium flower plant

Our Perfect Plant Promise

Remember the Perfect Plant Promise. All our plants (except seedlings) are guaranteed for 12 months. If you're not 100 percent happy, return your plant (with the receipt or tax invoice) and we'll refund it.

A Bunnings team member watering the garden with a hose and hose gun

Start planting today

Check out the wide range of plants online or visit your local Bunnings Warehouse to find out how you can bring your garden to life.

 

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.