Things I want to achieve in October 2026
Comparing this list to last month’s list looks like I’ve done nothing, but feels like I’ve done a lot. The garden has continued to look good and in good order, but still a few corners that still need love, but on the whole, it is technically organised. I think after having a TV interview in the garden is the ultimate need for panic weeding, control and order! I think most of the gardening book publicity has eased off so now the gardening is more about what the garden needs and gently plodding through the season.
This month I’m continuing to work on a ‘trust the process’ model. Last year I decided to actually take advantage of my frost free, ‘subtropical’ climate and ‘go early’ and surprisingly it worked, so I’m doing it again this year, although it seems to be a tad colder so I’m keeping a close eye on the weather forecast and my soil thermometer.
As for the rest of the garden, I need to keep doing what I’ve been doing – staying in control and taking chunks out of projects and keeping all of the extra ideas safe so I don’t lose them.
GARDEN GARDENING
- Weekly weeding of all sectors.
- Continue with bricks in paths.
- Trap possums.
- Continue caring for seedlings.
- Set up irrigation through sector 4.
- Finish office makeover.
- Replace damaged fence palings.
- Fix toolshed storm damage.
- Tidy up beside the shed.
- Weed and deadhead flowers.
- Weed pond area.
- There is a garden bed on my garden plan that is listed as “weeds.” This needs to change.
THE VEGETABLE GARDEN
- Clear out remaining beds once finished.
- Finish enriching soil for new crops.
- Test and fix irrigation.
- Prepare growing structures.
- Lower herb frames.
- Direct sow beans and corn.
- Liquid feed plants– fortnightly.
- Plant out seedlings.
- Mulch the garden.
- Sort out edible flower bed.
THE FRUIT GARDEN
- Fix hole in irrigation pipe.
- Build a blueberry cage.
- Feed and mulch fruit trees.
- Build a windbreak gate.
- Mulch strawberries.
- Train grape.
- Buy currants and maybe some blackberries.
- Prune elderberry.
- Feed citrus.
- Protect apples from Codlin moth.
THE PALACE:
Room 1
- Add new windbreak.
- Trim and feed hedge.
- Rock maintenance.
- Add brackets to stairs.
Room 2
- Refresh the bark mulch.
- Fill gaps with plants.
- Get plaque for time capsule.
- Refresh the bark mulch.
- Add windbreak.
Room 3
- Weed regularly.
- Protect roses from possums.
- Add feed and compost.
- Prune and train hedge.
- Learn maintenance needs.
Room 4
- Mow.
- Dream.
BEYOND THE GARDEN
- Maintain backdoor area.
- Weed and Feed Lawn.
- Spray lawn for Onehunga prickles.
- Weedeat swing seat path.
- Weedeat along fence line.
- Level along fence line and add brick mowing strip.
- Remove strawbale remains
- Fix address sign.
- Paint maintenance of dolphins.
- Repot houseplants.
OTHER PROJECTS – for when I have time.
- Landscape around the swing seat.
- Weed around trees on windbreak hill.
- Plant more trees on windbreak hill.
- Weed Waterfall.
- Investigate ‘hill art’ project.
- Build plants in pots station.
- Makeover chicken coup.
KITCHEN GARDENING
- Meal Plan around garden ingredients.
- Use up stored produce.
- Make jams from frozen fruit.
- Something from the garden in every meal.