What to do in the garden in October: Build a compost heap
There is plenty of surplus foliage around at the moment to start a fine compost heap

A well-made and productive compost heap is a satisfactory affair, affording the keeper an air of quiet superiority. There is plenty of surplus foliage around now to get a new one started. Ideally, the heap should be framed in well-ventilated timber and raised a little off the ground, perhaps on some old bricks. Build up layers of plant material chopped into even pieces, and weigh them down as the heap rises. Keep it moist, not wet or dry, and start the decay process by applying a high-nitrogen ingredient. A small quantity of human urine is ideal-applied discreetly, of course.
* Gardening calendar: October jobs
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Bringing the quintessential English rural idle to life via interiors, food and drink, property and more Country Life’s travel content offers a window into the stunning scenery, imposing stately homes and quaint villages which make the UK’s countryside some of the most visited in the world.
-
Tricks of the trade: London's best spots for second-hand sales
Need a mid-century desk? A frock from the 1960s? Here are five London markets that satisfy every taste.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
Country Life 12 February 2025
Country Life 12 February 2025 looks at fine art, garden rooms and how animals fall in love.
By Country Life Published