Yarrow in October: monthly care

Achillea millefolium thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, though flowering may be less prolific in shadier spots. It's exceptionally adaptable to soil type, growing happily in sandy soil, loam, or chalky soil, and it actually prefers lean, free-draining conditions over rich, heavy ground. Avoid waterlogged sites; yarrow dislikes wet feet and may rot in poorly drained soil. You can plant yarrow from March to May or in September and October. Spring planting gives plants a full season to establish, while autumn planting works well in milder areas, allowing roots to settle before winter. Prepare the soil by removing weeds and forking it over lightly—there's no need to add compost or manure, as yarrow performs better in less fertile ground. If your soil is heavy clay, work in some grit or sharp sand to improve drainage. Plant at the same depth the plant was growing in its pot, spacing individual plants 40 cm apart to allow for their spreading habit. Yarrow forms clumps that gradually expand via rhizomes, so give them room. After planting, firm the soil gently around the roots and water in well to settle them, even though yarrow has low water needs once established. Apply a light mulch of gravel or grit around the base if your soil is on the heavy side; this keeps the crown dry and discourages rot. Avoid organic mulches like bark or compost, which can make the soil too rich and cause floppy growth. Water occasionally during the first few weeks if the weather is dry, but yarrow establishes quickly and soon becomes drought-tolerant.