•Plant trees, shrubs, and evergreens now so they will be better established when spring growing season arrives. Roots grow while the soil temperature is warm and the tops are dormant.  Use Fertilome Root Stimulator when planting and 2-3 more times every two weeks.

 •Take houseplants, tropicals, and tender annuals for overwintering indoors now.  Check for insects and spray with Insecticidal Soap, Horticultural Oil or Fertilome Triple Action before taking inside.

   •Dig up tender bulbs such as cannas, dahlias, elephant ears, caladiums, begonias, and gladiolus to store for the winter.  Let them dry protected from frost and heat, clean off the soil, and store in dry peat or vermiculite in bags or layered in newspaper in boxes in a cool, dry location.  Check monthly during the winter for rotting bulbs or sprinkle the bulbs with water if they appear to be shriveling.

 •Pot crocus, daffodils, tulips, hyacinths or other bulbs for forcing indoors. Place pot in a paper bag and refrigerate for 12-14 weeks.  Check weekly to keep soil moist. Bulbs will root and be ready to bloom indoors after their “winter” in the refrigerator. Place in a bright window and watch them bloom!

   •Cover garden plants like lettuce, spinach, broccoli, etc., with Harvest-Guard Row Covers to protect them from frost and extend their growing season.  Our first frost date here is usually October 15-20.   

   •Mow or rake fallen leaves to keep them from matting on the lawn.  Mowing leaves and bagging with a lawnmower, then piling them in an out of the way place will make good use of these valuable leaves for compost, mulch, or to add to a garden next spring. Don’t burn or throw away these valuable nutrients.

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

October- Garden Calendar