October has come to a close, and if you've kept up there really are few things left to do in the garden. Sure there will be Mums to cut,and a few other late tasks, but for the most part many of us are putting the gardens to rest. That said I've put together this quick post with some gardening "to-do's" to say goodbye to October.
- You can still plant trees, shrubs, bulbs, perennials, grass seed and sod.
- Spring blooming fall bulbs are in stock and most likely 50% off at your local nursery! You can still plant them, but time is really winding down.
- Those hardy garden chrysanthemums are beginning to fade, so be sure to “deadhead” them (mostly for looks at this point).
- Time to feed your plants! I’m spreading my composts around almost all of my perennials, and flowering shrubs and trees.
- I divided my peonies this past weekend, the warmer weather has actually let me transplant and divide these perennials later.
- Dig your Gladiolus if you’re growing them. Remove the tops and let them dry for two weeks. Dust them with Sulfur. Store in dry peat moss or vermiculite at room temperature.
- Do not prune Azaleas, Rhododendrons and other spring flowering shrubs because they have already set their buds for next year's blooms. If you do, you will sacrifice next spring flowers.
- Remove all old vines of beans, squash, pumpkin, etc. to the compost pile and till the garden. I will somtimes till the vines in, but it depends on how thick they are.
- Be sure to bring houseplants indoors, I’m actually moving mine in and out from my porch to ease the transition and they all look great, though it is annoying.
Goodbye October thanks for the cooler weather, the beautiful colors, and the fantastic autumn smells. We’ve collected our gourds, and pumpkins and we’re carving them into jack-o-lanterns for Halloween (my 3 year old can’t wait!). Hopefully a few of these tips help, maybe you missed something or learned something new…see you in November!
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