October Garden Calendar

Lawns

Mowing heights for bluegrass and tall fescue in the fall is 2 ½ to 3 inches.
Core aerate to help loosen heavy clay soils and break down thatch.
Fertilize now if not already done so once this fall.
Control dandelions, henbit, and chickweed in the fall. Treat as needed.
Sharpen the mower blade after every 10 hours of use to get a clean cut.
Rake leaves off of lawn as they fall to avoid winter suffocation of turf. Leaves can be relocated to garden beds or tree rings.
Mulch mow leaves back into the lawn if leaf debris will not cover the surface.

Plant tulips, daffodils, and other spring flowering bulbs.
Clean up faded annuals.
Remove and discard all diseased plants and leaves.
Trim perennial stems just below the flower head. Looks tidy while also leaving habitat for overwintering insects.
Plant bulbs in pots to force winter blooming.
Dig tender bulbs such as gladiolas and cannas. Store in a cool, dry place over the winter.
Update your garden journal with successes and failures while fresh in your mind.
Take advantage of fall sales and plant new perennials.
Divide overgrown perennials.

Plant new trees and shrubs.
Water establishing plants during dry spells.
Transplant seedlings of trees and shrubs once dormant.
Prune damaged and dead wood from trees and shrubs.
Wrap the bases of young trees and shrubs to protect them from rabbits and winter sun scald.
Rake leaves and compost or use as garden mulch.
Remove tree stakes if in place longer than one year.

Store unused seeds in a cool, dry location.
Pick up and discard fallen fruit to reduce disease and insects for next year.
Plant garlic in the fall to get a jump over spring-planted garlic.
Dig sweet potatoes before the first frost and cure them for 1-2 weeks in a warm location, then store them for winter.
Harvest and roast peanuts.
Harvest apples and pears. Store for winter use.
Store winter squash and pumpkins in a cool, dry place.
Remove all plant debris from garden areas before tilling.
Till garden soil to help control insects and diseases next spring.
Make notes of successes and failures.
Test soil and add stronger soil amendments as determined by a soil test recommendation.

Begin long night treatments for poinsettia re-blooming.
Check plants for insects and treat them as needed, especially if they were kept outdoors.
Wash dust from leaves by placing them in a shower or wiping with a damp, soft cloth.
Reduce or stop fertilization over the winter months.
Keep plants away from hot and cold drafts of winter.
Succulent plants will not need as much water once indoors. Water infrequently.
Do not place plants near an open vent, constant hot, dry air will desiccate leaves.

Drain and store garden hoses and sprinklers for winter. Keep them handy in case you need to water during the winter months.
Spruce up the compost pile for winter by adding new materials, watering pile, and turning it over to promote decomposition.
Clean, sharpen, and oil garden tools for winter storage.

Have questions? The Garden Hotline is staffed by trained EMG volunteers and Extension staff who will assist you with questions.

Phone: (913) 715-7050