Flower/Landscape Garden
- It’s time to remove your annuals and plant Pansies for splashes of color throughout the winter and into early spring.
- Divide and transplant perennials after they finish flowering. This is a good time to divide and transplant Iris, Daylilies and Peonies.
- Start to cut back perennials that are declining and compost foliage.
- Scatter seeds of columbine and poppies to germinate for next season.
- Stop deadheading roses and begin to pull off only the spent petals to allow the flowers to form rose hips. This will signal to the plant that is time to start going dormant for the winter. Deadheading now will encourage growth that may not survive through the winter.
- Dig up tender bulbs and corms as foliage dies, shake off soil, dry, and store in a cool, dry place (that will not freeze).
- Begin potting up (chill if needed) indoor forcing bulbs, pot at 2-week intervals to stagger bloom.
- Plant spring-flowering bulbs such as Tulips, Crocuses and Daffodils with bone meal.
- Plant deciduous trees and shrubs while the earth is still warm, to promote root growth, and while the plant is not burdened with production of flowers, foliage or fruit.
- Transplant deciduous trees and shrubs after leaves have fallen. Water thoroughly.
- Transplant evergreens and water thoroughly.
- Add organic matter or amendments to the soil, empty compost bins and apply over garden beds and around plants.
- Begin to deeply water established and newly planted shrubs in preparation for winter. Drought in October is often overlooked but it is vitally important to supply plants with adequate water now, while they are going dormant. Good hydration will improve plant winter hardiness.
Inside
- Watch as the temperatures drop in the evening, and plan to move houseplants indoors before they are damaged by frost. Before moving plants indoors, inspect them for insects and (if appropriate) spray them with horticultural oil to protect from pest problems.
- Your Christmas cactus should rest in a cool, dim room with little water; bring it back out November 25th for holiday bloom.
- Clean and prepare birdfeeders for winter.
Vegetable Garden
- Clear summer bedding and vegetable plants by cutting tops and leaving roots to add organic matter to the soil. Roots will create ‘tunnels’ for water, air and roots to easily navigate the soil next season.
- Rake fallen leaves, add to the compost pile (Beech and Oak are best) or shred and spread on garden beds.
- Store harvested crops properly- potatoes, beets, carrots, parsnips, turnips, cabbage and celery should be kept in a humid atmosphere at 35-40 degrees. Squash and pumpkins should be stored in a dry area at 40-60 degrees. Onions and dry beans should be kept at 33 degrees in a dry area.
- Sow cover crop of winter rye to add nutrients to the soil, prevent erosion and to prevent compaction of bare soil from winter rain and snow.
Call Designs for Greener Gardens at 410-626-6122 to help you with your October garden needs!
