http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.
Whew! Temperatures have dropped and made working in the garden a
pleasure again. Time to get out there and plant!
Planting Trees and Shrubs -- Cooler weather means it's time to start
planting again. Plant perennials, container roses, and container or
balled-and-burlapped trees and shrubs now or in November. However,
since October can be dry in some areas, be sure to keep them
well-watered.
• Planting Trees and Shrubs >>
http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.
* In all but the coldest portions of the South, October is also
the time to plant fall vegetable crops, which thrive in cooler
weather. These include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuces,
various greens, and radishes.
* You can also plant cool-season annual flowers, such as such as
pansies, calendula, candytuft, foxgloves, snapdragons, stock, and
sweet alyssum.
USDA Zone Maps -- Plant spring-blooming bulbs. In cooler regions
where winters get cold enough, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocuses
and others can be planted directly in the ground. In warmer regions
(usually Zones 8 and warmer), however, bulbs need more cold so you'll
need to chill them in a paper bag in the fridge for 10-12 weeks first
before planting outdoors. If you're unsure, ask at your local garden
center.
• USDA Zone Maps >>
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Dividing Perennials -- Divide perennials as needed, especially
spring-blooming perennials that you shouldn't divide next spring
right before or during their bloom time.
• Dividing Perennials >>
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* As perennials fade or become ratty, cut them back nearly to the
ground.
Composting 101 -- If you haven't already, create a compost heap. It's
a great, eco-friendly way to get rid of yard waste and enrich your
soil besides. And if you do have a compost heap, fall is a great time
to take it apart and work the rich, black compost into your holes as
you plant.
• Composting 101 >>
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* "Winterize" your lawn with a fertilizer made especially for
application this time of year, and apply a pre-emergent herbicide as
well. Look for a product that combines both.
USDA Zone Maps -- Except in the warmest regions (Zones 9 and warmer),
halt fertilizing. It just encourages tender new growth that is likely
to get nipped by winter cold.
* Also halt pruning for the same reason. It encourages a new
flush of growth.
* Continue to water lawns as needed. As a rule, if there have
been no rains, don't go more than 10-14 days without giving your turf
a good soaking.
Repair the Lawn -- Now is an excellent time to reseed and repair
lawns. You'll need to water as often as daily until the seed has
sprouted and established. Wait to plant grass seed until October in
warmer regions, when there are cooler temperatures and rain.
• Repair the Lawn >>
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Deadheading 101 -- Keep deadheading. For the most flowers and tidiest
garden, deadhead daily.
• Deadheading 101 >>
http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.
Fertilizing Plants and Pots -- Continue to fertilize containers
containing annuals.
• Fertilizing Plants and Pots >>
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