Things to do in October

Design-

Visit a local arboretum or park, and enjoy the feathery flower plumes on the ornamental grasses.  Consider where you could incorporate some into your landscape.  It is important to see the grasses in a landscape, since they will be much larger in the ground than in a small container at a nursery.  While searching for ornamental grasses in the landscape, also check out the magnificent red fruit hanging on many viburnums.

Fall is a great time to make changes to your gardens since most plants can now be safely transplanted.

Chores-

Water, water, water, but only if the soil is dry 6-8" under the soil.  Plants will not use as much water this time of the year, but it is crucial that your plants get enough before the ground freezes.

In the perennial garden, cut back plants that have gone dormant.  Thoroughly clean up around plants that had powdery mildew, rust, or any foliar disease to help prevent the same next year.  In cleaning up around these plants make sure that you remove all diseased plant parts and the mulch from around the plant. Remulch to protect plants from winter damage.

Pull out dead annuals, roots included, after the first frost--they are done for the year.  Lift any tubers or corms that are not hardy in this area, such as Canna.  Most tubers and corms should be dried slightly, and then stored in a cool, dry, dark place until next spring.

Complete the planting of your spring bulbs.

Fertilize your plants.  Acid loving evergreens benefit from an application of organic granular slow release fertilizer such as Hollytone.  Also fertilize your deciduous trees with a slow release organic fertilizer.

If you are planning any new beds for next spring, have your soil tested by the local cooperative extension.  Make any corrections in your soil now, so that you are ready to plant next spring.

Fall is for planting!  This is a slogan that you may see or hear often this time of year, and it could not be more true.  Cooler air temperatures, frequent rainfall, and warm soil temperatures are ideal conditions for plants to put on root growth.

If you are transplanting any trees or shrubs remember that you need at least 12" of root ball per inch of trunk caliper (the thickness of the trunk).  Consider this requirement prior to trying to move any tree or shrub, since a 24" root ball can weigh over 250 pounds.

Keep your lawn free of fallen leaves.  Leaves are great for the garden only after they have been made into compost.  If you don't have a compost pile, now is a great time to start one.  To speed the composting process, try chopping the leaves with your lawnmower, or better yet a leaf chopper.  Pile the leaves no more than six feet high.  Experts sometimes recommend adding some organic fertilizer and dry saw dust to improve the compost.  The pile should be turned over frequently with a pitchfork.  More information about composting is available from your Cooperative Extension Service.