All the Gardening Jobs You Should Do in October
I hope you’re experiencing more autumnal weather now – almost everyone I know is still suffering from summer temperatures. However, winter is approaching and it’s time to step up your fall cleaning. Remember that you need to be careful not to harm plants that are still actively flowering and not going dormant. However, there is a lot you can do this month to build on next year’s garden while cleaning up and rebuilding for fall.
Plant hardy perennials, trees and shrubs.
This is the time of year when you can get great deals at local nurseries. They’re trying to clear space of large objects like trees and shrubs for the winter, and they probably have a lot of perennials on their sad plant shelf . Give those sad plants a good comb, because while they’re perennial and have even the slightest bit of life, it’s probably worth half (or more) to stick them in the ground. This year it will look terrible, but next year everything will be back to normal. Plant trees and shrubs with wild energy. Remember that if you are planting trees and shrubs, you will need to dig holes three times the size of the root ball and add the appropriate type of fertilizer to the planting hole. The nursery will tell you what fertilizer to use.
Buy and plant bulbs.
It’s not too late to buy bulbs this season: tulips, irises, peonies, daffodils and much more. Every day I get emails about amazing sales on my favorite bulbous houses: Eden Brothers , Brecks and K.van Bourgondien . But don’t overlook a less obvious place to get a bargain on bulbs: Your local grocer may have bags of bulbs on sale. They will become cheaper as the season progresses. Once you have the bulbs in hand, head out to the garden and plant them, but first make a plan for the colors, height and bloom time. Remember, bulbs are planted in a hole three times the size of the bulb (a two-inch bulb is planted six inches deep).
Divide the perennials
Your irises, peonies, echinaceas, daisies and more are ready to be divided . If they’re outgrowing the space or just in need of an update, step up and separate them. Place the divisions elsewhere or give them away.
Place summer crops in the garden bed and plant vegetables for fall.
At some point this month, summer temperatures will end and, despite the heat, the rain will drown your crops. Plus, if you don’t turn your garden over soon, you won’t be able to plant your fall plants early enough for them to get established before winter. I have found that in the past it is more of an emotional issue for me than a functional one. I always believe it’s time for another tomato to ripen; I hate having to give up these unripe peppers. But you’ll probably find, as I did, that the reward of another half-ripe tomato far outweighs a vibrant, full fall and winter garden. The joy of being able to pull celery, carrots and onions in winter is immeasurable. So, either plant fall crops in your beds or consider a cover crop .
Start spring cleaning
Your yard, like mine, is probably a bit of a mess right now. Trim overgrown berry vines and prune berry bushes. Obviously, weed and trim your lawn, whether it’s a traditional lawn or an organic lawn. You can prune irises and trim peonies, as well as any other wilted flowers. At this point I trim the artichokes to about a foot. Cut off and remove seed heads that you don’t want to seed yourself (such as foxgloves that will spread profusely). Once you’ve cleared everything away, start adding compost and mulch .