October Garden Calendar
Plant
- Spring flowering bulbs should be planted this month,
with the exception of tulips and hyacinths which should be placed in
the refrigerator for 6 weeks before being planted in late December
or early January.
- Pot up Basil, Chives, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, and Sweet
Marjoram for that sunny kitchen window.Wisteria and Trumpet Vine can
be planted this month.
- Annuals to plant are Pansies, Violas, Pinks, Flowering
Cabbage and Kale, English Daisy, Wildflower planting, Cornflowers,
Larkspur, and Queen's Anne Lace.
- Perennials to plant include: Asters, Salvia, Hollyhock,
Daylilies, Babies Breath, Iris, Shasta Daisy, Peonies, and Phlox.
- Many evergreens may be planted this month.
Fertilize
- Test soil in garden to monitor balance of minerals.
- Foliar feed all plantings and lawns.
Prune
- Remove damaged and dead wood from trees.
- Pick blossom-like fruit of Golden Rain Trees and let
dry for winter arrangements.
- Prune back annuals like Blue Salvia and Dianthus to
the ground and mulch, they may go through the winter and bloom again.
Miscellaneous
- Dig up Caladiums now with foliage intact, allow to try, remove dried
foliage and store in peat moss in a cool dark place for replanting
next year.
- Force bulbs for indoor show. Place bulb on gravel and water enough
to cover the roots, keep in dark place until root system is established
and sprout reaches 3 inches, bring gradually into the light and refill
container with water to original level. Enjoy the blooms of Paper-white,
Narcissus, Lily of the valley, Jonquil, or Hyacinth in this way.
- Make sure the birds in your garden have food, shelter, and water.
- Place leaves in compost bin.
In Bloom
Mums, Marigolds, Periwinkle, Salvia, Sasanquas, Golden Rain Tree,
Roses, Ageratum, Aster, Camellia, Celosia, Colchicum, Dahlia, Petunia,
Salvia, Torenia, and Zinnia.