October
garden calendar
n LAWNS
• Recommended mowing heights for bluegrass and tall fescue in the fall are 2 to 3 inches. • Core aerate if not already done to help loosen heavy clay soils and break down thatch. • Fertilize now if not already done so once this fall. • Dandelions, henbit and chickweed are easy to control in the fall, treat as needed. • Sharpen mower blade if it is not making a clean cut. • Rake leaves as they fall to avoid winter suffocation on turf. • Seeding this late will usually give poor results.
n FLOWERS
• Fall is an ideal time to plant tulips, daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs. • Clean up faded annuals. • Trim perennial stems to tidy garden and keep disease and insects in check. • Pot bulbs for winter forcing. • Dig tender bulbs such as glads, dahlias, and cannas and store in a cool, dry place over winter. • Update the garden journal for successes and failures while somewhat fresh in your mind. • Take advantage of fall sales and plant new perennials. • Divide overgrown perennials.
n TREES AND SHRUBS
• Plant new trees and shrubs. • Water establishing plants over the winter during dry spells. • Seedlings of trees and shrubs can be safely transplanted once dormant. • Prune damaged and dead wood from trees and shrubs.
• Wrap the bases of young trees and shrubs to protect from rabbits. • Rake leaves and compost, or use as garden mulch. • Remove tree stakes if in place longer than one year.
n VEGETABLES AND FRUITS
• Store unused seeds in a cool, dry location. • Pick up and discard fallen fruit to reduce disease and insects for next year. • Fall planted garlic gets a jump over spring planted. • Dig sweet potatoes and cure for a week or two in a warm location then store for winter. • Harvest peanuts and roast. • Harvest apples and pears and store for winter use. • Store winter squash and pumpkins in a cool, dry place. • To prepare for next spring, till garden soil to help control insects and disease. • Make notes of successes and failures. • Soil test and make improvements.
n HOUSEPLANTS
• Begin long night treatments for poinsettia re-blooming. • Check plants for insects and treat as needed. • Wash dust from leaves by placing in a shower or wiping with a damp, soft cloth. • Reduce or stop fertilization over the winter months. • Keep plants away from hot and cold drafts of winter.
n MISCELLANEOUS
• Drain and store garden hoses and sprinklers for winter. • Spruce up the compost pile for winter by adding new materials promoting decomposition. • Clean, sharpen and oil garden tools for winter storage.
Johnson County K-State Research and Extension recommends environmentally-friendly gardening practices. This starts by identifying and monitoring problems. Cultural practices and controls are the best approach for a healthy garden. If needed, use physical, biological or chemical controls. Always consider the least toxic approach first. Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.
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