Spring flowering bulbs can be planted now through Novermber. Plant in well drained
soil amended with sand or Profile Soil Conditioner. Add Bonemeal or Bulb Food.
Dig and divide crowded bulbs and perennials to increase stock and improve their bloom
for next year.
Pansies or Flowering Cabbage and Kale can be planted over bulbs for winter color.
Mums, Japanese Anemones and Autumn Joy Sedum can be planted now for fall color.
Plant cool season vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower from starts.
Garlic and onion bulbs can also be planted.
Plant vegetable gardens to a fall cover crop such as annual ryegrass, crimson
clover, Austrian Peas, fava beans or common vetch. They will protect the soil from
erosion and add organic matter to the soil when they are tilled under in the spring.
Early October is a good time to plant trees and shrubs. Evergreen trees and shrubs
may be planted in late October if the weather stays warm, but watch out for early
freezing weather. Deciduous trees and shrubs can be planted all winter if the soil
is workable.
Lawns
Early October is an excellent time to plant lawns. Lawns may be planted in late
October if the weather stays warm. Sod can be laid all winter if the soil is workable.
Set mowing height to 1.5 inches. This shorter mowing height will reduce diseases
during rainy weather.
Aerating the lawn will help the grass tolerate soggy soil from winter rain. Then mow
the lawn to break up the plugs. Finally, spread Profile Soil Conditioner and rake it
into the holes to keep them open.
Apply a Fall and Winter fertilizer. Also apply lime so the winter rains will carry it
deep into the soil.
Apply moss control in shady areas before the moss crowds out the grass.
Spraying
Beneficial nematodes should be applied before mid-month around rhodies, azaleas and
other plants with notches on the leaves from root weevils to prevent the root weevil
larvae from killing the roots.
Garden Cleanup
Many insects and diseases over winter on fallen leaves and dead stems. A thorough
cleanup in the fall will reduce or eliminate problems next year. Prune out dead or
diseased wood on trees and shrubs. Cut off dead perennial stems. Rake up fallen
leaves. They can be composted, but it is best to send diseased leaves to recycling.
January |
February |
March |
April |
October |
June |
July August |
September |
October |
November |
December
