Gardening by Month: October

 

Kill vines (the bad ones). October is the best time to combat ivy, blackberries, morning glory and their ilk. Fall storms can wreak havoc on trees, especially ones that are weakened by clingers on (I’m looking at you, ivy.) Without the root structure to support unexpected guests, a canopy full of vines quickly becomes a sail when strong winds start blowing. A tree can get pulled right out of the ground!

 

– October To-do's –

  • Put perennial planters to bed
  • Dig and store tender bulbs and corms
  • Plant spring-blooming bulbs
  • Divide perennials
  • Plant new sod lawn
  • Continue to control slugs
  • Extend the vegetable season with temporary loop houses and crop covers
  • Add lime to lawn and flower beds
  • Prune fall-appropriate trees and shrubs
  • Winterize hanging baskets

 


October Reading