FALL IS FOR PLANTING! We have plenty of gardening chores to be done this month. I love October. It is my favorite month of the year. I love how we cool down and all the beautiful fall colors from our shrubs and trees.
October is an excellent month for planting trees, shrubs, and perennials. Planting at this time of year allows the plants to take advantage of the increased moisture and cooler soil temperatures to develop a quicker and more robust root system. As of September 25th, our soil temperature is 69 degrees.
HERE ARE A FEW GARDENING TIPS FOR OCTOBER
- Fall is the time to plant spring-blooming bulbs such as daffodils, crocus, hyacinths, etc. Now is the time to find the best selection of fall bulbs. Remember, bulbs need about ten weeks of cold weather to create their beauty in the spring.
- It is pansy planting season. Planting pansies and violas in October will allow these beauties to develop a robust and deeper root system before heading into the colder winter months.
- You need to seriously consider moving your tropical houseplants indoors for the winter in October.
- October is a cool-season fescue lawn maintenance month. You still have time to reseed or overseed your lawn, and our soil is warm enough for quick germination. Also, October is the month to give our cool-season lawn its second fertilizer application.
- October is the month to hang your birdfeeder and feed our beloved birds. Birds need a food source now that insects are beginning to decline for the season.
- October is NOT a month to contemplate pruning or fertilizing shrubs or trees. Wait until later in the year, when our plants are more dormant for the winter.
- If you have been taking advantage of the FALL IS FOR PLANTING season, it is important to continue watering all newly planted shrubs and trees. You do not want plants to be dry as the temperatures drop.
- Our pine trees are shedding their older needles now. Take advantage of this natural, FREE bounty using pine needles as a mulch around your plants.
BE LIKE ME AND ENJOY OCTOBER – IT’S A BEAUTIFUL MONTH TO LIVE IN VIRGINIA!!!