Things to do in October
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Fertilize:
Fertilize existing beds of iris with well-rotted manure or balanced fertilizer. Reduce houseplant fertilizer by 1/2 for winter.
Water:
Water areas as needed.
Transplant:
Divide and transplant crowded perennials. Dig and store caladium bulbs. Dust with fungicide.
Prepare Soil:
Mulch gingers and other tropicals that overwinter outdoors to retain warmth and moisture and to control weeds. Falling leaves make autumn a good time to start a compost pile. Shred (or mow) leaves to speed decomposition. Turn compost pile periodically and keep it moist.
Lawn Care:
Fertilize with 3-1-2 ratio fertilizer. In newly-plugged lawns, sow 8 lbs. of ryegrass per 1000 sq. ft. to help hold soil. The seed grass will make a bright green carpet until spring, when hot weather will kill rye. Not recommended for established lawns. Mow every 5-7 days and leave the clippings on the lawn.
Diseases/Pests to look out for:
Check for cabbage loopers in the garden; spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Make second treatment for brown patch on lawns with a history of the disease.
Prune:
Prune shrubs as needed, but save major pruning for the winter. Remove dead and damaged wood from shrubs and trees. Make cuttings of tender plants before frost.
Things To Plant In October:
Flower Plants:
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Flower Seeds:
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Bulbs:
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Purchase Tulip, Crocus, daffodil and hyacinth bulbs for chilling.
Vegetables:
- Early—Mid Month: Arugula, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Collard Greens, Kohlrabi
- Mid—Late Month: Carrot, Endive, Lettuce, Spinach, Turnip
- ALL Month: Beets, Chard, Garlic, Mustard, Multiplier Onion, Radish
Dig sweet potatoes before first frost.
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Herbs:
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Fruit:
- Strawberries.
Courtesy of the Garden Guide for Austin & Vicinity, published by the Travis County Master Gardener Association, copyright 2000-2002.
Additional October Tips
To do for October 27th, 2012
To do for October 20th, 2012
To do for October 13th, 2012
To do for October 6th, 2012
To do for October 29th, 2011
To do for October 22nd, 2011
To do for October 15th, 2011
To do for October 8th, 2011
To do for October 1st, 2011
To do for October 30th, 2010
To do for October 23rd, 2010
To do for October 16th, 2010
To do for October 9th, 2010
To do for October 2nd, 2010
To do for October 31st, 2009
To do for October 24th, 2009
To do for October 17th, 2009
To do for October 10th, 2009
To do for October 3rd, 2009
To do for October 25th, 2008
