To Do This Week

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Week of October 2nd, 2010

• If you don't have Earthkind or other easy care roses, you want to watch for some blackspot on them. Apply neem or other fungicide, if necessary. If you only see a little damage, simply prune off those infected leaves. With Earthkind roses, simply ignore those black spots altogether; the plant will ignore it also, and will come through fine. If you have a bad infestation regularly, you might consider annually pruning back some smaller stems to the interior of those roses, which will increase air circulation and decease diseases of all kinds. Or replace the rose with one that doesn't have continual problems.
• It's time to plant herbs, perennials, shrubs and trees. For herbs: sow cilantro and parsley seeds or plant from transplants.
• Avoid planting tender plants that will not have time to establish roots before a freeze.
• Hang on and don't plant winter annual color just yet! Hot days are still in our forecast and the ground is still warm.
• Continue planting vegetables. Fall is the easiest season for growing vegetables! In a small space, plant lettuces, spinach, carrots, and cilantro in containers. Check out this updated planting guide from Skip Richter, director, Travis County AgriLife Extension, and Patty Leander, Travis County Master Gardener. 
• Avoid pruning shrubs at this time. With freezes coming in 6 weeks or so, plants may not have time to harden off new growth.
• Be watching for naturalizing bulbs. Get them now but hold back on planting until November.

More October Tips