October

  • You can still plant spring bulbs.

  • Scatter slow-release fertilizer (formulated especially for bulbs) on top of the soil after planting.

  • Dig up gladiolus corms.

  • Fertilize both lawn and garden.

  • Plant cool and warm-season lawns.

  • Divide chives and bring indoors.

  • Lift dahlias.

  • Bring plants in containers inside for the winter. If they are to remain outside all winter, tip pots on their sides so water will drain out. Ice can definitely be a problem.

  • Bring clay pots inside so they don't freeze and crack.

  • Reduce feeding houseplants and do not feed dormant houseplants.

  • Give compost pile a final turn.

  • Keep fallen leaves raked off the lawn. Put them in the compost, shredding them first if possible, or mix them really well as they tend to compact.

  • Be sure that you have removed any foliage from Iris as it can harbor Iris Borers over the winter.

  • Plant garlic for next year so they have time to begin growing roots before winter sets in.

  • Mark perennials you want to separate so you can find them next spring.

  • Clean and oil tools so they don't rust over the winter.

  • Plant container and balled and bur-lapped trees, fruit trees, shrubs and vines.

  • Put rodent protection around new tree trunks.

  • Other trees can also be planted now.

  • Keep watering the shrubs and evergreens.

  • Plant container roses and prune hybrid tea roses. Mulch when the ground begins to freeze.

  • Remove leaves of roses that have signs of black spot or other foliage diseases so it doesn't recur next year and add winter mulch.

  • Cut back perennials and compost non-diseased foliage. If there is green at the base, leave about 4-5 inches of leaves.

  • Leave about 4 inches of stem on cut back lilies.

  • Leave the ornamental grasses. They look attractive in the winter garden.

  • Sow seeds for frost-tolerant perennials.

  • Use evergreen boughs over shrubs to provide winter protection. Force into the ground before the ground freezes, draping branches over the shrubs or protect evergreens with burlap barriers. Do not use plastic.

  • Pull out and compost annuals.

  • Drain and store hoses inside.

  • Put annual geraniums inside in a sunny spot where they will bloom all winter. Or hang them upside down indoors in a cool spot.

  • Get bird feeders up.