Now that the vibrant colors of fall blanket the Mid-Atlantic region, October is a pivotal month for gardeners. With cooler temperatures settling in and the growing season winding down, it’s time to prepare your garden for the winter months ahead. From planting spring bulbs to protecting tender perennials, there’s still plenty of work to be done. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this October gardening checklist will guide you through the essential tasks to keep your garden thriving into the next season.
October Gardening Checklist:
ANNUALS:
-Water and fertilize cool-weather annuals, in ground and in containers.
-Deadhead annuals. The more energy that can move into the root system now, the better they’ll do through the winter months.
-Enjoy the potted chrysanthemums while they bloom and then plant them in the ground as they may overwinter in the ground and survive for the next season.
BULBS:
-Plant spring-blooming bulbs this month. Deter the deer and squirrels by spraying them with repellants. Make sure to water well so that roots can establish.
-Pull tender bulbs that you don’t intend to use and compost them.
-Place amaryllis bulbs outside in a protected location, like the shed or garage to get cold treatment. Make sure to cut of old foliage.
-While you’re out there make sure to enjoy the bulbs that are still in bloom, such as colchicum.
PERENNIALS + ORNAMENTAL GRASSES:
-Let perennials go to seed.
-Time to allow plants to go dormant. Resist the urge to prune back anything as you do not want to stimulate new growth now. You do however want to remove any infected plant material and throw it away, Do Not Compost!
GROUNDCOVERS:
-Mulch groundcover beds for winter protection and weed suppressant. Use a broom or rake to get mulch to make contact with the ground and get it off the stems and leaves.
-Remove fallen leaves from groundcover beds. Trapped leaves will trap water which will lead to rot.
SHRUBS:
-Apply deer repellant to broadleaf and needleleaf evergreen shrubs.
-Continue planting new shrubs in the garden. Make sure not to plant the rootball too deep.
TREES:
-Trees can continue to be planted through mid-month. Mulch around the newly planted tree, but do not pile mulch directly against the trunk. Deeply soak the soil around the tree twice a week after planting.
-Continue raking and composting leaves. Allowing leaves to sit and get wet on the lawn will cause fungal problems.
TURFGRASS:
-Continue watering newly seeded lawns.
VEGETABLES + HERBS:
-Harvest cool season vegetables such as lettuce, radishes, beets, broccoli, kale and cabbage. Leave some carrots, kale and Brussel sprouts to harvest throughout the fall.
-Plant garlic now.
-Sow seeds for cover crops in empty areas of the garden, raised beds included. This will prevent soil erosion and add nutrients to the soil. Peas, fava beans and annual ryegrass are good choices.
-Reboost your compost pile with the last clippings from the lawn and the fallen leaves.
VINES:
-Apply deer repellant to vulnerable evergreen vines.
-Pull and compost any vines that have been killed by frost.
-Continue watering planted vines.
-Do not prune! New growth from pruning will not be hardened off before freezing weather.
October is the perfect time to embrace the beauty of fall while preparing your garden for the cold months ahead. With the right care and attention, your efforts now will set the stage for a flourishing garden next spring. By following these simple tasks, you’ll ensure your plants and soil are ready to weather the winter, leaving you more time to enjoy the crisp autumn air and stunning fall foliage.
Happy Gardening! x
For more gardening content and what creative way to make the most of fall foliage check out our gardening page. Highlighted vegetables have clickable links to direct purchase organic, non GMO seeds.
