Tom’s October Tips

1. Plant trees and shrubs, allowing enough time for the roots to develop before the ground freezes. Mulch well after planting.
2. Spring flowering bulbs can be planted until the ground freezes.
3. Protect tender plants and annuals from light frost by covering them with sheets, plastic or newspaper.
4. If needed, fertilize deciduous trees and shrubs once leaf growth has stopped. Plants will store fertilizer in roots until needed next spring.
5. Continue to mow lawn as needed.
6. After first frost, lift Dahlias, Gladiolus, Cannas and Begonias as foliage starts to yellow.
7. Begin to tidy up flower beds by removing faded flower heads and cutting back dead stems from perennials.
8. Remove annuals that have finished flowering.
9. Start a compost pile. Add plant debris, such as leaves, lawn clippings and garden plants.
10. Empty large flower pot containers of plants and soil. Bring containers indoors to prevent breakage from alternating freeze and thaw cycles.
11. Rake up and discard leaves, fruit and twigs from diseased trees and shrubs to prevent re-infection next year.
12. Apply winter mulch to perennials and roses after a hard frost when ground begins to freeze.