Garden Calendar

GARDEN CALENDAR October list of what to do in the garden.

LAWN • Recommended mowing heights for bluegrass and tall fescue in the fall is about 3 inches. • Core aerate to help loosen heavy clay soils and break down thatch. • Fertilize now if not already done so once this fall. Fertilize again in November. • Control dandelions, henbit and chickweed the fall. Treat as needed. • Sharpen mower blade if it is not making a clean cut or after every 10 hours of use. • Rake leaves that fall on the turf to avoid winter suffocation. • Mulch mown leaves back into the lawn if debris is not covering the surface.

FLOWERS • Plant tulips, daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs. • Clean up faded annuals. • Trim perennial stems to tidy garden and keep disease and insects in check. • Plant bulbs in pots to force winter blooming. • Dig tender bulbs such as gladiolas and cannas. Store in a cool, dry place over the winter. • Update the garden journal for successes • • • •

and failures while fresh in your mind. • Take advantage of fall sales and plant new perennials. • Divide overgrown perennials.

TREES AND SHRUBS • Plant new trees and shrubs. • Water establishing plants during dry spells. • Transplant seedlings of trees and shrubs once dormant. • Prune damaged and dead wood from trees and shrubs. • Wrap the bases of young trees and shrubs to protect from rabbits. • Rake leaves and compost, or use as garden mulch. • Remove tree stakes if in place longer than one year.

VEGETABLES AND FRUITS • Store unused seeds in a cool, dry location. • Pick up and discard fallen fruit to reduce disease and insects for next year. • Plant garlic in the fall to get a jump over spring planted garlic. • Dig sweet potatoes and cure for a week or two in a warm location then store for winter.

MY GARDEN (Use this space to list additional tasks to accomplish in your garden.) • Harvest peanuts and roast. • Harvest apples and pears and store for winter use. • Store winter squash and pumpkins in a cool, dry place. • Till garden soil to help control insects and disease. • Make notes of successes and failures. • Test soil and make improvements.

HOUSEPLANTS • Begin long night treatments for poinsettia re-blooming. • Check plants for insects and treat as needed. • Wash dust from leaves by placing in a shower or wiping with a damp, soft cloth. • Reduce or stop fertilization over the winter months. • Keep plants away from hot and cold drafts of winter.

MISCELLANEOUS • Drain and store garden hoses and sprinklers for winter. • Spruce up the compost pile for winter by adding new materials promoting decomposition. • Clean, sharpen and oil garden tools for winter storage.

Johnson County K-State Research and Extension recommends environmentally-friendly gardening practices. This starts by identifying and monitoring problems. Cultural practices and controls are the best approach for a healthy garden. If needed, use physical, biological or chemical controls. Always consider the least toxic approach first. Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.