By Joe Daniels, Delaware County Master Gardener
Tidying up the garden continues as fall leaves hit the ground and late season flowers fade. As the weather becomes increasingly cold, it's time to protect the most delicate plants. Remain on the alert for frosts, although with luck you may find yourself enjoying a warm and sunny Indian summer.
October Chores in the Garden:
•Begin to dig and store tender bulbs (such as tuberous begonias, dahlias, caladiums, and gladioli) when their foliage turns yellow and withers.
•Pull annuals after frost and toss them in the compost pile, or leave them if they have interesting seed heads.
•Cut back dead stems and leaves or let them remain until spring for winter interest. Remove and destroy any diseased foliage.
•Rake leaves for the compost pile or till them into new beds. Chop leaves with the lawn mower for good winter mulch (but don't mulch yet).
•Plant spring bulbs. Record where you planted them on your site map so you won't dig into them when you plant annuals in the spring.
•Water perennial beds (as well as new shrub and bulb plantings) thoroughly before they go dormant to help them survive through the winter.
•Move your houseplants indoors (hopefully you already have) and check for any critters. You can leave out Christmas cactus, some orchids and camellias, because they enjoy the cooler weather, but get them inside before a frost.
•It's a good time to plant and transplant evergreens — the sooner the better. It may be better to wait for deciduous plants to drop their leaves first before planting.
•Remove vegetable plants as they finish cropping and begin digging and adding organic matter to the soil.
•Remove submersible pumps from ponds; clean and store them for the winter.
Bulbs:
•Continue planting bulbs, generally at 2-1/2 times the bulb's diameter.
•Wear gloves when handling bulbs. Hyacinths and some other bulbs have oils which can cause skin irritation in sensitive people.
Herbs:
•Cut back perennial herbs to improve branching for next year.
•Select specimens of plants to hang-dry for use in wreaths or dried arrangements.
•Smaller pieces of herbs can be used in potpourri.
For more of Joe’s tips, go to October Gardening Tips
Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON.
UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS
November 8, 2008
Nature Ornaments
Use natural materials to make ornaments for your holiday decorations. This is a hands-on workshop. Bring scissors or pruner and a box to carry home your creations. Cost: $15
The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School
A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save.
For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022.
Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our website for a registration form.
