October Garden Chores

Lawns

• Mature lawns can be fertilized early this month if you did not do a September application.
• You can also overseed bare spots and be sure to mulch newly seeded areas with wheat or barley straw, then keep the area irrigated.
  

Ornamentals

• Do not prune spring flowering shrubs as their buds have formed for next spring.
  
• Do not fertilize shrubs in October or November.
  
• Wait until cooler weather moves in to plant spring bulbs and pansies.
  

Miscellaneous

• Think about starting a compost pile if you do not have one. Be sure to throw in plant debris that is not diseased as you clean your gardens for fall.
  
• Prepare houseplants to re-enter your home. Check them carefully for insect pests. You may need to bring all tropical plants in on cool nights when the temperature drops below 50 degrees.
  
• Clean garden sprayers and lawn equipment not in use.