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October Gardening Tip of The Month
Turf
Apply
one inch of water per week to Bermuda lawns.A
light application of potassium on Bermuda in the fall will enable it to come
out of dormancy in the spring with greater vigor.Overseed
established Bermuda grass lawns from mid October through mid November for a
green winter lawn.
VegetablesPrepare
bed for fall planting.Plant
Seeds.
Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collard Greens, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (Head & Leaf), Leeks, Mustard, Onions (Bulb & Green), Parsnips, Peas, Radishes, Rutabagas, Spinach, Turnips
Plant
Transplants.Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Garlic, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (Head & Leaf)
RosesResume
full fertilizing
of established roses as the weather cools.Watch
for second season of powdery
mildew
Fruit
and Nut TreesLate
summer application of nitrogen fertilizer probably helps fruit
sizing. This is more significant for fall ripening (navels &
tangerines) than spring ripening (Grapefruit and Valencia orange)
varieties.
Landscape
PlantsCut
off spent blooms to stimulate rebloom.
It
is too late to
fertilize freeze-sensitive plants such as citrus, hibiscus,
bougainvillea, etc. However, early fall fertilization can help the
recovery of summer-weary trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, lawns
and flowers. Nitrogen fertilizer
should be adequate. Follow with good deep irrigation.Cut
back watering frequencies as plant needs decrease with shortening,
cooling days.Plant
winter hardy trees, shrubs and vines.Plant
wild flowers.Pre-emergent
herbicides can be applied from October through early December for
winter annual weed control. Follow the package directions carefully
for best results. DO NOT use pre-emergent herbicides where you will
be planting seeds this season.
Don't List . . .
Do
not dethatch Bermuda in the Fall.
Dethatching should be done in the summer when the grass is actively
growing.Do
not increase opportunities for fungal disease on turf by over
watering or watering at night.DO
NOT OVER WATER which will result in root rot. Allow the soil to dry
out between watering.