Things to Do This Month
Ornamental Annuals and Perennials
- Plant remaining spring bulbs including tulips this month.
- Dig up tropical bulbs such as elephant ears, cannas and caladiums, and other summer blooming tender bulbs like dahlias, after the first frost.
- Take a last look around beds and borders and make notes for filling in and substituting new plants next spring.
Lawns
- Apply lime if soil tests indicate a need to increase pH.
- Another fertilizer application may be made now to cool season grasses. Combine with a broadleaf herbicide if weeds are a problem.
- Continue to mow lawn as grass grows, and mulch or rake leaves to prevent bare spots in lawn.
Trees and Shrubs
- This is a great time to plant trees and shrubs.
- Fertilize trees once they begin to show fall color. A soil test may determine other needs to adjust pH.
- Continue to monitor soil moisture and water, especially evergreens, as needed.
Fruits and Vegetables
- Average first frost is October 15.
- Continue harvest crops until frost. Tomatoes will ripen indoors as long as they have begun to turn lighter green.
- Harvest gourds when shells harden or color changes from green to brown. Harvest winter squash and pumpkins before frost.
- Protect young fruit trees from rodents by installing chicken wire barriers.
Miscellaneous
- Bring all houseplants indoors before evening temperatures drop below 50 degrees F.
- Continue care begun last month of poinsettias and Christmas cacti for holiday blooming. Keep them in a cool, dark place for 14 hours each night through September and October until color appears on poinsettias and buds form on cacti.
- Enjoy the fall colors!
For more gardening tips for this month, go to
Kemper Center for Home Gardening Garden Calendar