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