October

HOME

•Get container plants you plan to over winter inside now, before the first frost

• Use pumpkins and gourds from the garden to decorate for Halloween

• Plant bulbs for forcing, place in cool location

YARD

• Transplant lilacs

• Apply horticultural oil to azaleas and mulch

• Clean up leaves

• Aerate lawns and test soil

• Remove garden hoses from spigots to prevent freeze damage to faucets

GARDEN

•Harvest produce from September plantings

• Plant garlic and shallots for harvest next spring

• Continue fall planting

• Begin dividing perennials that have developed hollow centers

• Finish planting spring bulbs

• Check roses for insects, blast aphids with water, oil spray or insecticidal soap

• Plant pansies for fall and spring color

• Start a compost pile

• Deep water trees and shrubs, especially evergreens