KENT GARDENER

By:  Maggie L. Moor

Delaware Cooperative Extension

Delaware State University

 

 

First Week of October:

 

·        Dig gladiolus, dahlias, tubers and other tender bulbs.

 

·        Plant blooming chrysanthemums to add color to fall landscapes.

 

·        Water evergreens if needed.

 

·        Seed or sod the lawn if the mild weather continues.

 

·        Take a soil sample of the gardens, so that the results are available in time to add fertilizer or lime which will improve or adjust soil fertility.

 

·        Consider using shredded white pine needles as mulch around azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and andromedas.

 

Second Week of October

 

·        Dig up and pot an herb plant or two from the herb garden.  Parsley, chives, sage, thyme, or scented geraniums do well all winter if watered and set in a warm sunny window.

 

·        Rake deciduous tree leaves and add them to the compost pile.

 

·        Pick and destroy bagworms from the evergreens and shrubs. This will abolish the spring hatching of over-wintering eggs.

 

·        Plant shrubs and divide crowded perennials.

 

·        Prune leaves and stems of herbaceous perennials as they turn brown.

Kent Gardener

Page 2

 

 

Third Week of October

 

·        Continue to mow the lawn so that it will not be matted down under heavy snow (if we have any).

 

·        Plant spring flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils, etc.).

 

·        Protect broadleaf evergreens from winter damage caused by wind and sun.

 

·        Rake and clean up rose gardens to prevent black spot and other diseases.

 

·        Keep an eye open for reduced prices on end-of-the-season gardening tools and equipment to be used next year or given as gifts.

 

Last Week of October

 

·        Transplant small trees after leaves have fallen.

 

·        Secure vines to their support systems.

 

·        Clean up garden debris and add to the compost pile.

 

Master Gardener Tip:

 

-    Call your local extension office for the fall Master Gardener workshop schedule.

 

-    Send e-mail to:  KENT-MG@UDEL.EDU to obtain answers to your gardening questions,