Five October Tips (for busy gardeners)
- Now, not spring, is the time to plant trees, shrubs and native plants. The fall and winter rain helps establish thriving root systems that will support lush top growth in spring.
- Before setting plants in place, do a general cleanup. Raking up garden debris is essential in preventing the spread of insects and diseases. In addition to physically carrying away the eggs with the gathered debris, depriving pests of winter habitats helps to control them.
- Fertilize azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons with 0-10-10 fertilizer. This no-nitrogen formula encourages bud formation. For bigger blooms, pick off camellia buds, leaving one bud per stem.
- Clear away fallen fruit and rotting vegetables And put away anything that could shelter wintering snails.
- Plant cool-season flowers for winter and spring bloom.