This calendar is provided as a general guide to gardening activities.
October
Plant spring bulbs among hostas, ferns, daylilies or ground
covers. As these plants grow in the spring, they will hide the
dying bulb foliage.
Nuts or seeds of woody plants usually require exposure to 3
months cold before sprouting. This may be provided by
outdoor planting in fall or "stratifying" in an unsealed bag
of damp peat moss placed in the refrigerator.
For best bloom later this winter, Christmas cactus, potted
azaleas and kalanchoe may be left outdoors until night temperatures
drop to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Store apples in a cool basement in old plastic sacks that have
been perforated for good air circulation.
Sow cover crops such as winter rye after crops are harvested.
Turfgrass seeding should be finished by October 15.
Plant tulips during week four.
During week four, place wire guards around trunks of young
fruit trees for protection against mice and rabbits.
The average first frost usually arrives about October 15-20.
Fall color season begins during week one.
Week three marks the beginning of peak fall color in maples,
hickories, and oaks.
