Gardening Calendar for October

During weeks 1 and 2:

• 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.
• Harvest winter squash and pumpkins before frost. For best storage quality, leave an inch or two of stem on each fruit.
• A few degrees of frost protection may be gained by covering tender plants with sheets or light-weight fabric row covers.

  During weeks 2 and 3:

• Persimmons start to ripen, especially after frost.
• Cannas and dahlias can be dug when frost nips their foliage. Allow the plants to dry under cover in an airy, frost-free place before storage.
• Broadleaf herbicides can be applied now to control cool season weeds such as chickweed and dandelion.

  During weeks 3 and 4:

• Transplant deciduous trees once they have dropped their leaves.
• Monitor fruit plantings for mouse activity and take steps for their control if present.
• Continue mowing lawns until growth stops.
• Keep leaves raked off lawns to prevent smothering grass.
• Now is a good time to apply lime if soil tests indicate the need.

  During week 4:

• Trees may be fertilized now. This is best done following soil test guidelines.
• Place wire guards around trunks of young fruit trees for protection against mice and rabbits.
• Winterize lawn mowers before storage.