OCTOBER GARDENING CALENDER

First week in October:
 Dig dahlias, gladiolus, tubers and other tender bulbs.
 Plant blooming chrysanthemums to add color to fall landscapes.
 Water evergreens if needed.
 Take a soil sample of the gardens, so that the results are available in time to add fertilizer or lime that will improve or adjust soil fertility.
 Consider using shredded white pine needles as mulch around azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and andromedas.

Second Week:
 Rake deciduous tree leaves and add them to the compost pile.
 Pick and destroy bagworms from evergreens and shrubs. This will eliminate the spring hatching of overwintering eggs.
 Plant shrubs and divide crowded perennials.
 Prune leaves and stems of herbaceous perennials as they turn brown.

Third Week:
 Continue to mow the lawn so that it will not be matted down under heavy snow, if we have any.
 Plant spring flowering bulbs.
 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.

Final Week:
 Transplant small trees after leaves have fallen.
 Secure vines to their support systems.
 Clean up garden debris and add to the compost pile.