October brings cooler temperatures and plenty of opportunities to prepare lawns, gardens and landscapes for the months ahead. The following seasonal tips are provided by Clemson University Cooperative Extension.
Watch Out For
Lawns
White Grubs
White grubs can damage lawns and may also attract wildlife that digs into turf looking for a meal. The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis can help control Japanese beetle grubs, although it takes time to build up in the soil and does not control all grub species.
Areas of turf that appear to have been disturbed or dug up may indicate grub activity beneath the surface.
Things to Do
Flowers
Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs
October is a good time to plant spring-flowering bulbs purchased earlier in the fall, including daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and crocus.
Test Your Soil
Now is also a good time to test soil in planned flower beds and gardens. Soil test results can help determine whether lime or nutrients are needed before planting.
If lime is recommended, working it into the soil can help speed adjustment of the soil’s pH.
Fruits
Clean Up Around Fruit Trees
Inspect fruit trees and remove any remaining mummified fruit. Rake and dispose of old leaves, fallen fruit and branches that could harbor diseases through the winter.
Lawns
Use Fertilizer Carefully
Nitrogen may be applied this month to zoysia and Bermuda lawns that have been overseeded. However, Clemson Extension advises against fertilizing non-overseeded warm-season lawns late in the fall.
If your lawn has not been soil tested within the past year, fall is a good time to have it tested.
Establish Cool-Season Lawns
The recommended planting period for cool-season grasses such as fescue generally runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
Warm-season grasses are best planted in the spring. Unhulled Bermuda seed may be planted in the fall, but spring planting of hulled seed generally produces a better stand.
Control Henbit
Henbit can become a troublesome lawn weed. Fall treatment can help reduce future growth.
Identify Nutsedge Before Treatment
Nutsedge, sometimes called “nutgrass,” can be difficult to control. Purple and yellow nutsedge are the two primary types found in the area, and proper identification is important before selecting a treatment.
Herbicides are most effective when nutsedge is actively growing and soil moisture and temperatures are favorable.
Reduce Irrigation
As temperatures cool, homeowners should gradually reduce irrigation. Take time to determine how much water irrigation systems are actually applying so lawns and landscapes are not overwatered.
Ponds
Stocking Fish
September through January are good months to stock bream in recreational fishing ponds.
Pond Liming
Fall and early winter can also be good times to apply lime to pond bottoms when testing indicates it is needed.
Trees and Shrubs
Put Fallen Leaves to Work
Instead of throwing fallen leaves away, consider composting them. Leaves can also be tilled into fallow flower beds or vegetable gardens to add organic material to the soil.
Plan Ahead for Planting
If you expect to plant trees or shrubs this fall or winter, begin deciding which varieties you want and locating nurseries or garden centers that carry them. Planning early can help ensure preferred varieties are available.
Vegetables
Clean Up the Garden
Good sanitation is an important part of preventing tomato diseases. Once tomato plants stop producing, remove old plants and diseased material from the garden.
Many plant diseases can survive the winter on infected stems and leaves, so the same practice is recommended for other plants that experienced disease problems during the growing season.
Plan Next Year’s Crop Rotation
Make a sketch showing where different vegetables were planted this year. The notes will make it easier to rotate crops next spring, which can help reduce disease problems.
For additional gardening information and Clemson Extension publications, visit Clemson’s Home & Garden Information Center at hgic.clemson.edu.
Source: Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sex, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.
