Gardening Tips for October 2023

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• Cool-Season Annuals* - Pansies, Calendula, and Iceland Poppies. Watch The Gardening Tutor Video Pansies 101.
• Ground Covers - Rubus rolfei, Veronica umbrosa 'Georgia Blue', Sedum 'Angelina'.
• Perennials- Lavender, Aster, Dianthus, Erigeron, Nepeta, Phlomis fruticosa.
• Shrubs- Rhododendron, Grevillea 'Scarlet Sprite',  Kerria japonica, Elaeagnus.
• Bulbs - Freesia, Anemone, Alliums, Ranunculus, Spraxis.
• Wildflower Seeds- Bachelor Buttons, Flander's Poppies, Nemophila menziesii (Baby Blue Eyes).
• Extras - Prepare Ahead and buy Frost Cloth Now. First frost arrived at the end of October in Sonoma County.
• *Here in Sonoma County the first 2 weeks of October is the optimal time to plant some winter flowering annuals, such as Pansies, Iceland Poppies, and Calendula. New plantings may need protection during heatwaves. For best bloom, plan ahead so cool-season annuals are planted where they get good winter sun. Other winter bloomers, such as Primroses and Bellis perennis can wait to be planted when the weather cools.

• First, spend some time relaxing in your garden and enjoy these last days of warmth from summer before Frost Arrives at the end of October. 
• Pruning- In the beginning of the month hardy Salvias can be lightly shaped one more time before frost starts at the end of October. Continue to deadhead Salvia 'Indigo spires' and others to encourage one last flush of flowers. Fuchsias too will keep blooming when spent flowers are removed promptly. Citrus-go easy or not at all on pruning citrus now as the leaves protect the plant during winter frosts. Elaeagnus can be shaped or tip pruned. Keep Pansies and Iceland Poppies blooming all winter by deadheading often (remove spent flowers and their flower stems).
• Pest Management- Especially at this time of year, Spider mite webbing may be on plants. Spray the webbing off with a strong spray of water from the hose a few times a week (in the morning) to disrupt the infestation. A shrub rake can also be used to gently remove the webbing from foliage. Spider mites like hot, dry, and dusty conditions. So, keeping plants washed off at least once a month in the dry months helps lower the population. Powdery Mildew on Dahlias and other plants can be managed with Neem oil spray. Repeat application 7 to 10 days after first application. Spray under leaves, top of leaves, all stems, and ground under and around the plant. Best practices is to use Neem Oil Spray as a preventative rather than a cure once the plant has powdery mildew. 
• Fertilizing- Most plants need time to harden new leaves before frost so most fertilizing ended in early in September. Winter bloomers though will need monthly fertilizing with an all purpose fertilizer all winter long (Mary uses Maxsea fertilizers).
• Mulch- Fall is an excellent time to apply a thick layer of compost as mulch. Watch The Gardening Tutor Video: Mulch vs. Compost. If using bark as mulch, first applying compost around shrubs and perennials will help to feed the soil and make plants happy! Put the layer of bark right on top of the compost to create a cohesive look to the garden. Remember to taper the thickness of the compost and/or bark down from 3 inches to half and inch when getting about 6" from the trunk of plants. Winter annuals will perform much better if compost is used as mulch in the garden bed instead of bark. There are techniques for applying mulch so that plants are happy: Contact Mary for your Gardening Tutor Appointment.

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