Northern Plains October Garden To-Do List

Mulch in position . Keeping up with the scan and blowing of leaf in the fall can be a never - stop task , especially when every breeze in our verbose region brings in a fresh mass , so look at mulch them alternatively . Mulching leaves in space not only concentrate the bulk of leafage and helps forbid the clogging of drains and likely flooding , but it also feed the land as leave disintegrate . And it ’s much easier on the back and neck . If your mower does not have a mulch scene , find out if it has a mulching outfit useable for purchase to well tear up those parting .

Dig up your ship’s boat Tuber , rhizome , corms , and bulbs . Cannas ( Cannaspp . and cvs . , Zones 7–10 ) , dahlia ( Dahliaspp . and cvs . , Zones 7–10 ) , tuberous begonia ( Begoniaspp . and cvs . , Zones 9–11 ) , gladiolus ( Gladiolusspp . and cvs . , Zones 7–10 ) , freesia ( Freesiaspp . and cvs . , Zones 9–10 ) , and other spring - planted bulb can be dig when the first frost clip their foliage . admit the plants to dry under blanket in an airy , hoar - destitute place before computer memory . For more on overwinter tender plant , register on here .

Get your dirt test . Soil samples can be taken any time of year , but free fall is preferable , as the soil is usually dry and testing site are less busy . Many companies or horticulture centers tender stain - examination kits , but you’re able to usually obtain a soil test at a low price , or even for free , through your local county extension agency . quash taking samples when the soil is stiff or recently fertilized , as this will make testing less exact . To obtain a sampling , use a pocket-sized trowel to take thin slices of territory come to around 1 cup per site from different areas of the garden , and earmark this combined sampling to atmosphere wry at room temperature before pose into a Ziploc bag or clean plastic container . Label the samples with the emplacement and date for test so that when you get the results , you may make appropriate readjustment to your soil for optimal growing conditions .

Consider a cover crop in your vegetable garden . With the end of another growing season behind us , we can machinate now for another successful year byutilizing a back cropin our vegetable gardens . Cover crop can be used rotationally or continually to increase soil constituent matter levels , offer nitrogen for next nutrient crops , improve alimentary holding , suppress grass , and pull good insects . Depending on what your needs are , there is a extensive variety of type and portmanteau word of cover crops to promote your beds ’ production powerfulness .

Finish planting leaping - bloom bulbs . October is the best time to plant your tulip and any other last - minutespring - flowering bulbsyou may still have for a flush of spring coloration . The cooler temperatures elevate beginning set and the continuation of quiescence . For best show of color from tulips in the spring , plant five light bulb per square foot at a depth of 6 in . There are several planting methods you may apply depending on your stain conditions and measure of bulbs , but a 2.75 - inch diameter auger bit sequester to a cordless drill can make speedy piece of work of any job .

— Chris Schlenker is the headway gardener of McCrory Gardens at South Dakota State University in Brookings , South Dakota .

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Northern California October Garden To-Do List

Southwest October Garden To-Do List

Mid-Atlantic October Garden To-Do List

Southern Plains October Garden To-Do List

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