Here’s this weeks three tips on what to do in the garden during the month of October!
1. Composting and Mulching:
Emphasize composting during October. You can clean up your garden beds and add plant debris to your compost pile. Kitchen scraps, leaves, and other organic material can also be added. The compost created during the fall and winter will be a valuable source of nutrient-rich soil for your garden in the spring. Additionally, as you prepare your garden beds for winter, apply a thick layer of mulch to protect the soil from erosion, temperature fluctuations, and weed growth. This mulch will help maintain soil moisture and keep it healthy over the winter.
2. Prepare for Winter Pest Control:
As the weather cools down, many garden pests look for shelter and overwintering sites. Take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infestations in the spring. Here’s what you can do:
- Clean up the garden: Remove plant debris and fallen leaves, which can provide hiding places for pests.
- Inspect plants: Check for signs of pest infestations, such as aphids, scale, or spider mites, and take action to control them.
- Apply dormant oil: Consider applying dormant oil sprays to fruit trees and shrubs to smother overwintering insects and their eggs.
3. Lawn Renovation:
Fall is an excellent time to rejuvenate your lawn and address any issues that have developed over the summer. Follow these steps for a healthier, greener lawn:
- Aerate the soil: Aerating your lawn helps reduce soil compaction and allows nutrients and water to penetrate deeper into the soil.
- Overseed: After aeration, overseed your lawn to fill in bare patches and promote thicker grass growth.
- Fertilize: Apply a fall-specific, slow-release fertilizer to provide essential nutrients to the grass as it prepares for winter.