CARROLL GARDEN CLUB – DISTRICT V
OCTOBER “TO-DO” LIST
There are numerous things to do in order to actually get our gardens ready for winter. The following list is long, though fairly complete; however, we are sure there are suggestions we have not brought to light and ask your input on those that have been overlooked. Emailing either Kate or myself would be most convenient for us. The recommendations listed are definitely not in order but all things that should be “visited” this month, or next, at the very latest. Please retain all your handouts. There will, of course, be additions but this original will be your guide and not “revisited.” Another list of “to dos” will be provided in November. We will be covering not only that month but December and January, as well.
*Green tomatoes should be brought in…placed in brown paper bags, (some suggest including an apple) in a 60 to 65 degree temperature area and checked several times a week…. They do ripen nicely given time and often last until Thanksgiving.
*Clean birdfeeders carefully, place them in a good location and “hoard” bird feed. Please make sure they have a good clean “running” water source throughout the winter.
*Dig your Dahlias, Gladiolas, Cannas and any other ‘warm’ bulbs you have planted….
Remove the dirt gently (after drying) and store in a cool dry place in your home.
*Clean all gardens of diseased and insect infested plant material. Keep your garden healthy by not allowing over wintering pests hiding in fallen leaves, etc. Take several weeks, after cleaning, before applying a nice bed of mulch in your perennial garden. This applies to those who have orchards, as well. Remove all rotting fruits from trees, rake the rotting leaves, etc., remove dead branches and keep the area around the trees clear.
*Remove all bagworms from evergreens.
*Bring your houseplants in a few at a time. Don’t become overwhelmed! Thoroughly clean the containers and replant with fresh soil, etc. This will prevent unwanted pests from coming into your home. Millipedes, Stink bugs, ants, etc. love to winter over in warm places. Just make sure one of those warm places is not your home.
*Consider the vegetables and flowers you planted this year. Which of them disappointed you and which pleased you? Replant and rethink! When planning next year’s garden do not include those plants that were disappointments. We love them, we want them…but they want to live in someone else’s garden and there are others that “just want a chance to live in yours!”
*Do NOT prune spring flowering shrubs because they have already set their buds for next year’s bloom.
*Continue to dig your potatoes. Placing straw mulch over them allows potatoes to remain in the ground for a few more months. The same goes for carrots, radishes, beets and parsnips (which develop their best flavor after a really good freeze).
*Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, celery, leeks, celeriac, and any other vegetables “hiding” in the garden can be brought in now. Think vegetable soup! Add your dried herbs or place them in airtight containers for use later in the year in soups, salads and main dishes or lovely arrangements!
*Pumpkins and winter squash need to be kept in a cool area that is best for their storage allowing them to keep for several months.
*Soil samples may be taken at this time of the year in order for you to plan on which fertilizers or additions of lime, nitrogen, etc. may be needed in the spring.
*Do NOT add diseased plants, etc. from your vegetable or flower garden to your compost. That will just exacerbate any problems you had to continue into the future.
*Houseplants, having been brought in and replanted, must be kept clean. Spray lightly and wipe their leaves a few times a month to remove the dirt and dust created in the home. This is NOT for African violets or any other houseplant that does NOT have smooth large leaves. Consider the light these plants need through winter.
*There are several methods to clean your Terra Cotta pots. One is to thoroughly scrub the pot with water to remove all remaining dirt. Make a paste of baking soda and water and scrub away the white mineral deposits. Rinse with water. Another method is to use a solution of half water and half vinegar. If sanitizing the pots you need to place them in a 220 degrees oven on aluminum foil for one hour, turn off the oven and leave pots to cool for several hours. Be sure to have your windows open. Never use soap. It leaves a residue.
*Plant trees that will add color and a pleasing addition to your “garden-home.” Remember, evergreen trees should be placed toward your home’s northern exposure. Deciduous trees are best planted to the south, east and west. Trees aid in keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter thus assisting you in keeping your electric bill lowered.
*Stinkbugs are invading. Please do not throw them outside but kill any that you see. Vacuum them up and seal the bag tightly before placing it in the trash. If merely flushed they can crawl back up and out of the toilet. These pests will over winter in your windows, behind wall hangings, in your plants, in closets and any other warm space they can manage to find.
Happy gardening and preparation for the new gardens to come!
Sally Booth and Katie Corbin
