Plant:

Fall crocus, sternbergia, colchicum for October bloom.

Garden chrysanthemums for fall color.

Biennial seedlings into nursery bed or permanent place in garden to bloom next year.

 

Prune/Cut:

Prune water sprouts from fruit trees, wisteria for the last time.

Lightly cut back overgrown hedges, foundation plantings, and other woody plants.

Cut straw flowers when half open for drying; tie in bundles and hang in a well-ventilated space.

Train and trim espaliers and topiaries for the last time.

Disbud for more and larger blooms, especially chrysanthemums and dahlias

 

Fertilize:

Roses – monthly, annuals, container plants,

Chrysanthemums (weekly, until the buds show color).

Use organic alternatives to heavy chemicals such as compost tea, fish emulsion or Espoma products

 

Watch for:

Aphids, black spots.

Check plant ties that may be strangling plants.

 

Lawn care:

Keep grass longer in hot weather

Dethatch and aerate old lawns to promote root growth.

 

Tree care:

New trees (planted within the last two years) need regular deep watering to get established.

Mulch 2 to 4 inches deep in circle around tree, but keep away from bark at the tree base.

 

Propagation:

Take perennial cuttings. For hydrangeas, cut a stem with no flower and 2-3 sets of leaves.

Dig and divide peonies

 

Chores:

If vacationing, water and mulch garden well; remove all blossoms on perennials and annuals to encourage re-bloom upon your return.

Remove weeds before they seed.

Cut flowers and herbs for drying.

Check plants growing on stakes and trellises.

 

In the Vegetable Garden:

Sow cool-season vegetables.

Take herb cuttings from new growth to transplant into the garden or into pots for fresh use indoors during the winter.

Prune tomato plants.

Pull and compost spent crops and overgrown vegetables.