Bulbs have priority in October gardening activities in the Northwest. Plant spring-blooming ones, and lift and store those that have finished their summer bloom. Cleaning up and composting, preparing for spring planting, and eliminating pests are important to your list.
The Cascades divide the area, killing frosts already a danger east of the mountains. But there is a month to 6 weeks before they hit between the Coast Range and the Cascades.
Irrigation is still more in order east of the mountains than west. On the eastern side, the ground may freeze before the fall rains come.
A freeze when the roots are dry can cause a lot of damage.
Here Is What You Need To Do
Finish transplanting shrubs by early November east of the mountains.
Deciduous Shrubs
Deciduous shrubs are usually spring planted, but they can be handled in the fall if you move them with earth balls and stake them for protection against winds.
Rake and compost leaves. If allowed to accumulate on the lawn, they might damage the turf. Rose foliage that has dropped is an exception, however. Burn it to kill any spores of black spots and other fungus diseases.
Lilies
Plant lilies as soon as you get them. Most bulbs are dormant and do not deteriorate rapidly out of the ground. But lilies never go fully dormant and must be treated like perennials.
Iris
Iris here there is no rush. You can plant bulbous ones at your convenience. Divide and plant Japanese and Siberian iris. Plant spuria iris for bloom next summer.
Other Flowering Bulbs
Lift and store dahlias, gladiolus, tuberous begonias, and canvas when the first frost hits.
Mark dahlia tubers with an indelible pencil for easy identification when replanting. Break off and discard the old corms on glads.
Dust the new ones with an insecticide to combat thrips before storing them in ventilated containers in a dry, cool, frost-free place. Lift canvas, and store in a deep trench until spring.
Take cuttings of geraniums, fuchsias, and tuberous begonias. Carry them over indoors or in a greenhouse.
In mild areas, fuchsias can be left in the ground and protected by heavy peat mulch. In severe weather, areas store them in a trench, covered and protected until planting.
Pot crocus, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, etc., plunge the pots into the ground until frosts get severe. Then lift and move indoors for winter bloom.
A cold frame equipped with a heating cable will also take care of them until it is time to move them indoors.
Chrysanthemums. Keep them staked and tied and, if outdoors. protect them with a polyethylene cover. Pick off faded flowers and leaves and dust as necessary for pests.
Perennials
Perennials started from seed earlier this year can be set out now. Set out seedling primroses, pansies, and violas.
Mulch young plants to protect them from heaving. Clean up rock gardens, top dress with compost, spread with bonemeal.
Planters
Clean out the spent material, put in new soil, and plant potted bulbs, Viburnum davidi, heathers, ivies, and dwarf conifers.
Bush Fruits
Plant blueberry, gooseberry, currant bushes, and strawberries west of the Cascades.
44659 by Dean Collins