Since October is the last frost-free month throughout the southwest area, there are many chores to be done. It is the culmination of the growing season with gorgeous displays of Oklahoma chrysanthemums and the last fling of the summer bulbs and annuals.
Chrysanthemums
Early varieties are fading and the mid-season ones are at peak bloom in early October. To improve the substance and quality of these, feed lightly and water heavily.
Watering of Chrysanthemums
When watering, flood the beds if possible as the plants will utilize all available water. About the only real pest to guard against at this time is the spotted cucumber beetle.
These seem to prefer blooms in preference to foliage. Weekly application of malathion gives adequate control. The pesticide Sevin promises to control some of the insects that appear to be developing an immunity to many insecticides.
Planting Time For Spring-Flowering Bulbs
October is planting time for all spring-flowering bulbs. Bulbs are live plant organs that should be handled carefully and planted correctly.
On arrival, they should be planted as soon as possible. For those that cannot be planted at once, they should be stored in dry, well-ventilated areas at a temperature near 50 degrees.
Planting in Well-Cultivated Soil
For best results bulbs should be planted in well-cultivated soil. Thorough turning of the soil to a depth of 12” inches and the addition of phosphate or bone meal in a limited amount should give good results.
Do not add fresh manure on or near bulbs as this will cause severe damage to roots by burning. It is ideal to plant the bulbs on a cushion of sand. This encourages quick root growth, eliminates air pockets, and improves drainage.
Watering and Cooling For Planting
After the preparation of the soil, it should be thoroughly watered to settle it and make it cool for planting.
For depth of planting, twice the greatest diameter of the bulb should be sufficient. Deeper planted bulbs bloom later.
Massed colors in large beds give a more effective display for planting design. In this type of planting the lighter colors carry more visual weight.
Notes and Pointers
Fall is a good time to plant ground covers. As your trees grow older and begin to shade out the lawn, investigate the use of ground covers as a grass substitute. English ivy is one of our best, as is trailing periwinkle (Vinca minor).
Many of the sedums do well here as ground covers. The trend in landscape design is to use ground covers to eliminate or reduce maintenance costs.
Cleaning Up The Garden
Garden clean-up is one of the most important chores for the month. The usual garden litter plus that caused by killing frost should be kept cleaned away from all plants. This provides a great deal of material for composting.
More important, is the elimination of any hosting places for insects and disease spores. Bring in any tubbed or potted plants that need winter protection.
Cutting of Tender Bedding Plants
This is also the last call for taking cuttings of tender bedding plants such as geraniums, wax begonias, and coleus.
Continue to divide and replant hardy perennials. Order pansy plants for November planting.
Continue soil preparation for future planting. Water, as rainfall, may be lacking this month. If so, go heavy on irrigation.
44659 by Robert H. Rucker