October in the North closes the gardening season with a grand finale of golden chrysanthemums and the brilliant autumn colors of deciduous trees and shrubs. This lavish display of color tends to take some of the strings out of winter’s arrival. Take note of mum varieties that flower early enough to be enjoyed before frosts, … Read more
October’s frosts may put an end to growing things but not to the gardener’s tasks. There are leaves to be raked and flower borders to be cleaned; furniture and tools to be cleaned and stored and Summer bulbs to be lifted. Tulips To Be Planted More importantly, there are tulips to be planted. But clear, … Read more
This matter of which native plants to grow in the carefree garden keeps popping up here on the West Coast. As far as water requirements are concerned, there are two classes of native Pacific Coast shrubs: those which can stand watering and those which can’t. Those who welcome watering (during drought. that is) often like … Read more
This year why not fertilize your entire yard with a complete commercial fertilizer? Late fall fertilization does not start growth which winter will injure, as many gardeners fear. Use an analysis of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12, either granulated or pelleted; scatter by hand. Each analysis is potent—apply only two pounds per 100 square feet. Wildflowers and … Read more
Brisk, invigorating air, the crisp taste of newly-ripened fruit, and drifting leaves—that is fall. It is a time when outdoor work becomes a real pleasure. And well it is, for there is much to be done. Raking up leaves is one of these chores, and it isn’t just a question of neatness. Wet leaves matting … Read more
There is no lack of jobs to be done in October, especially if you are foresighted. By doing them now you can save valuable time and the spring rush next year will be less hectic. Tender plants such as dalias and tomatoes are killed by early light frosts, but protect them with a cover of … Read more
October is planting time for many things in the South. All the way from the Virginia seaboard to the Texas plains it is considered the best time to plant daffodils. Here in the South we need many more of these bulbs. In late winter. February and March, no other flowers give its such an invigorating … Read more
Gardeners are now busy with a wide variety of pleasant tasks: bulb planting is in full swing; evergreens are being set in; some of the summer bulbs are being dug and cured; the last of the late winter- and spring-blooming annuals are being planted, and in the higher altitudes borders are being bedded down for … Read more
Dry off achimenes after they’re through flowering by gradually reducing the water you give them. When they’re completely dried, remove the top of the plants and store the scaly rhizomes in the container in which they were growing. The best storage spot is under the greenhouse bench or in a cool room where the temperature … Read more
Frosts, even killing frosts,- have already visited the colder parts of our northern area. Sudden killing frosts, descending while plants are still in growth or not fully ripened, are devastating. Only the more rugged plants can stand it. This is true of flowering shrubs, trees, and even perennials. Which Shrubs Are Best For Cold Climates? … Read more