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October Activities
TREES AND SHRUBS:
~If
you are not happy with where a tree or shrub is located, this month is a
great time to transplant. For young plants (less than two years in the
current location) the root ball is probably still small enough to move
without too much trauma. Older plants will adjust to their new “digs”
better if root-pruned prior to their change in locale. Make a dotted
line with a sharp shooter spade (which is long and skinny) at about one foot
from the main trunk of the plant. This process entails sinking the spade
all the way to the hips or top of it, skipping a space the width of the
spade, then sinking the spade into the ground again. Repeat this process
until you have gone all the way around the plant making something of a
dotted line. Wait three to six weeks to allow new feeder roots to develop
within that one foot radius and then when the shrub or tree is transplanted,
it will be better able to take up water and nutrients. It is also a good
idea to trim back the plants top so that the roots have a smaller canopy to
support. Keep the new root ball watered since it will have fewer feeder
roots to absorb moisture and mulch well.
~ Look for great deals on fruit trees at your local nursery. Many now put
merchandise on sale so they don’t have to nurse them through the winter
months. Take advantage of the great prices and the great weather. Fall is
the best time to put in shrubs and trees in most of Texas.
PERENNIALS:
~Most
perennials may be divided and shared with neighbors this month. Continue to
dead-head (remove spent blooms) on all perennials for a longer bloom period.
After chrysanthemums have finished, give them a break by removing leggy
stalks to make a bushier, healthier plant for next season.
~Now is the time to buy those bulbs! Late winter/early spring bloomers,
such as daffodils, will respond well to a slight chill before planting.
Stick bulbs into a paper bag and place in crisper drawer of fridge, making
sure there are NO apples nearby as they can turn your bulbs to mush. Then
wait until Thanksgiving to plant.
~ Top dress composted manure to perennial beds for a blanket of
protection, both from cold and malnutrition.
ANNUALS/VEGETABLES:
~Dig
and store caladium bulbs now.
~Start looking for strawberries to put out mid-month. Call your County
Extension office for specific varieties.
~Carrots, cabbage, onions, garlic (my favorite is elephant garlic) and
greens are great for a fall garden.
GENERAL:
~Prepare
turfgrass for the winter with a 3-1-2 ratio fertilizer or winterizer. DO
NOT use a weed and feed product as it often does more damage than good.
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