With October, there comes a sharpening of the air and the pungent fragrance of ripened fruit. A glorious month of brilliant color, it is time to clean up gardens of fallen leaves, as well as to shear tops of perennials, prune shrubs and trees and pull up dead vegetables and annuals.
Bulbs for Winter Forcing
Many bulbs may be started indoors now for winter flowering and color. Paper white narcissus, the Chinese sacred lily, Soleil, d'Or and other varieties of daffodils, French Roman hyacinths, as well as freesias and oxalis, are all easily forced. Narcissus may be set in pebbles, vermiculite or soil, with the water barely touching the bases of bulbs. Other kinds of bulbs are best planted in soil. Set in a cool (55 F.) airy place in dim light until roots form and leaves begin to push up. Then bring to light and warmth.
Make Compost Pile
Fall is a good time to start a compost pile or build up an old one. Select a spot about four feet square in an out-of-the-way corner, make a layer of newly fallen leaves, mat them down and water. For every five bushels of leaves or other material, use one pound of manure or complete fertilizer and one-half pound of ground limestone.
Chrysanthemums for Indoors
Lift chrysanthemums with a ball of soil to transfer to bare areas of the border and water well. Some of the newer and more vivid varieties may be potted and brought inside before frost. Visit gardens, nurseries, flower shows and search online in order to choose varieties for next year.
On Planting Bulbs
Finish planting early spring-flowering bulbs, such as scillas, crocus snowdrops, chionodoxas and narcissus. These produce picturesque effects when naturalized in large masses in a grassy plot or among shrubs and varieties of croton plant in the foundation planting. Tulip planting time however, continues until the ground freezes. Plant bulbs 6-8" deep or 10-12" if left alone for several years.
Care of House Plants
House plants brought inside last month (September) should be given plenty of fresh air on warm days, while still adjusting to indoor conditions. Water carefully and examine for insect pests. Place foliage plants including philodendrons, ivies, Chinese evergreens, dumb canes, dracenas and others, in a light but not sunny window and wipe leaves with soft cloth periodically.
Author Resource:
Thomas Fryd shares his knowledge at http://www.plant-care.com. Knowledge is power - get more power and find out more about varieties of croton plant .
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