Plant Now, Enjoy Later How to Make the Most of October in the Garden O ctober may signal the winding down of the growing season, but there is still plenty to do outdoors. Cooler conditions can be favorable for establishing certain trees and shrubs, while PLANTING SEASON ISN'T OVER Cooler conditions can make early fall a favorable time to establish certain trees and shrubs. When choosing a new addition, consider its mature size, sunlight
according to the University of Rhode Island, September and October are recommended planting months for spring-flowering bulbs in Rhode Island. Thoughtful cleanup can also prepare the landscape for winter without eliminating the food and shelter gardens provide for wildlife. For local gardeners, the goal isn't to make every bed perfectly tidy. Instead, focus on preparing the landscape for the months ahead while leaving healthy plant material that can provide winter interest and support birds and overwintering insects. URI recommends delaying some garden cleanup and leaving stems and leaf litter in place to benefit pollinators.
requirements, drainage and placement. Give each tree or shrub enough room to reach its eventual size rather than choosing a location based solely on how much space it occupies at purchase. Newly planted trees and shrubs need consistent moisture while their roots become established. Continue watering during dry periods and follow the care requirements for the particular species. A layer of mulch can help conserve soil moisture, but keep it away from trunks and stems. THINK AHEAD TO SPRING October is an important month for planting spring- flowering bulbs. With the soil still workable, it is a good time to get bulbs established before winter.
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