appropriate window next year rather than trying to force a late-season renovation. MULCH WITH PURPOSE Mulch can help conserve soil moisture, moderate soil temperatures and suppress weeds, but more isn't necessarily better. If existing mulch has become thin or displaced, refresh it where needed rather than automatically adding a thick new layer. Keep mulch away from tree trunks and woody stems. Piling it against bark can trap moisture and create conditions that contribute to problems with the trunk. A moderate, even layer is generally more useful than a deep mound. BRING THE GARDEN INDOORS Before a hard freeze, check containers and tender plants that may need protection. Some plants can be brought indoors, while tender bulbs and other sensitive specimens may need to be dug and stored according to their individual requirements. Empty and clean outdoor containers that could be damaged by freezing temperatures. Move valuable pots to a protected location, and inspect houseplants before bringing them indoors so pests aren't inadvertently brought inside. October can also be a good time to collect seeds from mature annuals and perennials. Allow seed heads to dry thoroughly, then collect and store seeds according to the needs of the particular plant. Labeling them now will make next spring's planting easier.
Daffodils, tulips, crocuses and hyacinths can all bring an early burst of color after winter. Plant bulbs in well- drained soil at the depth recommended for the particular variety, with the pointed end facing upward. For a longer succession of blooms, combine varieties that flower at different points in spring. Planting bulbs in groups or drifts can also create a more natural-looking display than scattering individual bulbs throughout a bed. DON'T CLEAN UP EVERYTHING A perfectly manicured garden isn't necessarily the healthiest one. As perennials finish flowering, consider leaving some stems and seed heads standing through the colder months. Coneflowers, black-eyed Susans and ornamental grasses can provide winter structure, while seed heads may offer food for birds. Leaving plant stems and some leaf litter also creates shelter for overwintering insects. URI's Bee Lab recommends delaying certain cleanup tasks until spring to help protect pollinators. That doesn't mean leaving everything untouched. Remove diseased or invasive plant material, but healthy stems and seed heads can often remain until late winter or spring. GIVE THE LAWN A FINAL CHECK By October, the window for major lawn renovation and overseeding is beginning to close. URI identifies late summer and early fall, particularly late August and September, as the preferred period for major lawn renovation and reseeding in Rhode Island. If you seeded earlier in the season, continue caring for those areas according to the requirements of the grass seed or lawn product you used. Established lawns may still need mowing in October, depending on growth and weather. If bare or thin areas remain, make a note of them now and plan more extensive repairs for the
49
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online