October Calendar

​My fall chore list has become shorter over the years as I have discovered easier methods of dealing with leaves on the lawn with frequent mowing with my mulching lawn mower.  Leaves that land in the perennial beds are left there to provide protection over the winter.  The only area that I clean up is the vegetable garden by removing dead material after the frost. 

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• Plant garlic and spring bulbs when soil temperature is under 50⁰ (usually after first frost).
• Dig and store tender bulbs after first frost. 
• Fertilize existing spring bulbs after first frost (there is disagreement on whether to fertilize in the fall or in the spring, I recommend doing it when you remember and have time!)
• Clean up the vegetable garden, dispose of diseased plant material, compost the remaining plant material.
• Mow and mulch leaves.  I try to mow/mulch leaves often where they land on the lawn.  This eliminates raking.  The only areas raked are those with an excessive amount of leaves. 
• Leave perennials stand until spring.  Research has shown that plants survive the winter better with the dead material remaining and protecting the crown of the plant.  The only exception is to remove plants that have had disease or pest issues during the growing season.  Peonies, phlox, and iris are especially prone to disease so I always cut those back.
• Cut back old raspberries canes (the ones that had fruit this year.)  This can be done anytime between now and spring.