Gardening Suggestions for October

Fourth Quarter (October, November, December): In Houston this is the autumn (fall) and early winter period. Temperatures begin to drop and late in the year frost may become a risk. Days shorten and plant growth slows. Deciduous trees shed their leaves. By the first week of December I have prepared my garden plants for an anticipated frost.
​October in Houston the cooler temperatures making it ideal for planting and garden maintenance. 

• Lawns: Continue mowing as needed, gradually lowering the height. Mowing St. Augustine to a height of ~3” and Bermuda grass back to ~1-2”. Fertilize warm-season lawns with a winterizing fertilizer (high potassium) to strengthen roots. Begin fall leaf cleanup.
• Bulbs: Plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths,… Prepare beds with well-draining soil, compost and bone meal.
• Annuals: Plant cool-season annuals like pansies, violas, and snapdragons,..
• Perennials: Divide and transplant spring-blooming perennials. Plant fall-blooming perennials like chrysanthemums,… Begin cleaning up dead foliage.
• Tropical Plants: Identify garden plants that may need frost protection. Reduce watering and fertilization.
• Roses/Shrubs/Trees: Plant new potted and bare root plants.
• Fruit Trees: Harvest late-season fruits. Begin minor fall pruning. Clean up fallen fruit to prevent disease. Plant bare-root trees.
• Palms: Reduce watering as temperatures begin to cool. Fertilize as needed. Check for any signs of pests or disease.
• Fertilizer: As needed.
• Weed Control: Apply pre-emergent herbicides for winter weeds,  as needed. Continue to replenish the mulch as this suppresses weeds. Hand-pull weeds.
• Pests: Caterpillars, aphids,… Cool-season pests will still be active
• Diseases: Leaf spot, rust,…
• Watering: Adjust watering schedules as temperatures continue to cool. Avoid overwatering which can lead to fungal diseases (root rot).
• Suggestions for your Landscaping Crew: Clear out spent summer plants and leaf debris to prevent disease and pests. Rake and remove fallen leaves to prevent fungal diseases (consider composting them). Ask them to continue to monitor soil moisture levels and to monitor plants for pests and diseases. 
• Garden Cost Management: Plan for winter protection of vulnerable plants, such as using frost cloths. This prevents costly plant replacements. Plan for spring planting.

Note: These gardening suggestions are provided for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary due to specific garden conditions, garden plants species and plant varieties, soil types, climate, and other factors. Consider using organic options vs. chemicals if possible. If needed, use only plant specific fertilizers, insect and disease specific ‘cides. Always consult and adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for any garden chemicals or products used.