Autumn is here once again. With beautiful weather and mild temperatures, here are 5 gardening tasks that you can do in October.
- Minimize pruning of trees and shrubs except for the 4D’s.
Pruning does encourage trees to grow but should only be done for maintaining the health of your plant. Take off branches and leaves that are diseased, dying, damaged or dead. You can also trim branches hanging over your patio spaces or driveway for safety. All in all, there isn’t a lot of pruning to be done during October or the rest of the autumn season for that matter. - Plant for spring!
If you want beautiful blooms this coming spring, October is the best month to plant those spring flowering plants. It’s best to plant native flowers that thrive in the Texas climate like Texas Bluebonnets, Blue Imperial, Hibiscus, and Cosmos to name a few. Your plant nursery or landscaping contractor may have more recommendations for spring blooms that you wouldn’t want missing in your spring garden! - Clear up your yard and garden.
As everything outdoors prepares for the winter, you should also take care of your outdoor furniture and plots. Cover any furniture against the cold moisture and damp weather. Pull off any dead leaves and branches from your plants. Keep those dried healthy leaves for compost and throw away any diseased ones. - Tie climbing vines to their trellises.
As the wind chills come in and shake and sway anything in its path, help your climbing plants cling on for life by tying them to their structures. This is to ensure that they pass and survive harsh winter winds. - Gather all the dry pliable sticks for wreaths.
Halloween is just around the corner and if you’re into DIY décor, your yard will provide plenty of materials for crafting wreaths for both Halloween and Christmas. You can even make rustic stars and minimalist Christmas trees.
