September 26, 2023 – In Texas, October is a great time for gardening as the weather starts to cool down. Here are some gardening tasks to consider:
Plant Fall Vegetables: You can plant cool-season vegetables like lettuce, spinach, broccoli, and carrots. They thrive in the milder temperatures.
Prune and Trim: Trim back overgrown shrubs and perennials to prepare them for winter. Remove dead or diseased branches.
Mulch: Apply mulch to insulate the soil and conserve moisture. This helps protect plants from temperature fluctuations.
Fertilize: Fertilize your lawn and garden with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to provide nutrients for the upcoming months.
Bulb Planting: October is ideal for planting spring-flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils. They’ll bloom in the spring.
Watering: Adjust your watering schedule as temperatures decrease. Plants generally need less water in the cooler months.
Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Cooler weather can reduce some pest problems, but vigilance is still important.
Fall Flowers: Consider planting fall-blooming flowers like mums, asters, and marigolds for a burst of color.
Lawn Care: Warm-season grasses may go dormant as temperatures get cooler. This is a great time to control fall weeds with herbicides that might become a problem next spring.
Prepare for Frost: Be ready to protect tender plants if frost is expected. Cover them with blankets or use frost cloth. First frost kill is usually in early November for Hopkins County.
