October is finally upon us. The temperatures are getting cooler and the ideal time to plant is NOW! From a plants point of view the fall planting season allows the plants roots to acclimate to their new soil environment and process their carbohydrates into sugar for the upcoming spring season. What does all this have to do with you, you might ask? By planting in the fall your plants will be very well adjusted coming into the warm season the following spring. This means that your odds of success are around 100 percent.

 

                        One thing to remember is to make sure that you plant and mulch your plants appropriately. We certainly don’t want your new plantings to have cold feet (roots) this winter. Moreover, please don’t apply any fertilizer at this time. You want your plants to go dormant for the winter, and not be putting on new growth, which will certainly be burned by the cold.  

 

                        For all the annual flower lovers out there October is a perfect month to change out your spring and summer color for the fall and winter beauties. Whether you are planting in containers or in the ground, good soil is a necessity, as well as, a steady diet of a quality liquid fertilizer.

 

                        Finally, let’s not forget about pitting out the pre-emergent herbicide on your lawn to keep out all those pesky weeds that are sure to be a nuisance next spring. In the southern region of the U.S. barricade herbicide works wonders. Remember, to please read and follow all label directions.