October Gardening Tips
The following tips are from the Escambia County Master Gardener's award-winning Gardening Tips Calendars.


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Shrubs and Trees
  • Many trees are responding to the shorter days and cooler temperatures by changes leaf color. Enjoy the reds, oranges and yellows of crape myrtles, hickories, birches, and ginko trees.
  • It is best not to hedge or shear shrubs at this time of year. This practice will encourage growth that could be injured during cold weather.
  • Only remove dead fronds from palms when pruning. Overlifting the canopy of palms can lead to increased nutrient deficiencies and bud damage if there are strong winds in the area.
Lawns
  • It is too late for any nitrogen fertilizer for lawns. Even products that are labeled as 'winterizers' should not be applied now if they contain nitrogen. Read an article on winterizers.
  • Begin to reduce watering as air and soil temperatures cool down. Some St. Augustine lawns may have large patch fungal problems. Later applications of nitrogen fertilizers will cause the disease rapidly spread over the turf. Affected areas will have to grow out of damage.
Flowers and Vegetables
  • Now is the time to plant daffodil bulbs. These do not require any cold treatment and are ready to plant immediately after purchase. The Escambia County Master Gardeners have over 25 varieties for sale at the Extension office and various locations around town. Check out the varieties here.
  • We are enjoying the blooms of some of our favorite perennials now. Cassias, Philippine violet, muhly grass, and lions ear offer beautiful fall color
Miscellaneous
  • Hummingbirds and butterflies are very active in gardens so be cautious about using pesticides. Remember that you must accept some pests in order to have beneficials. Good plants for attracting hummingbirds include bottlebrush, Red basil, firespike, cypress vine, coral honeysuckle, and Russelia.
  • Monitor for signs of scale on your shrubs and trees. Use a horticultural oil if neccesary for management.