October certainly means fall is here. With the wind storms we have had and the lack of rain, it may seem like fall is earlier than usual. In my garden, some of the trees began to lose leaves in early September and on our birch tree they have almost all turned yellow. The heavy air pollution that many of us have experienced here in the Willamette Valley has also taken a toll on plants. However, as gardeners, we are optimistic and look forward to spring and there is much this month we can do in anticipation.
· Dig and divide rhubarb
· Treat moss on roofs
· Plant bulbs
· Chrysanthemums for fall color
· Plant shrubs
Rhubarb is very easy to grow and can often be planted in ornamental flower beds because the large leaves and red stems are quite attractive. If plants are 3-4 years old, they may need to be divided and this is a good time to do that. If the stems have become small, that is usually a signal that the clump needs to be divided.
This is an ideal time to treat moss on roofs and Wilco has a good selection of products to choose from. Most products have recommendations for application after a rain when the roof is wet. The wet moss will help the product attach to the moss resulting in better control. Wet moss can also be slippery so take appropriate measures so as not to fall off the roof. Be sure to read the label because some products require the applicator to wear a mask and goggles. Never apply a moss killer on a windy day. Usually, one application is sufficient, but don’t expect the moss to immediately disappear because it may take several weeks.
Moss Out Roof Granule 6 lb.
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Lilly Miller Moss Out for Roofs & Walks, Covers 500 sq. ft.
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Corry's Moss B Ware Moss Killer, 3 lbs.
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October is traditionally the month to plant bulbs. The well-known spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, hyacinths, crocus, daffodils, etc. can all be planted now. For a mass color effect, plant in clusters rather than in a single row. If there are some specific bulbs that you plan to purchase, buy them early because popular varieties often sell out. Different bulbs have different planting depths so be sure to check the label for proper depth. Wilco has a new tool called a ‘Dibber’, which was a new word to me. I looked up the definition and it is defined as a pointed wooden stick for making holes in the ground for seeds and bulbs. In other words, it is a bulb planter. However, this is just not your regular bulb planter! This planter is made in Holland by DeWit with the wooden shaft marked for depth and has a brass pointed tip to push into the soil to make space for the bulb. This would make an ideal host/hostess gift for a gardener, especially in this fall bulb planting season.
Dibber: a pointed wooden stick for making holes in the ground for seeds and bulbs.
DeWit Wooden Dibber
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Chrysanthemums ‘mums’ for fall color are hard to beat. Plants are available now and are loaded with flower buds. If the plant is a gift, especially for someone housebound, select one with lots of open buds. Otherwise, I like to get plants that are in tight bud with just a hint of color showing. With tight buds, the flowers will gradually open and the bloom period is extended. Chrysanthemums make an excellent plant for an entryway and kept out of the rain; the flowers will last for weeks.
Fall is also an excellent time to plant shrubs. By planting shrubs now while the soil is still warm enough for the roots to grow, the plant can settle into its new home. Hopefully, we will have had sufficient rain to provide moisture, but regardless of rain or not, be sure to water the shrub thoroughly after planting. By planting now, shrubs will have a head start in spring.
There is lots to do in the fall garden and I think for many of us, cleanup will be a major task. In my garden, with the wind and dry summer, I have lots of crisp leaves, branches, spent flowers, and other debris that needs to be removed.
Sluggo Slug/Snail Killer, 5-Lb.
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