Landscape Designers Share Essential October Gardening Tasks

As the fall season reaches its midpoint, gardens across various regions display vibrant foliage and the last blooms of summer. With winter approaching, landscape designers highlight essential tasks for October to ensure gardens thrive amid changing temperatures. Experts recommend creating a comprehensive fall gardening checklist to stay organized and adequately prepare for the colder months ahead.

Key October Gardening Tasks

Landscape designers Laura Janney, CEO of The Inspired Garden Masterclass, and Mintee Kalra, founder of Peruse, emphasize four critical tasks that gardeners should prioritize this month. These include mulching, dividing perennials, cutting back certain plants, and tending to trees. Each task contributes to the overall health of the garden and prepares it for the winter months.

Mulching is a foundational task that protects plant roots from winter’s chill. Janney emphasizes using natural, organic mulch, despite its higher cost, as it offers long-lasting benefits without harmful chemicals. “It doesn’t break down as easily and contains no dyes or chemicals,” she explains. The recommended depth for mulch is between two to four inches, which also helps suppress weeds.

Kalra adds that soil nourishment is equally vital. “Even in a naturalistic garden, soil is the quiet engine of health,” she states. She suggests layering compost or aged leaf mold, which provides nutrients without disturbing root systems. This method acts as a slow-release investment in the upcoming bloom cycle.

Dividing Perennials and Pruning

Another critical task is dividing perennials, which Janney identifies as beneficial for plant health. By digging up overgrown perennials, gardeners can rejuvenate them and create new plants. “Shake off any extra soil and take off any dead parts,” she advises. Larger plants can be cut in half with a sharp spade, while smaller ones can be handled with a hori hori knife.

Pruning also plays a significant role during this season. Kalra notes that October is an excellent time to thin out summer growth in meadows and gardens. She recommends cutting back tired plants while leaving seed heads to provide sustenance for birds and maintain winter interest. “This edit preserves the architecture of the planting while restoring air and light for winter renewal,” she explains.

Janney agrees that pruning can prevent diseases and improve the overall appearance of the garden. She highlights the importance of using clean, sharp tools to ensure the plants remain healthy.

Tree Care and Common Mistakes

In addition to perennials, attention should also be directed toward trees. Kalra suggests conducting a post-summer assessment to identify signs of damage such as sunscald or cracked bark. Early fall pruning helps maintain the tree’s vitality. “The goal isn’t aesthetic perfection but long-term vitality,” she asserts.

While there are essential tasks to tackle, certain activities should be avoided. Janney warns against pruning shrubs, which can cause stress as they enter dormancy, and advises waiting until late winter or early spring for this task. She cautions that improper pruning of hydrangeas can lead to a lack of blooms the following spring.

Additionally, Janney recommends avoiding planting late in the season. “Plants need time to establish their roots before going dormant and facing the harsh conditions of winter,” she notes. Ideally, planting should be completed by mid-October to maximize success rates.

Finally, maintaining weed control is crucial even as temperatures drop. Janney emphasizes that weeds compete with perennials for essential resources, and staying on top of weeding promotes healthy growth. She also stresses the importance of watering plants to help them endure frost and establish strong roots before winter.

For those looking to enhance their gardens this October, there are various flowers and vegetables that can be planted for next year’s blooms and even spring bulbs that can be prepared now. As the seasons transition, these essential tasks not only contribute to the beauty of gardens but also ensure their resilience through the winter months.