October Gardening Chores
October is one of the best gardening months in North Carolina. Cooler temperatures make working outside a little more enjoyable, while your garden is settling into fall. Before the leaves really start piling up, there are a few things to check off your list.
Your October Task List
Plant for Fall & Winter
October is still a great time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials, and cool-season plants. Getting plants in the ground while temperatures are cooler gives roots time to establish before the heat returns next year.
If you’re growing vegetables, focus on cool-season crops such as kale, collards, lettuce, spinach, radishes, carrots, and turnips. In the NC Piedmont, planting dates vary by crop, so check the recommended timing for your specific vegetable.
Clean Up Summer Gardens
Pull out finished summer annuals, vegetables, and spent plants. Remove diseased plant material rather than adding it to your compost pile, and clear away weeds before they have a chance to settle in for winter.
A little fall cleanup now can make spring gardening much easier.
Add Mulch
Refresh mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden beds to help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and protect plant roots as temperatures fluctuate. Just remember to keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and plant stems.
Keep Watering New Plants
Cooler temperatures don’t mean you can completely put away the hose. Newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials still need consistent moisture while their roots establish.
Pay particular attention to plants that were recently installed, especially during dry stretches.
Start Preparing for Frost
Keep an eye on the forecast as nighttime temperatures begin to drop. Have frost cloth or other plant protection ready for tender plants that you want to keep growing a little longer. Hardy cool-season vegetables such as kale and collards can tolerate colder temperatures, while frost-sensitive plants may need protection.
Improve Your Soil
Fall is a great time to add compost or other organic matter to garden beds. NC State recommends adding a 2–3 inch layer of well-rotted leaves or compost in the fall to help improve soil over time.
If you haven’t had your soil tested recently, fall is also a good time to do it and make any recommended amendments before spring.
October Garden Checklist
- ☐ Plant trees, shrubs, perennials, and cool-season plants
- ☐ Harvest remaining summer vegetables
- ☐ Clean up finished plants and weeds
- ☐ Plant garlic
- ☐ Refresh mulch
- ☐ Water newly planted plants
- ☐ Add compost or organic matter
- ☐ Prepare frost protection
- ☐ Start collecting fallen leaves for mulch or compost
October is the perfect month to enjoy the garden while getting a little ahead of the seasons. A few hours of cleanup and planting now can make for a much healthier, happier garden when spring rolls around.
Happy Gardening!
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