Now that some cooler temperatures are on the horizon, it’s time to go over the gardening tips for the month of October. We’ve got some great guidelines to help keep your lawn and garden looking healthy during the changing season.
One of the first things you should think about doing is to plant winter vegetable gardens and hardy annuals. Make sure to prepare your plant beds properly using peat, manure, and bone meal. Once the beds are ready, ensure that you feed them lightly but frequently. It’s also important to dust or spray every week or two with a combination fungicide and insecticide. The use of Thuricide will help eliminate worms and caterpillars, while not harming beneficial insects.
During the month of October it is vital to fertilize your lawn in order to assure the growth of a strong root system. This will enable a quick takeoff next spring and keep your lawn looking the way it should. Watch lawns for signs of fungus, mole crickets, chinch bugs, or worms. Should you find any pests, we have just the solutions you need.
It’s also time to fertilize fruit trees, shade trees, and woody shrubs with a good balanced fertilizer containing minor elements. This helps winter survival and has the trees ready to go once spring arrives next year.
CREDIT
column by WILLIAM “BILL” DOTY
BIO: William R. “Bill” Doty is the owner of Doty Farm and Garden Supply Inc. in Winter Haven, Florida. Founded in 1954, Doty’s has been there for every one of its loyal customer’s budding needs. Bill graduated from Winter Haven High School and then Florida State University. During his student days, he learned invaluable lessons in listening, asking questions, and reading anything related to the family business. Bill shares his knowledge with his customers daily and the readers of Central Florida Ag News each month.