This is the best month to build, dig and make big changes in my Apex garden. My to-do list is long one.
Bed building: I’ve been collecting plants to expand my beds for some weeks now. I dig in bags of topsoil, compost, and pine bark soil conditioner. Then plant in the elevated and enriched areas. Stones, even fire wood, hold the soil in place.
Shrub planting: I love to take advantage of the great plant sales and open nurseries this time of year. And I love shrubs. They are the bones of my garden. When I make a new bed I always start with shrubs, then fill in with smaller plants.
Dividing perennials: Some plants never need dividing, but others, like my favorite Japanese Roof Iris will bloom much better if divided every 2-3 years. Having extra plants to share with friends is another big bonus of dividing your plants.
Saving seeds: Some of my favorite plants, like this tall Melampodium, grow from home-harvested seeds. Simple and free, seeds are the most rewarding form of propagation I know. I store my seeds in open containers until they dry completely. And always, always label.
That’s only part of the list and I’m already tired, so I’ll end on an easy task. Enjoy the fall blooms, leaves and wonderful weather. It is a great time to be outside in NC.
What are you doing in the garden this month? I’d love to hear.
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October 26, 2011 at 12:50 pm
Diantha Pinner
I’m making adjustments in the beds. Moving things that aren’t in quite the right spot anymore, replacing plants that died over the summer, and finally pulling out my tomatoes and castor beans before they go to mush on me. Still too soon to plant garlic, isn’t it?
October 28, 2011 at 6:55 pm
christineramsey
I think moving things is in the air. i dug up 3 overgrown foundation plants yesterday and moved them. Tough work. When plants are young, I do overplant with the intention of moving later. I just forget how hard it is to get them out once they are gown. The upside of moving mature suff is the instant age big plants give an new bed.
About the garlic–i’m really not the one to ask. I’ve always read that it should be planted in the fall, and today is surely fall. I alway get so busy I forget to plant mine in time. So my advice is go ahead and do it. The garlic bulbs in the plant store were already past prime earlier this month. I think your timing is perfect..
Thanks for the comment. I’m looking forward to seeing you in the garden soon (and I have rainlilies to share with you). C
October 28, 2011 at 9:53 pm
K. Melissa Kennedy
Great list Chris…I have been on a shrub planting mission this October. It is so much easier to do the hard labor when the weather cools.
And I have definitely over planted in my early beds. It is hard to imagine how big plants will grow. Plus, if you are a beginner gardner like me…you have that whole impatience thing working against you…eager for your garden to look established.
Luckily, gardens evolve and moving plants is all a part of the process.
m
October 28, 2011 at 10:33 pm
K. Melissa Kennedy
Diantha…just saw this article about garlic planting in the Charlotte Observer…looks like the time is now.
Check it out–
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/10/02/2650652/planting-garlic-a-new-october.html