Of all the seasons for this publication, Sept/Oct poses the greatest challenge for timeliness. In most parts of this country it is safe to assume that nights will be cool, while daytime temperatures will be mild; making for a pronounced “end-of-season”. In Coastal California on the other hand, we can experience warm weather during September, and not begin to feel the seasonal change until the middle of October or later.

SEPTEMBER CHECKLIST

• Water young trees deeply to reduce leaf scorch.
• Feed migrating Monarch butterflies – plant milkweed (Asclepias spp.) and set out overripe melons, tomatoes or other sweet fruit.
• Visit farmer’s markets; make notes of varieties for next year’s edible garden.
• A mild plant food like fish emulsion will benefit your potted garden.
• Withhold water from your Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) plants this month.
• Make sure your garden is fire-safe. See us for recommendations.

OCTOBER CHECKLIST

• Buy flower bulbs now. You can plant later if necessary.
• Feed cool season grasses with Dr. Earth Organic Lawn Food.
• Our first rains often come this month. Adjust your watering system accordingly.
• Plant Iceland Poppies now for a spectacular winter display
• Sow your cover crop seeds as the weather cools down.
• Come see the new Japanese Maples before leaf-drop.