October Garden Chores as Numerous as Spring

As Fall approaches, October serves as the bridge linking 80 degree dreams to 20 degrees nightmares. If local weather is cooperative, this is a great time to be outdoors - not too hot or cool, with a hint of season changing. It is also the time to prepare your garden and property for the upcoming swing of the seasonal pendulum. There is no shortage of chores to be completed, and the clock is ticking. Procrastination in October translates to extensive labor in the Spring, not only punishing the apathetic, but attaching the dreaded moniker of "Eyesore" to your innocent landscape. I've found from experience, laziness, stupidity, what have you, a list is a must for October Garden Chores. Get a Coffee, sit down and look at your property. What needs done and what are your goals for the future? Be realistic and practical, remember, most likely it will be completed as a solo project, yours. A number of small useful chores are always better than a long tedious endeavor. Enlist the help of family if possible, but only if they have a genuine interest. Forced labor usually results in poor work, and the disharmony will follow and linger after going inside the house. These chores are a good learning opportunity for small children, and a good way to spend quality time with young grandkids. Here is a normal annual October list I follow for my garden:

Dry and Save Seed - If you have some particularly great plants, get those seeds.

Garden Pond - Start getting it Winterized now, beat the rush before it gets damaged.

Bring Potted Plants Inside - Self explanatory, don't let them die in an early frost.

Sharpen and Store Garden Tools - Nothing is worse than next Spring when full of ambition on a beautiful day your tools aren't worth a darn.

Harvest and Dry Herbs - Do it in October, perfect timing.

Check Soil - Test your soil for nutrients and make any necessary additions.

Prepare Roses - Get roses ready for cold weather.

Clean and Fill Feeders - If you have Bird or Squirrel Feeders, clean them well and fill them for your little friends.

Birdbaths - Clean them and fill with fresh water. Make sure you rinse them well, and consider installing a de-icer if in a really cold climate.

Garden Fungi - October is a good time to add Garden Fungi, in Spring you'll be glad you did this.

Spread Compost - Spread any well aged compost.

Start a New Compost Pile - You just used the old one, you need a new one.

Collect Dead Vegetation - Place it on the new Compost Pile.

Plant Shrubs - Perfect timing, for both plant and Gardener.

Harvest Fall Vegetables - Carrots, Beets, and Cabbage, it's time to pick them.

Pick Green Tomatoes - Let them ripen on a window sill or paper bag, don't let them get ruined by frost.

Hose - Drain Garden Hoses and put them away.

Garden Blankets - If you have erosion or topography problems, October is a good time to lay them out.

Power Equipment - Garden Tractors, Chain Saws, and Roto Tillers. It's best to do the preventive maintenance in October so they start next year.

Gather Garden Stakes and Ornaments - Store them to prevent damage.

Paint Trellises - Do it now, and they'll look good all Winter.

Trim Trees - Better to cut dead limbs now rather than after a windstorm in December.

When creating the list, take into account any recommendations of other household members (within reason). It is always nice not to be rushed or buried by work, so getting a good jump in October can become a Golf day in May. October chores seem to be contagious for some reason, probably that whole "keeping up with the Joneses" concept. Get yours finished first and watch the neighbors try to outdo you