Plants in October are ready for the cool weather. It is a perfect time for planting most permanent plants. At this time perennials my start to crowd, and you may start to notice smaller blooms. If this happens it is time to divide them. Many winter annuals are also available now, but wait if the plants will be available as bare root. You should refrigerate tulips, and hyacinths for planting in early December. October is a great time to plant peonies, pansies, and petunias. Feed newly planed annuals with a balanced fertilizer. Once they gain some size switch to a low nitrogen 0-10-10 or 6-20-20. Give Azaleas, citrus, gardenias, and rhododendrons foliar application of chelated iron if chlorotic, do not apply nitrogen at this time. Vegetables like beets, broccoli, carrots, cabbage cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, leeks, onions, parsnips, radishes, turnips, and spinach can be planted in October from seeds.
Plants in October vary from your favorite vegetables to some of the prettiest flowers. Happy Fall!