Central Valley Garden:: October

“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”― L. M. Montgomery

October is finally closing in and that means it's time to get A LOT accomplished in the garden!  Shrubs, trees, perennials and annuals can all get planted this month, as well as anything that needs transplanting.

Why should spring get all the glory? While you might not think of fall as a time to get outside and plant, it actually presents a golden opportunity to do just that. October in the Central Valley offers us warm days and cool evenings; perfect weather to get roots established and give you an awesome show of color come Spring.  Annuals planted now will also need much less water to survive due to cooler temperatures and rainfall (Lord willing!)

In my own garden, I have been busy cleaning up the flowerbeds and shaping overgrown shrubs and perennials. Now, that I have the summer annuals pulled out, I'm ready to plant my favorite spring bloomers!

• snapdragons:: available in varied heights
• paludosum daisy:: the best for self sowing and who doesn't like daisies?
• violas:: I prefer violas over pansies because I find they look better longer and don't need the constant deadheading
• dianthus:: cool season bloomer that can be used as annual or perennial.
• foxgloves:: a true biennial that I treat as an annual, self sows
• pansies:: great color variety, but can look "soggy" with a wet winter
• oriental poppies:: I tend to lean more pastel in my Spring garden, but poppies are wonderful for adding sunny tones
• sweet peas:: I like to set out transplants  in the garden instead of sowing seeds.
• ornamental cabbage:: needs heat to grow and cold weather to color 
• alyssum:: another excellent self sower and looks good in cool seasons 

Although bulbs won’t be planted until November, it is important to get in the nurseries now while there is a good selection.  Bulbs like daffodils, narcissus, ranunculus, anemone, dutch iris, and freesia can be kept in a paper bag until it’s time to plant.  Tulips, hyacinth, and crocus should be refrigerated for 4-6 weeks before planting.  Bearded iris can be planted right away and are an excellent option in dry areas.

Here are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure you get your bloomers off to a great start.  

• Always make sure you have irrigation in place and good drainage.  
• Add organic compost to give your soil a much needed boost after summer.  I love using GreenAll Firmulch Soil Conditioner to add organic matter to poor soil, such as clay or hard pan. This soil conditioner will help loosen compacted soils, conserve moisture and improve soil aeration.
• Remember to use a good fertilizer. Look for an all-purpose, organic brand. Throw some in each hole while you plant or sprinkle around existing plants.
• MULCH- once your plants are in the ground, mulch around them to keep roots warm through the winter.

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What will your Central Valley garden be growing this season?  Subdued pastels or bright, cheery blooms? Are you ahead of the game with your garden already prepped?  Or, are you like me, and can’t bear the thought of putting in your Fall plants until you can do it in a sweater?  Since we are still in the 90’s, I will opt for flowers before comfort.  

Happy Gardening!