October Garden Tip - Hello Fall!

October is here, and with it comes a mix of warm days and cool nights. As the seasons change, prepare your garden for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Here are some friendly and supportive tips to help your garden thrive this October, no matter where you are in the Golden State!

1. Care for Your Lawn

October is a great time to give your lawn some extra attention. Use an organic, high-nitrogen fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Remove any weeds and reseed any bald spots. Water well until the winter rains arrive. The Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program has a helpful lawn fertilizing guide.

2. Sow Wildflower Seeds

Why not create a beautiful wildflower garden this month? Wait until temperatures are consistently cool late in the month, then choose a sunny spot and prepare the soil by removing weeds and grasses.  To complete site prep, mix organic compost into the soil to help retain moisture. Scatter your wildflower seeds evenly, lightly rake them in, and add a thin layer of compost on top. Water well and watch your garden bloom next spring!

3. Plant Cool-Season Crops

Cooler temperatures are ideal for many vegetable crops. Consider planting transplants of broccoli, cauliflower, and kohlrabi, which will be ready by February. Leafy greens like Swiss chard, spinach, and kale grow quickly and can be harvested by December. You can also direct-seed peas, turnips, carrots, radishes, and beets now for an early winter harvest.

4. Plant Garlic

Garlic lovers, rejoice! October is the perfect time to plant your garlic bulbs. Choose a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil, and protect them from gophers if needed. Garlic takes about 6 to 8 months from planting to harvest, so plan accordingly.

5. Maintain Winter Soil Health

Even areas of your garden that aren't actively planted can benefit from some attention this month. Consider using cover crops, like fava beans, which enrich the soil with nitrogen. Adding organic mulches such as grass clippings, leaves, wood chips, or straw will help retain moisture, moderate soil temperature, and prevent weeds from sprouting.

6. Enjoy Persimmon Season

October brings delicious Fuyu and Hachiya persimmons! Fuyu persimmons can be eaten raw when firm, while Hachiya ones are best enjoyed when soft and jelly-like. Protect your trees from birds by using bird netting. Use pruners when harvesting fruit, and always avoid ripping or pulling persimmon from branches.

7. Keep Watering

Despite cooler temperatures, warm days may still occur. Continue to water your garden until the rains begin. Check your soil moisture by digging down a bit—if it holds shape when squeezed, it's just right!

8. Inspect Your Watering System

If you have an automatic watering system, now is a great time to check for leaks and blockages. Ensure your timer is working correctly and reprogram it for the cooler weather. If you don't have a system, consider installing one—it can save you time and water!

9. Harvest Pomegranates Wisely

When it comes to harvesting pomegranates, timing is crucial. Look for a deepening color and a metallic sound when tapped. Clip the stem close to the fruit instead of pulling to avoid damage. Remember, pomegranates don't ripen further after harvest, so pick them at the right time!

10. Plant Shrubs for the Future

Fall is a great time to plant shrubs. California natives are especially low-maintenance and can establish strong root systems before summer stress hits. Consider the conditions of your site and the purpose of the plant when selecting new additions to your garden.

October is a busy and exciting time in the garden! By following these tips, you'll not only keep your garden thriving through the cooler months but also set yourself up for a successful spring. Embrace the changes of the season and enjoy all the beauty and bounty your garden has to offer! Happy gardening!

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