By Karolyn Gephart
October is a great month for gardening. The weather is getting better and better and it allows you to garden comfortably (we have not had that pleasure in several months)
Math in gardening during this time is all about division and addition!
Divide and replant the rest of any spring and summer-blooming perennials including verbena and cannas. Plant and divide Dutch iris, amaryllis, Leucojum and narcissus.
Add and plant cool season annuals such as alyssum, calendulas, larkspur, and snapdragons. Wait to plant pansies and violas until November when the weather is cooler.
Fall is a good time for planting most herbs. The exception would be all types of basil which should be planted after the last frost. Divide and replant chives, garlic and multiplying onions. Plant cool weather herbs such as cilantro, dill, parsley, winter savory and fennel. Plant carrots, beets, radishes, mustard, spinach, and turnips. Kale, Chinese cabbage, and Swiss chard may be planted by the end of the month. Lettuce can be planted now.
Stop watering and feeding plumerias. Allow the plants to drop their leaves and go dormant. Store the plumerias in the garage to protect from freezing temperatures until spring.
October through February is the best time to plant trees and shrubs to reduce transplant stress from warm temperatures. Keep in mind a shrub or tree’s mature size and shape before planting in the desired location and adjust as needed.
All fertilization of perennials should be completed before the end of the month.
Save the date: October 21, 2023 for the next in person Galveston County Master Gardener Plant Sale as well as the Second Fall Festival. From 9 am to 2 pm the whole family can enjoy gardening presentations, guided garden tours of the Master Gardeners’ Discovery Garden, children’s activities, crafts, and LOTS of plants for sale.
The plants include herbs, bulbs, Snaptinis, plumeria, and Master Grown Plants. Hundreds of plants of all varieties that have been grown to sell by GCMGs will be offered at incredibly affordable prices!
Early admission is offered to all who want to attend a sale and festival overview. Other seminars include Favorite Fall Vegetables, Hurray for Herbs, Pesticides and Integrated Pest Management, and Plumeria Care.
Lighthouse Charity Team Food Truck will be there for great food choices.
The best news: the Festival and Plant Sale are free to attend. Location is at Carbide Park in LaMarque: 4102-B Main St. (FM 519). See you there!
