It is officially fall and time to focus on October gardening tasks for the southern garden. In zone 9 we have a long growing season and can grow many plants and flowers into winter. I started some broccoli, kale and lettuce transplants indoor last month. You can also buy fall vegetable transplants at the local nursery to get a jump start. Now let’s dive into those October gardening tasks:
October Gardening Tasks for the Southern Vegetable Garden:
You can direct sow or set out transplants of the following vegetables and herbs: lettuce, spinach, swiss chard, kale, kohlrabi, Asian greens, cilantro, dill, basil, thyme, sage, rosemary, oregano, parsley, and mint.
Set out transplants of the following vegetables: cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and onion sets
Direct sow seeds in the garden for the following: carrots, radish, turnips, parsnips, peas
October Gardening Tasks for the Southern Flower Garden:
I will plant snapdragons and pansies in my flower beds. Freshen the mulch around your plants to give them some protection against the winter temperatures.
Remove all weeds from the flower bed as those can harbor diseases and you don’t want those pesky seeds planting themselves for next season.
Plant celosia and chrysanthemums in containers for fall decor on the porch. I love popping plants into these decorative olive buckets; I use them for all seasons!
I stopped by the Shades of Green Nursery to pick up these celosia plants. Deadhead both of those plants for continuous blooming throughout the fall.
Order spring-flowering bulbs for planting. Most of those I will plant in my zone 9 gardens in mid-November such as ranunculus, daffodils and amaryllis. Large flower bulbs such as tulips and hyacinths need more chilling hours than our weather permits. I’ll put those in the crisper drawer of my fridge for about 8 -10 weeks and then plant those on New Year’s Day.
October Gardening Tasks for the Southern Orchard:
I am going to continue a steady watering schedule for all of my citrus, fruit and nut trees since we have not had much rain. This is especially important to keep the citrus from dropping their fruit too early.
The native pecan trees are starting to drop their pecans. Be on the lookout to see if you can pick up any; I love using locally grown pecans in my holiday baking.
