October 2008 Gardening Checklist

• Rake or shred tree leaves, especially large ones like maple and sycamore, to prevent them from matting down and smothering grass. You can also run over the leaves with a mulching mower, which chops them into small bits. These finely chopped leaves can be left on the lawn, where they will break down and add nutrients to the soil.
  
• Dig tender garden bulbs for winter storage. Gladiolus corms should be dug when leaves begin to yellow. Caladiums and tuberous begonias should be dug before a killing frost. Dig canna and dahlia roots after a heavy frost. Remove top growth and allow the bulbs, roots, rhizomes and tubers to air dry on newspaper or cloth. When dry, roll tender bulbs in newspapers or pack in sand, vermiculite or mesh bags and store in a cool location.
  
• Prepare new beds now for planting next spring. The soil is usually easier to work in the fall and fall-prepared beds allow for earlier plantings in spring.
  
• Continue planting spring bulbs as long as soil can be worked. Make sure to water well.
  
• Apply Preen Garden Weed Preventer to stop winter weeds or mulch beds with Preen Mulch Plus
  
• Continue watering gardens, shrubs and trees if rainfall doesn’t reach an inch or more every week or 10 days. It’s important for plants to go into cold weather with adequate moisture.
  
• When watering duties are finished for the season, drain the garden hose, coil it up and, for the longest life, store out of the elements.
  
• Harvest pumpkins and winter squash before frost, but when the rind is hard and fully colored. Store in a cool location until ready to use.
  
• Harvest mature, green tomatoes before frost and ripen indoors in the dark.
  
• Clean garden tools before putting them away for winter. Use soapy water and a steel brush or sand paper to remove caked-on dirt or rust. Apply a lightweight oil to a rag and wipe all of the metal on the tools to prevent rust. Vegetable cooking oil works fine for this task. Scrub wooden or fiberglass handles to remove dirt and debris. Sand any rough spots to reduce splinters. Use a furniture paste wax on the handles or wipe with linseed oil to keep the wood from drying out.
  
• Sharpen garden tools, such as shovels, spades, trowels, hoes and lawn mower blades before storing them for winter. Use a sharpening stone, file or bench sharpener.