October 2021

Gradually cut back on watering as temperatures go down.
Water lawns and gardens 2 times a week.
Water established trees, slowly and deeply, once a month.
Water fruit trees 2 times a week.
Water shrubs 2 times a week.
Water annuals and perennials in containers 2 times a week depending on pot size and temperatures.
Winterize sprinkler system as needed. Reset timers to twice a week.

Fertilize annual container gardens with a high phosphorus blooming formula weekly for continued blooms throughout the fall and winter.
Fertilize your cool-season vegetables with a good organic vegetable food.

Replace summer-flowering annuals with cool-season plants such as pansies, mums, ornamental kale and snapdragons.
Plant perennials so they will acclimate over winter for better summer blooming. Apply super phosphate when planting for even better blooms!
Plant up or refresh your containers with cool-season annuals, perennials and/or small shrubs. Remember the saying, “Thriller, Filler and Spiller!”
Decorate by hanging chile ristras for a perfect New Mexican autumn. Add pumpkins and gourds for an extra pop of color!
Plant ornamental grasses such as Regal Mist Pink Muhly Grass, Karl Foerster Pennisetum or Pampas Grass for a beautiful fall display!
Plant trees and shrubs now! They will establish good roots through winter.
Continue to remove spent flowers from roses and plants to encourage repeat blooming.
Refresh mulch as needed to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Plant spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils and hyacinth. Use bulb food when planting.
Bring in houseplants that have summered outside before the last frost. Inspect them well for insects. Treat as needed.
Prune summer-flowering shrubs such as crape myrtle, butterfly bush and Rose of Sharon.
Prune Pyracantha to show off its berries in winter.
Cover any newly planted tender plants with frost cloth if an early freeze occurs.
Clean waterfalls, ponds and fountains.

Keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites and other insects. Eliminate as needed.
Use BT to prevent damage from budworms (on geranium and petunia blossoms) and tomato horn worm (on tomato plants).
Bring samples of insects or damaged plants to our pharmacy for solutions to problem areas. We can also identify plants for you!
Inspect roses and foliage for powdery mildew and diseases. Treat as needed.
Continue to kill weeds with a good weed killer. Do not let them go to seed to prevent future generations of weeds.

Continue to harvest vegetables and fruit as they ripen.
Remove plants that are no longer producing.
Plant cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, lettuce and spinach from starts or seed.