Believe it or not, October happens to be one of the most fruitful times of year to plant spring-blooming bulbs, hardy vegetables, and shrubs of many varieties.
“For trees, shrubs and perennials fall is a great time to plant,” said Weston Miller, Oregon State University Extension Service horticulturist. “If you plant mid-September through mid-November, the soil is warm and gives plants a long time to establish.
The best time to plant any plant is during the dormant season – in North America, this is usually late fall through early spring. While it's okay to plant during the rest of the year, it will require more maintenance from you in the form of watering, fertilizers, etc.
Although each plant's needs may vary and some will be more winter-hardy than others, in general about a month before the last fall frost is sufficient in giving the plant enough time to establish itself and take root.
"Planting trees and shrubs in November allows the plant to weather cooler temperatures while it is going through dormancy and allows some time for root growth before the ground freezes," Weber says. Pretty camillia is among those with "winter interest" that work well for November planting.
The most cold hardy plants can be placed around the outside of the grouping to help protect the less cold hardy plants from the cold and harsh winds that cause the freezing. Bury The Pot. Dig a hole in the ground and place the potted plant in the hole.
If you live in a frost-free region, October is a great time to plant cool-weather flowers and vegetables in your garden. Crops such as kale, cabbage, collards, lettuce, carrots, mustard, onions, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, beets, and garlic can all be planted in early to late October.
October is a good time to plant shrubs because the cooler temperatures of fall aren't as stressful on plants. When the air temperature is cool but the soil still retains some warmth, plants are encouraged to put out root growth.
Root vegetables: Plant beets, radishes, carrots, parsnips, turnips, and rutabaga from seed this month. For a colorful harvest, try Golden, Bull's Blood, and Chioggia beets and white, red, purple, and pink radish varieties. Carrots also come in a variety of colors, including yellow, maroon, and several shades of orange.
Put your plants out only after night temperatures remain above 60°F (usually mid-May or early June). Acclimate plants to increased light by placing them in a shady area outdoors. Slowly introduce indoor plants that like sun into a sunnier location over a period of two weeks.
Taking time to water garden soil makes a difference.
If you're planning to put in new plantings, be sure to water garden soil first. Of course, if you've had rain, your soil may already be sufficiently moist.
When moving outdoor plants, the evening is the best time for transplanting. This gives them the entire night to settle into their new spot before being exposed to heat and sun again. If you have a way to shield new transplants from the sun, they'll benefit from a little shade for 24 hours.
The date that your ground actually freezes varies from year to year, of course, and some areas won't have frozen ground at all. If you're unsure, mid-November is a safe planting deadline for nearly everyone. - Get everything in the ground before the ground freezes.
No matter which fall gardening project you choose, be sure to make plant roots super-happy by using Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix (for containers) or Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Vegetables & Herbs (for in-ground).
From early fall through most of November is one of the best times of year to plant spring-blooming bulbs, cool-season annuals and vegetables, as well as many trees, shrubs, and perennials. On this page: WHY PLANT IN FALL. SPRING-BLOOMING BULBS.
To support plants through this season of transition, make sure they get adequate water until the ground freezes. This is especially important if the summer season has been hot and dry, and for newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials. In fall, plants do not need as much water as they may have needed in summer.
For starters, spring-blooming bulbs should be planted in fall. Trust us: You'll be glad you planned ahead when you see them pop up after a long, dark winter! Get them in the ground any time before the ground freezes, which is from October to mid-December, depending on where you live.
Autumn's cooler temperatures and wetter weather mean a better start for trees, shrubs, bulbs and perennials. Vegetables and herbs grow well in fall, too, especially greens and root vegetables. When you plant in fall, you take advantage of milder weather. More rain and moderate temperatures equals less watering.
If you try to move an older shrub or tree, it won't likely be able to survive the move. However, younger plants tend to transplant well, and doing so between late October and early March is a good rule to follow. This is because it gives the trees time to establish their roots.
September/October is the ideal time to take cuttings from your favourite strains of tender perennials to increase your stock for next spring or to make sure they live on if the parent plants do not survive the winter.
Light freeze - 29° to 32° Fahrenheit will kill tender plants. Moderate freeze - 25° to 28° Fahrenheit is widely destructive to most vegetation. Severe or hard freeze - 25° Fahrenheit and colder causes heavy damage to most plants.
I did some research and found out that houseplants need to be taken indoors before overnight temperatures dip below 45 degrees. Most tropical plants suffer harm from temperatures below 40 degrees.
To protect plants from frost, you will need to cover them to keep the moisture from freezing. While an unexpected frost can leave many gardeners scrambling to find anything to cover their tender plants; it is important to use the right materials.