October 23 2004 Timely Tips

GARDENING CALENDAR

LYNN RAWE, COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT – HORTICULTURE

TEXAS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

October 23, 2004

  • October is a good time to reduce the insect and disease potential in next year’s garden. Clean up the garden, removing all annuals that have completed their life cycle. Remove the tops of all herbaceous perennials that have finished flowering or as soon as frost has killed the leaves.
  • Prepare beds for planting pansies when the soil has cooled. They need a well-drained soil and exposure to at least a half-day of sun. It is best to use transplants as seeds are small and difficult to handle. Blood meal is an excellent fertilizer for pansies. Apply about one-half cup per 12 square feet. Beware; dogs will be attracted to the smell.
  • Check tropical plants that will be going indoors for insects. Spray with horticultural oil, neem oil or a registered insecticide.

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