The Planting Month
October is the month for planting many kinds of bulbs, perennials and vegetables in the South. Lawn planting, too, is at its height, especially preparing lawns for winter color with overplantings of rye grass.
We have gone through a rather difficult summer season of extremely hot weather and severe droughts in many areas. This has left garden soils badly compacted, enough to restrict root growth of lawn grasses and garden plants. This calls for deep preparation of the soil and pulverizing it thoroughly. Ample quantities of peatmoss should be added to heavy clay and sandy soils to improve their texture and moisture-holding capacities.
Some bulbs such as Madonna lilies, freesias, ornithogalums, zephyranthes and leucojums must be planted immediately. Get these in first. The latter part of the month will be too late.
Dutch bulbs are ready for planting the latter part of October: tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, fritillarias, muscari, galanthus, scillas, crocus, anemone, ranunculus and many others. Plant your tulips deeper than is normally recommended, 8 inches in fairly heavy soils and 10 inches in sandy ones.
In the Lower South tulips can be grown only when the bulbs are placed in refrigeration for about a month before planting. This applies to North Florida, and the Gulf Coast through Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. Plant paper white narcissus and Soliel D’Or in the garden for generous blooms in mid-winter.
Sandy, well-drained soils are best for bulbs. Add sand or vermiculite to heavy soils to provide good drainage and make a good, friable soil.
Perennials like variegated yucca have finished most of their growth, except the hardy asters and chrysanthemums. To get the most out of your mums give them a last feeding with a complete plant food, preferably a liquid. They will provide many more weeks of color.
Clean up perennials that have finished blooming. Remove dead flower stalks and leaves. Destroy to prevent re-infestations of insects and diseases.
Louisiana Iris – That state is a gardener’s paradise in early spring when gardens and swamp lands are a blaze of color from millions of iris. This month plant some of these varieties with blooms 7 and 8 inches in diameter. The Louisiana iris are among the few that can be grown on boggy, wet lands, although they can also be grown on upland soils. They are very versatile plants. They grow in full sun or semi-shade, acid or slightly alkaline soils. Every color in the rainbow, but green, can be found.
Bearded Iris can still be planted. Select some gorgeous new colors to replace the old, off-whites that have taken over the garden.
For water-edge plantings you will find the Spanish iris colorful. They are grand around pools and along streams where they naturalize quickly. Another great iris for wet, lowland soils is the Oriental or Japanese iris with its giant petals of every hue.
Still another for October planting is the popular Dutch or bulbous type which must be planted in light, sandy soils. It is well suited to all sections of the South and makes a beautiful cut flower. Try some of the giant bronzy varieties which have been developed.
Find out more as Thomas Fryd shares his experiences on landscaping and gardens at http://www.plant-care.com. Get cleared up on variegated yucca.
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