"October, baptize me with leaves!" He wrapped it in shorts and gave me pea soup. October, put a little candy in my pocket and make my smile look like a thousand pumpkins. Oh autumn! Hey kettle! What a blessing! - Author Rainbow Rowell
We have all enjoyed the cool and refreshing night air. The garden surprised us as a last resort before sub-zero temperatures hit. There is still a lot to do in the park.
Lawn care
Cool season grasses such as fescue and bluegrass apply fertilizer in mid to late October. Apply water after application while the grass is still green. For more information on lawn care, see CSU Lawn Care Fact Sheet #7.202. Don't plant grass in hot weather, for example: b. Buffalo grass. Continue mowing the grass at a height of between 2½ and 3 inches. Water as needed until the grass goes dormant.
If the lawn is thin, central air cooling in early October and subsequent cooling will improve the spring landscape.
The leaves are falling this month; If it covers more than 10% of the grass, throw it away. Use the shredded leaves as mulch in other areas of the garden or put them in the compost pile.
vegetable garden
When frost is forecast, pick tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. Once you are done with the other vegetables for the season, remove the plant material and scraps.
In the spring, now is a good time to till the soil to be ready for cold-weather planting if weather permits.
Park for many years
Cleaning can be done in autumn or spring. For annual ghost head plants, growing now or whose leaves have spent the winter as a source of bird seed.
If wilting occurs, leave the green leaves in place as they will transmit stored energy to the plant's roots for the next season. Ornamental grasses can be cut in the fall or left over winter.
Trees and shrubs
During cold weather, make sure woody plants are well hydrated. Trees and shrubs need extra water even after their leaves fall off. Hedges around trees and shrubs to maintain humidity. Spread woody plants evenly around trees or shrubs at a depth of 2 inches.
Irrigation system
Irrigation systems should be closed and drained during the winter. Blowing pipes with compressed air reduces the risk of ice damage from residual water. If you have a compressor, you can do it yourself. For more information, see the CSU fact sheet Home Sprinkler Systems: Preparing Your Sprinkler System for Winter – 4,719. If not, make an appointment with a lawn care company.
Send your gardening questions to csumg2@elpasoco.com or call 719-520-7684. Help desk at 17 N. Spruce St. open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 09.00 and 13.00 to 16.00. Follow us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners - El Paso County.
Send your gardening questions to csumg2@elpasoco.com or call 719-520-7684. Help desk at 17 N. Spruce St. open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 09.00 and 13.00 to 16.00. Follow us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners - El Paso County.
