October Gardening Tips for Fayetteville, NC
Ah, the arrival of fall! Here in North Carolina, we cherish this season as it brings cooler temperatures and lower humidity. However, we might still encounter a few 80-degree days for weeks to come while other parts of the country dive headfirst into autumn’s colorful foliage, pumpkins, and cozy flannels. But don’t worry! There’s still plenty to do in the garden this month. Here are your October gardening tips for Fayetteville, NC!
Plant, Plant, Plant – Fall is Prime Time!
Fall is the perfect season for planting! While spring may seem like the obvious choice, our climate actually favors fall planting. If you’ve been planning a big landscaping project, now is the time to get started. The milder temperatures and increased rainfall help plants become established without the stress of summer heat. Plus, as fall transitions to winter, many plants enter dormancy, meaning less watering and maintenance for you!
Perennials
Your perennials might be looking a bit worn by now. It’s a good idea to cut them back in mid to late October to prepare them for winter. This will encourage better branching for next spring. After trimming, apply a generous layer of mulch—about 2 to 4 inches—to insulate the roots and protect them from the cold.
Transplanting
Fall is also an excellent time for transplanting larger trees and shrubs. The favorable conditions allow these plants to establish themselves without the added stress of summer heat. Plus, once they’re settled, they’ll require less watering and care as they enter dormancy.
Houseplants
As nighttime temperatures drop, it’s time to bring your tropicals and houseplants indoors. Most tropical plants should come inside when temperatures fall below 55 degrees. Before moving them inside, inspect each plant for pests. We recommend using a systemic granule insecticide to keep your indoor plants pest-free even if you don’t see any signs of bugs. If you find any infestations, treat them and quarantine the affected plant until it’s clear. Don’t forget to trim off any dead or unhealthy leaves, clean the base of the plant, and remove organic debris from the top layer of soil. Finally, fertilize one last time; houseplants typically don’t need fertilizer during the fall and winter months as their growth slows.
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