OCTOBER
Ornamentals, Trees, Shrubs
Plant spring flowering bulbs, such as daffodils and crocus. Tulips can be planted through November. Bulbs require well drained soils in good sunlight.
Dig and store tender perennials, such as dahlias and tuberoses, in a cool, dry place. .
Container-grown shade trees and pines can be successfully planted in the fall. Broadleaf evergreens such as holly and magnolia, or bare root plants are best planted in the spring. See OSU Pub. 6414 – Planting Shade Trees and Shrubs.
Start pruning the bleeders, birch, elm, maple, and willow.
Check form of young trees. Eliminate any forks that developed during the summer. See OSU Pub. 6415 – Training Young Shade and Ornamental Trees.
Soil
Time for a soil test? More Soil Information.
Turfgrass
Mow cool season grasses at 2 1/2 inches high, warm season at 2 1/2 inches. Mowing should be frequent enough to remove not more than one-third of the leaf blade per cutting.
Water mature grass to wet soil 4-6 inches deep when footprint impressions remain after walking over lawn.
Mow and edge neatly before killing frost.
Continue to establish cool-season lawns until mid-month. 6419 – Establishing a Lawn in Oklahoma.
Control broadleaf weeds in well established warm or cool-season lawns with a post-emergent broadleaf weed killer. See OSU Pub. 6421 – Controlling Weeds in Home Lawns.
Vegetables
Please read the label when using pesticides. Verify the use of the chemical for that particular plant. Also note the “days to harvest” waiting period before the vegetable can be harvested and consummed.
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