October to do list

1.Plant spring flowering bulbs such as Hyacinths, Allium, Snowflakes, Daffodils,jonquils, Narcissus, Rain Lilies, Dutch Iris, Ranunculus, Anemones, Grape Hyacinth, Amaryllis and others.

2. Dig and store Caladium tubers. Store in dry peat or in perlite packed in boxes so that roots do not touch each other. Store in an area where the temperature will not go below 55 degrees to prevent spoilage.

3. Scale insects on broad leafed evergreens such as Camellia, Gardenia, Holly, and Eunoymus can be effectively controlled by spraying with dormant oil, Do not use oil spray if temperature goes above 80 degrees.

4. Purchase started plants of pansies, snapdragons, dianthus, flowering kale, and flowering cabbage for attractive winter and spring color.

5. Check for aphids and caterpillars on fall flowers and leafy vegetables.

6. Clean, sharpen all hand tools and cover all metal parts with a light coat of oil to prevent rust before storing for the winter. A bucket of dry sand plus a cup or two or oil makes an excellent way to clean those yeard tools.

7. Begin a new compost pile using the abundant fall leaves.

8. A final application of fertilizer can be appplied to your lawn early this month if you failed to fertilize in September.

9. Sow ryegrass for a winter green lawn or to prevent erosion of bare soil. Use 8 -10 pounds of seed per 1000 square feet.