October in the Garden

I am continuing this series of articles and hope that you find them helpful and inspiring. In October, there is quite a bit to do in the garden depending on what you want to grow.  Most of our produce has been harvested and we are getting our vegetable beds ready for winter. By caring for our gardens, we are also caring for ourselves – physically, mentally, and emotionally.

The Jackson County Master Gardener Association has a great resource for gardeners to use. It is the Garden Guide for the Rogue Valley – Year-Round & Month by Month.  This great reference book for gardeners is mainly about growing vegetables, berries, and melons.

October is the time to:

• Check temperature forecasts and cover frost-sensitive plants when needed.
• Put mulch around perennials and over-wintering crops.
• Later in the month, cut globe artichokes back to 6” and mulch.
• Jerusalem artichokes have tubers which should be ready to dig as needed.
• Cut perennial herbs back to about half their height before winter.
• Horseradish should be ready to dig. Harvest all roots, if possible.
• Prepare garden tools for winter storage.

 

• Direct Seed

o   Fava Beans

• Transplant

o   Garlic cloves

o   Shallot bulbs

 

 

• Control Pests and Diseases
  • Use copper sprays on cane berries – if leaf and cane spot fungus have been a problem.

 

Garden Guide for the Rogue Valley – Year-Round & Month by Month. This book contains a wealth of gardening information. You can purchase it at our local Grange Co-op or at the OSU Extension office for $21.00. It can also be purchased on-line at https://jacksoncountymga.org/shop/.  Note that a shipping fee will be applied.

 

Happy Gardening

Garden For Life