October Planting Tips

Leaf Miner "Channels" on watermelon

Dear Folks,

As I start this post on a lovely Thursday morning, it was almost chilly (real feel 73 degrees!!), so I know the cooler morning temps are right behind along with decreasing day temps. Look for more 90s by the end of September.

Along with our transition time from summer to fall and winter comes garden actions, some great, some not so great.

Leaf miners are at it again.  Do NOT get overly concerned about these pests.  They do no permanent damage to established plants.  Also do not get into pruning mode too quickly.  The tiny moth responsible for laying the eggs of the larvae which chews the channels on your leaves PREFER new growth, so pruning heavily only gives them new fodder.

Dead Gardenia

My gardenia slowly declined this summer and is now history :(  I thought I had found the perfect spot for her, but last spring she was showing signs of stress and I was unable to correct it.

Blueberry May Be Gone.

And my 7 year old blueberry plant is also really having a hard time.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that she will put out new growth and is only taking a nap.  I have been pruning in the fall for the last couple of years, so the timing may not be horrible.  The green growth is some wonderberries which occupy the pot too.

On the plus side, I have lovely eggplant and my kitchen trash celery roots are all doing well.

And my radishes are coming along nicely.

Radish seedlings

Poinsettias on either side of Jasmine

While Poinsettias are not edible I enjoyed these Christmas tiny plant purchases thriving in my garden.  One is white and one is red.  I'm hoping the colors will come back with new growth this winter in time for the holiday.

Planting/Sowing October

Fall is our primary cool weather annual and biennial planting time along with fruit trees and perennials like Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary etc.

The perennials and trees need all the winter cool soil to set down healthy roots.  They may not do much above ground growth, but are working hard underneath to grow healthy.

GET YOUR GARLIC in no later than October 31st to ensure a good crop in the spring and hope we get some good chill to make it happen!

October PLANTING:

Spring!!! in the Desert - Heavy planting possibilities:

Anise
Bay, Greek (Sweet)
Beans, Fava
Beets
Bok Choy
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Cabbage, Ornamental
Caraway
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Chard
Chervil
Chrysanthemum, Shungiku
Cilantro
Dill
Endive (and Chicory)
Fennel, Leaf
Fruit Trees
Garlic
Greens
Kale, Ornamental
Kale
Kohlrabi
Lavender
Lemon Grass
Lemon Verbena
Lettuce (arugula, leaf lettuce etc.)
Marjoram
Mints
Mustard
Myrtle
Onions, Green
Onions
Oregano, Greek
Oregano, Mexican
Parsley
Parsnip
Peas, English and Sugar/Snap
Potato seeds (not seed potatoes - use seeds) ("seed potatoes" or cut pieces of potato should be planted Nov 1-Jan 1)
Radishes
Rosemary
Sage
Savory
Spinach
Tarragon, Mexican
Tarragon, French
Thyme
Turnips

EDIBLE FLOWERS TO PLANT:

Calendula
Carnation (Dianthus)
Cornflower (Bachelor Buttons)
English Daisy
Evening Primrose (Oenothera Berlandieri)
Hollyhock
Jasmine Sambac (Arabian)
Johnny-Jump Up
Marigolds, including Tangerine Scented (Tagetes Lemonii), Citrus Scented (Tagetes Nelsonii)
Nasturtiums
Pansies
Primrose
Scented Geraniums
Shungiku Chrysanthemum
Snapdragons
Stocks (Matthiola)
Sweet William (Dianthus)
Sweet Alyssum
Violet
           

GARDEN TIPS for October
"Spring in the Desert" - we call fall our spring because this is when we do most of 'heavy' garden work, trees, shrubs and cool weather edibles all go in now.
    The beginning of primary perennial planting season is now through February.
    Cool weather annuals and biennials can be sown every 2-4 weeks (beginning in August) through end of February for a continuous crop through next spring.
    Garlic: Plant garlic cloves no later than October 31st to ensure full maturity of garlic heads in the spring.  Plant extra if you want ‘green garlic’ (used like scallions) through the cool months. The ‘green garlic’ can be harvested when the clove below the soil swells slightly.
    This is the beginning of bare-root planting season. Asparagus, raspberry, blackberry, grape, and strawberries may start showing up in your favorite garden nursery.
    If you have ever-bearing berry vines, cut them down to the ground after the fruit is finished. (This is easier than trying to keep track of which are the oldest canes — commercial growers use this practice.)
   
Aphids are a major problem with cabbage family - forestall infestations. Add a fingertip of Dawn to 1 quart of water. Shake, pour 1/4 cup down center of each plant once a week

Make and use a safe soap spray on aphids on other plants (the aphids like our cool nights too!).  1 teaspoon each of dawn and vegetable oil to 1 quart of water.  Spray every 5 days for a minimum of 3 repeats to keep them under control.  Neem spray is a good alternative.

Have a great time in the garden, getting your next foods growing.

-- Catherine, The Herb Lady

 My gardening book or calendars give you all the year's planting and sowing information plus maintenance tips.


My Calendar and Book Links

Wall Calendar

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1387385798/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1


Publisher Direct
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Beginner's Southwest Gardening Book

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/141164039X/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0


Publisher Direct
http://www.lulu.com/shop/catherine-crowley/edible-landscaping-in-the-desert-southwest-wheelbarrow-to-plate/paperback/product-176297.html





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