I make this point every year at the start of October that I bet many of you weren't aware of this, but the months of October and November, are considered to be THE BEST for landscaping projects. It can be brand new landscape jobs, or revamping of existing landscapes. Many plants can be set out in the beds and their roots have plenty of time to still establish before what we know of as winter comes rolling along. It doesn't matter how ragged the leaves of a transplanted tree look, or even if they lose all their leaves upon transplant. The most important thing in using the month of October (as a landscaping re-do) is root establishment. Unless your backside is glued to the Lazy Boy, watching football continuously, I don't think you'll ever find weather more comfortable to work in.
What if you aren't a do-it-yourselfer? Fear not, since almost every landscape company that actually knows what they are doing also believes that October and early November can be one of the best opportunities to revamp landscapes, they are ready to get busy working for you today. And statistically speaking, you can usually get a better deal from landscapers at this time of the year.
October is the perfect time to be replacing plants lost due to Hurricane Ike or any of the drought periods this past summer. Plus, most nurseries have the lowest prices of the year on plant material. I don't think I'm giving away any industry secrets, but the nursery doesn't want to keep their stock in pots during the winter months. But if you get them planted into raised beds, they stand a much better chance of making it through the winter. As noted above, the shrubs don't have to look specimen-perfect for transplanting in the autumn months because it's all about root establishment. If you get them established in fertile beds now, they will reward you in the spring with robust growth.
It's also time to start thinking about all the fall fertilization program stuff. I suspect in the next two weeks I will get into more detail about the fall fertilization or winterizing, but for now to the GardenLine Lawn Fertilization Schedule at and know that the two most important things we should be doing in October and November are the winterizing fertilizer and the pre-emergent herbicide.
Finally, if it will help you get started on some do-it-yourself landscape projects, I've got a whole bunch of stuff to give away this Saturday, October 4th at our first official Fall Appearance. I'll be at Buchanan's Native Plants in the Heights on 11th St. I will be there from 11-1 p.m. And, if you bring a print out of this email tip you can garner one of the many bags of Lady Bug Natural Product we are giving away. Be one of the first in line at 11 a.m. this Saturday at Buchanan's and you can take your pick from these products all by Lady Bug Natural while supplies last. And read about them in detail at www.ladybugbrand.com
* Revitalizer Compost
* Vortex Potting Soil
* All American Turkey Compost
* 8-2-4 Lawn & Garden Fertilizer
* Flower Power Fertilizer
* Garden Pep Cottonseed Meal
* Glittering Greensand
* Johns Recipe Liquid Organic Fertilizer
* Terra Tonic Super Soil Activator