Everything that needs to be done in the dirt this month.
- Thin out one-third of the oldest branches of forsythia, lilac, spirea, and potentilla for better bloom and shape next spring.
- Dig up tender tubers and corms of dahlias, cannas, caladium, and gladiolius.
- Don’t cut back ornamental grasses, sunflowers, and wildflowers—leave them for winter interest and for wildlife.
- Collect leaves to shred (with a shredder or mower) and compost.
- Clean up all fallen fruits to reduce disease and pest problems.
- Work compost into vegetable beds and asparagus beds.
- Plant Root crop vegetable seeds now for spring harvest.
- Remove spent tomato plants and dispose of in trash.
- Treat houseplants and annuals with a Systemic Insect Granules to prevent pest from spreading indoors.
- Dig up geraniums and bring them indoors for the winter.
- Pot up some paperwhite bulbs for holiday forcing.