October brings crisp mornings, colorful leaves, and plenty of pumpkins to Bedford. While the growing season is winding down, there is still work to be done—and a little fall fun to enjoy before the garden settles in for winter.
Give the Garden a Fall Cleanup
Remove spent vegetable plants and annuals as they finish for the year. Healthy plant material can go into the compost pile, but plants showing signs of disease are better kept out. Continue pulling weeds, too. A little work now means fewer weeds waiting for you next spring.
October is also a great time to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and crocuses. You’ll forget all about them during winter, making their appearance next spring an especially welcome surprise.
Fallen leaves are another garden resource. Instead of throwing them all away, shred leaves with a mower and use them as mulch or add them to your compost pile.
Have Some Fun With Pumpkins
Pumpkins aren’t just for carving! Try turning a pumpkin into a temporary fall planter. Hollow one out, tuck a small potted mum or other seasonal plant inside, and use it as a colorful porch or garden decoration. Keeping the plant in its own container makes it easy to remove once the pumpkin begins to deteriorate.
After Halloween, an untreated pumpkin can also have a second life. Remove candles, paint, plastic decorations and other noncompostable materials, then cut the pumpkin into smaller pieces and add it to your compost pile. Removing the seeds first can help prevent surprise pumpkin vines next year.
One Last Garden Walk
Before cold weather settles in, take a slow walk around your yard. Photograph plants you loved, note areas you’d like to change, and jot down ideas for next year.
October may mark the end of one growing season, but every gardener knows the secret: we’re already thinking about the next one.
