OCTOBER GARDENING TASKS (North India)

 1. Annuals - Winter annuals seedlings at 4-6-leaf stage can be transplanted in the flowerbeds or in the pots. If not sown, seeds for the winter flowering annuals should be sown this month. Procure seeds from a reliable source. F1 (Hybrid) seeds though expensive are worth for money.

2. Chrysanthemum - Fertilize as recommended in previous months article. Apply stakes where required. Disbudding of side branches of tall varieties should be done.

3. Bulbs - This month is suitable for planting winter flowering Bulbous plants like Gladiolus, Narcissus, and Hyacinth.Please sow the bulbs if the minimum temperature is now 25 or below 25 degrees.

4. Dahlia - Prepare beds and pots as advised for planting rooted cuttings by end of this month. Soil in beds should be worked out up to the depth of 40 cm. Spread 15 cm thick layer of FYM (Farm Yard Manure/Cow Dung) and add organic fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 5-10-15 or 5-10-10.

5. Rose - Roses should be pruned in the first half of the month. Prune the plant within one foot of the graft union. Apply Blitox paste on the cut portion or spray the plant with 0.2% solution of Bavistin. This is also the time to feed the plant add organic fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 5-5-5.

6. Vegetables – Beet, Carrot, Peas, Radish, Turnip and Spinach seeds can be sow this month.  Brinjal, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Lettuce seedlings can be transplanted.

7. Permanent Plants - Most of the plants would have over-grown by now. This is the time to carry out pinching and pruning to give good shape to the plants. Pruning also helps the plants to survive better during winter months.

8. Lawns - In October, the lawns are at their best. Basic operation required during this month is removal of weeds. There is no way other than manual removal of weeds.

Happy Gardening!!