It seems that every October is different than the previous one here in the Land of El Sol. Luckily there are some things in common – and thus I can help you plan your October 2022 gardening tasks ahead, so your garden will look great through the holidays ahead.*

Watch for The 3 W’s – Winter ,Weeds, Wildflowers

We had spotty rain across the Southwest in late September. Rain means that many wildflowers (and weeds) are starting to grow. Watch the little seedlings develop and learn to recognize which is weed and which is wildflower.

Take photos! It took me years of careful observation to learn weed from wildflower. Lucky for new Southwestern gardeners we now have camera phones which are a great help! Go back to that same spot once a week and compare the little developing plants. Put a large pretty rock to mark your spot so you can be sure to be in the same spot.

October Gardening Tasks

Anytime during October – Plant

Early October is ideal for planting trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, bulbs, groundcovers, wildflowers, herbs, vegetables,,,, in short, everything! Go forth and plant! With a little work now, your yard will bloom all winter long – nay – all year long!

Plant seasonal color = flowers. Plant the colorful plants as seeds, seedlings, or bulbs. Flowers like pansy, nasturtium, and snapdragon like our cooler months. Bulbs to plant in fall.

Plant cool-season vegetables – the cool-season things are all the green leafy things and the root crops. Cool season vegetables – including in containers.

Plant winter herbs – those in the carrot family! Carrot family herbs include cilantro, dill, fennel, parsley, cumin, caraway (and more!). Winter herbs post in two weeks.

Plant wildflowers – for spring display if you haven’t yet.  These are planted from seeds – more about wildflowers here.

Divide & plant.  Many perennials need to be divided so they will flower better next year.  You will need to find places to plant these too.  What plants to divide in fall – here.

Anytime during October – Care

Treat alkaline-induced-iron-chlorotic roses and citrus by acidifying the soil with a nice layer of compost.

Dethatch then overseed Bermudagrass lawns for winter green.
Reduce irrigation frequency once days no longer top 95 F.
Catch and remove the winter weeds (Watch for Winter Weeds) as they germinate.

Anytime during October – Harvest

Harvest pomegranates. They store well for over three months in a refrigerator.
Harvest almonds if you have a late season variety.
Harvest pecans as the husks start to open.

Harvest seed of summer bloomers that you wish to save. This includes basil, epazote, castor bean, and summer wildflowers like paperflower, desert lavender, slender poreleaf, and so many more.

About Harvesting Pomegranate

I have nagged you not to cut fruit of citrus, apples, peaches, etc. off the tree. I have remarked that “Mama” tree will let these fruits fall into your hand with a gentle tug when they are ripe. All of this is true.

BUT Note – pomegranate is not on this list! Pomegranate almost always needs to be cut off the tree! Cut one and try it, if it’s sweet and juicy then do harvest the rest before the birds get them.  They will last 3 or 4 months in the fridge.  while the rinds may get leather they are still juicy inside.

* Sorry to mention the holidays so early but Holy Moly!  I was in the supermarket on October 1st and they already had the Christmas trees out and the reindeer yard decorations and all!

Thanks for Reading

– Jacqueline

 

I did mention some of this in my book

The Month By Month Guide offers tips for your landscape (yes even lawns and roses) in every month of the year.  I have a few copies left and am offering them to you – my loyal readers. When you buy from me you get a signed copy!

From the review:

“A great reference book is key to successful gardening in the region where you live. Arizona, Nevada & New Mexico Month-by-Month Gardening takes the guesswork out of gardening for anyone residing in the Southwest. With this book, you’ll know what to do each month to enjoy a thriving garden all year, from January to December. Chronologically organized, this guide is full of critical gardening when-to and how-to advice, along with illustrated step-by-step instructions.

The book’s author is Jacqueline Soule, a Tucson-based gardening expert. She knows this arid region inside and out, and she’s written several articles and books packed with her gardening advice. Arizona, Nevada & New Mexico Month-by-Month Gardening showcases Soule’s expertise in one easy-to-read guide.”

Profits from the sale of this book go to the Horticulture Therapy non-profit Tierra del Sol Institute.   Recent price increase, due to the US Postal Service price increase in July 2024.  It is now $30.

Or perhaps you wish Vegetable Garden Help

May I recommend my book?  The Southwest Fruit & Vegetable Guide offers not just growing guides but some of the latest varieties – including ones specifically for raised bed and container growing. Price is what you would pay on Amazon – only when you buy from me you get a signed copy!

From the review:

“In this updated 2nd edition of Southwest Fruit & Vegetable Gardening, you’ll find much-needed advice and practical tips on growing an edible garden, no matter which part of the southwestern US you call home.

Profits from the sale of this book go to the Arizona-based Horticulture Therapy non-profit Tierra del Sol Institute.

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