Garden Calendar for October 2024

Every year the October calendar list differs somewhat and 2024 is no exception.

By way of introduction, I do appreciate the way they had me categorize each month when I wrote the Month by Month Guide for Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico. Each month had a Plan, Plant, Care (Prune, Water, Fertilizer), and Problems section. Each section was further broken down into the types of plants, such as trees, roses, edibles, lawn, etc.

Those chapters are pages long. These articles are far shorter – only 500 to 1000 words – so each year I write a different calendar for you folks. I have to be careful to not use the words from previous years or I will get gigged by google. I want those search engines to show you my carefully crafted articles.

I also have to be very careful to not plagiarize my book, because I would also get gigged by google.

More Monthly Care Tips – pages of them!

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.

So here goes….

Plan

Cool weather is coming. The higher elevations may have already experienced a freeze. Most of us aren’t far behind (except Low Desert). The butterflies and their kin are out in full force in my Middle Desert garden, and they are a delight. They are feeding heavily, knowing that the winter is coming.

gardening-with-soule-mistletoe-duskywing — Duskywings are very aptly named. They are not overly showy, but they are a delight to watch. They are a skipper, which is related to both butterflies and moths. Image courtesy B. Breckling.

Most of your October planning should be on dealing with this new season. But look ahead as well! It is not too soon to think next summer! Don’t have an irrigation system? October is a good time to install one. It is less stressful for plants to have their roots disturbed in the cooler months of autumn than in the searing heat of summer. Or even in the spring just before summer arrives.

Take a good hard look at the space around your home. Look out from inside as well. Try to see where something is needed, or maybe needs to be removed. Missing sunset views? Might have to remove something. Tired of seeing the neighbors old RV, might have to plant a nice bushy shrub, like maybe a desert goji. Either way, planning is helpful.

Planning is also useful when you divide perennials (like iris). Plan where can you add the divisions to fill in perhaps a bland spot.

October Planting

Early October in all but the over 6000 foot elevations is ideal for planting trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, bulbs, groundcovers, wildflowers, herbs, vegetables,,,, in short, everything! Go forth and plant!

More specifically:
Plant cool season vegetables (Cool Season Vegetables).

Plant winter herbs – those in the carrot family. Cilantro, dill, fennel, parsley, and more. (Cool Season Herbs)

Plant bulbs for spring flowers (Bulbs for Spring Color).

gardening-with-soule-daffodils-are-beautiful — A clump of daffodils at my old home in Tucson. They grew in spring sun and had some summer shade as the trees leafed out.

Sow wildflower seeds now for spring display. (Spring Wildflowers) The article says that there are just 5 easy steps. You owe it to yourself to do this! Most wildflowers native to your specific region can tolerate frosting, but ones not from your specific region might not make it.

Spring Wildflowers for the Southwest – class with videos, several guides, and the 5 steps guide. Discount coupon mailed to all Substack newsletter members. Sign up for my free newsletter today if you haven’t yet.

5 Steps to Spring Wildflowers – free video series and downloadable guide

Planting Seeds? Before planting seeds, check the “first frost” date for your area. You will need roughly six weeks for seeds to grow before frost hits them.

I do have an article here about “Last Frost” which has handy charts by state and city with first and last frost dates but I should craft one more about “First Frost.” When in doubt, check with your local County Cooperative Extension Office. Some of them have that information online, but it may take a call to their helpline.

October Care

Anytime during the month

Divide crowded iris. Javelina, ground squirrels, and rabbits don’t eat my iris. Up in the mountains near Showlow, Arizona, a fried reports that elk and deer don’t eat her iris either. So, in theory, you can plant iris divisions in an unprotected area. But – please let me know if the critters in your area eat them!

Reduce irrigation frequency once days no longer top 95 F.

gardening-with-soule-irrigation-waste-water — Avoid such irrigation devices that spray water into dry air – half the water can be lost to evaporation.

Catch and remove the winter weeds as they germinate.

Prune

Nothing really. Especially do not prune anything that flowers in autumn or winter. Do not prune plants that are busy making fruit (like citrus, apples). More on citrus care.

Prune palms now if you didn’t in September (unless you live in the Southern Hemisphere).

Prune anything that is a danger to people or structures. I’m eyeballing a blue palo verde that is getting mighty close to our new roof. It might need a trim.

Harvest

Harvest the fall fruits.

Pomegranates store well for over three months in a refrigerator. Do get them off the trees so the birds, and stink bugs, and rodent pests are not fed.

Harvest other fruits such as persimmon (cover image) and Texas persimmon.

Tropical fruits like star fruit, Natal plum, sapote, cherimoya, and pineapple guava should only be picked when ripe and consumed fairly quickly. They do not store well unless dried or dehydrated (or canned).

Harvest fall nuts, like walnuts, peacans, and autumn almonds. These do need to be cured before storage. Or eaten right away for an amazing flavor you do not get from store bought.

Harvest the warm season veggies that are ready, like winter squash, gourds, melons, etc. Here’s my book on the topic.

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.

Growing in the Southwest isn’t easy. It’s either too hot or too cold and often very dry. The region hosts a range of soils and climate conditions that can be difficult for a gardener to navigate. That’s why this region-specific garden guide is a must-have for every Southwestern gardener!

Botanist Dr. Jacqueline Soule simplifies the ins and outs of gardening in the Southwest and serves as your guide to success. Regardless of whether you’re tending an in-ground plot, a small container garden, or a series of raised beds, Southwest Fruit & Vegetable Gardening is an invaluable resource.”

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

I’m Here to Help

Be sure to ask questions if you have them! I do all this writing and blogging and posting on social media so that you will succeed with your garden goals!

Thanks for your visit today.
Jacqueline

Legal Notes

© Article copyright Jacqueline A. Soule // Gardening With Soule. All rights reserved. You must ask permission to republish an entire blog post or article. Okay to use a short excerpt but you must give proper credit. You must include a link back to the original post on our site. No stealing photos.