Plant flowering bulbs in October
Christine Michael
| Special to The News-Messenger
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October is an important gardening month here in northwest Ohio. Summer vegetables and flowers may have come to an end, but there are still many activities requiring your attention.
You can expect a light fall frost about Oct. 22. That is when the overnight temperature is between 29 degrees to 32 degrees, but the ground is not frozen. Light frost will kill tender plants like flowers and vegetables.
Cooler fall temperatures are perfect for digging gladiolus, canna, dahlias and others. It is a good time to separate iris and daylilies. This is also the right time to plant spring blooming bulbs.
Dig summer-blooming bulbs
Wait until the first light frost to dig summer bulbs. You want to let the leaves produce as much nutrient in the bulbs for next year’s growth.
Carefully dig around the plant because you may be surprised by how many new bulbs or corms have been created from that single one you planted last spring. Cut the stems just above the bulbs and remove any soil. Those need to be dried in the sun before storing.
Check to make sure the bulbs are healthy without any sign of disease or rot. Dispose of the bad bulbs now because they can affect your good ones while over-wintering. Store your chosen bulbs in a dry, cool, dark place like a basement or root cellar.
Some people choose to individually wrap dahlia and canna bulbs, but gladiola corms can be stored in paper bags. Just be sure to label the varieties and date.
You won’t have to do anything with these until next spring.
Plant spring-flowering bulbs now
If you enjoy colorful, spring blooming plants like hyacinth, tulips, daffodils and crocus, you need to plant them this month. They will establish their root system over the winter months.
Because the soil is not frozen, it will be easy to plant these bulbs. You can use a tool called a bulb planter, which measures the planting depth, or you can simply use a shovel to make a trough.
Planting depth is determined by multiplying the bulb’s length times three. For example, if the bulb is 2 inches long, multiply that by three to get a six-inch planting depth. Be sure to place fertilizer in the hole, plant the bulb “pointy-side up” and cover the bulb with soil.
Just a word of caution: Squirrels and other critters might discover the bulbs unless you cover them with mulch or chicken wire.
For an early spring indoor surprise, consider planting some bulbs in a few pots. Sink the pots in the garden for 10-15 weeks, which allows them a necessary cold treatment. Bring the pots indoors, keeping them watered and in a sunny spot so the plants will grow.
Divide perennials
To ensure other spring flowering blooms, divide and transplant perennials as needed. Every three to five years is a rule of thumb; if you notice fewer blooms or a dead center, it is time to divide.
Using a spade or fork, dig around the root ball and lift the entire clump out of the ground. By hand, gently separate the sections having fibrous roots. You may have to split the plant using a sharp knife.Select a division that has several shoots and a supply of healthy roots.
Place the plant in a prepared hole, but do not fertilize in the fall. Iris should be in groups of three as a facing triangle. The crown should be at the surface or slightly above. Water well.
Other stuff
Remove and drain hoses from outside faucets before hard freezing occurs. That work protects your hoses and also protects your plumbing from bursting when the water freezes. Store the hoses in your garage or cellar.
Take this opportunity to properly clean and store your garden tools. They will be ready when you need them in the spring.
Christine Michael is a Master Gardener with The Ohio State University Extension Offices in Sandusky and Ottawa Counties.
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