Provided by IFAS
October
What to Plant
Annuals/Bedding plants: Plant digitalis (foxglove), petunia, and shasta daisy in the fall garden. See Annuals: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_annual_landscape_plants
Bulbs: Fragrant daffodil varieties for North Florida include ‘Carlton’, ‘Fortune’, ‘Silver Chimes’, ‘Thalia’, and ‘Sweetness’. See Bulbs for Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_bulbous_flowers
Herbs: Some to try from plants or seed include dill, fennel, oregano, and sage. See Herbs: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_herbs
Vegetables: Plant bulbing onions, salad crops such as arugula, lettuce, and spinach, as well as numerous other cool-season crops. SeeVegetable Gardening in Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_vegetable_gardening
What to Do
Lawns: Control winter weeds in lawns before they appear. Preemergent herbicides must be applied at the right time to be effective. Apply when nighttime temps are 55°F–60°F for 4–5 days. Avoid “weed and feed” products. See Lawn Weeds: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_lawn_weeds
Winter landscapes: Plant evergreen hollies; their bright berries add color to the landscape when other plants have died back for the winter. Water well when planting and mulch to minimize weeds. See Holly: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_holly
Pine needles: Gather pine needles that are dropping and use them as natural mulch. See Landscape Mulches: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_mulch
Strawberries: This is the last month to set strawberry plants in the garden or in large containers. Either way, water daily until plants are established. See Strawberries: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_strawberries
UF/IFAS Photo by Thomas Wright
Lawns: Lawns start to lose color as the weather cools. If a green winter lawn is desired, overseed with annual ryegrass when daytime temps are in the low 70s, but keep in mind that watering and mowing will be required.
Lawn disease: Watch for brown patch and large patch, fungal diseases that cause areas of grass to turn brown. Since treatment is difficult, prevention with proper cultural practices is key. The disease becomes active when the soil temperature, measured 2–4 in. deep, is between 65°F and 75°F and goes dormant when the weather warms in May. See Turf Diseases: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_turf_diseases