Gardening Tips for October for New Bern, NC

Southeast Region

• Plant seeds or transplants of cool-season vegetables, such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, onions, spinach, and turnips.
• Plant herbs this month. Try dill, oregano, sage, and fennel.
• Set strawberry plants this month in a garden bed or container. Water well.
• Try planting daffodils. Find varieties that fit your region.
• Plant cool-weather annuals such as foxglove, petunia, and Shasta daisy.
• If you have any tropical or subtropical container plants, move them indoors when the temperature drops to the 40s.
• Divide and replant crowded perennials.
• If you are planning on planting wildflower seeds, prepare the soil now. Till the soil thoroughly to a depth of 4 to 5 inches. Prepare a seed mixture of many different kinds.
• Continue planting any trees and shrubs. They will have time to establish themselves before the spring.
• Apply a layer of mulch around your newly planted shrubs and trees.
• Continue mowing and watering your lawn until it stops growing. Avoid fertilizing the lawn, as this could encourage tender growth that might be damaged during the winter.
• Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to your lawn to control winter weeds. Apply when nighttime temperatures are 55 to 60 degrees for 4 to 5 days.
• If your lawn is losing color, try overseeding with annual ryegrass when temperatures are in the low 70s.
• Clean up your flower beds after the first killing frost; remove any dead plants.