Gardening by the Moon Weekend To-Do
An idea as old as agriculture, based both folklore and superstition but there are scientific ideas to back it up.
- Lunar Phase: Full Moon, Thursday, October 17
- Saturday-Monday: Moon in the sign of Aquarius/Pisces - Plant and transplant for root growth (the best planting days of the month)
- Sasanqua Camellias have arrived at your favorite garden center. Yuletide, Jean May, and Appleblossom are just a few varieties you'll find. Sasanqua Camellias bloom from November through February and grow in a sunny location as long as their roots are shaded from the afternoon heat.
Later in the Week
- With shorter days and cool nights, the time is perfect for planting fall and winter color. Pansies, Violas, Primroses, Primulas, Iceland Poppies, Cyclamen, and others are now available.
- Sweet Peas can be planted from seed or transplants which are available now. You should find dwarf and standard varieties at your favorite garden center.
Other Things To-do
- Snails and Slugs can do as much damage in the fall as in the spring, so protect your new plantings with Snail Bait.
- Use glass jars or zip-lock plastic bags when storing seeds for next season. Air and moisture reduce seed viability and germination. I'd also add Silica Gell to absorb moisture in the container while the seed is stored.
- Citrus can be budded in October using a Slice Shield Bud. Gather the budwood a week before budding and store it at 34 degrees. Select only well-matured, disease-free budwood and remove the leaves. If you use a plastic bag, leave the bag open to avoid condensation on the bud wood.