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.
- Saturday- Wednesday: Moon in the sign of Taurus/Cancer - Plant for root growth
- Spring flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, iris, and crocus can be planted in containers and the ground. In addition, plant seasonal color to give you immediate color.
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.
- Now is the time to plant the Australian Fuchsia. It is an excellent shrub for any area that receives a half-day of sun with no reflected heat. It is an evergreen that reaches four feet high and four feet wide. It has white or pink tubular flowers and blooms from November through February.
- Onions, Garlic, and Shallot bulbs and sets are available for planting now at your favorite garden center.
Other Things To-do
- October is the last month to fertilize roses and citrus with their typical fertilizer. Next month, you switch to the winter fertilizer 0-10-10.
- 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.