Coastal Region- Brad Fowler
- Don’t fertilize too late! Applying fertilizers containing nitrogen to turfgrass at this time of year can lead to damage and contribute to fungal problems.
- Winter weeds can be mitigated using a pre-emergent herbicide but ensure the first application is done by mid-October. A follow-up application 8-10 weeks later may be beneficial.
- Brown patch/large patch and fall armyworms are two common issues in the coastal region this time of year. Keep a close eye on turfgrass for any problems that might arise.
- Irrigation should be turned off or significantly reduced going into the fall to avoid overwatering. It is always important to water based on the plant’s needs, and when temperatures get cooler, plants need less water.
- Fall is the best time to plant woody trees and shrubs, so make a plan and get them in the ground before winter arrives. Don’t forget to apply a layer of mulch after planting.
- Daffodils can be planted in late October and into November, but it may be beneficial to wait until later in the winter to plant other spring flowering bulbs.
- Plant winter annuals like dianthus and snapdragons at least 6 weeks before the first fall frost.
Damaged turfgrass due to overwatering.
Brad Fowler, ©2023, Clemson Extension
Fall is the best time to plant woody trees and shrubs.
Brad Fowler, ©2023, Clemson Extension
Midlands Region- Carmen Ketron
- Prevent winter annual weeds in your lawn by applying pre-emergent herbicides now. Do not use a weed and feed product that has fertilizer included in it. In fact, do not fertilize lawns or shrubs at all in the fall.
- Hurricanes and flooding are a serious concern throughout October. Clemson’s hurricane resources are great for hurricane novices and experienced residents. Prepare for high winds by cutting out any damaged, diseased, or dead branches before they become a hazard. Clean out ponds and drains to encourage proper stormwater runoff. After a storm, wait until the landscape dries out to take any steps to clean up. If there is severe flooding of edible plants, the safest option is to pull and discard them in case of contamination from flood water.
- Now is the time to purchase your spring flowering bulbs. In the Midlands, you won’t plant most bulbs until November or December. Purchase bulbs now when there is a good selection and store them for the correct chilling period as required.
Start planning what to do with the hidden fall bounty of leaves, seed heads, and plant material turning brown in the garden. There are many considerations for how to manage leaves. Composting much of the material is another option. Additionally, allowing your garden to stay “messy” can provide food sources and shelter for beneficial creatures this winter.
Grasses left to set seed and provide shelter can add fall and winter interest to the garden.
Carmen Ketron, ©2023, Clemson Extension
Composting leaves and other material is a good way to restore nutrients.
Carmen Ketron, ©2023, Clemson Extension
Upstate Region- Barbara Smith
- Mid to late October is a good time to plant spring flowering bulbs. There’s a wide variety of bulbs to choose from, such as alliums, daffodils, crocus, hyacinths, and grape-hyacinths, to name a few. Daffodils provide bouquets of sunshine in the late winter months. Tulips can also be planted, but remember that they don’t do well year after year in our hot, humid climate. Plant them as annuals each fall instead of relying on them to come back as perennial bulbs.
- Early October is still early enough to prepare your tender houseplants to move indoors for the winter. Ensure there are no “hitchhiking pests before moving them inside.
- As the temperatures get cooler, cut back on your irrigation as plant transpiration slows down, requiring less water.
- It’s still not too late in early October to apply a pre-emergent herbicide to your landscape beds or lawn.
- Plant cover crops in the vegetable garden to prevent erosion and add nutrients to the soil. Cover crops can even be planted in raised beds.
- DO NOT prune your plants in the fall, as pruning triggers new growth that can be damaged by a frost or freezing temperatures.
- Inventory and organize your gardening tools now to determine what you want to add to your Christmas gift want list. Sharpen and sanitize your tools that won’t be used in the fall and winter months in preparation for storage. Consider painting the handles a bright color so you can easily find them when working in the garden.
- Remove summer annuals from your beds and containers to make room to plant pansies, violas, snapdragons, and ornamental cabbage or kale. Just remember, Bambi and Thumper love to eat pansies, violas, and ornamental greens.
- There’s still time to divide or plant perennials.
- Are you tired of a traditional lawn? Consider reducing the lawn area and planting wildflowers and/or native grasses for a pollinator garden. Now is the time to plant wildflowers and native grass seeds.
Plant daffodil bulbs in the fall for a beautiful show of color in the spring.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson University
It’s time to move tender plants inside for the winter months.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson University
Crimson Red Clover (Trifolium incarnatum) is an excellent winter cover crop to plant in a vegetable garden to prevent erosion and add nutrients to the soil.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson University
Take time to paint tool handles a bright color so you can easily find them when working in the garden.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson University
Brighten up fall and winter landscapes with cheerful pansies in landscape beds and containers.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson University
Plant snapdragons in the fall for fall and spring flowering. They make great companion plants with pansies, violas, and ornamental greens.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson University
