Coastal Region- Brad Fowler

• 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. NOTE: As temperatures get cooler, plants need less water.
• Be very careful when fertilizing turfgrass late in the year. Using fertilizers that contain nitrogen after September can lead to damaged turf as well as contribute to fungal problems.
• Use a pre-emergent herbicide around mid-October to help mitigate winter weeds. Follow up with an additional application 8-10 weeks later.
• Fall armyworms can cause a significant amount of damage in a short amount of time. Be vigilant about scouting for this pest in the fall so that they can be treated quickly.
• Keep an eye out for brown patch/large patch in the lawn. Cooler temperatures and moisture contribute to fungal issues that can be very damaging.
• Formulate a plan and plant woody trees and shrubs in the fall. Make sure to use appropriate planting techniques.
• Daffodils are a great perennial bulb to plant in late October and early November.
• Be sure to plan out any winter annual plantings to ensure that they are in the ground and established well before the first frost.
• Consider dividing and replanting perennials that have become crowded. This is a great way to make some additions to the landscape without having to purchase new plants.

Fall is a great time to divide and replant perennials like Aspidistra.
Brad Fowler, ©2024, Clemson Extension

Midlands Region – Carmen Ketron

• This is the time to perform preventative maintenance on your lawn to thwart winter annual weeds. Apply your pre-emergent herbicides now and again in 8 weeks. Also, make sure you are adjusting turf irrigation this time of year based on precipitation.
• Tropical storms, hurricanes, and subsequent flooding will continue to be a serious concern throughout October. Prepare for high winds by cutting out damaged, diseased, or dead branches before they become hazardous. Always consult a certified arborist for a professional opinion on the health of your trees. Clean out ponds and drains to encourage proper stormwater runoff. If a storm impacts the landscape, 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 spring flowering bulbs. You will plant these bulbs in November or December, but a better selection is available this time of the year to buy. Most bulbs must stay at 40-45ºF for 16 weeks to get enough “chill hours” to bloom unless they are “pre-chilled.”
• Start planning what to do with the hidden fall bounty of leaves, seed heads, and plant material. Composting is a great option, but many leaves may have fungal diseases that will overwinter in compost. However, if everything looks healthy, leaving the leaves where they drop provides food sources and shelter for beneficial creatures this winter. By designating a “messy” area in your yard, you can promote incredible biodiversity and a more ecologically conscious yard.
• Support your local purveyors of plants, trees, and fall décor. Great u-pick and roadside stand options exist for pumpkins, cornstalks, and mums.
• Late fall and winter are the best time to purchase and plant your shrubs, trees, and perennial ornamental plants.

Just because the weather is getting cooler doesn’t mean your lawn chores are over. This is the time for applying pre-emergent herbicides to prevent cool-season weeds from taking over.
Carmen Ketron, ©2024, Clemson Extension

Take time to inspect trees or have a certified arborist evaluate if your trees are healthy. Removing trees are often less costly than the damage they can cause to structures and landscapes.
Carmen Ketron, ©2024, Clemson Extension

Support South Carolina agribusinesses. Some fun activities include buying from local pumpkin patches and visiting on-farm fall festivals.
Carmen Ketron, ©2024, Clemson Extension

Upstate Region – Briana Naumuk

It is slowly starting to feel more like fall here in the Upstate. This is a great time to start doing some things to prepare for fall and the next growing season.

• Soil testing is important, and fall is a great time to do it. This gives any recommended lime time to work into the soil, adjusting the pH for the upcoming growing season.
• Want to see pretty spring flowering bulbs in your garden? Mid to late October is a good time to plant those spring flowering bulbs. There are a wide range of bulbs to choose from, including alliums, daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths. Here is your reminder that you can plant tulips, but they don’t do well year after year in our hot and humid climate. Plant them as annuals instead of expecting them to come back.
• If you haven’t begun to prepare your tender houseplants to move inside for the winter, early October is still early enough to do so. Double check them for hitchhiking pests before bringing them inside.
• Make sure you DO NOT prune your landscape plants in the fall. Pruning triggers new growth that can be damaged by a frost or freezing temperatures.
• Now is a great time to clean up both vegetable and ornamental garden beds and get rid of any diseased foliage to avoid harboring any overwintering diseases. This is also a great time to plant pansies, violas, snapdragons, and ornamental cabbage or kale.
• When planting things this fall, make sure to check for girdling roots on container grown plants. Tease the roots outward and knock off as much of the growing media as possible before planting in the hole. This is an important step for the long-term health of the plant.
• Deciduous trees and shrubs will start to shed their leaves soon. Consider chopping up the leaves with a lawnmower and composting them. Or just leave them there for the fireflies. For more ways to use your leaves, check out Fall Leaves to Leave or Not to Leave.
• It is never too early to start planning for next year. Take time to research what you want to plant for the following spring. Get in touch with your local nurseries to see what new items they will be having. Things go fast, so start now to plan for success.
• It is also never too early to start planning your Christmas wishlist. Inventory and organize your gardening tools now so that you know what to ask for. Sharpen and sanitize your tools that won’t be used over the winter so that they are prepared for spring. This ensures everything will be ready to go, and you won’t have any disease transmission.

Large Japanese Maple-Soon the leaves will start turning and falling. Make sure you’re prepared with a plan for how to deal with your leaves.
Briana Naumuk, ©2024, Clemson Extension

Chlorotic leaf-The interveinal yellowing is a sign of a nutrient deficiency. Soil test now so you can protect your plants from this later.
Briana Naumuk, ©2024, Clemson Extension

Root ball-Be sure to check for any girdling roots that may be on container grown plants. Break up the roots some before planting as well.
Briana Naumuk, ©2024, Clemson Extension