Monthly to do Calendar Each season brings a to do list for gardeners. Whether it's pulling weeds, mowing, mulching, watering or just general clean up, it seems work in the yard is never ending especially during the warmer months. Here area a few tips to help keep up with the seasonal schedule.

September

Fertilize lawns now through November. Purchase spring bulbs for planting in October. Dig and divide crowded summer flowering perennials.. Continue to water trees and shrubs until ground freezes. Stop fertilizing houseplants until spring, Acclimate them to more shade before moving indoors. Spray with all season pesticidal oil. Pant and transplant evergreen trees and shrubs. Plant shade trees and deciduous shrubs. Begin feeding the birds.

October

Plant bulbs outdoors for spring blooms. Dig tender bulbs(dahlias, begonias, caladiums, cannas, elephant ears etc...). Cure in a warm room and store at 45 degrees F. Plant fall annual color such as pansies, mums, flowering kale and cabbage. Keep lawns free of of leaves so grass can breathe. Continue to mow and water new grass. Lawns should be 2" high going into winter. Remove summer annuals, roots and all, and add to compost. Clean up perennials beds and dispose of deceased leaves. Move houseplants indoors before nightime temperatures drop below 45 degrees F. Edge and weed existing beds and mulch. Pot hardy spring bulbs; place in cold frame or cool garage(40 degrees) or sink into ground and mulch. Bring in to house in December to force bloom.

November

It's not too late to plants trees and shrubs, perennials and flowering spring bulbs. Clean and oil tools, empty gasoline remaining in engines and fuel lines, turn off outside water and drain hoses. Store chemicals where they cannot freeze. Fertilize trees and lawns after rhe first freeze to promote root growth during winter months. Prepare roses for winter by cleaning and destroying all fallen leaves; after plant goes dormant, mound 8-10 inches of soil over the crown. Spray uncovered canes with an antidessectant such as Wilt-Pruf. Mulch strawberries and herbaceous perennials. Turn off outside water and drain hoses. Winterize irrigation systems . Prune and thin plants to enhance plant form and reduce wind resisitance. Pot up Paperwhites and Amarylis bulbs around the 3rd week of November for Christmas color.