As the crisp air of autumn whispers through the garden, it’s an ideal season to tidy up flower beds, nurture spring bulbs, and gather the final fruits of the summer’s bounty. However, when selecting new additions to your garden, be discerning. Even if you scored a deal on blooms and shrubs at the local garden shop, October is not the month to transplant certain plants. Some may struggle to form robust roots before winter’s chill and freeze, or they might be susceptible to frost and won’t endure the first frost. Opt for spring planting for these species, as it provides them the necessary time to firmly establish themselves. Before you make space for new flowers and shrubs in your garden plots, be aware of the plants that should not be planted in October.
Evergreens are a beacon of color throughout the winter, but the fall is not the season to plant broadleaf evergreens such as boxwood, holly, and gardenias. The winter winds parch their leaves, and they lack the ability to absorb vital moisture from the frozen ground. It’s too late for these plants to become established before winter sets in. Wait until spring, after the first frost and when soil temperatures begin to rise, to plant these. This will afford them ample time to acclimate before the next cold snap.
Canna lilies thrive in warmth and fertile soil, so introducing them when temperatures start to plummet is ill-advised. Vulnerable to frost, these summer-blooming bulbs are best planted in spring, allowing them to establish strong roots and flourish during a lengthy growing season. In many regions, they serve as annuals, but in the Southern regions, particularly in USDA Planting Zones 7-10, they are perennials. To safeguard them from frost damage in cooler climates, dig them up and store them indoors during the winter.
Dahlias, which grow from subterranean tubers, require warm soil to flourish. Planting them as temperatures begin to decline is not recommended. Spring is the ideal time to plant dahlia bulbs, ensuring they develop robust root systems. Wait until the soil reaches 55ºF or warmer to encourage growth.
Delay planting sun-adored plants like lavender until the spring’s warmth returns. Cold-tolerant varieties might withstand the cold, but planting them on the cusp of colder weather is not optimal. These plants will perform better if given roughly eight weeks to establish before the first frost, making October an inappropriate time for success in the garden.
Before planting hibiscus in autumn, identify the type you possess. Hardy hibiscus can be planted in October if given ample time to establish before the first freeze. However, tropical hibiscus plants should not be planted in October. Be certain of what you’re purchasing, as this variety does not flourish in cold conditions. Once temperatures drop, they require protection, so plan to bring these sun-loving plants indoors to overwinter.
Planting fragrant perennials in October can lead to their demise in freezing conditions. It’s best to wait until after the last frost in spring to plant these bulbs. This allows the plants to establish healthy roots and grow throughout the season. Before the cold weather arrives and the first hard frost, dig them up and store them in a cool, dark indoor location to shield them from frosts and freezes.
While October is a favorable time to plant herbs such as cilantro, dill, parsley, and oregano, basil should not be added to the herb garden at this time. This warm-season herb is too delicate for fall planting and will succumb to frost. Spring is the ideal time for sowing seeds or transplanting basil into the garden. For those looking to extend the growing season, pot basil and bring it indoors for the winter, placing it near a sunny window or using a grow light to ensure sufficient light exposure. Due to its intolerance of cold, it may be wise to move basil away from windows during extreme cold weather.
Hardy begonias can withstand cold winter temperatures outdoors in Zones 6-9, but they are the only type to do so. October is the month to unearth tuberous begonias for drying and storing over the winter, but they should not be planted as they are sensitive to frost. The optimal time for planting them is in the spring, approximately eight to ten weeks before the last frost. Fibrous begonias, like wax begonias, grow from fibrous roots and do not enter a dormant period during winter. These are overwintered indoors as houseplants and planted outdoors once the frost threat has passed.
