October Gardening In The Low Desert

Continue to sow seed for wildflowers or set out plants. Choose a sunny spot and loosen the soil about 3 or 4 inches, water to germinate the weeds for removal and then scatter about ¼ ounce of seed for 25 sq. ft. Lightly rake to soil to cover. Or, set out plants. Water as often as needed to keep soil moist until seedlings appear and then two or three times a week.

October and November are the best months to plant trees and shrubs in the low desert so they can get established before summer heat next year. Consult a good garden book such as Sunsets Western Garden Book. See also my articles from July and August 1998 for some ideas on landscape styles and plant selections. Some sources for seeds, shrubs and other plants you may not find locally:

Trop-Hibiscus hibiscus

Plants Of The Southwest vegetables and herbs

Shepherd Seeds vegetables, herbs and flowers

Desert Plants cacti and succulents

Arid Lands cacti and succulents

Great Petaluma Desert cacti and succulents

Tropiflora orchids, bromeliads and other tropicals

Southern Perennials and Herbs herbs, grasses, perennials, vines, woodies

Southern Exposure herbs, flowers, vegetables, garlic and onions

Logees rare flowers, shrubs, houseplants

Plant Delights unusual and native perennials

Burpee seeds of flowers and vegetables

A Handy Guide lists of gardening and nursery sites

Plant cool season veggies annuals and strawberries now and into Nov. If you were clever enough to start your own seeds, plant out into the garden when they are about six weeks along but be sure to set them out in a shady place for a few hours a day for a few days to 'harden them off' before planting. Nurseries are exploding with veggies and strawberries all ready for planting for those of us too lazy to start them ourselves. Recommended varieties of strawberries for zones 12 and 13 are Sequoia and Tioga. For high desert gardens, Ogallala. Plant perennials for next year's bloom and divide established ones that have gotten too thick. Either dig and pull gently apart or slice into sections with a clean knife. Trim tops a little and replant.

Think holidays - now is the time to consider plants for holiday gifts or decorating. Perhaps a pot with a wreath shaped wire stuck in and ivy planted to train around it. Or, a basket lined with plastic and planted with a mix of small lettuce and greens. This basket should be deep enough to support roots and of course, should be grown outside. Or, make cuttings of your favorites to start for friends and your own decorating.

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