General Maintenance
w Continue weeding.
w Keep new autumn plantings moist.
w Apply touch-up mulch if needed.
w Generally, no more fertilizer should be applied to the plants.PruninG
w Deadhead late-summer and autumn bloomers such as echinacea and
heliopsis.
w Cut back short-lived perennials in early September, if it was not done in
late August.
w Continue to cut back faded summer-flowering perennials as needed.OCTOBER
In the Midwest, planting can continue until about October 15; finish before then
if possible.PlantinG
w Finish planting in early October.
w Beds can be prepared for spring planting throughout the month.
w All divisions and transplanting should be finished by October.General Maintenance
w Continue to keep new plantings watered if the weather is dry; estab-
lished gardens may need water as well so that they can go into winter
with sufficient moisture.
w Weeding is usually needed less by October.
w Rake leaves.
w Mulch tender plants once the ground is frozen.
PruninG
w October 15 is the approximate first frost date, at least in the Midwest.
Some perennials may turn to mush at this time and should be pruned, if
desired. Otherwise, wait for several killing frosts and prune in
November.NOVEMBER
November is the time for pruning to prepare for winter after several killing frosts.PlantinG
w No more planting of herbaceous plants in the Midwest.
w Beds can be prepared for spring if weather permits.General Maintenance
w Topdressing with organic matter, if not done in the spring, can be done
after autumn cleanup.
w Be certain all water and irrigation systems are turned off and drain all
hoses.