Be sure to stop by Betty's if you have any questions or need advice.

Fertilize. Fertilize two to three times in this fall. Be sure to be very aggressive on your last feeding (October 22). This is when your lawn will grow the deep roots that get it through the next summer. Fertilize with Super Turf Assurance, Turf Assurance, Super Green Power or Betty's Ultimate (best in Fall). On or after October 22, apply a high first number fertilizer at one and a half times the recommended rate. All nitrogen is converted to root growth thirty days after equinox. This is the clean out the garage feeding and a one and a half times application is the minimum. Don't be afraid to throw in some iron (Preferential Treatment) for extra color in the lawn.

Weeds. Put down Gallery (Portrait) to prevent germination of winter weeds beginning 10/22.

Maintenance. Lawns should be mowed at a height of 2.5-2.75” going into the winter. Bag all grass clippings and add to the compost pile. Keep leaves raked off the lawn to allow for optimum light and air circulation.

INDOOR PLANTS

Now is the time to bring indoor plants back into the house. Remember to first wash the plant with a strong stream of water to remove any clinging insects.

Now would be an excellent time to perform any general plant maintenance such as: lightly fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote; trim off any dead or yellowing growth; repot any pot bound plants. Remember that houseplants are going dormant so reduce your weekly watering schedule.

Force the buds on Christmas Cactus by placing in a cool (50-60 degree) room and expose to 13 hours of darkness.

Pot up Amaryllis, Paper White Narcissus, Tulips, and Hyacinths to bloom in time for Christmas.

THE FALL LANDSCAPE

Fall is the BEST time to plant trees and shrubs. Be sure to check the Washington Post Home Section for weekly sales announcements.

Feed all your landscape plants with a slow release fertilizer. On shrubs use Agriform 20-10-5 or Osmocote 17-6-10 . For trees use Woodace or Nursery Special for good root growth. Make sure you give all trees and shrubs plenty of water before the ground freezes.

Look over your landscape and remove any dead or dying annuals, leaves, or faded flowers. Prune any dead or broken branches

Once your garden beds are clean of debris, spread a 3” layer of mulch to insulate your plants roots, retain moisture and add organic matter to the soil. Betty's carries a wide selection of mulches. Check our outdoor mulch display to help you select the best mulch for your garden.

Add all disease-free organic debris, grass clippings and fallen leaves to the compost pile.

Fasten loose vines such as clematis, wisteria and climbing roses to prevent breaking in winter winds.

Do NOT prune spring blooming plants such as azalea, rhododendron, and camellias because they have already set their flower buds for next spring. It is best to prune them immediately after they bloom.

Plant bulbs in your landscape for a colorful spring show. Choose Early, Mid and Late season varieties to stretch out the bloom period. Be sure to add 1 tablespoon of Bulb Booster fertilizer to give your plants a good set of roots for next year.

THE PERENNIAL GARDEN

All Perennials, (except Jr. priced plants) are 30% off until October 29!

Fall is the best time to plant perennials for optimum root growth.

To cure existing weed problems in planting beds spread Finale or Complete.

Do not cut back ornamental grasses as the curling foliage and plumes add unusual winter interest to the landscape.

VEGETABLE GARDENING

Pick all warm season vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchinis before the first killing frost.

Begin harvesting cold weather crops. Carrots will become more flavorful if allowed to endure some hard frosts.

Prevent the spread of disease in your garden by cleaning up all diseased plants and disposing of them in your trash bin.

Now is an excellent time to spread compost on the garden and then spade, or till, the garden soil so that it is ready for planting in the spring.

Consider sowing a winter cover crop of clover or winter rye to add nutrients back into the soil and to prevent soil run-off.

OTHER OCTOBER TO-DO'S

Betty's has the best pumpkins, gourds and corn stalks available. We also carry a large selection of Mums, Pansies, Ornamental Cabbages and Ornamental Corn.

Don't forget the birds! Betty's carries a large assortment of bird supplies such as feeders, squirrel baffles, and houses. Stock up on seeds and suet cakes for your feeders.