Submitted by Helen Weiser

October is the month devoted to housecleaning and preparation for next spring. In the perennial garden, all current year’s foliage should be cut down to within a couple of inches of the soil line so there are no decomposing leaves or stems on the ground to create an environment for diseases, many of which can survive winter. Perennial foliage can be added to the composter. None of this material will decompose quickly over winter, but there will be some slow decay and the process will pick up again in the spring warmth. After that, the only task left is to put winter mulch on the perennial garden after the ground freezes solid. Now is also the time to plant your bulbs for spring blooms. The earlier they are planted, the more time the roots have to become established before the onslaught of cold weather. Narcissus bulbs should be planted as soon as they are purchased as they benefit from a long period of root development.

Daffodils bought from the Hull Garden Club or from your favorite nursery should be planted now, but if you can’t plant them right away, they must be planted while the ground is still soft. We also advise that they be planted about 8 inches deep, if possible. Next spring, after they bloom, do not cut down the green leaves until they have turned brown. Bulbs get their nourishment from their leaves. This also applies to tulips. I will remind you again next spring.