Gardening: Gardening Tips for October

Create a plan that will minimize turf areas and include trees for shade. Select drought tolerant and native plants that require less irrigation. Use pervious surfaces when possible since these surfaces absorb nutrients and reduce surface water runoff.
Test the soil to determine the fertility status and lime requirements, then be sure to calculate amount of fertilizer needed. Use no more than necessary.
When planting the garden, till the soil as deeply as possible, add organic matter to the soil and create raise beds to ensure good drainage.
Maintain your garden by mulching often to conserve moisture. Compost grass clippings and prunings from the garden and reuse as a mulch and natural fertilizer for your garden. Keep fertilizer swept off the sidewalk and driveways where they will otherwise be washed into the river.