What To Do In Alameda County Gardens In October

ALAMEDA, CA — It is officially autumn in Alameda, and there are hints all around of the new season. The hillsides are golden, neighborhood leaves are beginning to turn, and pumpkin-spice is on every menu and every aisle at the store.

For gardeners, it's time to harvest the last of the summer crops, finish planting cool-weather crops, and plant spring bulbs such as daffodils.

For a complete list of October tasks in the garden, we turn to the UC Master Gardener Program of Alameda County:

October

• The summer harvest continues but the end is in sight. As you harvest, clean up all debris; it hides bugs and diseases.
• Continue to care for cool-season vegetables and flowers planted in September.
• Cool weather crops including lettuce, green onions, potatoes, peas, etc. can still be planted but will probably not fruit until the spring.
• Ditto for cool-season annuals unless already blooming (try 4-inch pots).
• Spring bulbs (daffodils, hyacinths, grape hyacinths, etc.) can be planted this month and next. Tulips must first be chilled before planting.
• Plant garlic and shallots after October 15 to harvest next summer.
• Plant cover crops (also called green manure or compost crops) such as fava beans.
• As you pull up old crops and rake up leaves, compost, compost, compost. You’ll need the finished compost in the spring.
• Fall is a great planting time for perennials and California Natives in our climate. Cut back and divide leggy perennials or plant new ones. Plant shrubs and trees.
• As plants slow down, stop fertilizing. Water as necessary and consider turning off irrigation systems.

For more information on gardening in Alameda county, visit the UC Master Gardener Program of Alameda County. The UC Master Gardener Program is a public service and outreach program under the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, administered locally by participating UC Cooperative Extension county offices. Since 1980, the UC Master Gardener Program has been extending research-based information about home horticulture and pest management to the public.