The best time to plant bulbs is September through October because the bulbs need time to root well before the ground freezes. During the summer, bulbs are in a dormant stage because the weather is warm. They need low temperatures to break them out of their dormancy and start growing.

Other Gardening Tips:
Before the first frost, move tender plants such as begonias, geraniums, gerbera daisies and impatiens indoors for the winter.

Buy hardy garden mums to plant in well-drained soil in a sunny location; fertilize now, and again in the spring. Color spots of winter pansies and flowering kale can also be planted early in the month, or until the ground freezes.

Hold off on mulching perennials until the ground has frozen. If you choose to mulch your perennials you must remember to unmulch them early enough in the spring, before they suffocate.

Trees & Shrubs:

October is a great month to shop for trees and shrubs, as they're showing their true colors. Planting can take place now and over the next several months, letting strong, healthy roots develop over the winter.

Watering:
It's easy to forget about watering duties in the middle of fall, but proper moisture now is key to your plants' successful survival over the cold winter months.

I would like to hear from you! What would you like to hear about in some of our upcoming newsletters? If I hear from you and use one of your ideas then I will make sure you receive a FREE gift from our flowershop. E-mail me at katie@kirchersflowers.com with your idea for our newsletters.

Forward this newsletter to all of your friends and family. If your friend comes in and puts you down on the coupon they use as the one that referred them, I will give you a FREE gift. Kircher's welcomes everyone to stop in and take a tour of our greenhouse & flower shop.