October is a crucial month for gardeners in New Jersey’s Zone 7. It’s a transitional period, offering the last big push for harvests, a chance for late-season planting, and preparations for the winter months. Let’s dive into what you should be doing in your garden this October.
First frost will be here before you know it. Typically, it’s around October 20th, but it can come later or earlier depending on the weather trends.
What’s Growing?
- Leafy Greens: Kale, collards, and Swiss chard may still be thriving. Their flavors often improve after a light frost.
- Root Vegetables: Carrots, radishes, and beets could be in the ground, especially if you’ve planted late-summer varieties.
- Herbs: Parsley, sage, and thyme are usually still going strong.
What’s Ready to Harvest?
- Tomatoes: If you’ve still got tomatoes on the vine, it’s time to pick them before the first frost. Green tomatoes can ripen indoors.
- Squash: Butternut and acorn squash should be ready for harvesting.
- Peppers: Harvest any remaining peppers. They can be dried, frozen, or used fresh.
- Apples and Pears: October is prime time for apple and pear picking.
What Can Be Planted?
- Garlic: This is the perfect time to plant garlic cloves for a summer harvest next year.
- Spring Bulbs: Get tulips and daffodils into the ground now for a colorful spring display.
- Cover Crops: Consider planting cover crops like clover or rye to improve your soil over the winter months.
Preparing Your Garden for Winter
- Clean Up: Remove all spent crops and compost what’s not diseased.
- Soil Testing: Take the time to test your soil. This will help you decide what nutrients to add for the coming spring.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch to protect your soil and reduce weeds. Straw, wood chips, or leaves can be effective.
- Tool Maintenance: Clean, sharpen, and oil your tools before storing them for winter.
Insect and Disease Management
- Remove Debris: Clear away leaves and other garden debris to minimize overwintering pests and diseases.
- Pesticides: If you’ve had significant problems with pests or diseases, consider applying organic pesticides or fungicides after cleanup.
Conclusion
October is a busy month for gardeners in New Jersey’s Zone 7, but your efforts will pay off both immediately and in the long-term. Whether you’re harvesting the last of your summer crops or preparing for the seasons ahead, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in the garden.