Fall is in the air. We have had some crisp nights, followed by some beautiful days, but the weather is quite changeable in October. Last year we had our first frost in October, which was early; other years it has felt like an extended summer. October typically marks the end of our growing season, and the beginning of our dormant season. It is time for garden clean-up. How well we put our gardens to rest, can determine how easily they come back.

I have been amazed at how spotty the rain has been this season. You can't even break it down into north Arkansas or central or south–in some cases it is by neighborhoods. Some parts of the state have been having regular showers, while others have had another horribly dry season. Monitor the moisture in your area, and water as needed. Rain gauges are very inexpensive, and would really be worth the investment. Knowing how much rainfall is occurring in your own yard, can help you determine when watering is needed. If your plants are heading into dormancy too dry, they won't be as resilient to cold winter weather. Food and nourishment is also being stored for the winter, and if your plants are too dry, they'll shut down too soon. Once the temperatures cool off, you may not have to water as often as you did during summer, but you still need to apply one inch of water per week.

Insects were at a premium at the end of our season. Everything from grasshoppers and caterpillars to whiteflies and aphids. As you clean up your perennial beds, be sure to dispose of any plant materials that were heavily infested with insects or diseases. Consider removing the mulch from under these plants, and replacing it with fresh. Clean up the perimeter areas of the garden as well. If you leave tall grass or weeds, you might be harboring a nice winter rest for your pest problems.

October is the prime time to establish a wildflower garden. Sowing the seeds of wildflowers in the fall can insure a colorful show next spring and summer. Be sure to include some annuals along with the perennials to give you color the first season. Prepare the site well as you are planting. Don't expect success by just shaking out a can of seeds on a weed pile. Kill off the grass or weed covering, add some organic matter, then scatter the seeds and use a mulch to help hold moisture. Perennial choices include coreopsis, purple coneflower (Echinacea), gaillardia, ox-eye daisies, butterfly weed and other milkweeds, and showy evening primrose. Annuals include: larkspur, Bachelor buttons, basket flower, Shirley poppies and California poppies. Check with your local nursery to see what is available. These can all be planted from seed. If you simply want to add some new perennials to the garden, you can also plant containerized plants at this time of year.

The leaves, they are a falling! While mowing may have slowed a bit, many continue frequent mowing to combat the falling leaves. A light layer of mulched leaves won't hurt your lawn, but heavy pile-ups can cause problems. Shredded leaves make a great mulch, or can be added to green matter for excellent compost. I find it easier to keep up with the leaves gradually, rather than waiting for them all to fall. If you try to wait for them all, you end up with an almost overwhelming task, and the leaves are down in the yard for months.

Fall color is here! From blooming mums and pansies, to ornamental gourds and pumpkins, fall color is at hand. Only replace summer annuals if they have quit blooming or have grown leggy. Many summer annuals will continue to perform up until a frost. Some that were resting during the heat of summer are actually bouncing back into bloom. Many petunias, sweet alyssum and diascia are kicking into high gear. Besides pansies, consider other cool season options. Dianthus, snapdragons, diascia (commonly called twinspur), stock, and dusty miller are all good additions to the fall garden. Viola's and flowering kale and cabbage are good choices. There are also numerous edibles that can be used–bulls blood beets, Bright lights Swiss chard, cilantro and parsley can give you fall and winter interest, and can be harvested as well.

Chrysanthemums are the perennial most associated with fall. There are numerous colors, sizes and shapes to choose from. Many use these perennial plants as fall annuals, sinking pots in the ground for some instant fall color. They will come back yearly if you plant them and care for them. Other fall blooming perennials include: numerous eupatoriums, Japanese anemones, goldenrod, asters, toad lilies, sedums, and the fall blooming Confederate jasmine: Hibiscus mutabilis. This last plant is not hardy past central Arkansas. Consider adding some new plants to your garden for fall interest.

Visit your garden centers and nurseries now to see what is available. There are always new plants arriving, and we can extend the interest in the garden with fall blooming plants. In addition, look at the shrubs and trees that are arriving. Fall is a great time to plant the majority of plants. Since none of us can successfully forecast the winter weather, avoid planting tender plants that are susceptible to winter injury–hydrangeas, gardenias, and some azaleas.

Fertilizer schedules should have ended for warm season lawns and shrubs. If you have tall fescue, this cool season lawn is beginning its growth cycle, and now is the time to fertilize. Broadcast a high nitrogen fertilizer now. If you need to thicken an existing fescue lawn, now is the time to overseed. The cool season lawn schedule is opposite the warm season lawn grasses.

As your perennials begin to decline, consider dividing those that are overcrowded–particularly those that bloom in the spring. Summer bloomers can also be divided now. Replant as you divide, or share with a friend if you have too many. Clean up any dead or diseased plant parts and mulch. Be sure to water them well, but no fertilizer is needed at this time. Getting the work done in the fall, can assure you of stronger, more vigorous plants next spring.

Pumpkins come in all sizes and shapes these days, but proper selection can be important for them all. If you want your pumpkin to last more than the week of Halloween, then choosing a good pumpkin is important. Look for a pumpkin that is free of blemishes or soft spots. Make sure it can stand alone without toppling, or needing a prop. Then make sure it has a stem attached. If there is no stem, the fruit will begin to decay more quickly. Pumpkins alone make great fall decorations–throughout November. If you want to carve one for a Jack-o-lantern, don't cut it until the day of or the day before. Once cut, they decline rapidly.

As you travel the state, pay attention to what is showy at this time of year. If it is beautiful without much care, think how well it will do in your own yard. Callicarpa americana –the beautyberry or French mulberry plant is spectacular this year. The stems are ringed in brilliant clusters of purple or white berries. Goldenrod is a sea of yellow statewide, and the red flowers on Cardinal lobelia are stunning. Sumac is turning brilliant shades of red with huge panicles of red berries and white puffs of blooms are forming on the groundsel bush. Other wildflowers along roadsides are asters, sunflowers, boneset or Eupatorium, and ironweed.

If you have houseplants outdoors or any blooming tropical plants that you plan to bring indoors, get them ready soon. While we should not have a frost for a few weeks at least, nighttime temperatures are beginning to cool off. A good rule of thumb–move the plants in at least by the first time you use your heater. This will make the transition much easier on the plants. Check them carefully for insects before making the move. Clean them up well, and move them in. Clustering your plants together, can help keep the humidity higher. Make sure they get plenty of light indoors, and do reduce the amount of water you give them.

Spring blooming bulbs have hit the shelves. October and November are the best months to plant. Make sure the location you choose has well-drained soil. Guidelines should be available on depth of planting, but generally plant them two to three times the size of the bulb, deep in the ground. From the common daffodils and tulips, to crocus, hyacinths, flowering onions called alliums and more, are now available. Cluster your bulbs together for a mass display of color. You can plant your winter annuals above, and the bulbs will peak through. Choose blemish free bulbs. The larger the bulb, the larger the flower next spring.