Indoors
- Poinsettias placed in the flower-bud initiation darkness in September should be allowed to remain in a sunny window near months end. Feed until bracts show color and do not expose to evening light until the flowering begins.
- Check plants for pests and treat as necessary.
- Window plants turned occasionally will keep a better shape.
- Amaryllis potted now will bloom by Christmas. Plant one to a five inch pot inserting the lower third of the bulb in the soil.
- Callas may be potted.
- Geraniums need lots of light and cool conditions to keep from getting leggy.
Outdoors
- Mums may be cut back to three inches and mulched lightly after the ground freezes.
- Remove dead foliage from around rose bushes, work in some bone meal around the plant, then hill soil or mulch about eight inches deep around the canes.
- Cut all suckers from the base of lilac bushes and apply manure or compost.
- Last chance to plant spring blooming bulbs (daffodils, tulips).
- Protect trunks of newly planted shade trees by wrapping loosely with burlap or paper strips. Place wire or other protector around young fruit trees to prevent rabbit and mice damage.
- All vegetable garden refuse should be cleaned up and added to the compost.
- After a few frosts, cover strawberry beds with straw, pine needles, or other coarse litter.
- Raspberries planted in sandy soil benefit from an application of rotted manure.
- Clean up and destroy diseased and insect-infested foliage and fruit from the garden.
- Lawns should have about two inches of top growth to go into the winter to prevent matting.
- Leaves raked up can be added to the compost pile or used as mulch.
- Use coldframes to store plants that need protection.
