October in the Garden: Preparing for the Season Ahead

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, October is the perfect time to give your garden a little attention before winter settles in. Here are some timely reminders and fall to-dos from the team at Iowa Outdoor Products to help you finish the season strong and set your landscape up for success next spring.

Winterize Your Fountains

Before temps dip below freezing, take time to protect your water features. Start by draining the fountain completely and giving it a gentle cleaning to remove any algae or debris that built up over the summer. Once dry, remove and store the pump indoors to prevent damage. For smaller fountains, move them into a garage or shed if possible. Larger fountains can be covered with a protective fountain cover or heavy-duty tarp secured around the base. A little effort now can save you from costly repairs come spring. If you're unsure of the best way to winterize your specific fountain, stop by and our team can walk you through the steps and recommend products that make the process easy.

Plant Allium Bulbs for Spring Blooms

Allium bulbs are now available to purchase, and this is the perfect window for planting them. These ornamental onions are a must for adding height, structure, and whimsy to next year's garden. Plant these (and spring blooming bulbs in general) now for a beautiful early summer display that pairs perfectly with peonies, salvia, and catmint. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot and plant bulbs at a depth roughly three times their diameter. We also have bulb planters available from Burgon and Ball, making planting quick and easy, along with bulb food in stock now to give your bulbs the best start possible.

What (and What Not to Prune in October)

While it can be tempting to tidy everything up before winter, not all plants appreciate fall pruning.

• Do prune : dead, diseased, or damaged branches on trees and shrubs.

• Avoid pruning : spring flowering shrubs like lilacs, azaleas, forsythia, rhododendrons, viburnum, fruit trees, and oak trees. Pruning them now can prevent next year's blooms and leave them susceptible to disease. When in doubt, ask. Our staff can help you determine the best timing for each plant.

• Consider leaving : ornamental grasses, seed heads, and the fading foliage of plants like roses, coral bells, coneflowers, milkweed, and black-eyed Susans through winter. They add beautiful structure to your winter landscape but also provide valuable shelter and protection for birds during harsh weather.

Protect Your Evergreens from Winter Burn

As cold winds and sun exposure increase in late fall, evergreens can lose moisture faster than their roots can replace it, especially once the ground freezes. Protect boxwoods, arborvitae, and newly planted evergreens with Wilt-Pruf spray. This natural coating helps lock in moisture and prevent winter burn. Sign up now to have your evergreens treated by our team before temps drop too low for application or stop by the Shoppe and pick up a bottle to apply on your own. It's one of the simplest ways to keep them vibrant and green through winter.

Time to Transplant Peonies

If you've been meaning to move or divide peonies, now is the time. Peonies transplant best in fall when they're dormant but before the ground hardens. When replanting, set the eyes (the pink buds) just 1-2 inches below the soil surface, planting too deep can reduce blooming.

This is also the perfect opportunity to amend the soil. Mix in compost or a slow-release organic fertilizer to improve drainage and give your peonies a nutrient boost. A well-prepared soil bed helps them establish strong roots before winter and ensures healthier growth next spring.

Christmas Tree Preorders

We know it feels early, but our Christmas trees are such a highlight of the season! You'll soon be able to pre-order your fresh cut tree to ensure the best selection. Stay tuned for details on varieties, sizes, and pickup/delivery options.

Bringing Houseplants Indoors

If your houseplants spent the summer outdoors, bring them in before nighttime temps dip below 50 degrees F. Before moving them inside, inspect leaves and soil closely for pests, and give them a gentle spray treatment to prevent bringing unwanted guests indoors. We can recommend safe and effective options to use at home.

Final Thoughts

October is one of the most important months for garden care. It's the bridge between seasons, a chance to protect what you've grown, enrich the soil, and plan ahead for beauty in the months to come. We have everything you need at Iowa Outdoor Products to make the work simple and satisfying. Stop by the nursery for expert advice, supplies, and a little fall inspiration. We would love to help you get your garden ready for its well-earned rest. Be sure to check our Events page for upcoming workshops and seasonal happenings and keep an eye out for special sales, new arrivals, and other updates, including changes to our garden center hours.