Planting Information > What to do When > October

According to the Antipodean Astro Planting Calendar for October:

Wednesday 6th and Saturday 16th for Root Vegetables.

Monday 18th and 26th for Flowers.

For the 2004 calendar contact: Brian Keats PO Box 1560 Bowal NSW 2576 (price: $14.00)

Fruit

Custard Apple: Start to increase irrigation. Mulch trees. Apply 2 grams Boron per square metre.

Figs: Pruning can be carried out. Figs are only produced on new wood of the new seasons growth. Mulch well.

Lychee: Mulch trees, Peak water needs. Apply 20 grams Organic Xtra plus, 20 grams gypsum per square metre.

Low chill stone fruit: Prune new growth; continue with high irrigation. Prune out water shoots and dense foliage for better size Fruits. Use fruit fly control programs e.g. netting or an attractant method.

Mango: Peak water needs. Apply 20 grams per square metre of Organic Xtra. Spray with copper based spray for anthracnose per fortnight.

Passion fruit: Plant out new vines. Pruning carried out this month, all dead parts to go. Apply a little Organic Xtra and mulch vines at least 2 to 3 metres out from the base.

Pawpaw: Release predatory mites.

Persimmon: Flowering will start in early varieties Mulch trees, low irrigation.

Strawberries: Apply small amount of Organic Xtra. Keep up the fish and kelp spray weekly. Pick fruit when fully ripe.

Chores for October

• Sow seeds for flowers and vegetables for autumn planting.
• Plant some Australian Species to encourage birds into the garden.
• Deadhead spring annuals and feed with liquid fertiliser for further blooming.
• Give house plants a dose of liquid fertiliser, take cuttings, to pot for Christmas.
• Finish fertilising fruit trees and plant all tropical fruits.
• Do not allow citrus trees to dry out.
• Prune poinsettia for sturdier growth.
• Divide and replant cannas Plant Gladiolus Corms.
• Rub off aphids on roses.
• Mound up potatoes.
• Plant sweet potatoes.
• Sow seeds and plant seedlings of all herbs, including Basil.
• Prepare rich soil for dahlia-planting next month.
• Take softwood and semi hardwood cuttings.
• Increase mulching as weather becomes hotter