Gardener’s To-Do List for October

Zone 5

• Thin out one-third of the oldest branches of forsythia, lilac, spirea, and potentilla for better bloom and shape next spring.
• Dig up tender tubers and corms of dahlias, cannas, caladium, and gladiolius.
• Don't cut back ornamental grasses, sunflowers, and wildflowers—leave them for winter interest and for wildlife.
• Collect leaves to shred (with a shredder or mower) and compost.
• Clean up all fallen fruits to reduce disease and pest problems.
• Work well-rotted manure or compost into asparagus beds.
• Dig up geraniums and bring them indoors for the winter.
• Pot up some paperwhite bulbs for holiday forcing.