Gardener’s To-Do List for October

Zone 10

• Set out transplants of tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
• Mulch and water well—dry spells this month can last a week or longer.
• Finish pruning fruit trees so new sprouts can harden before cold arrives.
• Plant colorful bloomers, such as sweet alyssum, begonias, petunias, and pansies.
• Prepare beds for planting roses; plant them late this month.
• Fertilize plants that flower in winter.
• Plant strawberries and brassicas (except brussels sprouts—it's too warm) early in the month.
• In midmonth, direct-seed root crops and beans.
• Near the end of the month, sow lettuce, spinach, and other greens.