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Slugs killed now will not lay eggs for next year. Try new baits that are less attractive to pets. Slug patrol in late evening by hand is the safest. As you harvest the garden, mulch with compost to work into the soil in the fall. As potato tops die down, dig and store in a dark location. September into late October is an ideal time to plant lawns, trees and shrubs, ground covers, hardy perennials, even bulbs for spring bloom. Cooler weather puts less stress on the leaves, but the soil is warm enough to encourage root development. If planting a new lawn from seed, remember nothing happens until seeds are soaked to begin germination. The seeds and new shoots should not become dry until a root system develops. Most weeds that appear in a newly seeded lawn will die with cutting. Do not apply weed killers until after three cuttings. Spot sprays are better than general weed and feed products. In the garden, starts, not seeds, can be planted for over-wintering crops. Harvest continues with refuse building for the compost pile. Compost building is important during this month because of ideal temperature ranges. Start a new pile, turn a pile, and spread a “ready” pile into vacant spots to prepare for cover crops. Summer blooming shrubs that have finished bloom should be pruned this month. Examples are Mexican Orange, Nandinia, Abelia, Escallonia, Mock Orange, and Crape Myrtle. Light pruning of hedges to make them tidy is done in the fall; major hedge pruning should take place just before heavy growth.
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