October is planting and clean-up month in southern Maine. The soil is still warm, so it’s one of the best times of year to plant perennials, shrubs, trees and spring bulbs before the ground freezes.
Key takeaways
- Keep planting perennials, shrubs and trees until about mid-October.
- Plant spring bulbs like tulips, daffodils and alliums until the ground freezes.
- Water everything you planted this year until the ground freezes.
This month’s checklist
- Plant tulips, daffodils, crocus and alliums.
- Divide crowded spring and summer perennials.
- Bring houseplants inside before nights drop below 50°F.
- Leave seed heads and grasses standing for birds and winter interest.
- Rake leaves off the lawn; shred them for mulch or compost.
- Seed bare patches in the lawn early in the month.
Fall color for porches
Mums, asters, ornamental kale and pansies keep containers bright into November. Buy mums in bud for the longest show.
Chrysanthemum 'Clara Curtis'
Chrysanthemum 'Clara Curtis'
from $11.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Long blooming
Chrysanthemum 'Igloo Cool'
Chrysanthemum 'Igloo Cool'
from $14.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Long blooming
Chrysanthemum 'Igloo Fire Dance'
Chrysanthemum 'Igloo Fire Dance'
from $14.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Long blooming
Chrysanthemum 'Igloo Harvest'
Chrysanthemum 'Igloo Harvest'
from $14.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Long blooming
Chrysanthemum 'Igloo Ice Pink'
Chrysanthemum 'Igloo Ice Pink'
from $14.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Long blooming
Chrysanthemum 'Igloo Sundance'
Chrysanthemum 'Igloo Sundance'
from $14.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Long blooming
Chrysanthemum 'Sheffield Pink'
Chrysanthemum 'Sheffield Pink'
from $14.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Fragrant
Chrysanthemum 'Sizzling Igloo'
Chrysanthemum 'Sizzling Igloo'
from $14.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late to plant perennials in October?
Not in southern Maine. Plant by mid-October so roots have a few weeks to settle, and water until the ground freezes.
When should I plant tulip bulbs?
From late September until the ground freezes, usually through October and into early November.
Should I cut back my perennials now?
Cut back diseased foliage, like powdery peony and bee balm leaves. Leave sturdy stems and seed heads for birds and winter interest.
When do I bring houseplants inside?
Before nights fall below about 50°F. Check them for pests first and rinse the leaves.