How many gardeners does it take to screw in a bulb?

One....YOU.   And you don't have to screw it in...just dig a nice hole and drop it in, pointed side up.  Yep, it's time to plant those bulbs, if you haven't already, for colorful winter and spring blooms.   Bulbs are simple to plant and pack a huge punch in late winter and early spring when everything else is still dead.  You can even buy bulb hole diggers to make the job just that much easier.    Just be certain that your soil is properly conditioned and well drained, otherwise, your bulbs will rot over the winter.  Bulbs also love bright, sunny spots.  For a  natural look, plant them in clumps of concentrated color.


Here's more for the honey-do list for October:

• If you have not taken care of your lawn, do it now while you can...time is running out.
• Mulch around tender plants to protect them during the winter.  As a general rule, double ground hardwood mulch works the best for trees and shrubs, while pine bark works better for perennials and small plants.  Make sure you turn the hardwood mulch over and water it for a couple of days after you put it down so that it does not heat up too much and cook your tree.
• It is still a good time to plant trees, shrubs, and woody perennials, just remember, they still need water during the cooler months.  Read "How to install a plant in Guilford County" for tips on planting in this area.
• And don't forget your ponds!  Give your pond a good cleaning, if it needs it and start weaning your fish from feedings.  As the weather cools, their food needs will decrease.  Also make sure your pond is at least three feet deep in the middle so that your fish have some place to go during the winter.  As long as your pond is deep enough, Koi can survive the winter quite nicely!