Watch for red Spider Lilies to appear like magic this month. You will see them in yards, along roads, in pastures, at old house places and in other surprising places. They seem to shrive on neglect!

• Fruits and Nuts–New catalogs will be arriving soon. Start plans for future selection and planting.
  Take soil test for new planting areas. Fertilize established strawberry plantings.
• Shrubs–Study landscape to determine plant needs. check early varieties of camellias. You may want to replace those damaged in spring by late freezes. After fall growth is completed, spray all shrubs with a fungicide.
• Lawns–Plant seed of winter grasses where situation prevents planting permanent grasses. Winter seeds will appear soon. Stop fertilization three weeks before first frost.
• Roses–Protect fall crops of blossoms from aphids and thrips. Keep plants health.
• Annuals and Perennials–Last chance for planting perennials and biennials. Old clumps of perennials may be divided. Plant peonies.
• Bulbs–Spring flowering bulbs may be planted late this month in North Alabama. Delay planting in South Alabama.
• Miscellaneous–Clean up infestations of insects on azaleas, camellias, boxwoods, gardenias, hollies, etc. If oil spray is needed, don’t use in freezing weather. Build compost bin or box; leaves will be falling soon. Move houseplants indoors.
• Vegetable Seed–Plant hardy vegetables and root crops.
• Vegetable Plants–Plant cabbage, collards, cauliflower, celery, Brussels sprouts, and onion sets.

Source: Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Alabama Gardening Calendar