October brings a rich shift in the landscape
“October is a symphony of permanence and change.” –Bonaro W. Overstreet
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Photos courtesy of Steve Kawaratani
Agapanthus can be divided in early autumn after flowering, giving each new clump time to establish before next summer
October has arrived, bringing cooler mornings, shorter days and the promise that autumn has arrived. Of course, Laguna weather has been known to change its mind, so keep the sunscreen and water bottle near the garden gloves.
Here are a few garden questions for the beginning of the 10th month of 2026.
Q: Can I plant sweet peas now?
A: October is an excellent time to sow sweet peas in our coastal clime. Select a sunny location with well-prepared soil and provide a trellis or other support before the vines begin climbing. Plant the seeds about an inch deep and keep the soil evenly moist. Protect young seedlings from snails, slugs and sowbugs with iron phosphate, which consider them a fall delicacy.
Q: Is October a good time to plant California natives?
A: Autumn is generally the best planting season for California natives because the soil remains warm while the air becomes cooler. Planting now gives roots several months to become established before next summer. Choose a well-drained location, avoid heavily amending the planting hole and water regularly during the plant’s first year. “Drought tolerant” describes an established plant, not one that was planted recently.
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Healthy autumn leaves can be shredded for compost or used as a light mulch rather than simply discarded
Q: Is this a good time to divide perennials?
A: Many perennials, including daylilies and agapanthus, may be divided during early autumn after flowering has finished. Lift the clump carefully, separate it into healthy sections and replant at the same depth. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist while new roots become established. Recently divided plants may flower less abundantly next year, but they should return with renewed vigor the following season.
Q: Should fallen leaves be removed from the garden?
A: Healthy leaves can be shredded and added to the compost pile or used as a light mulch. Whole leaves left in thick layers may block water and air from reaching the soil and provide shelter for unwanted pests. Discard leaves showing signs of disease rather than returning them to the garden.
Q: How should I prepare my garden for Santa Ana winds?
A: Inspect young trees and newly planted shrubs to make certain they are securely supported but allow trunks some natural movement. Remove dead or broken branches, secure lightweight containers and garden furnishings and water dry soil deeply before strong winds arrive. Well-hydrated plants are better able to withstand the hot, dry conditions.
October offers gardeners a welcome balance of cooler air for working and enough daylight to complete a few chores before dinner. And with Halloween approaching, remember to identify and manage frightening pests in the garden. See you next time in the garden.
Steve Kawaratani, a regular columnist with Stu News Laguna, has been a local guy for seven decades and likes to garden and drive the Baja Peninsula with Catharine and Loki. He can be reached at plantman2@mac.com or 949.494.5141.
