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For the Lawn Plant Fescue Lawn Seed: As with other plants, sowing fescue seed in the fall allows the grass to root in and become established before the stressful heat of summer returns. Apply Pre-Emergent to Prevent Winter Weeds: To control winter weeds such as poa annua (annual bluegrass), henbit, chickweed and others, apply a pre-emergent to your Bermuda or Zoysia lawn around mid-month. Do not apply to a fescue lawn if you plan to sow seed in the fall. Not only will it prevent weed seeds from germinating, it will also prevent the grass seed from germinating. For the Birds Keep Them Full: Keep your feeders and the birds full this month as the landscape transitions from summer to fall. Feed Migrating Birds: While summer has nearly ended, keep your hummingbird feeders full - they may attract migrating hummingbirds. October in the Garden Color for the Garden and Pots: Plant blooming Snapdragons, Violas and Pansies for fall and winter color. Try planting Ornamental Mustard, Kale or Cabbage for exciting foliage color. Fall is the time to plant or transplant shrubs: Water newly transplanted shrubs thoroughly. Plant Now for Spring Color: Plant spring flowering bulbs like Daffodils, Hyacinths and Tulips and apply a light, complete fertilizer such as Espoma Bone Meal or Pennington Bulb Food. Divide overgrown clumps of perennials (such as Daylilies, Daisies, Hostas and Coneflowers): Replant divisions or give to friends as "pass-along" plants. Improve the Soil: Fall is a good season for improving soil by adding organic amendments - Soil Conditioner or Pike's Planting Mix is a good choice - and rototilling. In the House Bring Them Inside: If you moved plants outside for summer, now is the time to bring them back inside. Mid-October is right time to move tropical plants since indoor temps and outdoor temps are about the same. Before you bring the plants inside, check for insects. You may need to use an insecticidal soap or a systemic insecticide prior to the big move. Produced, October 2012