As the temperatures cool and the leaves begin to fall, October brings a season of renewal and preparation for Fort Bend County gardens. The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners say this month is ideal for planting, soil improvement, and seasonal maintenance—and they’ve released a full list of locally-tailored gardening tips to help residents make the most of it.

Whether you're sowing new life or repurposing fall debris, there’s plenty you can do this October to set your garden up for a colorful and thriving future.

Fall Is for Planting in Fort Bend County

October is one of the best months to plant perennials, trees, roses, herbs, and wildflowers in our region. The soil is still warm enough to encourage root growth, and the cooler air temperatures reduce stress on young plants.

Some timely planting tasks include:

• Culinary herbs like rosemary and sage—both attractive and practical—can be planted now. They’ll provide flavor for your fall and holiday meals and can be grown in beds or pots.

• Spring-blooming wildflowers, especially bluebonnets, should be planted this month for a beautiful spring payoff.

• Roses, including the Texas Superstar® Belinda’s Dream Rose, should be planted now to allow their root systems to establish before winter. This particular variety thrives in Fort Bend’s climate, grows up to 5 feet tall, and produces large, fragrant pink blooms.

• Spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips and daffodils should be purchased now and refrigerated if temperatures are still too warm to plant.

If you’ve noticed crowded bulbs in your flower beds, October is also a good time to divide and replant them—giving you twice the color come spring and maybe a few extras to share with neighbors.

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Plants That Pop in October

Looking to add instant texture or fall color? Try planting:

• Verbena – A low-growing butterfly magnet with seasonal blooms.

• Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale) – A striking plant that thrives in wet areas or containers.

• Foster’s Holly – A hardy evergreen that provides red winter berries birds love.

• Pride-of-Barbados – A bright, tropical shrub with long-lasting red-orange flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

A Second Life for Fallen Leaves

Instead of sending your raked leaves to the landfill, Master Gardeners urge residents to put them to work in your yard. According to Associate Master Gardener Chris Taylor, up to 20% of Texas landfill waste comes from landscape debris like leaves—yet those same leaves are rich in nutrients and great for improving Fort Bend’s clay-heavy soil.

Here’s how to make the most of your leaves:

• Mow or mulch them into your lawn to add organic content and improve soil health.

• Use shredded leaves as mulch: 2–3 inches in flower beds or 3–6 inches around trees and shrubs.

• Compost them in a pile or bin—once dark and crumbly, they’re ready to feed your plants.

• Till unshredded leaves directly into garden soil for better aeration and drainage.

• Avoid using diseased leaves, which should be disposed of properly.

Wildlife, Insects, and Hummingbirds

October is a transitional month for wildlife, too. You can support birds and pollinators by choosing native plants and leaving out hummingbird feeders, as some ruby-throated hummingbirds may linger into November.

Also, be aware that the larvae of lady beetles (aka ladybugs) look very different from the adults. Learning to identify their early life stage can help protect these beneficial insects from accidental removal.

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Don't Forget These Fall Chores

With the weather cooling, now’s the perfect time to tackle outdoor projects and seasonal maintenance:

• Mulch garden beds to conserve moisture, reduce winter weeds, and protect roots.

• Adjust your irrigation system—only water if less than ½ inch of rain falls over 10 days. Use an online calculator to gauge your watering needs.

• Watch for turfgrass disease like large patch, which causes brown circular spots in lawns.

• Trim your hedges for the last time this year, and cut back tropical milkweed to protect monarch butterflies.

• Clean and sharpen garden tools, and check that fertilizers and pesticides are stored safely—especially as you clear out sheds and garages.

And for bigger tasks like fence repair or garden bed building, October’s not-too-hot, not-too-cold weather makes it ideal.

Visit the Demonstration Gardens

While the Fort Bend Master Gardeners Demonstration Gardens are undergoing renovations, they remain open to visitors for ideas and inspiration. The team simply asks that guests maintain distance while volunteers are working onsite.

Whether you're planting a rose bush, helping a monarch, or turning leaf piles into mulch, Fort Bend gardeners have plenty of ways to embrace the season. As Master Gardener Chris Taylor says, “When the leaves start falling, think about adding them to your lawn and your garden beds. Your plants will thank you!”

Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for more seasonal tips, local gardening events, and Fort Bend County updates.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.