GO SHOPPING
Fall-color shrubs Because color can vary from plant to plant, buy them in rich autumn shades while the leaves are changing. Among our favorites are Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Velvet', Cornus alba 'Spaethii', Cotinus 'Grace', and Viburnum opulus 'Aureum'. Native plants Most chapters of the California Native Plant Society have sales this month, prime time for planting natives such as ceanothus and Matilija poppy. Visit cnps.org to find one near you.
PLANT NOW
Bearded irises Sunset climate zones 7–9, 14–17: For a thick clump in spring, plant three rhizomes 1 foot apart — two with the leafy growing ends pointed outward, and the third aimed to grow into the space between them. Set rhizomes so their tops are just beneath the soil surface. About 80 vintage cultivars from Ruth Bancroft's private collection will be available at the Fall Plant & Iris Sale (Oct 11; 925/944-9352) at the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek.
Plants between pavers Zones 7–9, 14–17: Groundcovers have the best chance to get established in the challenging small strips between steppingstones if you plant them soon. Low, sturdy types that can withstand some foot traffic include blue star creeper (Pratia pedunculata) for regularly irrigated areas, and creeping and woolly thyme (Thymus praecox arcticus and T. pseudo-lanuginosus) for drier spaces.
Potatoes Zones 7–9, 14–17: For a late-winter or early-spring harvest, plant seed potatoes this month or early next. Megan Gerritsen of Wood Prairie Farm (800/829-9765), which sells several varieties of certified organic seed potatoes, recommends these for fall planting: 'Caribe', 'Reddale', 'Rose Gold', and 'Russian Banana'. Many types are also available from Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply (888/784-1782).
Wildflowers Zones 7–9, 14–17: For the earliest spring blooms, broadcast seed into weed-free soil this month. (In zones 1–2, plant in early spring.) Keep the area evenly moist. To make a meadow, set out plugs of grass, then sow the flowers at least 2 feet away from the grass as it's getting established (which could take up to a year), says habitat restoration specialist Judith Larner Lowry of Larner Seeds (415/868-9407).
TEND YOUR PLOT
Prepare vegetable beds Zones 7–9, 14–17: Create planting areas and put in seedlings of cool-season edibles early in the month if you haven't done so already. Run the beds north-south and make them 3 to 5 feet across; cultivate to a depth of 1 foot and dig in a 4-inch layer of mature compost.
Water Pumpkins and winter squash are moisture hogs. Boost their size with regular deep waterings, keeping leaves dry to prevent diseases. Slide a wooden shingle under each fruit to guard against rotting.
OUTSMART PESTS
Control gophers If the rodents are tunneling through your garden, protect plants and bulbs by planting them in galvanized wire baskets and by setting traps. For more information, see the 75-minute DVD Easy Gopher Control Without Poisons ($39).
AUTUMN DAISY
Copper Canyon daisy (Tagetes lemmonii) is a fall garden favorite for good reason: It pumps out pure gold flowers in late autumn and winter when other perennials have closed up shop. The standard variety reaches 6 feet tall and wide, although a compact version (T. l. 'Compacta') grows into a tidy 3- by 3-foot mound. Both have finely divided leaves. People either love or hate the strong herbal scent, but thank-fully rabbits and deer usually find it repulsive. Grow it in full sun, with after-noon shade in the hottest areas, and water regularly. –Scott Calhoun
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