A great time for planting
-- Stock up on bulbs. October is the ideal planting time for bulbs in the Midwest, but supplies can go fast. Buy bulbs when you see them and keep in a cool, dry place (65° F or under, if possible) until planting time.
-- Brighten your garden with mums. Buy them now in full bloom. Choose from either florist's mums, which aren't winter-hardy but are very tidy-looking with large flowers, or garden mums, which are more wild-looking but will come back again next year. Florist's mums are great for pots indoors and out, while garden mums are good for planting in the ground for a permanent display.
-- Consider cool-season annuals such as flowering kale and cabbage, pansies and lobelia. They will brighten bare spots and outdoor containers for several weeks to come.
-- Especially in the southern half of the Midwest, fall is a great time to divide and plant most perennials and roses. Plant trees and shrubs throughout the entire Midwest--just be sure to keep well-watered if the fall is dry.
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