Root geranium cuttings for color next summer. Take 4-inch cuttings of terminal growth, making an angled cut just below a node. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Use a pencil to poke a hole in moistened potting medium then insert the cutting. Water well and place the pot in a plastic bag and close the top with a twist tie. Keep out of direct sunlight until rooting occurs (in 2 to 3 weeks), then remove the pot from the bag and place it in a sunny window in a cool room (55 – 65 degrees). Pinch the young plants back at least once for bushier growth.

Chickweed., henbit, deadnettle, and annual bluegrass can all be controlled in shrub and perennial borders by the timely application of a pre-emergence herbicide.

Sow seeds of hardy annual flowers now, including poppies, calendula, sweet alyssum and larkspur. Plant now so the seedlings will have time to develop good root systems before the coldest part of winter. Keep in mind, however, that pre-emergence herbicides will kill flower seedlings just as well as weeds. 

Now is the best time to reseed, over seed and start new fescue lawns. Over seed at the rate of 3 to 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Sow new cool-season lawns in prepared ground at the rate of 7 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

Make sure you buy annual ryegrass seed and sow at the rate of 7 to 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

Harvest sweet potatoes in late September or early October (before first frost). Plant mustard, onion sets and radishes until the middle of the month. Sow onion seeds all month.

Order spring-flowering bulbs now for planting in late fall. Worried about voles chowing down on your bulbs? Instead of tulips, do your tiptoeing through any and all members of the genus Narcissus, which includes daffodils and jonquils. There are hundreds of cultivars from which to choose.

Spark up fading color beds with chrysanthemums and asters. Your local garden center should have lots of colorful choices to take you into fall.

Establish new perennial flower beds. Dig, divide and replant overcrowded beds. Spread a 2 to 3-inch layer of organic matter over the area, add lime and fertilizer according to the soil test, and till in to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Space divisions at least 1 foot apart in all directions to postpone future root competition.