Remove any dead branches, old flowers and foliage, and debris from the bed area. Perennial flowers also can be planted at this time of year. Roses October should be a good month for roses in central Louisiana. The fall flower peak should be here. Keep your plants looking good by irrigating once a week during dry periods and continuing a fungicide spray program for blackspot.
Cool nights enhance the flower colors.
Your caladiums will be coming to an end in October. Store in a location through the winter months and replant next April. Sometimes caladiums will overwinter in a landscape bed and emerge again the following spring, but normally root rot and other problems lead to major decline during the winter months. Be sure to plant the mustard, spinach, celery, and Chinese cabbage early in the month for best results. Vegetables that you may be harvesting in October include snap beans, cauliflower, cabbage, eggplant, fall tomatoes, and peppers.