October Gardening Tips for Fayetteville, NC: Fall Into Planting Season

As the heat of summer fades and cooler days arrive, October is the perfect time to refresh your garden in Fayetteville, NC, and the surrounding Sandhills. At Green Side Up, we love this time of year—plants breathe easier, weeds slow down, and the soil is still warm enough to encourage strong root development. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting out, here are our top gardening tips for October to make the most of the season.

1. Plant Cool-Season Annuals

October is prime time to add color back into your garden beds and containers. Some of the best cool-season flowers for our area include:

• Pansies
• Violas
• Snapdragons
• Dusty Miller
• Ornamental cabbage and kale

These hardy annuals thrive in Fayetteville’s mild fall and often last well into early spring. Be sure to plant in well-draining soil and mulch to keep roots insulated.

2. Time to Plant Trees and Shrubs

Fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs in our region. The cooler air reduces transplant stress while the still-warm soil encourages root growth. Some great choices for the Sandhills include:

• Camellias (they’ll reward you with winter blooms)
• Azaleas (a southern staple)
• Nandina, Hollies, and other evergreens for structure and winter interest

Be sure to water deeply at planting and monitor moisture levels as the season changes.

3. Add to Your Fall Vegetable Garden

Yes, you can still grow food in October! Fayetteville’s growing season stretches long into the fall. Sow or transplant:

• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Collards
• Kale
• Radishes
• Turnips
• Carrots

Use row covers on chilly nights and keep soil consistently moist. Raised beds are ideal for managing sandy soils common in our region.

4. Divide and Conquer Perennials

If your hostas, daylilies, or black-eyed Susans are overgrown, October is a great time to divide them. Dig up, separate, and replant in amended soil to promote healthier growth in spring.

5. Clean Up Garden Beds

Cut back spent annuals and remove diseased leaves to prevent overwintering pests and fungi. But leave healthy perennials standing—many provide food and habitat for wildlife through the winter.

6. Mulch for Winter Protection

Adding a fresh layer of mulch (2–3 inches) helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and suppress winter weeds. Pine straw or shredded hardwood are excellent choices for Fayetteville landscapes.

7. Don’t Forget the Lawn

Fescue lawns should be overseeded in early October if they’re thinning. Now is also the time to fertilize cool-season grasses and keep fallen leaves raked to prevent smothering.

8. Add a Touch of Fall Decor

Pumpkins, hay bales, and corn stalks make great natural decorations—and they transition seamlessly into compost after the season. Pair them with pots of blooming mums for a welcoming entryway or porch display.

Visit Us at Green Side Up!

Need help choosing the right plants, mulch, or garden tools for fall? Come by Green Side Up Garden & Gifts—we’re proud to be Fayetteville’s go-to source for all things gardening. Our knowledgeable team is always ready to help you make the most of your outdoor space this season.

Happy planting, and we’ll see you in the garden!