Gardening & Outdoor Living at Zadlock — October Tips for a Beautiful Fall
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to show their autumn hues, October is a pivotal month in our gardens and outdoor spaces. At Zadlock Garden & Landscape Supply in Califon, NJ, we’re here to help you make the most of this season — planting, prepping, and gathering outdoors in style. Here’s your guide to the best trees & shrubs to plant now, prepping your lawn for winter, and creating cozy outdoor autumn gathering spaces — plus our top product picks to help you get there.
The Best Trees & Shrubs to Plant in Fall
Fall is one of the best times to plant trees and shrubs, because cooler soil temps reduce stress, and roots can establish before winter.
Top Picks for This Region:
- Hydrangea trees — they provide structure, showy blooms, and fall interest. Zadlock has fresh arrivals of hydrangea trees to brighten your garden.
- Butterfly bushes, coneflowers, and other pollinator-friendly shrubs — attract beneficial insects and add color into late fall.
- Ornamental grasses — low maintenance, dramatic seed heads in the fall, and great texture for winter interest.
Planting Tips:
- Dig wisely: loosen soil well, mix in compost if needed.
- Water deeply at planting and during dry spells to help roots adjust.
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and protect roots from winter temperature swings.
Zadlock Product Highlights:
- Bulk soils & soil amendments to improve planting beds.
- Bagged soil & planters for transplanting or container gardening.
Creating a Cozy Outdoor Space for Autumn Gatherings
As daylight shortens and temperatures drop, you can still enjoy your outdoor space. With the right additions, you’ll have warm, inviting places to gather with friends and family.
Elements to Include:
- Fire pits & Outdoor Heaters – nothing says “cozy fall night” like crackling fire. Use patio-style fire pits, or tabletop versions if space is limited. Pair with outdoor heaters (propane or infrared) for chilly evenings.
- Comfortable seating with warm throws, pillows, and blankets.
- Soft lighting – think string lights, lanterns, or even low-voltage landscape lighting. Zadlock offers outdoor lighting in its Holiday/Outdoor Lighting & Garden Center categories.
- Decorative touches such as pumpkins, seasonal planters, and autumnal foliage to set the mood.
Featured Products at Zadlock:
- Outdoor furniture & decor items from the Garden Center and Holiday shop sections for seasonal accents.
- Landscaping Services
Bulk firewood bundles (in-store or delivered) from the Firewood section.
How to Prep Your Lawn for Winter: Seeding & Fertilization
A strong lawn in spring starts with what you do in fall. Now is when to seed, feed, and protect turf.
Key Steps:
- Aerate if needed — loosen compacted soil so seed and fertilizer can penetrate.
- Overseed bare spots — choose cool-season grass seed (available in Zadlock’s Lawncare section).
- Fertilize — use a fall fertilizer with balanced nutrients; one that supports root growth. Zadlock’s Plant Food section offers both liquid and dry feeds.
- Weed control — apply a pre-emergent or post-emergent (as needed) before the ground freezes.
- Mulching & leaf clean-ups — remove thick layers of leaves but leave thin layers to decompose; ensure mulch protects roots but isn’t piled up against tree trunks.
Zadlock Tools & Supplies to Help:
- Grass seed, weed control, and lawn fertilizers from the Lawncare products section.
- Bulk and bagged soil, compost, soil amendments for improving soil health.
Leaf blowers, rakes, tools (gloves & apparel) from Gardening tools section.
Product Highlights You’ll Want This Fall
Here are some of our top product categories for October — items that help with planting, outdoor living, and winter prep:
| Product Type | Why It Matters | What Zadlock Offers |
| Ornamental Grasses & Trees | Structure, year-round interest, late-season blooms | Hydrangea trees, butterfly bushes, coneflowers; plant-friendly soil and mulch. |
| Fire Pits & Outdoor Heaters | Extend outdoor use into evenings; gathering focal point | Firewood, fire pits (in outdoor living / decor sections), lots of seating & lighting options. |
| Leaf Blowers & Rakes | Essential for clearing leaves so lawn & garden beds can “breathe” through winter | Gardening tools & accessories, lawncare tools in store. |
| Fall Fertilizers & Cool-Season Grass Seed | Supports strong root growth and faster green-up in spring | Zadlock’s Lawncare lineup; plant foods in the Gardening / Plant Food section. |
Timing Checklist for October
| Task | Early October | Mid-October | Late October |
| Plant trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses | ✔️ | ✔️ | May be last chance depending on freeze dates |
| Overseed lawn & fertilize | ✔️ | ✔️ | Continue if soil still workable |
| Set up outdoor gathering spaces / heaters | ✔️ | ✔️ | Use while nights are chilly; store away before heavy snow or frost |
| Leaf cleanup & mulching | Begin | Peak season | Final cleanup before heavy snow / ice |
Why Choose Zadlock for Your Fall Gardening Needs
- Local experts and quality stock in seasonal plants, bulk soils & mulches, and landscape supplies to support planting and outdoor living.
- Lawncare and garden supplies (seed, fertilizers, tools) tailored for the climate here in New Jersey.
- Outdoor living selections: decor, furniture, lighting, and firewood, so you can make your space cozy and functional.
Convenient services: bulk product deliveries, landscape services (installation, design, hardscaping, etc.), so projects large and small are more manageable.
Final Thoughts
October is a golden window for gardeners. With the right plants, tools, and preparation, your garden will not only survive winter — it’ll set up for an outstanding spring.
Stop by Zadlock Garden & Landscape Supply in Califon, or browse online, to pick up everything you need: from trees & shrubs to grass seed and fertilizers, fire pits to furniture. Let us help you make this fall both beautiful and productive.
Have a question? Our knowledgeable team is here to help you grow with confidence.
Visit zadlockgarden.com or stop in-store today!
