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Greetings gardeners,

October brings a relatively abrupt end to the growing season. Much of the state will experience frost or a hard freeze, leaves will fall from trees, and insect activity will cease (other than the ones that try to get into your home!) But don’t let these crisp fall days slip by. October is the perfect time to clean up spent plants, mulch beds, and harvest late-season crops like squash, pumpkins, and root vegetables. It’s also an ideal month to plant spring-blooming bulbs and plan for next year's weed control. So whether you're tidying up or planting ahead, October in Wisconsin offers plenty to do in the garden before winter comes.

Autumn leaf coloration is a whimsical sight, but there’s a lot of science happening behind those yellow, orange, and red hues.

Virginia creeper is a native climber in the grape family (Vitaceae) that is especially noticeable in the fall when the leaves become colored in cool weather. 

With the arrival of October, yard and garden clean-up becomes a priority. This includes end of season dead vegetable and flowering annual plants and then piles of leaves from the trees. Composting is an excellent way to deal with this accumulating yard waste! Read more…

Like other fall invading ladybugs and boxelder bugs, Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs spend their winter indoors and leave in spring. But these bugs can become more than just a nuisance. Under high populations, they can release a stinking odor and can make indoor settings inhospitable. They can also cause allergic reactions to sensitive individuals. Read more…

Cold frames and hot beds, hoop houses, cloches, and floating row covers allow gardeners to grow plants earlier in spring and later in fall.  Although these structures are used primarily for growing vegetables, they may be used for growing ornamentals, including flowering plants, as well. Read more…

This time of year, gardeners are faced with a decision to either attempt to overwinter their potted plants or send them to the compost. Tender geraniums (Pelargonium spp.) are as robust as they are attractive. Overwintering them is not difficult, and there are three basic methods on how to do it. Read more…

UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program

Find articles, resources, educational events and more at hort.extension.wisc.edu

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