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Greetings gardeners,

Now that it is September, gardens big and small take on a new rhythm. The cooler temperatures and shorter days signal for plants to prepare for rest. September is a unique month to focus on both the present and future. While late-season blooms continue to brighten our landscape, it’s an ideal time to preemptively prepare lawns and gardens for a prosperous spring. Whether you're picking the last tomatoes, planting garlic, or simply enjoying the crisp fall air, there are plenty of things happening in horticulture during the month of September.

Many native and naturalized asters, Aster spp. provide late-season color in gardens and serve as a vital nectar source for pollinators.

Fall is a great time to plant a tree, but some species are better suited for late-season planting than others. Learn about important factors to consider when selecting new trees and shrubs in fall, and become a smart buyer when shopping at your local garden center or nursery. Read more…

White grubs live in the root zone of turf and feed on plant roots. Most lawns in Wisconsin contain white grubs, but populations are typically low enough that damage isn’t noticeable. When grubs are abundant however, they can cause significant damage that may require intervention. Read more…

If you’ve ever had a squash or pumpkin plant that suddenly wilts and then dies, it was likely infested by squash vine borer. This insect spends its larval stage tunneling inside the stems of squash plants. Gardeners often don’t realize anything is wrong until the whole plant starts wilting, and by then, it’s generally too late to save the plant. Read more…

Continue enjoying your garden by transitioning patio plants, herbs, or other tender perennials indoors. Learn about which plants can come in, the requirements for growing plants indoors after they have been outside all summer, and how to acclimate them to their new indoor home. Watch now…

UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program

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

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