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Greetings gardeners,

August brings peak growth, heavy harvests, and no shortage of outdoor activities for plants, people… and pests. The UW Lab Lens summarizes samples submitted to UW-Madison diagnostic labs each week, offering a snapshot of what gardeners across Wisconsin are encountering. From insect ID to disease trends, it’s a practical tool to stay one step ahead of plant problems. Read on for more seasonal tips and tools to keep your garden going strong.

Want to go big? Learn how elephant ears (not animal ears!) can transform your yard into a tropical paradise.

Want to take the guesswork out of lawn care? Our season-by-season lawn care calendar makes it easy to know what to do (and when) to keep your yard healthy year-round. Start planning for late-summer and fall lawn care activities today! Read more…

Not every homegrown veggie looks picture-perfect, but how do you know if something damaged or misshapen is still safe to eat? Garden produce doesn’t have to look flawless to be safe, but there are times when caution is smart. Read more...

Did your vegetables outgrow your garden plot this year? Various trellising, staking, and caging techniques can be used to enhance yield, minimize disease, and improve harvesting. Find out which techniques will work in your garden, greenhouse, or field. Read more…

Learn key concepts about selecting, growing, and maintaining plants — from trees to houseplants to vegetables (and everything in between)! This online, self-paced course is designed for gardeners of all skill levels. This year’s course runs Sept. 7 through Dec. 6 2025. 

A weekly column of horticulture education and activities for Wisconsin gardeners. Read the latest articles from this past month.

West Nile virus detected in Wisconsin mosquitos | WPR | Featuring PJ Liesch

Extension offers online gardening course for aspiring Master Gardeners Merrill Foto News | Featuring Amy Freidig

Diagnosing Plant Problems: Is It Disease or Drought Stress? Greenhouse Grower | Featuring Brian Hudelson

▶ Listen: Garden Talk - Summer tasks: From peonies to crabgrass | WPR | Featuring Bruce Spangenberg

Beetles and weevils and moths, oh my! How to fight Wisconsin’s invasive insects | The Cap Times | Featuring PJ Liesch and Lisa Johnson

▶ Listen: Are monarch butterflies and fireflies making comebacks? | The Larry Meiller Show | Featuring PJ Liesch

New Tick Species Raising Red Flags in Wisconsin this Summer | Civic Media | Featuring PJ Liesch

More Extension Horticulture in the news →

Say hello to the tomato hornworm—a picturesque pest that happens to be your tomatoes’ worst enemy.

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UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program

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

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