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Greetings gardeners,

October brings noticeable changes to our environment as the growing season draws to a close. Temperatures will dip below freezing, leaves will fall from trees, and insect activity will cease (other than the ones trying 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 garden beds, and harvest late-season crops like squash, pumpkins, and root vegetables. It’s also an opportune time to make compost for next year's garden. Whether you're tidying up your yard or extending the growing season, there’s plenty to do outside this month.

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

Broadleaf weeds are easy to spot in lawns because their leaves are wider than grass blades and many produce noticeable flowers. Most broadleaf weeds found in Wisconsin lawns are perennial, meaning they can return year after year if not managed. 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…

Like other fall invading lady beetles 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…

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

▶︎ Watch: How the wet spring and dry Summer are affecting bee & wasp colonies in Wisconsin | WSAW-TV | Featuring PJ Liesch

▶︎ Listen: Garden Talk: Fall Lawn Care |  Wisconsin Public Radio | Featuring Doug Soldat

▶︎ Watch: Yellowjacket activity spikes in Wisconsin | Spectrum News 1 | Featuring PJ Liesch

More Extension Horticulture in the news →

Virginia creeper is a native climber in the grape family (Vitaceae) that is especially noticeable in the fall when the leaves change to a bold red in cool weather. 

UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program

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

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