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Greetings gardeners,

We are well into the transition from fall’s colorful displays to winter’s frosty arrival. November is the month to complete final lawn and garden tasks. While the garden may seem quiet above ground, plants’ roots—and the surrounding soil—will benefit from a thick layer of mulch or other sources of organic matter. Now is also an excellent time to reflect on your garden’s successes and challenges from the past season; take a moment to journal about what went well, where you had problems, and any new ideas you’d like to try next year. There’s a lot happening in Horticulture this month — don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour on November 3!

Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’) has become a cornerstone in perennial gardens and landscapes for being a versatile, attractive, and low maintenance ornamental grass that provides great winter interest.

Soil is an often overlooked element of healthy plant growth. Testing your garden soil provides valuable insights into nutrient levels, pH, and any deficiencies, allowing time to address issues before the next growing season. Not to mention, amending and enriching soil in fall helps build nutrient reserves and sets the stage for healthier plants in spring. Check out our collection of soil health videos that cover important topics, like how to take a soil test, how to interpret results, how to apply soil amendments, and more. Watch now…

If you planted a tree this year (or in the last 2-3 years), be mindful that tree care extends well into winter! Young trees, fruit trees, and certain maple species are especially prone to winter injuries like sun scald, while almost all trees are at risk for wildlife damage during cold months. Take time to protect your trees’ trunks while the sun is still shining. Read more…

Wondering if there’s a more sustainable way to handle plant waste? Check out this helpful article on how to make and use compost in the garden, including a video on composting basics. Learn how home composting can not only reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, but also enrich your garden soil with nutrients that are essential for plant growth. Read more…

▶ LISTEN: Praying mantids, assassin bugs and insect home invaders | The Larry Meiller Show – WPR | Featuring PJ Liesch

Why are there so many ladybugs and lady beetles around Wisconsin this fall? | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | Featuring PJ Liesch

Preparing Landscape Plants for Winter | Northwoods Lawn & Garden | Featuring Bruce Spangenberg

▶ LISTEN: Garden Talk: Overview of this year’s gardening season; Growing ferns | WPR | Featuring Lisa Johnson and Brian Hudelson

Invasive brown stink bugs are everywhere — but for how much longer? | CBS 42| Featuring PJ Liesch

Fall Lawn Care and Winter Prep | Northwoods Lawn & Garden | Featuring Bruce Spangenberg

More Extension Horticulture in the news →

It's that time of year when the woolly bear caterpillars are seen hustling across roads, driveways and sidewalks. Where are they off to in such a hurry? Turns out, they are seeking shelter so they can freeze solid for the winter without being bothered. 

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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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