raking leaves
Fact Sheets
Gardening Tips
E-Newsletter
Drought, Putting your Garden to Bed, Holiday Decorating & Other November News
Autumn Drought Woes
- Maintain consistent watering practices until the ground freezes, especially in newly established plantings and young trees and shrubs
- Avoid unnecessary pruning or trimming during drought conditions
- Mulching can help conserve moisture in the soil
Many of us were spoiled by the heavy spring/early summer rains and did not get into the practice of watering consistently during the growing season. Our plants will start to show signs of stress now, and potentially in the next growing season. Learn what to monitor for and how to correct course this fall to help your plants have a better spring!
Putting your Vegetable Garden to Bed
Part of fall clean-up in the yard is winterizing your vegetable garden. Here are a few things you can do to put your vegetable gardens to bed and prepare them for the next growing season:
- Harvest everything. Store only mature fruits and vegetables and compost those that are rotting. Be sure to throw away infected vegetables and fruit.
- Remove all plant debris and only compost those that are free of pests or diseases. Throw away any that are.
- Have a soil test done now and amend if needed so the beds are ready for the next growing season.
Native Plant Highlight: Rhus aromatica
The Rhus aromatica 'Gro-low' fragrant sumac is a cultivar of R. Aromatica, which is native to North America from eastern Canada to Mexico. It is a good low- growing shrub to use as a groundcover in sites like slopes or when there is no supplemental watering.
They need well-drained soils and can grow in full sun or part shade. The small flowers attract pollinators, fruits attract songbirds, and leaves turn a striking orange in the fall. These plants are drought tolerant and resistant to rabbit feeding.
Wildlife Highlight: Dunlins
Dunlins are found in large flocks along our shoreline in winter. Plumage in winter is less attractive than breeding plumage. They have a long, downcurved black bill, black feet and legs and have a white stripe along the upper side length of the wings that can be seen when they are flying. They forage for invertebrates in exposed mud and sands sand during low tides.
Knowledge to Grow On
Upcoming Events and Things to Do
- Smith College Fall Chrysanthemum Show - Open November 2-14. Northampton, MA.
- Support local farms, restaurants and businesses as you plan your Thanksgiving feasts!
- Run off that turkey in a marathon or enjoy as a spectator:
A late Thanksgiving this year will give us a shortened holiday season for shopping and festivities. Start early to get the most of your experience!
- Find holiday gifts at local craft fairs!
- Glow Hartford opens November 29th this year! Enjoy an indoor light display and vendor fair.
Educational Opportunities & Workshops
- Composting for Sustainability - Nov. 20, Westport, CT
- Attend A Local Garden Club meeting, talk, or workshop
- Eco-Holiday - Nov. 29 - Dec. 22, Derby CT. Decorators transform recyclable and throwaway materials into masterpieces representing eight biomes ranging from rain forest to desert.
UConn Educational Events
The University of Connecticut's Animal Science Department offers a winter horseback riding program to the public with something for everyone!
Dressage, Hunt Seat, Polo and Western are open to adults and children who meet the minimum age and skill level requirements.
Newspaper Articles
The Fall Invasion of the Asian Lady Beetle
By Marie Woodward, UConn Home & Garden Education Center
As the leaves change color and the weather turns colder, many people look forward to the beauty and coziness of autumn. However, one uninvited guest often accompanies the season: the Asian lady beetle. This insect, scientifically known as Harmonia axyridis, can be a nuisance to homeowners as it seeks shelter in warm buildings during the fall months.
The Asian lady beetle is native to eastern Asia but was introduced to the United States and other parts of the world in the early 20th century as a biological control agent for aphids and other pests. While they are highly effective at controlling these pests in the gardens and crops, their rapid spread and tendency to congregate in large numbers have caused problems for homeowners.
These beetles are easily recognizable by their orange to reddish-brown coloration, small black spots on their wing covers, and distinctive M-shaped marking behind their head. Their size ranges from 5-8mm in length. They have six short legs and two antennae.
During the fall, the Asian lady beetle seeks protected locations to spend the winter. They gather in large groups, often on the sunny side of buildings, before ultimately finding their way into homes and other structures through cracks and gaps. It is not uncommon to find them gathered in attics, wall voids, or other quiet, undisturbed areas.
Once inside, these beetles can become a nuisance due to their sheer numbers and tendency to release a yellowish, foul-smelling liquid when disturbed. This liquid can stain walls, fabrics, and other surfaces, and may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Additionally, some people find the beetles’ scent unpleasant or even nauseating.
Prevention is key to avoiding an Asian lady beetle infestation. Sealing entry points, such as cracks around windows, doors and utility openings, can significantly reduce the likelihood of an invasion. Additionally, keeping exterior lights off at night and planting trees or shrubs away from the house can reduce the attractiveness of your home to these insects.
If beetles have already found their way inside, using a vacuum cleaner is the best means of removal. However, be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister outdoors immediately to prevent the beetles from returning back into your home. Alternatively, insect light traps or sticky traps can help capture and remove beetles.
It’s essential to remember that while the Asian lady beetle can be a nuisance, it is not a significant threat to your home or your health. Taking proactive measures to prevent their entry and managing their presence can significantly reduce the annoyance caused by these uninvited guests.
As the fall season arrives, keep in mind the potential for Asian lady beetles to seek shelter in your home. By understanding their behavior and implementing preventive measures, you can enjoy the beauty and warmth of autumn without the invasion of these pesky insects.
If you have questions about Asian lady beetles or other gardening topics, contact the UConn Home & Garden Education at (877) 486-6271 or www.homegarden.cahnr,uconn.edu or your local Cooperative Extension Center.
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