2024
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.
Apple Picking, Leave the Leaves, Jack-O-Lanterns & other October News
Leave the Leaves: Let's Clear it Up!
At this time of year, we see the same question in many forms:
- Should I clean my garden now?
- What is your opinion on "leave the leaves?"
- Is it better to clean up your garden in the spring or fall?
In essence, many gardeners seek guidance on what the best move to make is for cleaning up their gardens. In reality, the "best" decision can be different for different gardeners. These are the considerations we want to bring to mind:
Reasons to Leave Plant Debris/Leaf Litter
- Create a haven for insects and wildlife to overwinter in
- Provide a layer of organic matter/natural mulch in your garden beds
- You have more time for garden chores in the spring
- Plants with sensitive crowns may be better if left alone over the winter and managed in the spring
- Late blooming plants may still be in flower, or ornamental seed heads provide winter interest for your garden space
If You Do "Leave the Leaves"
- Mulch or shred leaves that will be left on the lawn to break down. This causes them to release nutrients into the soil at a faster pace and gives plants below a chance to find sunlight in the spring
- If unable to mulch your leaves, do not leave more than an inch or two of fully intact leaves. Thicker leaves will hold moisture and encourage disease or smother plant material below. They are also slower to break down and will need to be managed in the spring.
- Monitor for pests like jumping worms in leaf piles
- Monitor closely next growing season for signs of pest and disease and manage as soon as possible!
When you SHOULD clean up in the fall:
- Your garden has experienced fungal disease or significant pest damage
- Sanitation is a least-toxic method of control when it comes to managing garden pest problems.
- Many fungal spores and vegetable targeting insects will overwinter in the leaf pile alongside beneficial insects. If you have had a particularly damaging year, it may be in your best interest to remove that leaf litter and plant debris from your property.
- There are plants (perennials & ornamental grasses, in particular) along your foundation or in other areas of your property that could encourage undesired rodent damage?
- There's no doubt that rodents and small mammals need a home to overwinter in, but by removing possible shelters early in the fall, they will be encouraged to move elsewhere before the real cold sets in.
- Trees or shrubs on your property have experienced girdling or rodent damage before.
- Building up leaves to insulate plants can be great! However, if past trials of this have resulted in damage to the stems or trunks, you may want to reconsider this method.
Keep Your Jack-O-Lanterns Fresh!
Everyone loves to carve a pumpkin! Jack-O-Lanterns (which were originally carved from turnips), are a festive tradition that many of us enjoy!
And whether you're a skilled artist or a spirited novice, keeping your jack-o-lantern fresh for the season is important! Learn about the traditions of the Jack-O-Lantern and how to keep yours well preserved at the links below!
Plant Highlight: Monkshood
Monkshood, also called helmet flower and wolfsbane, is a deer-resistant non-aggressive, non-invasive non-native perennial that flowers in late summer-October here in Connecticut. The flowers are a striking deep, dark purple blue on upright spikes. It can used in cut flower arrangements. This is a good plant for shade conditions.
Wildlife Highlight: Birds Are On the Move!
The Palm Warbler is a small warbler that forages primarily for insects. They will eat seeds and berries if available. These little birds migrate through our area in the spring and fall! Like a Phoebe, they are known for their characteristic tail wagging when they rest.
Late September is the beginning of migration to warmer climates of many species of birds that pass through Connecticut. Cornell University has many helpful fact sheets and other bird information tools that cover birds either breeding in or migrating through the North.
Upcoming Events and Things to Do
- See the Calendar of Fairs in Connecticut - There's still a few fairs left this season!
- It's Apple Season! Visit a pick-your-own orchard, or find your favorite apple flavored treats starting this month!
- Interested in "leaf peeping?" Use this Foliage Finder guide to track fall color in the state!
- Explore a Corn Maze!
- Visit the CT Garlic & Harvest Festival Oct 12 & 13 in Bethlehem, CT
- Roger Williams Zoo is hosting their Annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Sept 27-Nov 2 in Providence, RI
- There's still plenty of time to complete the Sky's the Limit Hiking Challenge!
Educational Opportunities & Workshops
- Autumn Bird Walk - October 5th, Derby, CT
- Peoples State Forest 100th Anniversary Celebration, October 6th, Barkhamsted, CT
- Native Plant Seed Collecting Workshop, October 12, New London, CT
- SALT Conference, November 2nd, New London, CT
- CT NOFA Farm & Garden Conference, November 2nd, New Haven, CT
CT Invasive Plant Working Group
In-Person Symposium
October 29th, 2024
UConn Student Union
Storrs, CT
Late Season Pollinator Plants, Cucurbits, Harvesting, and other September News
Late Season Plants for Pollinators
As gardeners, it is important for us to be able to enjoy our gardens as long as possible into the colder months! As allies and companions to our beloved pollinators, it is part of our task to help provide food sources to help them prepare for the winter months as well.
Annuals
- Zinnias are a long-season pollinator plant that will continue to perform into the fall. You may even see them returning to garden centers to be included in fall containers.
- Other late season bloomers like Tithonia, Lantana, Marigolds, Sunflowers and Cosmos are particularly important food sources for migrating butterflies and other insects. Hummingbirds are very fond of lanatana nectar, so they will benefit as they migrate through in September.
The Fall Garden is Still Great for Pollinators
Perennials
Native goldenrods (Solidago spp.) provide nectar and pollen for diverse species of insects and seeds for birds and small mammals. Different species bloom from August- late September or even into October, when other native plants are past bloom time. They are important sources of energy for migrating butterflies and for bees that are active late in the season.
- Other late season pollinator plants include Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Sedum and Asters
Late Season Cucurbit Harvesting
Watermelons
Watermelons take 35-45 days to mature after flowering, but temperatures and variety will affect time to harvest To determine if a watermelon is ripe, use these signs:
- There is a curling tendril closest to the melon- this should turn brown and dry out
- Carefully turn melon over to see f the white blotch where soil contact was made is now yellow
- Rind should be dull, not shiny
- Thump the melon- sound should be hollow-sounding, deep and resonant. Unripe melons will have a higher pitched flatter sound
- Check the days to maturity as given on the seed packet. If it says 65 days, then it should be ripe at that time, but check above signs, too. If you do not know the variety, then use 1-4 as a reference.
Pumpkins/Gourds
This time of year is when pumpkins will start reaching maturity. Harvest will be here before you know it! Keep these things in mind while deciding "is it time?"
- Skin should be thick and pumpkins should be firm
- Leave the stem intact to ensure a longer shelf life
- Never lift or carry a pumpkin by the stem
- Read More Tips
Winter Squash
Winter squash have many of the same harvest characteristics as pumpkins and gourds.
- Similar to pumpkins, the skin should be hard and difficult to puncture with a fingernail
- Leaving 3-4 inches of stem attached helps preserve the fruit
- Read More Tips
Native Plant Highlight: Shrub Dogwoods
Shrub dogwoods like silky (Cornus obliqua) and red osier (Cornus sericea) and gray (Cornus racemosa ) not only provide food for pollinators in the spring, but they are an important source of food for birds and animals in late summer and fall. They are available at most garden centers that feature native plants and their a cultivars. Many can tolerate some shade and moist soils.
Upcoming Events and Things to Do
- The Mattabesett Trail is a 62-mile trail that features some of the most outstanding cliff views and ridge walking in Connecticut, especially on the western sections. It links to many state forests, land trust preserves and parks. Other sections have brooks, bogs, hardwood forests and high ledges looking over the Connecticut River.
- It's Apple Season! Visit a pick-your-own orchard, or find your favorite apple flavored treats starting this month!
- Farmer's Markets are still very active! Find one near you!
- The Big E is this month! Visit for agricultural displays, food, entertainment, and more! Starting Sept. 13th
- Sept 15-21 is National Indoor Plant Week.
Educational Opportunities & Workshops
- Letterboxing & Geocaching, September 12th, Hamden, CT
- Bat Appreciation Day - September 15th, East Granby, CT
- Bird Walk, September 21st, Milford, CT
CT Invasive Plant Working Group
In-Person Symposium
October 29th, 2024
UConn Student Union
Storrs, CT
2024 UConn Master Composter Program
Interested in learning more about composting and sharing your knowledge with others? UConn will be holding its Master Composter program this September. The Master Composter program is a train the trainer program where participants will learn about the various aspects of composted and then donate a minimum of 20 hours volunteer time engaging in outreach projects that may include activities such as tabling at events, giving presentations or working with schools or community gardens. When outreach goals have been met, participants will be certified as Master Composters and receive a certificate of completion. There is a registration fee.
The 2024 program will be a hybrid program with two in-person Saturday sessions, September 14 & 28 along with two evening online sessions, September 19 & 27 via WebEx. The two Saturday classes will be held at the Middlesex County Extension Center, 1066 Saybrook Rd, Haddam, CT 06438. It is anticipated that two field trips will be offered this fall, also on weekends
If interested, please visit: The Master Composter Homepage
Feed The Earth……Compost!
Slow-Going Gardens, Lawn Season, Stink Bugs & Other August News
August Newsletter Cover
Slow-Growing Gardens
Does your garden feel a little behind this year? Have you noticed your tomatoes seem to be taking forever and a day to turn red? You're not alone!
A big contributor is the weather. When temperatures exceed 85 degrees, for example, tomatoes won't turn red until the temperature comes down again.
Other vegetables will drop flowers and even pause their water uptake. Be careful not to overwater during these times - always check your soil!
Sometimes, pollinators will reduce their activity in excessive heat, further delaying the process.
We've had a handful of heatwaves this season that have contributed to the slowing of vegetable development. Be patient!
Preparing for Lawn Season
It's time to start thinking turf! The ideal time to seed your lawn is between August 15th and September 15th. You want to give your lawns enough time to establish new roots before the cold sets in. Finding the right kind of turf for your location can be a big help in establishing a robust lawn. Consider light, soil, and water conditions when selecting a turf species.
Lawns should not be fertilized after July 1st. Continue to monitor for watering needs and only mow when there is adequate water available.
If you have not done so, early August would be a good time to get a soil test to help prepare for any lawn establishments or renovations!
See our list of resources on establishment, rennovation and selection.
Selecting an Appropriate Grass for Your Lawn
Understanding Grass Seed Labels
Rare Stink Bug: Perillus excaptus
Two Perillus excaptus stinkbugs, considered rare and unrecorded here in Connecticut, were discovered this year by one of our staff, Pamm Cooper. One of them was found in Vernon in a wildlife management area while on a Bug Week hunt with Jacqueline Crepeau, a master gardener intern. This predatory stinkbug is associated with certain goldenrods which have particular leaf beetles feeding on them. This Perillus spp. stink bug eats the larvae of the goldenrod beetle. According to a resource, P. excaptus is rare in all its locations and its life history is unknown.
Native Plant Highlight: Yellow Fringed Orchid
The yellow fringed orchid Platanthera ciliaris is on the CT DEEP endangered plant list. This rare plant has a showy raceme of fringed lipped flowers that can be yellow to orange in color. It likes sunny, wet acidic soils including seeps, bogs, wet meadows and sometimes roadsides. It blooms here from early July - August. It is pollinated by certain bees, moths and butterflies, especially by the swallowtails.
Knowledge to Grow On
Read our Ladybug blogs written weekly:
What does A PB&J have to do with Garden Pests?
Why Houseplants Fail
I Used to Like Jack in the Pulpits!
Upcoming Events and Things to Do
- August is the start of Fair Season! See the Calendar of Fairs in Connecticut
- Sunflowers will start to bloom this month! Try the Connecticut Sunflower Maze or one of these many Sunflower Events Around the State
- Summer is a great time for music festivals and various summer concert series. See what's happening this summer or check with your town for events!
- See the Plainville Fire Company's Hot Air Balloon Festival August 23rd & 24th
- Check out the Made in Connecticut Expo August 10th & 11th
Educational Opportunities & Workshops
- Plant Science Day, August 7th, Hamden, CT
- Summer Tree ID for Beginners - August 10th, Hampton, CT
- Papermaking Class, August 22nd, Hampton CT
Upcoming UConn Educational Events
3rd Annual IPM for Home Gardeners Seminar
Saturday, August 3rd
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
W.B. Young Building Room 100
1376 Storrs Rd
Storrs, CT 06268
Cost: Free
Register at: s.uconn.edu/ipm_2024
Event Speakers:
- Dr. Nick Goltz, Uconn Plant Diagnostic Laboratory - Plant Disease Updates
- Emily Leahy, Uconn Plant Diagnostic Laboratory - Plant Disease Trends in a Changing Climate
- Pamm Cooper, Uconn Home & Garden Education Center - Basic Pest Control: Know the Enemy
- Heather Zidack, UConn Home & Garden Education Center - Being an IPM Detective
- Dr. Srikanth Kodati, UConn Extension Pesticide Safety Specalist - Math of Pesticide Application & Reading Pesticide Labels
- Dawn Pettinelli, Uconn Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory - Fertilizers 101
CT Invasive Plant Working Group
In-Person Symposium
October 29th, 2024
UConn Student Union
Storrs, CT
2024 UConn Master Composter Program
Interested in learning more about composting and sharing your knowledge with others? UConn will be holding its Master Composter program this September. The Master Composter program is a train the trainer program where participants will learn about the various aspects of composted and then donate a minimum of 20 hours volunteer time engaging in outreach projects that may include activities such as tabling at events, giving presentations or working with schools or community gardens. When outreach goals have been met, participants will be certified as Master Composters and receive a certificate of completion. There is a registration fee.
The 2024 program will be a hybrid program with two in-person Saturday sessions, September 14 & 28 along with two evening online sessions, September 19 & 27 via WebEx. The two Saturday classes will be held at the Middlesex County Extension Center, 1066 Saybrook Rd, Haddam, CT 06438. It is anticipated that two field trips will be offered this fall, also on weekends
If interested, please email ladybug@uconn.edu or call (877) 486-6271 and you will be notified when the program is finalized and registration is open!
Feed The Earth……Compost!
August Gardening Tips
- Water plants deeply once or twice a week depending on the heat and humidity.
- Remove old plants that have stopped producing to eliminate a shelter for insects and disease organisms. Replant sites with chard, quick maturing beans or cucumbers, leafy greens etc.
- Keep an
eye out for black rot on grapes. Black rot results in mummified grapes- Infected pruned tissues and mummified berries should be removed before new growth begins in the spring. Sanitation is a key to preventing this disease of grapes.
- To reduce the number of pests on your fruit trees for the coming year practice good sanitation by removing and destroying all fallen fruit. Do not compost it.
- Reseeding the lawn in late August gives the new grass two growing periods (fall and spring) before the heat of summer. Be sure to keep the seed moist until germination.
- Noticing plants that wilt during the day and recover at night in spite of adequate water in the soil can be a sign of verticillium wilt. Watch tomato, pepper and eggplant closely for this type of flagging.
- Do not add weeds with mature seed heads to the compost pile. Many weed seeds can remain viable and germinate next year when the compost is used.
- August is a great time to order peony roots and spring bulbs for September planting.
- Fertilize container plantings and hanging baskets if they look yellow with a ½ strength dose of a balanced liquid fertilizer
- The best time to gather herbs and flowers for drying and preserving is during the midmorning hours, just after the dew has dried but before the sun causes them to wilt.
Thinning Fruit, Smart Harvesting, Night Time Feeders & Other July News
Fruit Thinning
Most home gardeners who grow fruit trees know the importance of pruning for better air circulation, pest and disease control and for better quality of fruit. Thinning fruit early in the growing season is equally important for the same reason. In addition, it reduces a biannual fruit set. If fruits are left alone on the branches, the trees will use its carbs to produce all the fruit in one year exhausting its stores to produce fruit the next.
Smart Harvesting
July is often the month when we start harvesting vegetables and cut flowers from our gardens! Use these tips to make sure you're getting the most out of your home production.
Tips for Harvesting Vegetables
- Harvesting early in the morning will help increase shelf life and may even improve taste.
- Never tug on your plants - use pruners or scissors to remove stubborn vegetables.
- Harvesting tomatoes before heavy rains can reduce chances of splitting.
- Know your vegetables and harvest at the right stage of development! Picking too early or leaving things too long can lead to reduced quality.
- When harvesting garlic, use a trowel or other garden tool to help you pop the bulbs out of the ground. This allows you to avoid damaging the stem while you're pulling.
More Tips for Harvesting Vegetables
Tips for Harvesting Cut Flowers
- Cut early in the morning when plants are well hydrated.
- Carry a bucket of fresh, clean, water to collect freshly cut flower stems.
- Know your plants - different species of flowers may need to be cut at different stages of development.
- Sanitize buckets and tools (knives, shears or purners) between uses.
- Make sure cutting tools are sharp so as not to crush vascular tissues when harvesting.
- Never store flowers in refrigerators that have food in them. Ethylene released by vegetables can speed up the bloom's decline.
Night Feeding Garden Pests
One of the most frustrating things for gardeners is walking through our beds and seeing damage that "wasn't there yesterday!" Many culprits feed at night or in the early evening when we're having dinner and settling down for the day. Learn more about them to help you catch the culprits red handed this summer!
These non-native rusty brown scarab beetles feed on plant foliage and flowers at night. Scout with a flashlight to look for them. They can destroy basil plants overnight and may be hiding in mulch or just under the soil surface at the base of plants they are feeding on.
Earwigs feed on plants and flowers at night and hide during the day where it is dark especially in mulch or under plant containers where they are feeding. Foliage can be sprayed with an appropriate product, so they ingest it when feeding. Do not apply products to flowers.
Slugs can leave shot hole like damage from chewing, and you will often also see trails left from where they have been. They are very active during wet/rainy weather.
If deer repellents were used earlier in the year repeat applications now as fawns will be browsing and they may not have been exposed to both desirable plants and effective repellents yet. Teach them when they are young to avoid plants their mothers preferred.
Rabbits can feed day or night, but normally are more active toward evening and nighttime. Favored plants can vary. Cage plants at night that they are eating, or simply throw bird netting over them at night.
Native Highlight: Coral Hairstreak Butterfly & Native Wood Lily
The coral hairstreak butterfly flight period coincides with the start of flowering of our native wood lily Lilium philadelphium. These small butterflies are often seen getting nectar on the flowers. Male butterflies also patrol their territory using the flowers as their base of operations. Wood lilies can be found in bloom around July 4th in Connecticut.
Knowledge to Grow On
Upcoming Events and Things to Do
- The 4th of July kicks off fireworks season! Find Displays near you!
- Blueberries & Raspberries are in season. Find a Pick your own farm near you!
- Blueberry Festivals! July 13 - Ellington, CT , July 20 - Lyman Orchards
- Wequetequock Festival, hosted by the Eastern CT Conservation District July 14th -Stonington CT
- Summer is a great time for music festivals and various summer concert series. See what's happening this summer or check with your town for events!
- Try a cruise tour like the Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Cruise, Thimble Island Cruises or the Essex Steam Train & River Boat
- July is when we often see many local events including local fireman carnivals, farmers markets, and town celebrations.
- Check out events offered along the CT Wine Trail
Educational Opportunities & Workshops
- Explore the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center Gardens, July 13th, Old Lyme, CT
- Summer Tree ID Workshop - July 13th, Hampton, CT
- Night of 1000 Fireflies, July 13th, New Canaan CT
- CT Rocks Geology Workshop - July 27th, Hampton, CT
Upcoming UConn Educational Events
UConn IPM For Home Gardeners Seminar
Saturday, August 3, 2024
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m
W.B. Young Building
Storrs, CT
CT Invasive Plant Working Group
In-Person Symposium
October 29th, 2024
UConn Student Union
Storrs, CT
July Gardening Tips
- Many plants will shut down temporarily during times of high heat and drought. This can reduce flower/fruit/vegetable production. Check the soil for moisture to avoid overwatering.
- Do not mow during times of drought, this can damage your turf. Only mow when lawns are actively growing.
Closely monitor for Squash Vine Borer and Squash bugs on your cucurbits!
- Check hummingbird feeders for mold, ants and other problems every week. Cane sugar solutions may need more frequent attention. There are some products resistant to mold and nutrient breakdown - please check the label for frequency on these products.
- Many gardeners will be harvesting fall planted garlic in the month of July. Allow bulbs to cure for a minimum of 2 weeks.
- Cut back mums, tall asters, Montauk daisies and helianthus by about one-quarter for bushy, more floriferous plants.
- Pinching back herbs to stop flowering will keep the best flavor in the leaves and encourage branching. Herbs can be air dried, dried quickly in the microwave, or frozen.
- Check family members and pets for ticks after being outside, especially when in tall grass or wooded areas. If necessary send ticks to the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory for testing.
- Sunflower seeds can be sown before mid-June - mid August, depending upon days to maturity on the seed label which can vary from 60 to 110 days. If planted too late, plants will not have time to bloom before October
- Calibrachoa are stunning annuals that are excellent in hanging pots. They are heavy feeders and need moist soil, Watering can be done daily, but make sure not to saturate soils as these plants will succumb readily to root rot, especially in hot weather.
New Plantings, Veggie Maintenance, Hummingbird Flowers & Other June News
June Newsletter Cover
Establishing New Plantings
Many gardeners have done a majority of their seasonal work by the start of June. While spring is the best time to plant, you will see trees, shrubs and perennials going into the ground as projects pop up over the summer. It CAN be done but NEEDS to be done wisely! Here are some tips to keep any new plantings as healthy as possible in the warmer summer months.
- The sooner plants can be put into the ground, the better! Plan to purchase and plant within a short timeframe (over the same weekend, if possible). Plants in containers tend to dry out faster and will almost certainly need daily watering if left in hot temperatures and sunny locations.
- Pace yourself and break up your projects if you need to!
- Dig a hole the same depth as the pot. Digging wider than the root ball will help it spread but digging too deep can risk burying the crown of the plant which can lead to complications further down the road.
- If the soil and plants are not nutrient deficient, fertilizing is not necessary. We always recommend fertilizing based on a soil test analysis whenever possible.
- Do not divide plants in their first year of establishment.
- Water the soil line with the goal of providing enough water to move beyond the root ball. This will encourage roots to continue to stretch outward.
- Apply 2-3 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter immediately after planting.
- Be advised: Watering with sprinklers or drip hoses will only water the first couple inches of soil unless run for long periods of time.
- Check for water regularly.
- Keep in mind that different plants have different needs and instructions on the tag may provide insight into watering.
- Plants that are stressed, exposed to extreme weather conditions, or producing flowers/fruit may need closer attention.
- The best way to know if a plant needs water is to check the soil. Feel the first few inches of the soil to determine if it is wet or dry
- Many potting media mixes used by nurseries may dry out faster than the soil surrounding the plant in the ground. Check as close to the center of the root ball as possible, being careful not to disturb the roots.
- Keep in mind that different plants have different needs and instructions on the tag may provide insight into watering.
Continuing Veggie Garden Success
- Split garden chores up. If you weed for 30 minutes every night after dinner it can be much more enjoyable than having to spend hours of energy on it all in one go.
- Keep an eye on the weather - plants will need more water and even possibly more support on hot or windy days. When tomatoes start to show up - heavy rains may cause them to split so picking them early can help to prevent losses.
- Start scouting now! Look for signs of insects and eggs on the underside of leaves while plants are small and manageable.
- If you have had squash vine borer, cabbage moths, or other types of flying insects - consider using row covers. Keep in mind you may have to hand pollinate if you use this method.
- Giving young vegetable gardens supports early can allow the plants to grow into them as opposed to you making them fit when they're a bit too big. Gardeners have used different types of trellising over the years, and each found what works best for them. A few of them include:
- Tomato Cages
- Stakes
- The Basket Weave/The Florida Weave
- String or Twine Guides
- Compare Various Staking Techniques
Planting to Attract Hummingbirds
Gardeners all over North America strive to create a garden space enticing enough for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators to stop by on their travels.
- Even though we all associate the color red with these little creatures, they actually see many more colors than the human eye can even detect. You can select other colors to make your garden enjoyable for you and your winged friends.
- Flower shape matters! Hummingbirds like tubular or trumpet shaped flowers best.
- Create a hummingbird haven by making sure there is always something in bloom in your garden. Gardeners can achieve this with long blooming annuals, a series of perennials that bloom one after another, or a combination of both.
We've helped to create a brief list of plants that will improve your chances of attracting hummingbirds into your garden spaces!
Annuals
- Cuphea spp.
- Mexican Heather
- Bat Faced Heather
- Cigar Plant
- Firecracker Plant
- Lantana
- Salvia spp.
- Black & Blue
- Rockin' Series
- Torena
- Verbena
Perennials
- Delphinium
- Dianthus
- Garden Pinks
- Dicentra
- Bleeding Heart
- Hosta
- Monarda spp.
- Monarda fistulosa Bergamont
- Monarda didyma Jacob Cline
Native Plant Highlight: Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia is broadleaf evergreen native to eastern North America and is found in open woods, edges of water or along woodland edges.
Flowers are white and are n bloom from late May to early June. It can form thickets in the woods, and the older specimens have rather picturesque gnarling of trunks and branches. There are multiple cultivars of this plant, some with very colorful flowers.
Native Insect: Elderberry Borer
This native long-horned beetle is a spectacular, though uncommon. It can be found in natural areas where there are elderberry plants. It is large, has long serrated antennae, and has elytra that are orange and bright metallic blue. Larvae are borers of elderberry stems and roots but are not a serious pest in the wild where elderberry are numerous.
Wildlife Highlight: Turtles
Our native turtles will be or are already looking for suitable places to lay their eggs. Sometimes they travel a distance from the water source they live in. As they travel, they are often a victim of motor vehicles as they cross roads at a less than rapid pace. If you decide to help a turtle cross the road, make sure to place it on the side of the road it was trying to get to, as females will only try to get to the side they were originally headed for. Pictured is a spotted turtle on its way somewhere.
Knowledge to Grow On
Read our Ladybug blogs written weekly:
Be Prepared for Ticks
Soil Prep for Success
Strawberry-licious!
How to Tie Climbing and Rambling Roses to Achieve the Best look
Container Gardening, Insect Habitats an other May News
Container Gardening
May is a mad dash to get our spaces in shape for outdoor entertaining and vegetable and flower gardening. Container gardens have become a universal tool for gardeners of all types as they can meet all sorts of needs.
• They allow plant lovers in rental spaces to enjoy planting with minimal impact
• They provide great accessibility to gardeners of all ages and abilities
• They allow temporary solutions while larger projects are in progress
• They give gardeners an opportunity to plant where soil is poor or where rocks/tree stumps prevent them from digging into the ground
• They give us an easier opportunity to change our minds! Experiment with color, texture, and style - if you don't like it, change it the next season!
We've seen this method come a long way in the past few years It's being used for ornamental plants and fruit and vegetable plants, alike. Some even mix the two in an effort to bring both productivity and beauty to a small space.
The best thing about it, is that it doesn't take up a lot of space, time, or energy to keep going. And new advances are being made all the time as new "container friendly" varieties are hitting the market for all types of plants.
We have a few suggestions for you if you're considering container gardening this spring:
• Many gardeners refer to the "Thriller/Filler/Spiller" method of design where a central plant is surrounded by plants that will fill in and cascade over the edge of the container.
• Give your plants enough space to perform well in their container. This is incredibly important for vegetables and herbs that will be producing for you!
• Use soilless potting media in your containers.
• Pre-made mixes (sometimes called "recipes") can be found in larger drop-in pots that can be placed into a decorative container when you bring it home! Hanging baskets can be another alternative - just remove the hangers.
• Select an appropriate container. The material and size of the planter you choose should be something you consider. Any plants that need to go in for the winter should be in planters that can be easily moved or carried inside. Additionally, different materials need different maintenance and care from season to season.
Healthy Habitats for Beneficial Insects
Creating a garden or habitat within your space to support beneficial insects can be the most effective thing you can do if you have the space. Select plants that are known to support the various life stages of insects you hope to encourage in your garden. For example, parsley is a great herb to host swallowtail caterpillars.
A thriving garden will host beneficial insects including pollinators, predators and parasitoids. Additionally, a few "bad" insects in the mix provide a food source for some of these beneficials and ensure you have a healthy balance in your garden ecosystem. Never panic at the first sight of trouble. Investigate further and monitor a problem as it develops. Always use Integrated Pest Management practices when considering treatment for any pest or disease you find in the garden.
Beneficial Insects in the Home Garden
In recent years, the concept of "insect hotels" has been increasing in popularity. It is important to realize that these structures are considered a fantastic tool in a tool box of many things that are needed to preserve these populations of pollinators, parasitoids and predatory beneficial insects. They can be great educational tools or supplemental habitat when absolutely necessary. Native insects are well adapted to finding shelter in gardens and habitats locally created by you, your neighbors, and surrounding areas.
If you choose to host one of these in your garden, be aware that it is not a 'set it and forget it' type of garden decoration. Take all the precautions to ensure that you are maintaining a healthy habitat by cleaning out nesting each year, monitoring for signs of distress, and purchasing sustainable and safe materials for the insects to be using.
Native Plant Highlight: Pinxsterbloom Azalea
Rhododendron periclymenoides is a native deciduous shrub found in wet woodlands, stream and pond edges and sometimes in open areas where soils are damp. Showy clusters of pink flowers appear in May before leaves expand. This native makes a good addition to a shade garden where it will be out of the afternoon sun. Hummingbirds, butterflies and bees frequently visit the flowers.
Native Butterfly: Red Admiral
This common native butterfly is one of several migratory species, and one of the first to migrate north in early spring. They can be found in moist areas near woodlands, and they visit garden flowers from spring through late summer. The most common host plant of the caterpillars is stinging nettles, which is one reason most people never see them. When the butterfly folds its wings, it reveals the undersides that resemble a Jackson Pollock painting. Red admiral's often land on people to get salts from sweat.
Native Bird: Mallards
Mallard ducks normally lay 4-14 eggs between March and June and the young are on their own after 8 weeks. A maintenance worker at a golf course stopped traffic so this mallard and her ducklings could safely cross a busy street on their way to a reservoir. The nest was an eighth of a mile away on a grassy pond edge.
Knowledge to Grow On
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Smart Shopping, Healthy Seedlings and Other April News
Smart Shopping At The Garden Center!
This time of year is when the trucks start filling the garden centers with fresh plant material and new varieties! Growers who have been growing their new stock will start to
release their products both in retail and wholesale spaces. We're starting to look closer at what's coming for the new season and dreaming on gardens to come! Here's a few smart shopping tips for going into the garden center this spring!
- New Varieties are "released" into the grower markets before they hit the retail market. It may still take a couple seasons to make it to your patio! When looking at new material, grower catalogs display what they plan on providing to their customers (garden centers) and therefore are more reliable.
- Many garden centers order their plants in the fall of the previous year, so availability, especially for new varieties, can be very tight!
- New introductions usually have been through years of display gardens, trials and other testing conditions to make sure that they will perform well in our zone and climate.
- Not every garden center will carry every variety available. Many will choose to focus on a select few they've selected for their client base.
- When substitutions are necessary, select a substitute that will meet your target size, growing conditions and maintenance expectations. Avoid decisions based on physical features alone.
- Some perennials and flowering shrubs may have been forced to flower early in order to sell this spring. These plants will correct themselves to their "normal" schedule once they complete a season in the ground.
- Planting your garden in "stages" will help you extend your budget, but it will also give you a chance to see how plants grow into the area.
- When considering plant size, ask yourself the following questions:
- Can I handle digging and planting this by myself?
- How quickly do these plants grow in one season?
- Am I willing to wait multiple weeks/months/seasons for it to grow in, or do I want instant gratification?
Keeping Your Seedlings Healthy
In February, March, or even April we're starting seeds. Gardeners spend a lot of time and energy in picking out the right lights, creating the ideal conditions, and helping those seedlings get the right start. We're here to tell you keep up the enthusiasm! Here are few tips to keep your seedlings in good shape until you're ready to plant.
- Maintain a consistent moisture across all cells.
- Don't be afraid to thin or transplant seedlings into slightly larger cups or containers once true leaves are showing.
- Maintain light! The height of your grow lights may need to be adjusted after germination to keep seedlings reaching for sunlight.
- Air circulation is crucial! Consider using a fan on a low setting to keep air moving and to help strengthen young stems.
Clean Hummingbird Feeders for Healthy Hummingbirds
Each spring, ruby-throated hummingbirds embark on their annual migration north to Connecticut from Mexico. These migratory journeys, which can span hundreds or thousands of miles, require immense preparation and a shocking amount of energy from these small birds - the smallest in the world. Their spring migration north is a solitary journey with the goal of getting to their breeding grounds early enough to claim the best feeding territories. They will be very hungry and in need of nourishment when they arrive. Putting out feeders in anticipation of their arrival- early April- will help with their transition until the flowers are in bloom. Proper care of the feeders will ensure these little birds stay happy and healthy during their stay until they begin their migration south in the fall.
Native Plant Highlight: Red Trillium
Also known as red wakerobin, Trillium erectum is a native plant that blooms in late April. The rather putrid-smelling flowers are pollinated by flies. Found in open deciduous woodlands, it is often found among bloodroot, ramps and violets. Flowers vary in color, sometimes being green, white or pale red. Moths may also visit the flowers.
Be On the Lookout: Mourning Cloak Butterfly
Mourning cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) is a large brush foot butterfly that overwinters in its mature form. It is one of the first butterflies seen in late winter- early spring and are sometimes seen flying on warm winter days. Seldom visitors to flowers, these butterflies lap tree sap, dung, mud and ripe fruit. Caterpillars are found mostly on willows and elms living in communal groups in silken shelters. Look for them when willows begin leafing out. These butterflies may be the longest living ones in North America.
Knowledge to Grow On
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Upcoming Events and Things to Do
- Connecticut Audubon Walks- there are many walks scheduled around Connecticut for the month of April. The website also has Audubon centers and Ct. sanctuary sites. Late April is also the start of the spring bird census.
- Sky's the Limit Hiking Challenge - Hosted by CT Parks & CT DEEP. March 22, 2024 - December 6, 2024
- City of Hartford Earth Day Celebration, April 22
- Pick your own Daffodils or Tulips!
- Halfinger Farms- pick your own daffodils at this historic 1790 property on Candlewood Hill Road in Higganum. They recommend calling first for picking status- 860-345-4609.
- Wicked Tulips, Multiple locations. Check out their bloom reports for details of each location.
- Total Solar Eclipse - April 8th, 2024 - View details about where, when, and how much coverage we will see!
- Colorblends Spring Bulb Garden display - Bridgeport, CT. April 1- May 12. Features spring bulbs like snowdrops, crocus, daffodils, tulips, alliums and others that bloom in sequence. Located in Bridgeport.
- Visit Historic Homes and Gardens in Connecticut- Visit gardens and homes like the Henry Whitfield Museum in Guilford, Leffingwell House and Norwich, the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme and the Rosewood Cottage in Woodstock, among many others.
- CT Cactus & Succulent Society Annual Show & Sale April 13th & 14th - Bristol, CT
- CT Orchid Society - Orchid Show & Sale 'Spring into Orchids' April 20th, Bristol, CT
Educational Opportunities & Workshops
- Ecological Approaches to Garden Design and Management with Harland Patch, April 18 2024 - Live and on Zoom
- Explore Connecticut's Notable Trees, April 6th, Derby CT
- Organic Farming & Gardening presented by the Naugatuck Garden Club, April 18th
- Gardening in America - Self Paced Online Course from the American Horticultural Society
Shamrocks, Pruning and other March News
Shamrocks, Clovers & Oxalis, Oh My!
For every 10,000 three-leaf clover, you'll find one or two four-leaf clover. These odds explain the "luck" behind the tradition of finding one! While the popular St. Patrick's Day symbol is seen everywhere in the month of March, have you ever stopped to think about the botany behind the symbol?
The beloved shamrock, four-leaf clover and the Oxalis houseplant all have their own identities, but when St. Patrick's Day hits, they all become interchangeable. So what's the real difference?
Native Plants that Support Native Bees in Early Spring
Cellophane bees (Colletes inaequalis)are one the first of our native bees to be out and about on a warm day in very early spring, sometimes when there is still some snow on the ground. Their flight normally coincides with native willow blooms, which are one of only a few native plants that may be blooming in March. These ground- nesting solitary bees are active for a few weeks, and other native plants like bloodroot, red maple and Amelanchier are visited by these bees. They also can be seen on crocus and other early blooming spring bulbs.
Where to find these and other native plants is a common question that we get here at the Home & Garden Education Center. As gardeners become more aware of native plant solutions, we are seeing more widespread availability. The Connecticut Native Tree and Shrub Availability List is a fantastic resource to help you find both plant recommendations and nurseries that may carry these plants!
Wildlife Highlight: Eastern Phoebe
Eastern phoebes are native tyrant flycatchers in the Tyrannidae family. Characterized by its large head and a habit of wagging their tail when perched. Phoebes are among the first of our migrating birds to return in early spring. People often mistake the similar chickadee call for the raspier “phoebe” call. They build their nest on sheltered ledges, often on buildings. While primarily insect eaters, phoebes occasionally eat ticks, spiders, fruits, and seeds.
UConn's Brewing Innovation Initiative Talks Hops
Hops farming in the northeast goes all the way back to the 16th century. Now, the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at UConn is working with experts in the craft brewing industry and growers tohelp bring the brewing industry to the next level here in Connecticut!
Read more about Hops and what UConn is doing to get involved at the link below!
Knowledge to Grow On
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Upcoming Events and Things to Do
- March 16th & 17th is Maple Weekend here in Connecticut! Many local sugarhouses will be open or hosting events this weekend. Find your local sugar house on the Maple Syrup Producers Association webpage.
- Check in with your favorite garden center! March & April are common opening months to start getting your plant fix!
- The Scantic Spring Splash is March 30th. Spectate or join in this canoe & kayak race to kick off spring!
- Visit Elizabeth Park's 2024 Spring Greenhouse Show March 1st-March 8th
- March 2nd - Early Spring Garden Planning Event at the Waterford Public Library
- March 30th - Vernal Pool Hike. Join DEEP Outreach Biologist Paul Benjunas and Naturalist Laura Rogers-Castro for a hike along the Beaver Marsh Trail to a vernal pool.
Educational Opportunities & Workshops
- March 21st - Native Plants for Container Gardens with Duncan Himmelman. This webinar is hosted by the CT Horticultural Society.
- Check out Maple Days at Old Sturbridge Village and see how syrup was made in the early 19th century!
- Well Water Testing Workshop, March 7th
- March 12th - New Spring Color for Your Garden webinar hosted by Monrovia
- March 9th - Wildlife in Connecticut's Changing Landscape. Paul Colburn, a CT DEEP master wildlife conservationist, presents a natural history of Connecticut from the early 1600’s, when European colonists arrived, to the present.
- March 14th - CT Compost Conference
March Gardening Tips
1. Using sterile growing mix for starting seeds reduces problems with damping-off fungi. Avoid overwatering, which encourages root rots.
2. Seeds of cold weather vegetables like spinach, peas, lettuce and broccoli can be direct seeded as soon as soil is workable.
3. Before new shoots emerge, cut back last year’s stalks on perennials and grasses.
4. Move woody plants before they begin new spring growth; transplant as soon as the soil is workable.5. Begin fertilizing houseplants with a water-soluble fertilizer as they resume active growth.
6. If you potted bulbs for forcing last fall, check their progress. Soil should be barely moist. If tips have sprouted and have a few inches of growth, bring the pot into a cool, bright room (50 to 60 degrees F). Gradually expose the plant to increasing warmth, indirect sunlight, and increased watering. Feed once a week with half-strength houseplant fertilizer. To help the stems grow straight, turn the pot every day. When buds and foliage are fully developed, bring into full sunlight, and enjoy!
7. Once your garden beds thaw, remove old garden debris such as leaves, stalks, and seed heads to reduce the presence of any overwintering diseases and pests.
8. Thin bramble plantings (raspberries, blackberries, etc.) to increase air circulation and reduce stem and leaf disease problems.
9. Clean out bluebird houses! They
start looking for nesting spots in early March.
10. Start cleaning containers and pots so they are ready for planting. Inspect for chips and cracks.
Chocolates for your Valentine and other February News
Chocolates for Your Valentine!
Many of us celebrate Valentine’s Day with a box of chocolates. What if you surprised your valentine with a chocolate garden that could last them all growing season long? We've found a couple of lists for you that can help you plan a garden that has the sights, smells, and even tastes of our favorite valentine’s day treat and compliments to make it pop! Check out these plant lists to help you create your own chocolate garden for this spring!
What’s the Buzz About Cicadas in 2024?
You may have heard the media buzz already that there is going to be a significant event this year in the entomology world. Periodical cicadas, who emerge on either a 13 year or 17 year cycle, will overlap for the first time in 221 years! Many are preparing to see an increase in insect activity and asking us how to best prepare their gardens. While this is indeed fascinating, there are a few details that are being left out of the whole story and we want to help set the record straight!
These periodical cicadas are species that spend a significant part of their life underground. However, there are multiple populations, known as "broods" that emerge on different schedules. Because of this, it is typical to see a 13 year brood and a 17 year brood emerge "together" roughly every 5 years. These insects will emerge, begin singing their chorus of mating songs, and feed on nearby woody ornamentals. However, their damage is rarely extensive.
Over the years, scientists have been able to map exactly where specific broods live. The two broods of interest this year, Brood XIX (13 year) and Brood XIII (17 Year) will emerge in adjacent locations, but the overlap is not anticipated to be significant. It is indeed the first time in 221 years that these two specific broods are emerging at the same time.
The greatest impact may be found around Springfield, Illinois and surrounding areas. Here in Connecticut, we will not see these broods. While we may not see the once in a lifetime periodical cicada emergence here at home, we will still be able to enjoy the songs of our Annual Cicadas. Keep an ear out for them this summer. To learn more about periodical cicadas, check out the link below!
Native Plant Highlight: Red Columbine
Red columbine (Aquilegia canadenis) is a shade-loving perennial that has attractive foliage and eye-catching red and yellow flowers that resemble tiny ballerinas. It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and hawk moths. As a short-lived perennial, it prefers to self-sow and pop up in places with bare soil. Plant or sow columbine seeds in areas where you are waiting for other plants to grow. It will prove to be a good competitor for weeds To learn more about this beautiful native perennial, visit GoBotany: Aquilegia canadensis
Wildlife Highlight: Brandt Goose
Along the Connecticut shoreline there are many species of birds that can only be found here in the winter. Among them are Brant geese, sanderlings and ruddy turnstones. Brant geese resemble Canada geese but are smaller and lack the white cheek patch. These geese breed in the lower Arctic regions. Look for small groups of them foraging off rocks and dipping in the salt water for vegetation.
February 2024 Weather Outlook
A seasoned gardener always keeps their eye to the sky at any time of year! NOAA's National Weather Service released their discussion about how weather patterns will continue to shape this winter season.
Knowledge to Grow On
Read our Ladybug blogs written weekly
Bonsai for Beginners
A Glimpse of Some Connecticut Lichens
Calculating Slope for Your Landscape
Pretty Cape Primroses
Upcoming Events and Things to Do
The UConn Home & Garden Education Center will have a booth at the CT Flower & Garden Show to answer plant questions, provide free pH testing for your soil samples, and we will be having speakers every day of the show.
- Thursday 11:00AM - Dawn Pettinelli
- Healthy Soils, Healthy Plants, Healthy You
- Friday 12:30PM - Pamm Cooper
- Home on DeRange
- Saturday 12:30 PM - Heather Zidack
- Home Gardening Tips in a New Home
- Sunday 11:00AM - Dr. Nick Goltz
- The Plant Doctor is In: Flower Disease 101
- Thursday 11:00AM - Dawn Pettinelli
- Check out the CT Winter Wine Trail - From January 6th to March 30th, 13 wineries in the state participate in a passport program where visiting each of the sponsors can lead to prizes and adventure!
- Get your seeds and seed starting supplies, locally! While many big box stores can be a great resource for affordable seed and seed starting products, local businesses like Natureworks Organic Garden Center, Hart Seed Company, Comstock Ferre and other garden centers throughout the state are starting to provide these products and their expertise as well! February is still a great time to get a jump on your gardening chores!
Educational Opportunities and Workshops
- The 2024 Northeast Extension Fruit Consortium winter series features sessions in February and March. Specific dates for various sessions and registration information can be found on their web page.
- February 10th, 11AM-2PM in Litchfield, CT Cut it Out! The Local History and Practice of Ice Harvesting - Learn about how ice was harvested and stored right here in Connecticut!
- Mark your calendars for the CT Compost Conference (Details Below)
Planning Your Gardens Early and other January News
Winter Sowing Native Seeds
At the 2023 UConn Pollinator & Native Plants Conference, Sarah Michel, a Community Ecologist with the Land Conservancy of McHenry County in Illinois shared her knowledge about sowing native seeds in the home landscape.
It turns out, saving the seeds of native plants is an easy, cost effective and family friendly way to create a native landscape in your yard! Seeding native plants in January and February can be a great way to save time and get out into the garden in those "off season" months.
While Sarah is from a different region with some different native plants, her tips on harvest, storage and sowing were invaluable! She also highlighted the importance of always harvesting seed ethically and respecting community and private spaces. To learn more about how to sow native yourself, see the links below.
Creating Brush Piles for Wildlife
Got extra brush? Why burn it when you can build a brush pile for wildlife. With more people being aware of the environmental effects of burning, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection recommends this rediscovered method. Brush piles not only help the environment, but they create cover for small birds, reptiles and mammals who may be facing limited habitat. This is a great way to provide protection from harsh winter conditions. To learn more about brush piles and how to build them, visit the link below.
2024 Perennial of the Year
The Perennial Plant Association has named Phlox paniculata 'Jeana' as it's perennial of 2024! This tall garden phlox was highlighted for its impressive height and ability to hold up its showy flower heads without too much flopping over. This particular variety is also resistant to powdery mildew and is a great performer in the pollinator garden!
Upcoming Events and Things to Do
- Visit a greenhouse! The UConn Botanical Conservatory Greenhouse is open to the public Monday - Friday 8AM-4PM. The Greenhouses at Marsh Botanical Garden at Yale are also open to the public at this time of year!
- January 13th - Life on the Webster Farm: Work Days. Visit the museum on select Saturdays every month from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. and enjoy live demonstrations from our experienced team of museum educators. Each demonstration will focus on a unique aspect of early American work and play. Stop by and learn about the trades and activities of life on the Webster farm
- Visit a local brewery, winery, or distillery. Many of these local businesses are still open at this time of year and offer entertainment options during the winter months like comedy shows, trivia nights, and even workshops to learn a new skill!
- See butterflies up close! The C
onnecticut Science Center's Butterfly Encounter is open! Explore their all season butterfly habitat housing over 40 species of butterflies! If you're looking to take a day trip, Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory is in South Deerfield MA. This conservatory hatches and maintains its butterfly population year round as well.
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Mark your calendars! The CT Flower & Garden Show will be Feb 22-25, 2024! We will be there and offering free soil pH testing at our booth! As long as the ground is still not frozen, we'll be able to process this for you at the show!
Educational Opportunities and Workshops
- January 9th - CT Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers Conference - Hosted by UConn Extension program. Spots are still available! Visit the link above for agenda and registration details.
- January 24th - Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walk - Join Andy Rzeznikiewicz as he leads you around the extensive hatchery grounds. This location often has many bird species wintering there, due to the open water conifer trees and dense shrub areas. Registration required. See link for details.
- Multiple Dates in January - Owl Prowls - Join the CT Audubon Society for an evening walk to look for Owls in nature!
- January 28th - Winter Ecology and Wildlife Tracking hike/snowshoe at Northwest Park Windsor, CT 1-3pm. Join naturalist Aimee Gelinas M.Ed, Director and co-founder of the Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center on a winter ecology hike (or snowshoe) through Northwest Park. Participants will learn how to observe and identify wildlife tracks and patterns, signs of wildlife such as scent markings, scat and other wildlife activity that gives a glimpse into the lives of wildlife that stay active in winter. Along the way, participants will learn how to identify evergreen and deciduous trees in winter by bark, buds and branching patterns plus evergreen ferns and plants. Exploring the woods in winter provides an opportunity to understand how fauna and flora adapt to the cold. This program is sponsored by the Friends of Northwest Park. Registration required. See link above
- Registration is now open for NOFA's Land Care Accreditation course to start Feb. 1st, 2024
Looking back on 2023 and Other December News
Exobasidium vaccinii Azalea Galls
A familiar gall to those who see them on the native Pinxter azaleas, this year they were widespread in Connecticut on older Rhododendron and azalea shrubs. These are leaf galls and are very heavy and succulent to juicy when cut in half. Twigs containing galls should be pruned off just below the gall before white spore surface appears.
Maple Anthracnose
Maple Anthracnose caused early leaf drop on many native maples. Continued wet weather caused many fungal outbreaks on our plants this year with sugar and red maples having severe anthracnose outbreaks causing brown shriveled leaves as early as August. A drier year in 2024 may avert any recurrence, especially if leaves were raked up and removed.
Flooding
This could have been the year of the fish, with many rainfall events that had inches of rain at a time. The Connecticut River flooded and acres of crops were taken out by standing water. Once edible crops have been flooded by rivers, crops are not suitable for human consumption, and farmers without insurance for this type of event suffer economically. To avoid compaction, gardens and lawns should not be worked in or walked on until surface water has infiltrated into the ground or evaporated from the soil surface. Vegetable gardens affected by floodwater generally have other issues, especially those concerning food safety.
Notice a Lot of Acorns, Fruits and Pinecones?
This year was a mast year for many species of woody plants like white pines, oaks and Eastern Red Cedar Juniperus virginiana. Mast means fruit, and a mast year is when more fruit than normal is produced. Reasons for mast years are not always clearly understood.
The Year of the Rabbit
This was the Chinese Year of the Rabbit, and boy was it ever. Some rabbits eat fallen leaves if they are green and will perhaps stay away from garden plants when they are available. We had many reports from around the state as people noticed larger than normal numbers of rabbits on their property. Many of this year’s crop of bunnies seemed nonplussed by humans, and you may have had to practically push them out of your garden…
Rime Ice Events in Parts of Connecticut
Rime ice forms quickly when the moisture contained in a winter fog freezes onto an object having colder temperatures. As more moisture droplets from the fog contact these freezing surfaces, this ice can build up, sometimes appearing as feathery frosting rather than as a clear ice. If foggy conditions continue over a few days, rime ice can build up and get heavy, which it did in some areas of Connecticut. When the sun comes out, rime ice can melt quickly.
Canadian Wildfires and Ashy Skies
Many perennials that were starting growth spurts in the spring were affected by weeks of hazy skies in May and June caused by wildfire ash from Canadian wildfires mingled with extended cloudy days. Many perennials were noticeably taller than normal as they reached upward for some sun and had difficulty finding adequate amounts of light for lengthy periods. Next year height of plants should be normal. Image is from Vernon, Ct.
Did your Lilacs lose their leaves this year?
Older lilacs that had not been pruned regularly to allow foliage to dry out better may have been affected by a fungal pathogen of a Pseudocercospora spp. Leaves may have turned brown and fallen by the end of summer. If this happened to your lilacs, make sure to remove the leaves from the ground and discard them. Prune if needed to allow better air circulation. With all the rain and humidity this year, lilacs may still have been infected, but next year may be drier with less incidences of this leaf disease.
Knowledge to Grow On
Read our Ladybug Blogs, Written Weekly!
Bulbs: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Give Thanks for all the Little Things!
When Should I Clean Up My Garden?
Upcoming Events and Things to Do
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The UConn Horticulture Club will be selling poinsettias and a collection of rosemary plants shaped and decorated like miniature Christmas trees. The sale will be on Monday (12/4), Wednesday (12/6), and Friday (12/8) from 2-5 pm each day, in the Floriculture building.
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It's a great time of year for craft fairs and festive shopping! Check your with your local recreation department for events like Holidays on Main in Wethersfield, CT or the Winter Festival at the Woodstock Fairgrounds.
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Winterfest Hartford is an opportunity to go ice skating in Bushnell Park! They host free events, including free skating lessons and visits with Santa through the month of December.
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Twilight Tours at Osbourne Homestead Museum - Museum volunteers transform this historic museum into a festive, holiday showcase!
- Holiday Light Festival & Market in Hartford, CT - Enjoy interactive light gardens, illuminated structures, seasonal food and drinks, family-friendly activities, a festive holiday market and daily live entertainment.
- Winterfest and Tunnel of Lights at the Connecticut Trolley Museum takes guests on an evening trolley ride along with carols and other festivities.
- Visit the Lobster Trap Tree in Stonington, CT - This is the third annual event honoring the rich fishing history in the town of Stonington. Artists paint buoys to hang from the lit tree of lobster traps - quite a sight to see!
- Go Snow tubing, skiing or visit the artisan market at Powder Ridge's Lifted Spirits event in Middlefield, CT
- Celebrate Hanukkah by participating in a community Menorah Lighting
- Wood Library 13th Annual Gingerbread House Festival is one of the largest gingerbread festivals in our region- features replications of historical buildings and other structures. Opens the day after Thanksgiving- December 17th.
- Christmas Bird Count- participate in the annual bird count in your area this year. The Christmas Bird Count occurs December 14 to January 5 every season. Join in the count or sign up to see the results of this annual Christmas season bird species count.
Educational Opportunities and Workshops
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Learn to make a Christmas Themed Charcuterie Board with Preston Ridge Vineyard in Preston, CT
- Learn to make a holiday boxwood tree! Our Kids Farm in Canterbury, CT and Lewis Educational Agricultural Farm (LEAF) in Southington, CT are just a couple of many local businesses in the state hosting these build your own boxwood tree events. Check with local small farms, florists and other associations for workshops like this.
- Webinar: Humanity for Habitat hosted by the Ecological Landscape Alliance
- The CT Vegetable & Small Fruit Growers Conference is coming back this January. Early Bird Registration ends December 20th, 2023
