“A late summer garden has a tranquility found no other time of the year.”

— William F. Longgood

Overwhelmed by Weeds?

This season's pattern of lots of rain and lots of heat have made it difficult for gardeners to get out into their gardens, while creating the perfect environment for weeds to thrive!

We've been getting quite a few calls regarding weed management and invasive species control as gardens are booming with unwelcome guests. And while there is no one[size-fits-all approach to weed management, here are the key points to remember: 

• “Nature abhors a vacuum." Leaving bare soil or undisturbed garden areas will more likely lead to the development of weeds. Instead, keep the soil covered until you intend to plant. Encourage dense plantings of cover crops in vegetable gardens, utilize groundcovers, or consider using mulch of a thickness of 3" or more for walkways and desired plant-free areas.
• Minimize the seed bank. Keep weeds mowed or cut back before flowers or fruit emerge. Turn the soil, or ensure dense plantings don't allow seeds to germinate by shading out the area or preventing good soil contact. Consider pre-emergents if you have a history of recurrence.

• Sometimes (not always) weeds can be an indication of soil fertility. Therefore, soil amendments may be more effective than spraying or hand pulling. Get your soil tested to know for sure!

• If considering garden chemicals, always make sure to identify the weed and use only products that are labeled for that plant. Read the label in full for all information regarding application rates, safety and environmental considerations.
• Be patient and persistent with management. Total eradication and control may eed multiple seasons before you see results. Keep at it!

Weed Control in Landscapes Non-Chemical Measures

Weeds as Indicators of Soil and Growing Conditions in Turf

CIPWG Invasive Plant List

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Renovate Your Strawberry Beds

To promote continuous success of strawberries in your garden, take time this August to perform renovations to your plants. Maintenance such as clipping tall growth, removing weak or dead leaves, and fertilization will help to maximize the productivity of your strawberries in the coming years. Mulching, ensuring adequate water intake, and weeding are also necessary for upkeep of strong plants. These techniques maximize yields and protect against disease prevalence.

End of Season Strawberry Renovation - UConn HGEC

Renovation of Strawberry Plantings - University of Nebraska-Lincoln

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Where are the butterflies?

Are you seeing fewer butterflies in your garden? You're not alone.

New studies have determined that over the past two decades in the continental United States, the populations of hundreds of butterfly species have fallen by 22%. These declines are commonly attributed to pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change. This is concerning because butterflies play important roles in pollination, cycling nutrients, and are a significant food source for other organisms such as birds.

However, conservation biologists have created a roadmap for recovering butterfly populations across the US, and their best chance at recovery starts in your backyard. Actions you can take include providing as much habitat as possible for these animals and keeping these areas pesticide-free.  

As U.S. butterfly populations plummet, scientists map a road to recovery

Study raises the possibility of a country without butterflies

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Native Plant: August Flowering Perennials

Native spotted Joe-pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum), Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) and certain moisture-loving goldenrods (Solidago spp.) can often be found in dampish soils in open areas. They are often found together in the wild, and all three are attractive to pollinators and butterflies.

These natives bloom at the same time in late July through early September, making them a good addition to a moist garden area that could use some color in late summer. There are many native goldenrods that will do fine in drier soils, as well, making them a versatile plant.

Learn More About Boneset

Learn More About Goldenrods

Learn More About Spotted Joe-pye Weed

The Connecticut Native Perennial, Tree, & Shrub Availability List

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Word from the WiSE

Women in Soil Ecology, UConn Student Chapter

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Knowledge to Grow On

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Upcoming Events and Things to Do

• 37 Things to do in Connecticut this August

• National Night Out events are taking place across the country on August 5, 2025

• Sunflower Festival August 9 & 10, 16 & 17, Windsor, CT

• August kicks off Fair Season in Connecticut! 

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Educational Opportunities & Workshops

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August Gardening Tips

• Lawn seeding, whether it's renovation, repair, or spot seeding should take place between August 15th and September 15th

• Container and hanging plants may need additional water later in the day if hot and windy conditions prevail. Check plants again at day’s end to see if any additional water is necessary

• Fertilize container plantings and hanging baskets if they look yellow with a ½ strength dose of a balanced liquid fertilizer.

• Fertilize perennials with a 5-10-5 or 5-10-10 product to encourage continued blooming.

• 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.

• Put netting on fruit trees and bushes a few weeks before the fruit begins to ripen to protect it from birds and squirrels

• Raise your mowing height to 3 inches during hot weather and mulch clippings if possible

• Even though tomatoes continue to ripen after picking, fruits develop greatest flavor when allowed to ripen on plants. The exception is cherry tomatoes since many varieties are prone to splitting. Pick any almost ripe ones before a heavy rain.

• Renovate strawberry beds by mowing to a height of 1 ½ inches, thinning plants and side-dressing with a balanced fertilizer

• 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.

• 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.

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This Month’s Newsletter Contributors: 
Heather Zidack, Pamm Cooper, Holly McNamara, Emily Leahy, Nora Doonan

"Flowers are wilting
My enthusiasm, too
Only weeds survive."

— Gaia Garden

There's Still Plenty of Planting Time

This year’s wacky weather set our gardens up on what feels like a very strange schedule. Typically, by this point in the season we start to sit back and wait for the tomatoes to ripen, but if you want a garden that stretches into autumn, the work continues!

As of July 1st, we are 106 days away from the Farmer’s Almanac’s anticipated first Frost Date (Oct. 15th in Storrs, CT). That’s still plenty of time to grow!

Succession planting helps keep your garden space constantly active through the growing season. It may look like planting a new crop immediately after one has completed its cycle in the garden, or staggered plantings for an extended harvest. We looked at this briefly in our May Newsletter as a way to maximize space. Here's some tips to keep rolling with succession planting this summer:

• Continue planting bush beans from seed every 2 weeks through the end of July for a bountiful harvest!  

• Did you harvest your garlic this month? Are your cool season crops past their prime or starting to bolt? Replace them and direct seed new plants!  
  • Look at days to maturity to ensure there is enough time for the plants to develop before frost hits 
  • Don’t follow up with the same thing in the same planting space – rotate your crops for better soil and plant health! 
  • There are varieties of cucumber, squash and zucchini that can still be planted 
  • Many types of greens and root vegetables like carrot, radish, turnip and beet can be planted in July  

• Replace vegetable plants that are no longer producing with annuals that have short flowering time for late season beauty 

• Allow the garden bed to “rest” by planting a cover crop

• Don’t put away those grow lights just yet! Cool season crops, like brassicas, may need to be started indoors. The summer heat outdoors may inhibit germination or growth. 

What You Can Plant Mid-July

Succession Planting

Fall Vegetable Gardening

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Harvesting Herbs in Your Summer Garden!

Including herbs in summer gardens is a common practice due to their low-maintenance care and delicious flavors that pair well with many summertime dishes and drinks.

Herbs should be harvested when the oils responsible for aroma and flavor are at their peak. This harvest time is determined by the growing conditions of each individual plant, rather than a specific month or day.

Many herbs are most flavorful and ready to harvest just as the flower buds first appear, but before they are fully open. It’s best to harvest them in the late morning, after the dew has dried and before the hot afternoon sun draws out their delicate flavor.  However, some species, like cilantro, may become bitter as the plant starts to flower. Bottom line: know your plants!

Annual herbs such as basil and parsley can be harvested until frost. Perennial herbs such as oregano, thyme, mint and chives can be clipped until late August.

For your perennial herbs, stop harvesting about one month before the frost date, because late pruning could encourage tender growth that cannot harden-off before winter. 

Growing, Harvesting & Drying Herbs

Harvesting & Preserving Herbs for the Home Gardener

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Native Plant: Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is native to most of the U.S. It's flowers bloom from mid-July to mid-August in the Northeast. A. incarnata is one of many native Milkweeds including A. tuberosa, A. syriaca and others. 

Look for it in moist habitats such as pond, stream, and river edges or in moist areas of meadows. Pink flowers are highly attractive to butterflies, moths, bees and other pollinators.

Learn More About Swamp Milkweed

Common CT Milkweeds

The Connecticut Native Perennial, Tree, & Shrub Availability List

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Word from the WiSE

Women in Soil Ecology, UConn Student Chapter

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Knowledge to Grow On

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July Gardening Tips

• Water early in the morning to reduce the loss of water to evaporation during the hottest days

• Container and hanging plants may need additional water later in the day if hot and windy conditions prevail. Check plants again at day’s end to see if any additional water is necessary

• 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

• Cucumbers are heavy drinkers and feeders. Keep the soil evenly moist during hot spells to avoid bitter fruit and side-dress plants with 1/4 cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer or the equivalent in mid-July

• Plant cool-season crops such as broccoli, spinach, kale, lettuce, and chard where they will be shaded from the sun

• Put netting on fruit trees and bushes a few weeks before the fruit begins to ripen to protect it from birds and squirrels

• Raise your mowing height to 3 inches during hot weather and mulch clippings if possible

• Fertilize roses for the last time in mid-July

• Control mosquitoes by eliminating all sources of stagnant water. Clean bird baths and pet’s outdoor dishes often

• 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

• Leaky garden hoses and fittings can waste water. Check hoses while they are under full pressure and make repairs

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This Month’s Newsletter Contributors: 
Heather Zidack, Pamm Cooper, Holly McNamara, Abigayle Ward

In June as many as a dozen species may burst their buds on a single day. No man can heed all of these anniversaries; no man can ignore all of them.

— Aldo Leopold, "Prairie Birthday"

Move Your Houseplants Outside!

With summer sunshine finally arriving in Connecticut, it’s a great time to give your indoor houseplants a seasonal boost. The increased sunlight, warmer temperatures, and higher humidity can help your plants thrive—but only if they’re eased into the change. Like people, houseplants need time to adjust to new conditions in order to succeed in them.

To help them transition from indoors to outdoors, start by placing them in shaded areas. If desired, you can gradually increase their sun exposure over about two weeks. This slow adjustment helps prevent sunscald, a common issue when plants are suddenly exposed to much stronger light, similar to a sunburn. Keep in mind that even the brightest indoor spots receive far less light and radiation than full sun outdoors. Therefore, many houseplants do best in full shade or indirect light all summer, while some can tolerate part shade once properly acclimated.

To keep your plants happy and hydrated, place them somewhere visible so you’re reminded to check on them regularly. With more sunlight and warmth, they’ll likely be pushing out new growth, and will need water more often. Check the soil daily during hot, sunny weather to prevent drying out and ensure a smooth adjustment to their new environment.

Moving Plants Outside for the Summer

Summer Vacation for Houseplants

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Spring Flowering Shrubs Need Maintenance!

Pruning spring flowering shrubs is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy and vibrant garden. Early spring is typically the ideal time for pruning these shrubs, as it allows for healthy growth and better blooms during the upcoming season.

When pruning these shrubs, focus on removing any dead, damaged, or diseased wood, as well as any crossing branches that may cause damage or hinder growth. It's important to keep in mind that each shrub has its own unique pruning requirements based on its growth habits and flowering times. For example, early-flowering shrubs should be pruned after their blooms have faded, while late-flowering shrubs should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. 

Springtime Pruning Tips

Some Shrubs Best Pruned After Flowering

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Native Plant: White Water Lily (Nymphaea odorata)

This native water lily occurs in still water that is 5-6 feet deep. The fragrant flowers appear in June and float between the large, circular leaves.

Flowers are open for three days, displaying a cup-shape the first day filled with sugary liquid that attracts the beetles and bees that pollinate them, and on the second and third day pollen is available.

Seeds are dispersed by water fowl such as wood ducks and by water currents. Sometimes a pink form of the flower occurs.

 

Learn More About White Water Lily

The Connecticut Native Perennial, Tree, & Shrub Availability List

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Word from the WiSE

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Knowledge to Grow On

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Upcoming Events and Things to Do

• 38 Things to do in Connecticut this June

• It's Strawberry season! Pick Your Own throughout the month and into July!

• Strawberry season means Strawberry Festivals! Find one close to you in towns like Mystic, South Windsor, Orange, and more!

• The Sky's the Limit Hiking Challenge and The CT Wine Trail are opportunities to see more of CT and get rewards for completing challenges.

• It's the season for Garden Tours! Check with your local garden club for schedules, or participate in CT Historic Gardens Day at the Florence Griswold Museum, June 22

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Educational Opportunities & Workshops

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June Gardening Tips

• Heavy rains encourage slug problems. Check for slugs during rainy periods and hand pick the pests.

• Lightly cultivate soil after a heavy rain to avoid compaction. A layer of mulch reduces the soil crusting and compaction caused by raindrops.

• Be aware that container plants will need more water during hot and windy weather.

• There is still time to sow seeds of beans, beets, carrots, cucumbers, and summer squash. Plant seeds of bush beans every three weeks for a continuous harvest.

• Sow seeds of fast-growing annuals like marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos directly in the garden.

• Keep on top of weeds during the early summer when they are small and easy to pull. If you keep your garden plants well-watered and fertilized, they will quickly fill in bare spaces and give weeds fewer places to grow.

• Mow lawns often enough to remove no more than one-third the total height per mowing. There is no need to remove clippings unless excessive or diseased. 

• This is a good time to take cuttings of trees and shrubs, such as chokeberry, butterfly bush, spirea, serviceberry, hydrangea, dogwood, and magnolia, to root for new plantings.

• When deadheading rhododendrons, avoid breaking off the leaf buds which are just below flowers. Carefully twist off spent blooms.

• Water at ground level for best results. If you must overhead water do so early enough in the day to allow the foliage to dry before nightfall to minimize diseases.

•  Mosquitoes breed in standing water. To discourage them, change the water in bird baths and outdoor pet dishes every few days.

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This Month’s Newsletter Contributors: 
Heather Zidack, Pamm Cooper, Marie Woodward, Abigayle Ward, Holly McNamara

“A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all, it teaches entire trust.”

— Gertrude Jekyll

Maximize your Garden Space this Season!

Gardening comes in all shapes and sizes, whether its a few pots on the patio, a large in-ground bed, or somewhere in between. We love the challenge of getting the most out of our gardens and finding new methods to increase efficiency and yield. There's many techniques out there - which one is best for you?

Click on each title to learn more and keep in mind that these are only a few of many techniques gardeners use to maximize their productions!

Intercropping
This practice focuses on growing two or more crops in close proximity to maximize the use of space in the garden. Plants need to be of similar culture in terms of watering and care needs in order to be successful. Often, timing of harvest can be a significant player in this system. Planting radishes in between broccoli, for example, ensures that the radish will be harvested before the broccoli needs additional space to produce its crown.

Companion Planting
While it may seem easy to use companion planting and intercropping interchangeably, they are two different practices. Companion planting focuses more on the relationships between plants and their environment. For example, some companion plants benefit others by deterring pests or fixing nitrogen into the soil. These complex relationships add benefit to your garden while also maximizing space.

Succession Planting
This method involves re-planting immediately after harvest to utilize the space for as long as possible. For example, planting escarole and lettuce once warm season vegetables have been harvested can help extend the gardening season. Alternatively, planting peas from seed every 2 weeks during the months of April & May ensures staggered harvest when compared to a single planting ready for harvest at the same time.

Square Foot Gardening
Looking to create an organized and efficient vegetable garden this growing season? Try using the square foot gardening method. In this technique, the growing area is divided into small sections, each one square foot in size. The result is an orderly garden grid with a different plant species in each square. Construction is simple and can be done with minimal materials.

Container Gardens
We are fortunate that the availability of container-friendly production plants has been increasing over the years! If your garden space is limited, seek out plants that are specifically intended for containers.

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Drought Injury Continues

Connecticut's woody ornamentals have suffered from a unique challenge this past winter season: the lingering effects of a moderate drought during the preceding fall, along with cold temperatures and harsh winds.  This combination of factors poses a threat to the health and vitality of trees and shrubs, exacerbating the typical stressors of winter in New England. 

Many gardeners even reported a delayed response, noting that their evergreens looked okay throughout the winter and early spring. 
 
While drought-stressed plants are generally more susceptible to winter injury, this year's moderate fall drought has weakened many woody ornamentals, leaving them vulnerable to frost damage, branch dieback and pathogens, which become opportunistic when woody ornamentals are under stress.

Monitoring your trees and shrubs over the coming season will help you mitigate any further damage. Providing supplemental water when less than 1" of rain is forecasted for the week may also help plants out of this stressful time. Checking the soil before watering will help you avoid overwatering, which can cause its own host of issues.

Rocky Start for Rhododendron's This Spring

UMass Landscape Message Reports Winter Injury

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Native Plant Highlight: Wild Ginger

Wild ginger, Asarum canadense, is a native plant that is a good choice as a shaded groundcover. Found naturally in woodlands in the eastern U.S., flowers are often overlooked as they are hidden near the ground below the leaves of this low-growing plant. Not considered edible, it is unrelated to the ginger used in cooking.

Shopping for native plants this spring? UConn has created a valuable resource that not only identifies CT Native plants, but helps you find the garden centers that carry them!

Learn More About Wild Ginger

The Connecticut Native Perennial, Tree, & Shrub Availability List

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Word from the WiSE

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Knowledge to Grow On

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Upcoming Events and Things to Do

• 37 Things to do in Connecticut in May

• World Migratory Bird Day Walk, May 10, Vernon CT

• Pick your own spring flowers at a local farm!

• Mother's Day is May 11th this year! Find the perfect gift for the mom who loves to garden.

• The CT Wine Trail is open for the season!

• UConn Commencement Weekend is May 10- 12, 2025. Congratulations to all graduating Huskies!! 

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Educational Opportunities & Workshops

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May Gardening Tips

• Harden off tomato, eggplant and pepper transplants before planting out at end of month.

• As night temperatures moderate into the 60's, move houseplants outdoors. Help them with the transition by putting them outside on warm days and bringing them in on when nights are too cold. Avoid putting them directly into full sun or windy locations.

• Remove any tree wraps or guards you placed on young trunks for winter protection.

• Remove spent blooms on tulips, daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs. The plant will focus its energy on growing new bulbs rather than producing seeds.

• Use fresh potting soil in your containers as old soil has fewer nutrients and may contain harmful bacteria and fungi.

• Mow your lawn any time the grass is 1½ times the normal height, for example, if you mow at a 3-inch height, don’t let the grass get longer than 4 to 5”.

• Aphids and lace bugs will appear soon. Spray with water or use a low-toxicity insecticide to control them. Asian lady beetles are a beneficial insect that feed on aphids.

• Put nets over ripening strawberries to protect them from birds and other wildlife.

• Shopping for native plants for your gardens this spring? Check out the CT Native Perennial, Tree & Shrub Availability List for plant lists and shopping locations!

• Clear grass and weeds from root zone areas around tree trunks and remove any suckers growing from the base of the trees. Spread compost and top with 3 to 4” of bark mulch. Keep mulch an inch or two away from the trunks.

• Disinfect all pots and containers before refilling them for the season.

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This Month’s Newsletter Contributors: 
Heather Zidack, Pamm Cooper, Emily Leahy, Zaira O'Leary

“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”

— Margaret Atwood

Get Your Plants Outside Earlier with Cold Frames!

 

Cold frames act as small greenhouses, allowing you to get an earlier start on your garden in the spring and harvest produce later in the fall as temperatures begin to drop. These structures allow light in through clear covers while protecting plants from the elements – namely cold weather. The cold frame is heated by the sun during the day and at night, heat is radiated inside to keep plants warm. Cold frames can be constructed from a variety of materials to form the basic components of a frame and transparent covering. 

These structures also help gardeners to "harden off" seedlings - a process which helps them adjust from a controlled indoor environment, to a more variable outdoor environment. 
 

All About Cold Frames

Hardening Off Vegetable Seedlings

Building and Using Hotbeds and Cold Frames

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Easter Lily Selection & Care

With its namesake holiday approaching, the demand for Easter lilies is rapidly increasing!

While inside your home, choose a location which provides bright light but is out of direct sunlight. Ensure that watering is done when the soil surface is dry to the touch. 

These are not pet-safe plants! Keep them out of reach from your furry friends. 

When danger of frost has passed, Easter lilies can be planted outdoors. Plant your lily in a location with full sun and sufficient drainage.  

Selection and Care of the Easter Lily

Easter Lilies

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Native Plant Highlight: Bloodroot

Bloodroot is a native spring ephemeral that is one of the first wildflowers to bloom. Many native bees that are active in early spring benefit from a nice stand of this plant. Its common name refers to the blood-red color of the underground rhizomes.

Learn More about Bloodroot

Spring Ephemerals for Residential Gardens

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Word from the WiSE

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Weather Outlook

A seasoned gardener always keeps their eye to the sky at any time of year! Maps and the 30 day outlook from NOAA will help you stay prepared for any and all of your gardening chores! (Click image to see larger map.)

30 Day Weather Outlook

 

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Knowledge to Grow On

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Upcoming Events and Things to Do

• 37 Things to do in Connecticut in April

• CT Horse Symposium - April 5, Storrs, CT

• Earth Day is April 22nd - Celebrations are happening statewide! Check with your local municipality, nature centers and parks to see what events they have planned.

• Arbor Day is April 25th - Visit one of CT's many recognized Tree City USA sites.

• Tour the UConn Arboretum and visit our collection of specimen trees!

• Earth Day Bird Walk - April 26th, Hartford, CT

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Educational Opportunities & Workshops

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April Gardening Tips

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This Month’s Newsletter Contributors: 
Heather Zidack, Pamm Cooper, Emily Leahy, Zaira O'Leary

"March brings breezes loud and shrill,
Stirs the dancing daffodil..."

— Sara Coleridge, "The Months"

Garden Planning - Last Freeze & Frost Dates are Coming!

Whether you're starting seeds indoors or just itching to know when you can kick your houseplants back outside - the last frost date of the season is a moving target that all gardeners grapple with!

Luckily, there are a few tools that we can use to help us understand, predict, and prepare for the changes in weather that will mean growing season is here to officially start. The last freeze of the season is not the same as the last frost. However, both of these milestones can help us make plans for succuessful gardening.

Many seed packets recommend planting a certain number of "weeks before/after frost."

When it comes to finally moving your plants outside, even the best prediction tools may not beat your "gardeners intuition." This is especially true in cases where you know the microclimate of your property and gardens. Watch the weather carefully and make decisions based on your commitment to protecting your plants in cases of sudden changes.

When planting early, always be prepared to cover plants to protect them from pop up frosts in the late spring until you're confident the threat has passed.

Avoid moving houseplants outside until the night temperature is consistently 50°F.

Learn more and find your last predicted freeze and frost dates using the links below!

Freeze Date Tool - Spring & Fall Frost/Freeze Dates

When to Expect Your Last Spring Freeze

Farmers Almanac: 2025 Frost Dates

National Gardening Association - Frost Dates

How to Protect Plants from Frost and Freeze

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Get Ready to Plant Cool Season Annuals!

With spring on the horizon, you can provide your garden with a much-needed burst of color by planting cool season annuals. These flowers are tolerant of temperatures down to 28°F and can be directly sown into the ground near the end of March.

Popular varieties include pansies, calendulas, and larkspur. Proper care is species specific, but in general techniques such as dead-heading and proper watering can prolong the blooming period.  Always check the seed packet for proper planting depth and timing of planting.

Growing Cool Season Annuals

Learn More About Annuals

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Scouting for Diseases: Black Knot

Winter can be a good time to scout for diseases and pests, even when everything is dormant. The lack of leaves allows us to see stem and bark tissue and check for the presence of overwintering structures such as egg masses of insects, dormant fungal bodies or galls on branches. 

Black Knot is a fantastic example of a disease that is best observed when there are not any leaves on the trees. 
If you spot large black swellings on your plum or cherry trees, this can be attributed to the fungal disease Black knot. Caused by the fungus Apiosporina morbosa (aka Dibotryon morbosum), symptoms first appear as green galls on branches, eventually becoming black by the following spring. Branches will be become engulfed by the galls, cutting off resources and causing death of the upper stem. Control methods include manual pruning and removal of galls, as well as chemical control when necessary.  

Learn More about Black Knot

Winter Scouting for Ornamental Plant Problems

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Word from the WiSE

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Weather Outlook

A seasoned gardener always keeps their eye to the sky at any time of year! Maps and the 30 day outlook from NOAA will help you stay prepared for any and all of your gardening chores! (Click image to see larger map.)

30 Day Weather Outlook

Cold Weather Safety Resources

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Knowledge to Grow On

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Upcoming Events and Things to Do

• 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 garden centers throughout the state are starting to provide these products and their expertise as well! 

• Maple Weekend - March 15th & 16th, Statewide 
  • More Maple Syrup/Sugaring Events!

• Vernal Pool Hike - March 16th, 2025, Burlington, CT 

• Winter Wildlife Eagle Cruises - Wednesdays in March, Essex, CT

• Celebrate St. Patrick's Day! Throughout March, Statewide

• Nutmeg State Orchid Society Show & Sale, March 22 & 23, West Hartford, CT

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Educational Opportunities & Workshops

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March Gardening Tips

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This Month’s Newsletter Contributors: 
Heather Zidack, Emily Leahy, Abigayle Ward

"In winter's cold and sparkling snow,
The garden in my mind does grow..."

— Cynthia Adams

Winter is Great for Pruning

Late February and early March are an ideal time for pruning many of our favorite woody ornamentals. Gardeners and landscapers prune for many reasons including plant health, aesthetic appeal, better fruiting/flowering, safety and size management.

Cold weather can help to limit pathogens and pests entering woody stems through fresh cut wounds. In spite of this, it is still best practice to sterilize your pruners with a bleach or alcohol wipe before moving from one tree to the next.

Avoid cutting spring flowering ornamentals, however, as they may already have their buds set and ready to go. Always research the pruning techniques for the specific species you are working with to ensure best results.

Prune Now for Beautiful Summer Trees

Pruning Trees and Shrubs

Pruning Woody Landscape Plants

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Landscaping to Support Birds in Winter

Birds can be attracted to properties during the winter if there are suitable food plants.

Some of the best for winter fruits are native winterberry and inkberry, native and non- native viburnums, native eastern red cedar and crabapples.

Perennials such as coneflowers, Rudbeckia, asters, grasses with seedheads and goldenrods that are left standing, so seeds are available, are also good for birds.  Throughout the winter, as seeds are eaten, plants can be cut back if desired.

Caring for Birds in the Winter

Native Trees, Shrubs and Vines with Wildlife Value

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Bird Flu Safety for Gardeners

Seeing Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the news recently may raise questions about wild bird populations in our gardens.  While we are not animal professionals, we have a few general tips and resources to share.

• Always avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds. 
• Heed the recommendations of your state and local government agencies regarding keeping bird feeders out or taking them down. 
• Report sightings of dead birds (especially in large groups) to CT DEEP
• If you have additional questions, CT DEEP Wildlife Division, the State Veterinarian, or the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory are all great resources that can assist!

There are three agencies in the state of CT are keeping an eye on developments.

• Questions regarding wildlife should go to CT Dept of Energy & Environmental Protection Wildlife Division
• Questions regarding backyard poultry should go to CT Dept of Agriculture or the State Veterinarian
• Questions regarding human health concerns can be directed to CT Dept of Health

CT DEEP: Avian Influenza

Reporting Dead Birds

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Word from the WiSE

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Weather Outlook

A seasoned gardener always keeps their eye to the sky at any time of year! Maps and the 30 day outlook from NOAA will help you stay prepared for any and all of your gardening chores! (Click image to see larger map.)

30 Day Weather Outlook

Cold Weather Safety Resources

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Knowledge to Grow On

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Upcoming Events and Things to Do

• 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 garden centers throughout the state are starting to provide these products and their expertise as well! 

• Find something to please everyone in the family with 37 Things to Do in CT this February!

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Educational Opportunities & Workshops

• Attend A Local Garden Club meeting, talk, or workshop

• Northeast Extension Fruit Consortium - Various dates through February & March, Via Zoom

• Gardening for the Frogs - Feb. 20, 2025, via Zoom

• UConn's Master Gardener Program runs a Seed Distribution program in the winter in partnership with Ocean State Job Lot. This program helps donate seed to schools, community organizations, and non-profits across the state. 

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CT Flower & Garden Show 2025

The UConn Home & Garden Education Center will have our booth at the CT Flower Show this year! Come and say hello to our Plant & Soil Health Staff and Master Gardener Volunteers!

• Thursday 2/20 - 11:00 AM
  • Al's Top Secret Compost Recipe
    • ​​​​​​​Alastair Ong, Esq., UConn Master Composter

• Friday 2/21 - 12:30 PM
  •  Look at Interesting Connecticut Lichens and Slime Molds
    • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Pamm Cooper, UConn Home & Garden Education Center

• Saturday 2/22 - 12:30 PM
  • ​​​​​​​Learning to Speak Horticulture
    • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Heather Zidack, UConn Home & Garden Education Center

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Sunday 2/23 - 11:00 AM 
  • Be a Plant P.I. Learn to Detect, Identify and Prevent Plant Diseases
    • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Dr. Nick Goltz, UConn Plant Diagnostic Lab

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February Gardening Tips

• Recent temperature swings may cause perennials to heave out of the ground. Gently push them back into the soil or cover with mulch.

• When buying houseplants in winter, be sure to wrap them well for the trip home and, if possible warm up the car. This prevents the foliage from freezing and protects tropicals from drafts.

• When using salt to melt ice on walks and driveways, spread it carefully to avoid damage to nearby shrubs. Consider using sand or sawdust instead. After the snow melts, flush the area around the roots exposed to salt with fresh water.

• Bring pruning tools inside and clean them for the upcoming season. Disassemble hand pruners, and loppers. Sharpen the blades, oil the levers, and remove any rust.

• If you’re starting seeds under fluorescent lights, check the light tubes for signs of age. Dark rings on the ends of tubes means they should be replaced. Dispose of properly. 

• 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!

• Brush snow from evergreens as soon as possible after a storm. Use a broom in an upward, sweeping motion. Serious damage may be caused by heavy snow or ice accumulating on the branches.

• Turn the compost pile during any stretches of mild weather.

• Clean leaves of large and smooth leaved houseplants like dracaena, philodendron, ficus, etc.

• Scout for invasive vines like bittersweet. Cut them off of tree trunks to help discourage girdling.  

• This is the time to start small-seeded flowers such as begonias and petunias. Leek and onion seeds should also be started as soon as possible. 

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This Month’s Newsletter Contributors: 
Heather Zidack, Pamm Cooper, Marie Woodward, Nora Doonan

"Anyone who thinks that gardening begins in the spring and ends in the fall is missing the best part of the whole year; for gardening begins in January with the dream"

— Josephine Neuse

Time to Start Seed Shopping

As gardeners settle in for the winter and begin to peruse the pile of seed catalogs, there are many things to consider. Picture books full of vibrant new fruits, vegetables and flowers can tempt us to try something new, while some gardeners have their annual seed order down to a science.

Here are a few things to consider when selecting seed varieties for your garden: 

• History of pests, disease, and even environmental conditions in your garden

• What you plan to use the end product for:
  • Some varieties of vegetables are better for long term storage, while others are best enjoyed fresh after harvest. 
  • If selecting flowers for cutting, go with long stem or taller varieties

• Days to maturity/harvest can determine how long your growing season will be for a specific crop. Selecting types with a shorter growing season may allow for a second planting, while selecting longer season varieties may fit your gardening practices better. 

The Basics of Selecting Garden Seeds

Seed Catalogs Made Easy

Good Sources for Flower & Vegetable Seeds

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Heirloom or Hybrid?

It's a gardening debate that spans generations. As new varieties are introduced, and others continue to hold true - many find themselves asking "Which is best?"and the answer is not always so cut and dry.

Hybrid varieties are often quick to boast disease or environmental tolerance and great production rates. While heirlooms claim to be tried and true and bring more genetic diversity to your garden. In addition, not all seeds are meant to be harvested and saved for the next growing season, so it's important to know what you've planted to continue a successful garden in future seasons.

Take your gardening needs into consideration when selecting seeds. Heirloom tomatoes, for example, are great in the home garden - but hybridized patio tomatoes may be better suited for condo or apartment living. Look at the traits of the specific variety beyond whether they are heirloom or hybrid to see if the variety will meet your goals in the garden and pantry.

Heirlooms & Hybrids

Heirloom Vegetable Varieties

Understanding F1 Hyrbid Seeds

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Helping Houseplants Through the Winter

Many people out there bring in or adopt new houseplants during the winter to help them through the winter blues. It can be a delicate time of year for these plants as many are tropical and enjoy warmer environments.

Common mistakes:

• Under watering - It can be a challenge to remember to water your house plants. We are all much more aware of hydration (for ourselves as well as our plants) during warmer months, but can often forget when it is cooler and our plants seem to "pause" growth. 

• Overwatering - When we haven't watered in what feels like a long time (to us), many of us will "add some extra" water in an attempt to love or help a struggling plant. This can do more harm than good.

• Not Scouting - Houseplants are far from "set it and forget it" for the winter season. Oftentimes, pest problems seem to come out of nowhere when regular check ins are not practiced. Look at the overall health of the plant when you are watering and when you walk by. 

Winter Care of Houseplants

Winter Indoor Pant Problems

Houseplant Care During Winter

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Word from the WiSE

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Weather Outlook

A seasoned gardener always keeps their eye to the sky at any time of year! Maps and the 30 day outlook from NOAA will help you stay prepared for any and all of your gardening chores! (Click image to see larger map.)

30 Day Weather Outlook

Cold Weather Safety Resources

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Knowledge to Grow On

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Upcoming Events and Things to Do

• Check out one of CT's many recreational areas for skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing

• Steve Cryan's 31st Annual Train Show, November 21-February 16, Essex CT

• Find something to please everyone in the family with 35 Things to Do in CT this January!

• Winter Festival 2025 - February 1, 2025, Torrington CT​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Educational Opportunities & Workshops

• Attend A Local Garden Club meeting, talk, or workshop

• 2025 Arborist Exam Prep Course - Wednesdays January 8, 2025, through April 2, 2025, Stamford CT

• Gardening Workshop: Seed Starting - January 11, New Canaan CT

• Gardening Workshop Series: Winter Sowing- January 18, West Hartford CT

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CT Flower & Garden Show 2025

The UConn Home & Garden Education Center will have our booth at the CT Flower Show this year! Come and say hello to our Plant & Soil Health Staff and Master Gardener Volunteers!

• Thursday 2/20 - 11:00 AM
  • Al's Top Secret Compost Recipe
    • ​​​​​​​Alastair Ong, Esq., UConn Master Composter

• Friday 2/21 - 12:30 PM
  •  Look at Interesting Connecticut Lichens and Slime Molds
    • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Pamm Cooper, UConn Home & Garden Education Center

• Saturday 2/22 - 12:30 PM
  • ​​​​​​​Learning to Speak Horticulture
    • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Heather Zidack, UConn Home & Garden Education Center

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Sunday 2/23 - 11:00 AM 
  • Be a Plant P.I. Learn to Detect, Identify and Prevent Plant Diseases
    • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Dr. Nick Goltz, UConn Plant Diagnostic Lab

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January Gardening Tips

• Check for frost heaving on perennials during thaws and press back into place. Cover the crowns with extra mulch as necessary.

• Inspect stored bulbs, tubers and corms for rot or infestation. Discard those showing signs of decay or insect damage.

• Houseplants with large leaves and smooth foliage such as philodendrons, dracaena and rubber plant benefit if their leaves are washed at intervals to remove dust and grime, helping keep the leaf pores open.

• Check all house plants closely for insect infestations. Quarantine gift plants until you determine that they are not harboring any pests. Inspect under leaves for infestations of whitefly and spider mites; check between leaves and stems for white, cottony mealybugs, and look under leaves and on stems for scale insects. Apply insecticidal soap or another low toxicity insecticide, crush or brush off as appropriate. 

• To determine how many seeds to order, map out your garden on graph paper, allowing adequate space between rows and ample room for vining crops such as pumpkins and winter squash. 

• At month's end, start seeds of onions, leeks, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower indoors under lights. 

• Brush snow from evergreens as soon as possible after a storm. Use a broom in an upward, sweeping motion. Serious damage may be caused by heavy snow or ice accumulating on the branches.

• When you are finished with holiday evergreen boughs, use them to mulch tender perennials and shrubs. 

• If you have a real Christmas tree, recycle it after the holidays are through. Cut off branches and use as insulation over perennials. In spring, chip or shred branches to create mulch or add to the compost pile.

• To control bagworm on shrubs and trees, look for the small stick-covered 'bags' and remove by hand. 

• Clean bird feeders and baths regularly to avoid the spread of avian diseases. Disinfect feeders and baths monthly with a solution of 1-part bleach to 9-parts water. Clean droppings off and make sure the bird food isn’t moldy.

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This Month’s Newsletter Contributors: 
Heather Zidack, Julie-Ann Adorno

 

Poinsettias

Did you know that the tradition of decorating Christmas displays with Poinsettias started in Mexcio? They have a rich history in their native range, and the story of how they came to represent Christmas in the rest of North America is just as fascinating! Now with hundreds of varieties, they've come a long way in the plant world.

A few care tips for your Poinsettias at home:

• It is extremely important to keep these warm climate plants away from drafts or temperature extremes while in your home.
• Always bag them (preferably in paper) before transporting them to and from your car to help prevent shock!
• Keep them well watered. If you leave them in their decorative foil, either remove it when watering or  put a couple holes in the bottom to allow for drainage. Use a drip tray under them to keep your table or floor dry.

Poinsettias: The Story of a Holiday Treasure

Poinsettias: Care and Reflowering

 

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The Bayberry Candle

Lighting bayberry candles around the holidays has become a cherished tradition.  It’s said that if you burn a bayberry candle on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, it will bring good fortune into the new year.  This tradition can be traced back to colonial America. 

Bayberry candles are made from a waxy residue released from boiled fruit of the bayberry shrub. These were one of the first waxes made from a material other than tallow (animal fat). They were appreciated for their pleasant scent.

For native gardens, the Northern Bayberry, Myrica pensylvanica, makes a great addition to be appreciated by people and wildlife.  

About the Bayberry

The History of the Bayberry Candle

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Forcing Bulbs Indoors

Forcing spring bulbs to bloom indoors is a fun way to bring some spring cheer into your home during the dark, cold days of winter.  With a few key steps you can successfully grow spring bulbs in your home.  

Timing and temperature will be the key factors to consider when forcing bulbs in your home. Different types of plants may have different needs, so knowing the species will be key in identifying conditions needed to ensure success!

Coax Bulbs into Bloom for Late Winter Color

Bulbs: Forcing to Flower

Native Plant Highlight: Ilex verticillata

The Winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata) is a native shrub with multi-season interest. It is a deciduous holly, meaning it loses its leaves in the winter, but when it does so the berries hold tight creating a vibrant and colorful display in the dead of winter!

Cultivars can be found with red, orange, and yellow berries to add more variation to the garden. Plus the berries are a great food source for native birds and wildlife.

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Word from the WiSE

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December 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 in December will bring us into our winter season! (Click image to see larger map.)

30 Day Outlook for December 2024

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Knowledge to Grow On

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Upcoming Events and Things to Do

• Christmas Bird Count, December 14 & 15, Statewide

• Find holiday gifts at local craft fairs! 

• Glow Hartford opens November 29th this year! Enjoy an indoor light display and vendor fair.

• Steve Cryan's 31st Annual Train Show, November 21-February 16, Essex CT​​​​​​​

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​CT Christmas Movie Trail​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Educational Opportunities & Workshops

• 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. 

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UConn Educational Events

• UConn Extension Vegetable & Small Fruit Growers Conference - January 7, Storrs CT

• Grab your 2025 UConn Master Gardener Calendar! Contact your local Master Gardeners through the UConn County Extension offices for more information! 

 

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December Gardening Tips

• Mark perennials and bulbs before they become covered in snow to help you identify plants in early spring.

• Holiday plants, including amaryllis, mistletoe, and yew are toxic and should be kept away from children and pets. Contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect a problem.

• Decorative foil around the roots of holiday plants can hold water and drown them. Either remove it when you water, or poke drainage holes in the foil and use a saucer.

• Finish the cleanup of the vegetable garden or beds, removing all plant debris

• Asian lady beetles and Brown marmorated stink bugs may enter the home to overwinter. Use weather stripping or caulking to keep them out.

• Check vegetables that you have in storage. Sort out any that show signs of disease and dispose of them.

• Turn compost piles one more time before they freeze for the winter.

• Avoid using salt to melt ice on driveways and sidewalks which may end up on the lawn, when possible use sand or kitty litter. This will help prevent salt damage to plant roots.

• If you have a real Christmas tree, recycle it after the holidays are through. Cut off branches and use as insulation over perennials. In spring, chip or shred branches to create mulch or add to the compost pile.

• Replace the plants in hanging baskets, containers, and window boxes with evergreen boughs, berries and pinecones.

• Be sure to keep bird feeders stocked with seed and suet for the winter months.

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This Month’s Newsletter Contributors: 
Pamm Cooper, Dr. Nick Goltz, Dawn Pettinelli, Marie Woodward, Heather Zidack, Abigayle Ward 

 

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! 

Helping Plants During the September-October Drought

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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.

Learn More about Putting Your Garden to Bed

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Decorate for the Holidays with Materials from Your Garden

Thanksgiving celebrates the autumn harvest, and dinner tables are often decorated with centerpieces of dried flowers, seed heads, grass plumes  and ornamental branches. The winter holidays also have a long standing history of using evergreens, pinecones and berries to decorate homes.

Gardeners who practice this regularly may have established plants to harvest their decorations from. Those just starting out may not have everything they want/need. Here's a few tips to help you gather material to create your own holiday decorations:

• Never remove something from property other than your own without permission

• Take plant material from healthy plants. Clean pruners in between plants to avoid spreading diseases between plants

• Inspect plant material for insects before bringing it into your home

• Make sure you are able to accurately identify any plant material you bring into your home. This will help you prevent accidental exposure to irritants, allergens or toxic plants

• Florists, craft stores, and even some farmers markets are a great source for pre-dried plant material
  
• Looking for evergreens to make your own wreaths or window boxes? Florists, Christmas Tree Farms, and even Garden Centers may carry bulk greens in late November/Early December for decorating.
  
  • If you already get your yearly "cut your own" Christmas tree, consider finding a slightly taller tree anduse the trimmings to create your door swags, wreaths, etc. 

Fall Cleanup Provides an Opportunity for Dazzling Dried Bouquets

DIY Dried Flowers for Thanksgiving

Holiday Decorating with Fresh Greenery

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.

Learn More About Rhus aromatica

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.

Learn More About Dunlins

 

 

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Word from the WiSE

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Novemberr 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 the month of November!

30 Day Outlook for November 2024

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Knowledge to Grow On

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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:
  • Manchester Road Race 
  • Newtown Turkey Trot
  • Pequot Runners Thanksgiving Race

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! 

• Find your Christmas Tree! 

• Glow Hartford opens November 29th this year! Enjoy an indoor light display and vendor fair.

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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. 

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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.

UConn Winter Riding Lessons

 

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November Gardening Tips

• With the weather we've been having, it's still a great time to have your soil tested. Beat the spring rush and have your soil ready to go well before the growing season begins!

• Purchase some paperwhite bulbs and follow the directions for forcing bulbs so that they bloom for the holiday season

• Mulch garlic plantings to prevent frost heaving

• Finish the cleanup of the vegetable garden or beds, removing all plant debris

• Asian lady beetles and Brown marmorated stink bugs may enter the home to overwinter. Use weather stripping or caulking to keep them out.

• Use a mulching blade to finely chop fallen leaves of healthy trees and let them decompose on the lawn. Completely remove and dispose of any leaves that have shown signs of disease.

• Continue to thoroughly water trees, shrubs, planting beds, lawn areas and recently planted evergreens until a hard frost. Plants should go into the winter well-watered. 

• It is not a good idea to leave fuel in the lawn mower or other gas-powered tools over winter. If there is some gasoline left, run the mower until it is used up.

• Be sure to drain hoses and sprayers before cold weather sets in.

• Cut back perennials that were covered in powdery mildew during the summer. Cut stalks to the ground and dispose of them.

• Leave seed heads on ornamental grasses for winter interest.

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This Month’s Newsletter Contributors: 
Pamm Cooper, Dr. Nick Goltz, Dawn Pettinelli, Marie Woodward, Heather Zidack