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?

Monrovia New Plants 2024

Prides Corner New Plants 2024

Griffin: New Varities For 2024

Proven Winners 2024 Flipbook

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.

Read More Tips for Keeping Your Seedlings Healthy

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.

Care & Maintenance of Hummingbird Feeders

Hummingbird Central: Spring Migration Map 2024

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.

Learn More About Red Trillium

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.

Learn More about the Mourning Cloak Butterfly

The CT Native Tree & Shrub List Has Been Updated for 2024!

UConn Extension and CT DEEP Wildlife Division have released an updated list of CT native plant selections and businesses that grow and/or sell these plants! We shared the 2023 list last month. See below for the updated list for 2024. One of the biggest updates is that the list now also includes native perennials!

2024 Connecticut Native Perennial, Tree & Shrub Availability List

Blueberry Growers: Prevent Mummy Berry This Spring

UConn Extension's Fruit Expert, Evan Lentz, has advice for people that had blueberry mummy berry problems last year: " I’ve seen Forsythia beginning to bloom already. This means that we need to make sure to get down a 2-4” layer of mulch on our blueberries if you haven’t done so already. Forsythia bloom times coincide with the maturity of the overwintering spores that are currently on the ground under your bushes. We are a bit away from having the conditions required for infection (50-62°F) which makes this the perfect time to apply that mulch."

Mummy Berry of Blueberry

April 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 April will continue to lead us into spring! 

30 Day Outlook for April 2024

Knowledge to Grow On

Read our Ladybug blogs written weekly:

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

April Gardening Tips

1. Apply pre-emergent crabgrass weed control when soil temperatures reach 50°F. Use a tool like this soil temperature map to track your timing. Do not use a pre-emergent weed control if you are trying to germinate grass seed.

2. Place peony supports.

3. Freezing temperatures don’t harm pansies, but if they have been grown in a greenhouse they should be gradually exposed to outdoor temperatures before planting. Frosts and freezing temperatures can damage delicate flowers. 

4. A new generation of spongy moth and eastern tent caterpillars will hatch in late April and begin feeding on the leaves of many tree species. Remove and destroy any egg masses you find on your trees.

5. Cut ornamental grasses back to a height of 6 inches before new growth appears.

6. Set up a bat house early in the month to encourage them to roost. Visit the DEEP’s Bats fact sheet for information and bat house plans.

7. When filling large containers for the deck or patio, use less soil by creating a false bottom. Most smaller container plants don't need more than about a foot of soil depth for their roots. Keep the plant in a smaller pot that is supported by an inverted pot or rocks.

8. Start dahlia tubers in pots indoors in a cool, bright spot. Cover tuberous roots with 2 to 3 inches of potting mix. Pinch back tips when they reach 6 inches and transplant outdoors when the ground temperature reaches 60° F.

9. Inspect houseplants for pests and use low-toxicity insecticidal controls as needed. Transplant houseplants that need repotting.

10. Place seedlings in cold frames around April 25 or later to harden off.

More April Gardening Tips

Did You Know...

This year, a company called Light Bio received approval to produce and sell glow in the dark petunias! Scientists were able to genetically engineer a petunia with the genes of a bioluminescent mushroom to create this fascinating plant!

Flowers are white in daylight, and in the dark the fastest growing parts of the plants will give off a soft glow. 

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

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?

The Botany Behind the Shamrock

Prune your Fruit Trees

Late Winter/Early spring is a great time to be pruning your fruit trees! By keeping your fruit trees properly maintained, you can encourage air flow, healthy branch growth, and productive yields each season. There are a lot of factors that go into pruning your trees "the right way," and different gardeners may have different needs to be met. One of the most important things you can do is remove any dead, dying, or weakened branches. To read about all the considerations that play into pruning decisions, check out the link  below.

UMaine: Pruning Fruit Trees

Building Raised Beds Safely

Raised beds can be the pride and joy of many home gardeners. They come with many advantages:

• Using raised beds can combat poor soil conditions
• Less bending or kneeling for gardeners
• Extend the growing season by combining methods like cold frames or plastic covers over the raised beds
• They can be either a temporary or permanent fixture in your garden

When it comes to building raised beds, there are many options out there. Prefabricated beds are on the market as a quick "pop up" option. Meanwhile, others like to construct their beds themselves using various materials like cinder blocks, pallets, or fence panels. Whenever you're building your raised beds, be sure to consider the safety of the material you're using. Avoid pressure treated wood materials and take caution when using concrete products. Look for pallets with the "HT" symbol on them, indicating they have been heat treated instead of chemically treated. 

If you already have beds made with these materials, don't panic! There are options to help you "seal" your beds to keep your plants safe from chemicals that may leach into the soil. For example, latex paint will help minimize the contact of the material with the soil. Some wood stains and even plastic sheeting can also be used. 

To learn more about raised bed material safety, read the fact sheet below.

The Safety of Materials Used to Build Raised Beds

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! 

Learn more about Colletes inaequalis

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.

Learn More About the Eastern Phoebe

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! 

Come on, Get Hoppy!

March 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. 

30 Day Outlook for March 2024

Knowledge to Grow On

Read our Ladybug blogs written weekly:

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.

Did You Know...

Nursery wholesalers and greenhouse growers may sometimes have different product lines for independent garden centers and big box stores. 

As you start your garden shopping this spring, consider shopping at different locations to find new and unique plants for your projects! 

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

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!

Plants for the Chocolate Theme Garden

Chocolate Plants

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!

The 2024 Periodical Cicada Emergence

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.

All About Brant Geese

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. 

30 Day Outlook for February 2024

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

• 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)

February Gardening Tips

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

2. 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!

3. Begin fertilizing houseplants with a water-soluble fertilizer as they resume active growth.

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

5. 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.

6. Prune grape vines at the end of the month.

7. This is the tine to prune currants. On a mild day, remove all deadwood and low shoots that are over 3 years old. Prune to an outward-facing bud. Prune apple and pear trees as the weather allows.

8. 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.

9. If you are overwintering plants into your garage or cellar, check the soil to see if it needs water. If the soil is frozen, it may be in too cold of a spot.

10. 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.

The Master Gardener program is selling garden journals and calendars as a fundraiser and they still have some left! Order yours while there's still availability! 

Order a Journal

Order a Calendar

Photo Op: Fascinating Sights

See something cool in your garden? Send your pictures to us at ladybug@uconn.edu with subject line “Newsletter Photo” and a brief caption to be considered for next month’s highlight!  

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

Planning your Gardens Early

• Check out those seed catalogs!
  • This is a great way to think spring during the coldest time of year! Be sure to look at catalogs from multiple vendors to get a complete picture of the varieties you're growing. A lot of plant growth data can be based on averages. Looking at multiple sources keeps you more informed!
  • The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station provides a quality control test of vegetable seed every year! If you felt you had issues with a particular brand or variety they may have some data for you! 

• Get out your calendar and check your seed packets!
  • Most seed companies recommend counting backwards from your last frost date. Instead, some find it easier to review your days to germination & days to maturity to create this timeline
  • As a general rule of thumb, "days to maturity" for seeds started indoors, will mean the number of days your plant will take to mature after the transplant date. Using this knowledge and giving yourself a buffer for failed germination, you will be able to calculate when your plants will be ready for seeding and transplant into your gardens!

• Review your notes! 
  • If you didn't do this in the fall, take some time to reflect on your previous growing season. Take stock of what plants performed well, and what you might skip next year to maximize space or increase yields

• Get out the tracing paper! 
  • Sketch out your garden on a blank sheet of paper. Mark all the hardscape, pathways, and established plants. This will be your "foundation"
  • Grab a sheet of tracing paper for each season.  On each season's respective page draw ONLY the plants that are in place in that season.
    • For additional affect, color them the color that they bloom.
  • You should only draw over plants that are annuals/replaced on a regular schedule.
    • For veggie gardeners this can help you plan crop rotations!
  • Layer your 4 sheets on top of eachother in seasonal order to see the flow of your colors, shapes, or produce in the garden. This is a great way to make sure you have plants in flower/production for as long as possible!

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.

Watch a Webcast of Sarah's Presentation

Autumn & Winter Seed Sowing in 6 Easy Steps

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. 

DEEP Brush Piles for Wildlife

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!

2024 Perennial of the Year

January 2024 Weather Outlook

30 Day Outlook for January 2023

Knowledge to Grow On

Read our Ladybug blogs written weekly

A Peachy Pick

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 Connecticut 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.

• 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

January Gardening Tips

1. Start seeds of pansies, dusty miller, browallia, begonias, snapdragons, and delphiniums indoors under lights.

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

3. Turn and prune houseplants regularly to keep them shapely. Pinch back new growth to promote bushy plants. 

4. When placing your seed and plant orders keep in mind that many seeds have improved insect and/or disease resistance. Watch also for drought-tolerant types. Our fact sheet Vegetable Garden: Basics and Plant Selection has some useful suggestions. 

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

6. 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.

7. 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.

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

9. Use wood ashes from the fireplace as a good source of potash. Keep in mind the pH of wood ashes is 11 so only use them on areas where the pH needs to be raised.

10.Clean bird feeders and baths regularly to avoid the spread of avian diseases. Disinfect feeders and baths monthly.

We Want to Hear From You!

Thank you for reading the UConn Home & Garden Education Center Newsletter! In 2024, we want to make sure that our newsletter is delivering content that you want to know about!  Please take a moment to complete our brief survey to help us learn what topics really matter to our gardeners! Thank you, in advance, for taking the time to give us your feedback!

Take the Survey!

Photo Op: Fascinating Sights

See something cool in your garden? Send your pictures to us at ladybug@uconn.edu with subject line “Newsletter Photo” and a brief caption to be considered for next month’s highlight!  

Before We Go...

Did you know?

The Connecticut Greenhouse industry is the largest agricultural sector in the state! While many of us are dreaming of spring - greenhouse growers are already well underway with production for next season. Your favorite spring annuals are being planted this month, or some may be in pots already! Meanwhile, plants like succulents and houseplants are grown year round for plant enthusiasts like us!

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

Looking Back at 2023

This year we saw some spectacular sights in our gardens, yards, and environment! We saw historic flooding and wildfire smoke in our air. Some of you also noticed bumper crops of acorns, strange timing of veggie crops, and hungry bunnies going after your plants.

In our newsletter this month, we're highlighting some of the most interesting sights we saw and answered questions about! 

The USDA Updates Their Plant Hardiness Zone Map

In November, the USDA updated the Hardness Zone map for the first time since 2012. Here in Connecticut, this caused a shift in zones across the state.

Explore the Interactive Map

Christmas Tree Recycling?

Many homes across the country will be celebrating Christmas this year with a live tree. Environmentally conscious gardeners may be wondering if there are other uses for it besides putting it on the street for the town to pick up. "Old" Christmas trees and holiday greens can be used as a shelter and food source for wildlife, compostable organic material, or wood chips. Always remember to remove any wire or decorations from trees and greens before recycling them.

Repurposing your Old "Live" Christmas Tree

Holiday Food Safety Tips

Dr Indu Upadhyaya from UConn Extension published an article recently about things to keep in mind as you're preparing your holiday meals this season. While this is something the Home & Garden Education Center doesn't have expertise in, UConn has detailed food safety resources for home cooks as they prepare traditional holiday meals this season.

8 Essential "Alwlays" for Holiday Food Safety

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?

Plant Galls Caused by Insects and Mites

All About Pumpkins: Celebrating Fall’s Most Festive Fruit

Upcoming Events and Things to Do

• 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.

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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 13^th 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 17^th.

• 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

• 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

Master Gardener Calendar Sale

The UConn Master Gardeners have assembled a calendar for Connecticut gardeners! There are tips through every month on how to plan and maintain your garden for fresh blooms and abundant vegetables. This year there is additional information on supporting beneficial insects in the landscape, with tips on using integrated pest management, creating habitat for beneficials, and starting native plants by seed in the winter. All photos were submitted by local gardeners and selected by MG Volunteers during a statewide photo contest. This makes a great holiday gift for the gardener on your list!

Order A Calendar

December Gardening Tips 

1. Rotate windowsill plants a quarter turn each week to give all branches equal exposure to the winter sun.
   
2. 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. 

3. Reduced light during the winter can cause houseplants to become dormant. Be careful not to overwater them during this time although they may need to be watered more often when the heating system is on. 

4. Harvest any leeks and root vegetables such as carrots and parsnips that are still in the garden 

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

6. 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. 

7. Tap the evergreen branches gently to remove snow and ice to prevent the branches from breaking. 

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

9. If you have friends or family that like to garden, think of gardening gifts for the holidays. Books, gloves, hand tools, weather instruments, and fancy pots are some fun ideas to consider. 

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

Photo Op: Fascinating Sights 

See something cool in your garden? Send your pictures to us at ladybug@uconn.edu with subject line “Newsletter Photo” and a brief caption to be considered for next month’s highlight!  

Before We Go...

Did you know?

Your shadow will be its longest length of the year on December 21st? 
This date marks the Winter Solstice. After this day, we will see daylight begin to increase again. Gardening will return before we know it! 

Learn More

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