Extension is committed to helping Nebraskans know more about creating resource- and energy-efficient rural and urban landscapes, protecting and managing water resources, properly managing insect and wildlife pests, and more.
Active in all 93 counties and at communityenvironment.unl.edu
A frosty winter day is a great time to stay indoors and enjoy a good book, a warm fire in the fireplace and a hot cup of cocoa. But for gardeners, winter is also time to dream and plan next summer’s gardens. Soon gardeners will be looking through mail-order catalogues, making up their 2023 plant and seed orders. But for Nebraska Extension Master Gardener volunteers, winter is also a time to gather new knowledge, meet new friends and prepare for a fun season of volunteering.
This summer has been hot, hot, hot! Lincoln had 54, 90+ F days from May through August 31st. In unwatered portions of the landscape many are seeing cracked soil - a good indication conditions are dry.
Turn Autumn Leaves in Compost
Soon leaves will begin to turn red, yellow or brown and fall from our trees. Plant waste from flower beds, vegetable gardens and container plants will also accumulate. Why not take advantage of these great organic materials, instead of sweeping them into bags and hauling them off to the landfill? You can easily turn them into nutrient-rich compost.
Many gardeners are seeing severe damage from feeding by Japanese beetle adults in their landscapes. Hardest hit include lindens, fruit trees - especially apple and pear - and roses. Many homeowner didn't realize these insects were present until their linden tree started turning brown or their rose plants develop holes in the leaves. But after looking closely, many found clusters of beetles congregating on their plants.
Late summer and fall can be a dreary time in the landscape, with little else but coreopsis and Black-eyed Susan blooming. So it's a good idea to plan, and plant, now for color in your fall gardens.