An oil beetle has emerged on the scene this fall in Lucas County and possibly elsewhere in Ohio. It is a type of blister beetle belonging to the Coleopteran Family Meloidae.

Peak Fall Color is dependent on temperature, moisture, wind, and weather. We may have passed the peak this past weekend, but if you look closely, you can still see a great show from some of the later arrivals like oaks, though maybe not a vibrant as the bright oranges and reds of the Sugar Maples, but they are still very beautiful. Keep your eyes open!!

The Fall winds are blowing, and Winter is just around the corner. The question arises on whether a gardener should stake their trees for winter? There are several things to consider.

Once again, almost like a fall ritual, everyone wants you to predict if it will be a good year for leaf colors and when will leaf colors change.  As always, I offer solid scientific responses to their questions…“Yes, it could be a good year for colors” and “Leaf colors will change when they are good and ready!”  So, let’s review the science as to why leaves change colors and then maybe you can forecast your own spectrum of “fall color” chances.

 

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Seasonal needle drop is a normal part of an evergreen's growth cycle. In the fall, needles change color, abscise, and fall to the ground. This year, needle drop is pronounced in some parts of Ohio.

Want to learn more about how to start a community supported agriculture (CSA) program? How about learning how to expand your existing CSA and make it more sustainable and successful?

Emerald Ash Borer University (EABU) is a collaboration among Michigan State University, Purdue University and Ohio State University, with support from the United States Department of Agiculture's Forest Service (USDA FS). The EABU team will be offering three webinars this fall. Each program is free, but participants must register to receive the program link. Live sessions are recorded and links to the recordings are available on the Emerald Ash Borer University website at: http://www.emeraldashborer.info/

Our fall mornings and evenings are a bit cooler...and some a bit frosty. This BYGL alert shares information and tools for predicting frost and freeze dates in your part of Ohio - and how to protect tender plants when it finally comes.

This fall save the leaf and plant debris in the flower beds for the beneficial insects.