Indiana Yard and Garden – Purdue Consumer Horticulture A Purdue Extension Service for Home Gardeners

Category: Autumn/Fall

Early pumpkins may need temporary storage

It seems that pumpkins often mature much earlier than we would like, and this year may be one of those times. Although the season got off to a slow start, the second half of summer was extremely warm and may have brought the pumpkins on in a hurry. And unfortunately, the dry weather that we experienced earlier might contribute to an early end for the pumpkin plants, unless you were able to irrigate on a…Read more about Early pumpkins may need temporary storage[Read More]

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Callery pear volunteers should be removed

Q) I had this tree volunteer in my flowerbed. I transplanted in my yard but I don’t know what it is. It does have thorns. Any info would be appreciated. – P.P., Farmersburg, IN A) This looks to be a seedling ornamental callery pear. For many years, the cultivar Bradford dominated the landscape and was not self-fruitful. But as newer, improved cultivars were introduced to landscapes, they were cross-fruitful with Bradford. So now “volunteer” callery…Read more about Callery pear volunteers should be removed[Read More]

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New Annual Strawberry is All-America Selections Winner

For the first time, All-America Selections has selected a strawberry cultivar. Strawberry Delizz is an F1 hybrid grown from seed. Although strawberries are perennial plants, Delizz is grown as an annual and promises harvest throughout the season. It was developed by ABZ Seeds, a Dutch strawberry breeding company. The uniform, compact plants reach about 10-24 inches tall and about 12 inches wide – ideal for containers, hanging baskets or small garden plots. Plants require full…Read more about New Annual Strawberry is All-America Selections Winner[Read More]

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Water Now to Minimize Winter Injury

Dry summers are not that unusual in the Midwest. But this year the dry spell followed an unusually wet spring and early summer in many areas. Of particular concern this year is that the dry spell is lasting well into autumn, putting plants in poor condition to get through the winter when water will be unavailable due to frozen soil. Newly planted trees, shrubs and perennial flowers will be at most risk of winter injury…Read more about Water Now to Minimize Winter Injury[Read More]

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Autumn Time to Plant Spring Flowering Bulbs

If thinking about the end of summer is getting you down, it’s time to plan and plant your spring flowering bulb show. Autumn is the time to plant crocus, daffodils, tulips and many other spring bloomers. Spring flowering bulbs are planted in the fall to allow them to establish roots before top growth begins in spring. Planting too early may cause the bulbs to sprout this fall, only to be killed back by winter weather….Read more about Autumn Time to Plant Spring Flowering Bulbs[Read More]

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Cool-Season Brussels Sprouts Are Hot

Brussels sprouts have long been under-appreciated by many, but now they proudly join other conveniently packaged vegetables in produce aisles and at farmers markets. They’re loaded with good nutrition – a one-half cup serving has just 28 calories, 0 fat grams and 81 percent of your daily vitamin C requirement. Brussels sprouts are also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and K, folate, potassium, iron, manganese and many other nutrients. Brussels sprouts are…Read more about Cool-Season Brussels Sprouts Are Hot[Read More]

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A “Pearfect” Nightmare!

Think about what might be the perfect ornamental tree for your yard. Fast, compact growth, pretty white flowers in spring, glossy green foliage in summer, spectacular scarlet – purple fall color, and relatively resistant to pests and diseases. It is easy to propagate and transplant and adapts to a wide range of site conditions. You want one, don’t you? This describes the ‘Bradford’ cultivar of Callery (ornamental) Pear. It is difficult to find a downtown…Read more about A “Pearfect” Nightmare![Read More]

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Tender Perennials Need Indoor Protection

While fall is the time to plant hardy bulbs, it is also the time to dig up tender perennials to save for next year’s garden. Some flowering perennials are not hardy in our climate but produce an underground bulb, root or other structure that can be lifted from the soil and stored overwinter. The most common garden plants in this category include gladiolus, caladium, tuberous begonias, canna and dahlia. Although these plants are all collectively…Read more about Tender Perennials Need Indoor Protection[Read More]

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Science Project Resources

School science fairs often put students and parents on the hunt for project ideas. Of course, the point of these projects is for students, not parents, to learn how to plan and implement science! But, naturally, parents want to help their kids succeed. There are limitless resources available these days, especially with the help of the Internet. One of the most beneficial things moms and dads can do is to help their children find resources…Read more about Science Project Resources[Read More]

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Science Project Resources

School science fairs often put students and parents on the hunt for project ideas. Of course, the point of these projects is for students, not parents, to learn how to plan and implement science! But, naturally, parents want to help their kids succeed. There are limitless resources available these days, especially with the help of the Internet. One of the most beneficial things moms and dads can do is to help their children find resources…Read more about Science Project Resources[Read More]

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Page last modified: May 25, 2022

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