Western Mountains and High Plains
October, 2011
Regional Report
Lookout for Invaders
Cool weather signals the time for boxelder and conifer seed bugs to find their way into your home. Though they may look destructive, they are really harmless. Vacuum them up when discovered on south and west-facing windowsills. Caulk cracks and other openings to keep pests from getting inside.
Plant Garlic
You still have time to plant garlic in the garden. Separate the bulbs into individual cloves and plant about an inch deep. Plant garlic where it receives full sun and in a well drained soil. The fall planted garlic should be ready for harvest next spring or as the foliage naturally ripens.
Plant Deer-Resistant Bulbs
In areas where deer and elk eat your spring-flowering bulbs, plant lots of daffodils. Deer tend to avoid them. Other spring blooming bulbs that deer avoid include Dutch irises, grape hyacinths, scillas, and puschkinia.
Reduce Pests and Diseases
Some insects and disease spores can survive winter in the garden. Clean up garden debris to prevent leaf spot diseases, including rusts, powdery mildew, and early blight on tomatoes. Good sanitation also reduces overwintering squash and plant bugs, asparagus and flea beetles, slugs, snails, and aphids.
Check Woody Plants
Take some time to examine ornamental and fruit trees, shrubs and vines. Prune out dead and damaged plant portions and remove from your landscape. Dead branches and stems will often attract insects and diseases. Don't forget to rake and remove leaves around aspen trees infected by leaf spot diseases.
