In the garden this week, we’re seeing more chlorosis showing up on trees and shrubs. That’s when the leaves turn yellow between the bright green veins. The stress comes from higher heat, lower moisture, and even smoke in the air. Since we’re so late in the season and plants are headed toward dormancy, there’s really nothing to do for it now.
Another thing people have noticed is pine trees dropping needles. Don’t worry! As long as it’s the inner, older needles that are falling, that’s perfectly natural this time of year.
If you’ve got a flower or vegetable you’d love to save seed from, give it a try! Just make sure it’s not a hybrid—stick with open-pollinated or heirloom varieties. For example, heirloom tomatoes are self-pollinating and a great place to start. Personally, I like saving seeds from datura, cleome, four o’clock, castor bean, and Mexican sunflower. The trick is simple: spread the seeds out on a cookie sheet to dry, then store them in plastic bags or pill bottles. Don’t forget to label them!
Around the house, now’s a good time to spray your foundation with an insect barrier (something like permethrin works well), then repeat in about three weeks. Also, check for any little gaps where plumbing or wiring comes up from the crawlspace or foundation. Stuff those openings with coarse steel wool and seal with silicone to keep critters out.
Lawns can run into rust problems this time of year too. With cooler temps and moisture lingering, the fungus gets a chance to spread. You can help by mowing a little shorter, avoiding nighttime watering, and bagging your clippings instead of mulching them. Rust spores also move on the wind, so keeping clippings out of the lawn can make a big difference. So that is whats in the garden this week.
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