Expert Advice for Fall

From George...

1. Safflower, nyjer, and pure beef or venison suet are great additions to your winter bird menu.
2. Keep water for the birds fresh and clean.
3. Make brush piles from trimmings as a cover for birds.
4. Store birdhouses with their entrance holes facing down so that mice don't occupy them.
5. Paint, stain, repair or replace birdhouses that are in need.

From Tom...

1. West of the Mississippi River there are several butterflies to watch for in fall, including these swallowtails-desert, black, western tiger and giant.
2. Cabbage whites, checkered whites, the southern dogface, orange-barred sulphurs and large orange sulphurs will all fly into November or until frost.
3. In the southwest where snout butterflies are common, population may be very high by fall.
4. A few fritillaries may last until October in the West. One may be Nokomis fritillary and the variegated fritillary. The field crescent and the pearl crescent will also fly into October.
5. Again in the West, many southern species fly year round. If you are in South Texas, Arizona or any southern border area, you can find multi-brooded butterflies all year round.

From Melinda...

1. Shred fall leaves and leave them on the lawn. As long as you can see some of the grass, the lawn will be fine.
2. Fall is great time to fertilize. Southern gardeners should apply their last application fertilizer at least 6 weeks before the lawn goes dormant.
3. Leave some of your carrots and parsnips in the garden for winter. Mulch the soil after it lightly freezes for added protection.
4. Water plants thoroughly before the ground freezes.
5. Clean and sharpen tools before storing to help lighten the workload next spring.