by Lee
Stewart
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Master Gardener
Larimer County
Millipedes and boxelder bugs move inside homes following wet periods and cool weather in fall. For information about these insects, refer to Fact Sheet #5.552, “Millipedes, Centipedes and Sowbugs,” and PlantTalk Script #1405, discusses boxelder bugs.
The average killing frost along the Front Range is usually mid to late September (varies according to your location) and earlier in the mountain areas. A killing frost occurs when the temperature drops to 28 degrees F. As fall approaches, pay close attention to the weather forecast for frost warnings and be prepared to protect your plants.
Aerate your lawn this fall to decrease thatch and help eliminate soil compaction. Compaction decreases the amount of oxygen that is available to the roots.
Let blooms on plants fade and set seed for next year’s garden. Collect seeds at maturity and place in a cool dry storage area until planting time next spring.
The authors have received training through Colorado State University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.
Gardening and Insect Fact Sheets are available on-line by clicking HERE.
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