Powdery mildew attacks many plants, usually late in the season when the days are warm and the nights are cool. You can find powdery mildew on the leaves of apples, cherries, squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, roses, zinnias and phlox. The best defense is to grow resistant varieties, space plants apart to improve air circulation and reduce shading. Use a drip watering system so you water at the base of the plant and not on the leaves. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer applications to avoid excessive late-season growth.

Harvest garlic and onions when the tops have dried. Pull up the whole plant including the top. Let them dry in a shady spot and then braid together for winter storage. Onions with thick necks or double necks will not store well. Now is the time to plant garlic for next year.

Pears are one fruit best picked green and allowed to ripen off the tree. Store the pears in a cool, dark location to ripen. The base color of yellow pears changes from green to yellow as the fruit matures.

Start moving house plants back indoors before night time temperatures fall below 55° F. Check for insects and diseases before bringing them inside. Clean the windows next to your houseplants to increase the amount of light they receive.

Take advantage of our many Farmers’ Markets for fresh fruits and vegetables that are locally grown. Sniff the air for fruit that is fragrant and ripe and the wonderful smell of roasting peppers. Farmers’ Markets also allow you to sample the produce before you buy. Bring a small cooler with an ice pack to keep your produce fresh until you get home.

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.

Return to Master Gardener Articles

This page updated:  September 19, 2007