October 2007

Tips for purchasing firewood:

• Because the Emerald Ash Borer can be transported in firewood, be aware of the source of purchased wood.
• Check with suppliers concerning source, type of firewood, delivery and whether they will stack the wood after delivery.
• Ask if the price is based on a cord, face cord or pickup truckload. A cord is a stack of wood about 4 feet high, 4 feet deep and 8 feet long. A face cord is a stack equal in height and length, but less in depth compared to a standard cord. For truckloads, ask if it is a full-size or small truck.
• Quality is important. Different types of wood have different characteristics such as amount of heat, length of burn time, aroma, smoking and sparking. Information on wood heating value and related topics can be found at the U of I Extension website at web.extension.uiuc.edu/forestry/timber_harvest/firewood.html.
• Ask if the price includes delivery and stacking. Be sure to have the wood pre-cut to a few inches shorter than the firebox where it will be burned.

Now is the time to plant spring flowering bulbs. Most bulbs can be planted until the ground freezes. Roots will grow and develop as long as soil temperatures are above 45 F, although at a slower rate than early fall planted bulbs. Daffodils should be planted in early October since they need more time than other bulbs to establish roots. Dig the soil to a depth of 12 inches and apply a 5-10-5 fertilizer. The best method of planting is to dig and loosen the entire bed to the proper depth. Press the bulbs into the soil in the planting area and cover with soil. Large bulbs like tulips and daffodils should be planted 8 inches deep while smaller bulbs should be planted around 3-4 inches deep. Remember, planting depth is measured from the bottom of the bulb. Plant daffodils and tulips in groups of at least 12 or more bulbs of one variety or color. Plant small bulbs like crocus in groups of 50 or more. Water well after planting.

Get ready for frost. Even though we have recently experienced very warm fall weather, frost could be just around the corner. On average our first fall frost occurs around October 15. First frosts usually occur when cool weather arrives from Canada with clear nights with light winds. Open grassy areas are most likely to have frost versus areas under trees that are protected because the trees keep heat from escaping. Plantings close to the foundation of your home often survive a first frost because of the heat given off from house. To protect plants cover them with blankets, newspaper, straw, sheets, tarps, boxes, or plastic sheeting. Apply the covers later in the afternoon and remove them in the morning. Floating row covers can also protect plants. This spun polyester material will raise the temperature 2 to 5 degrees F around the plants.

Continue to water your evergreens until the ground freezes, especially if the fall is dry. Cold winter winds will remove moisture from the foliage of pines, junipers, yews and spruces. Without available moisture, evergreens will develop browned, dead areas in the spring.

Dig up cannas, elephant ears and caladiums after a frost. Cut the stems back to about 4-6 inches and dig the plant up. Wash the soil off the bulbs and let them dry in the sun. Place the bulbs in a container and cover with peat moss or sawdust. Place the container in a cool room like your basement. Check the bulbs every 3 or 4 weeks for any signs of rotting. Throw the rotten bulbs away. If you notice any shriveled bulbs, mist them with a little water. Pot the bulbs up in March and place in the garden after the last spring frost.

Take the family to a local pumpkin farm. Choose a pumpkin with a stem and never carry it by the stem. Pumpkins without a stem will not last long. Select a pumpkin with a flat bottom, so it will stand upright. Avoid pumpkins with holes, cuts or soft spots. These areas will rot. Light colored pumpkins are easier to carve because the skin is not as hard as darker orange colored ones, but they will not keep as well. Wash the pumpkin with warm water and let it dry before carving. For a listing of pumpkin farms, check out the University of Illinois Extension website at www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/pumpkins or call 773-233-0476.