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November Newsletter

It’s been an unusual fall across Nebraska—with spring blooming plants surprising many by blooming again as the weather shifts! As we enjoy these unexpected splashes of color, it’s also the perfect time to prepare garden soil for spring success by adding compost, working in organic matter, and protecting beds for winter. Now’s the time to prep your home and landscape for winter, ensuring both plants and people are ready for the colder months ahead. Plus, as temperatures drop, Nebraska Extension Wildlife Specialist Dennis Ferraro shares tips on keeping mice and rats out of your home.

Read on for practical advice, seasonal updates, and helpful resources in this month’s newsletter!

November's Late Fall Treasures

It’s easy, this time of year, to get swept up in the “must-do” list—cutting things back, cleaning up, coiling hoses, putting tools away. And of course, who can resist pausing to admire the blaze of red and gold leaves that define fall in Nebraska? 

But look a little closer, and you’ll find that some of the season’s real treasures aren’t trees at all. A handful of perennials—with strong foliage, graceful shapes, and surprising late blooms—quietly carry color and interest long after most of the garden has gone to sleep. Check out a few of my favorites that keep the garden lively right into November.

Meet the Panel Spotlight: Kait Chapman

Short Spotlight: Why are my lilacs blooming, and what to do about it?

Fall Soil Prep: The Secret to a Better Garden

🌱 Did you know fall is the best time to prepare your soil for next year’s garden? The Backyard Farmer Garden has been thriving for nearly 15 years, and the secret is proper soil prep before winter. In this video, we’ll show you exactly what to do this fall, your spring garden will thank you. 

For more soil health tips, visit the BYF Website

Keep Mice and Rats Out of Your Home This Winter

As temperatures drop, mice and rats start looking for warm, cozy places to spend the winter—often finding their way into homes, garages, and barns. Nebraska Extension Wildlife Specialist Dennis Ferraro offers practical advice to keep these unwanted guests outside where they belong. According to Ferraro, prevention starts with sealing entry points. “A mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime,” he says. “Inspect around doors, windows, foundations, and utility lines, and seal any gaps with foam, steel wool, or caulk.”

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