New Gardener's Guide: Fall Fruit Trees, Mulch, Humidity, Stink Bugs, and Planting Calendars

Fall Fruit Trees

Chokeberry, hawthorn, crabapple, holly—berries persist into winter, yellow/red color.

Mulch Benefits

Retains moisture, reduces weeds.

Humidity for Houseplants

Group plants in one pot, or one plant in large pot with stones/compost. Mist 1–2 times daily.

Stink Bug Alert

Fall: they love fruit, tomatoes, beans, peppers. Control early.

Planting Calendar

Paper, digital, or phone app—schedule what to plant when. Ensures timely purchases.

Boiling Water for Weeds

Pour on weeds (avoid desired plants). Destroys roots. Safe herbicide.

Fall Planting for Larger Plants

Allows strong root development before winter.

Cool-Season Annuals

Dianthus, petunias, snapdragons bloom in cold, rebound after frost.

Soil Moisture Monitoring

Check regularly; keep adequately moist.