Print edition: 
Happy autumn! _ We've been enjoying the weather for a little while now, and it's officially fall. Considering the summer we had, that is good news indeed.
Soil preparation and testing _ If you plan to add or add to a fruit garden next year — or any other garden for that matter — this is a good time to begin preparations. Grass areas should be tilled so grass does not compete with the plants for moisture and nutrients, Ward Upham of K-State says. To be sure what the soil needs, do a soil test. Call the Extension Center at 316-660-0100 for directions on how to take the sample.
"Organic materials such as compost, grass clippings, leaves, hay, straw or dried manure can be tilled into the soil to help improve its condition," Upham says.
"Time and weather conditions generally are more suitable in the fall than in the late winter and spring for preparing soil. If fruit plants can be set by early April, they will have developed a stronger root system to support plant growth than they would if planted later."
Starting new grass _ If you're planting tall fescue grass seed this fall, be aware that drying out kills new lawns more than cold weather does, Upham says. The sooner you plant grass before the Oct. 15 deadline, the better chance the plants will become rooted enough not to be heaved out of the soil by freezing and then thawing weather and getting dried out, he says. In any event, be sure to keep seedlings watered.
Preparing houseplants to come inside _ So far, nighttime temperatures have not fallen consistently into the low 50s to force the movement of tropical plants indoors. But it's good to prepare for that eventuality. Upham recommends dislodging bugs on the plants with a sharp spray from a garden hose. "Insects in the potting soil can be forced out by soaking the pot in a tub of lukewarm water for about 15 minutes," he says.
Plant a Row for the Hungry _ Donations of produce for the needy are accepted at these locations during business hours: Kansas Food Bank, 1919 E. Douglas; Augusta Ace Home Center, 316 W. 7th Ave., Augusta; Brady Nursery, 11200 W. Kellogg; Hillside Nursery, 2200 S. Hillside; Hillside Feed and Seed, 1805 S. Hillside; Johnson's Garden Centers, 802 N. Ridge Road, 21st and Woodlawn, and 2707 W. 13th St.; and Valley Feed & Seed, 1903 S. Meridian.
Plant _ Garlic, little spring-flowering bulbs, grass seed, lettuce, spinach and fall flowers such as mums and pansies.
Season's final installment of Tuesdays on the Terrace — Tuesday is the last chance to catch Tuesdays on the Terrace this season at Botanica. The theme is Pansies and Pilsners, and the Midian Shrine Polkatz will be playing live polka music on the terrace from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Drinks will be for sale, and the gardens will be open until 8 p.m. The happening is included in Botanica admission or membership.
Bootanica _ Botanica's Halloween event, Bootanica, will be Oct. 15 this year, and will expand into the Downing Children's Garden, where the woods will get a haunted makeover. Hours will be 2 to 5 p.m., and the cost will be $7. Costumes are optional.
