Utah State University Extension

Got zucchini? Try one of these recipes from our nutrition experts. Zucchini is one of the easiest vegetables to use because its mild flavor works with almost anything! You can grill it, roast it, fry it, add it raw to salads, or even bake it into sweet breads. It also makes a great substitute for noodles and can be easily mixed into soups, casseroles, and baked goods for an extra serving of vegetables.

Utah entered the 2026 fire season with heightened concerns about wildfire, given the record-low snowpack. This concern has materialized as wildfires have burned across Utah with nearly 800 wildfires and approaching half a million acres burned. As of the beginning of August, Utah has experienced 794 wildfires that have burned 495,225 acres. Of these fires, 412 were human-caused, 322 were caused by lightning, and 60 have a cause yet to be determined.

If a wildfire starts near your home, it will be challenging to prevent burning embers from landing on your landscape and home. Check now for areas around your property that could give the embers “fuel” to ignite. Read more: https://extension.usu.edu/news/ask-an-expert-wildfire-preparedness-what-every-utahn-should-know

Looking for beautiful plants that don't demand constant watering? The mint family is full of waterwise perennials that thrive in Utah landscapes while providing months of color, fragrance, and valuable habitat for pollinators.

These plants offer something for nearly every garden. Many bloom for months, tolerate drought once established, and attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

A few expert tips:
• Avoid pruning lavender to the ground in fall. Wait until after it finishes blooming and trim back by no more than half.
• Hardy rosemary varieties like 'Arp' and 'Madeline Hill' can survive Utah winters when planted in protected locations, such as along south- or west-facing walls.
• Thyme groundcovers prefer well-drained soil and infrequent watering. Too much moisture can do more harm than not enough water.
• Plant peppermint and spearmint in containers, not garden beds. They spread aggressively and can quickly take over your landscape.
• Hummingbird mint and catmint provide some of the longest bloom seasons, offering nectar for pollinators from late spring or early summer into fall.

Throughout June and July, large wildfires burned across the state, threatening communities and forcing evacuations. Don’t wait for smoke or an evacuation alert to start preparing. You can read more at beready.utah.gov!

August is the bridge between summer and fall in the garden!

As the harvest rolls in, now is the perfect time to preserve your hard work and prepare for the next season. Don't forget your lawn and landscape, either. Keep an eye out for common late-season pests and diseases so your garden finishes the season strong. A little effort now will reward you with a healthier, more productive garden next spring.

For the full list, check out: https://extension.usu.edu/news/ask-an-expert-gardening-tips-for-late-summer-splendor

Most of us prepare for winter power outages. But what about summer? Whether it's caused by severe weather, equipment failure, or a planned power shutoff to reduce wildfire risk, losing electricity during extreme heat can quickly become a safety concern. Preparedness doesn't have to be complicated, it just has to happen before the emergency.

Turn yard waste and kitchen scraps into garden gold!

Composting is one of the easiest ways to improve your soil while reducing household waste. Finished compost feeds your soil, helping plants grow stronger roots and hold water better. It can be added to gardens, around trees and shrubs, in potting mixes, or spread on lawns to improve soil over time.