Gardening ideas & tips for the average gardener.
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               From the Ground Up
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From The Ground Up

Pest forecasts heating up after a relatively cold winter

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu The coldest temperatures experienced between Nov. 2024 through Feb. 2025. Jan. 21 was the coldest night for most of Minnesota. Temperature data produced by NOAA from the U.S. National Phenology Network. Cold winters help prevent many...

What first-time homeowners should know about fertilizing a lawn

Shortly after buying a home, many first-time homeowners recognize how challenging it can be to maintain a property. Many embrace that challenge and refashion their homes to reflect their personalities, interests and tastes. First-time homeowners may direct the bulk of their attention to decorating...

A rundown on scarifying

To those unfamiliar with lawn maintenance, the term "scarify" might sound like something horror movie directors hope to do to audiences who watch their films. But scarifying has nothing to do with frightening filmgoers, and everything to do with promoting a lush, green and healthy lawn. What does...

Tracking spring bud development in fruit crops this year

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Image: Grape bud development takes time from buds initially exiting dormancy until the first leaves and clusters are noticeable. Perennial fruit crops require a period of dormancy to produce fruit each year. After fall...

Extension Master Gardeners 2024 seed trial winners

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Shallots ready for harvest during the 2024 seed trials. Varieties are marked with codes so growers don't know their names during the trial. Photo: Jenna Kahly Seed-buying season is in full swing for Minnesota gardeners, who are now...

March garden checklist

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Perplexed about your peonies? Lawn got you down? Tune into our WCCO Radio “Smart Gardens” show on Saturdays, 8-9 a.m., for answers to your lawn and garden questions. Dial in AM 830 on your radio or ask your smart speaker. Or listen to ...

Farm to school food safety - make sure to know this information before you sell to school markets

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu If you are selling your produce to a school, early care or other institution, you might be asked about your food safety practices. The following information is meant to help clarify what is required and what is allowed under Minnesota...

Spring planting pointers

Many people view spring as a season of rejuvenation. That renewal may be somewhat metaphorical for human beings, but it's literal for lawns and gardens that begin to grow anew as temperatures rise and hours of daylight increase in spring. Each spring presents an opportunity for homeowners to get...

How and when to start your seeds

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Serious gardeners who want to start large quantities of seeds will benefit from certain investments like artificial lights and heating pads. But for gardeners who are growing a small number of plants or just starting out, materials you...

Ask Extension: Will perennials grow well in raised beds?

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Cold hardy perennials perform well in retaining walls. I recently moved to a home with heavy clay soil that does not drain well. I'm thinking my best course of action might be to build some raised beds filled with better-draining soil,...