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

The effects of soil degradation

Soil degradation is an environmental concern that occurs when land becomes less fit for a specific purpose, like crop production. As the soil loses nutrients, namely phosphorous, nitrogen and potassium, crop yields can decline significantly, compounding the problem of food shortages resulting from...

Did you know?

A well-manicured lawn appeals to homeowners when they look out their windows. But such a view also can look nice when homeowners peruse their bank statements after selling a property. According to the "2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features" from the National Association of Realtors®,...

How trees and plants can change the look of a landscape

Spring is home renovation season, and no area of a home is off limits. That includes home exteriors, particularly in regard to landscaping. Lawn and garden centers draw crowds on spring weekends, as homeowners are anxious to get out in the yard after spending more time indoors over the winter....

February garden checklist

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Mystery of the month Four weeks ago, you started seeds collected last fall from a swamp milkweed in your yard, and they have not germinated. You used the ideal potting mix and container and kept the potting mix moist and warm. What...

A warm-weather jump on seed starting

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu With this week’s unusually warm weather and an above-average forecast ahead, it’s no surprise gardeners are eager to kick off spring. One of the easiest and most rewarding ways to jump-start gardening is to start seeds indoors. It’s simple...

Minnesota seed libraries grow more than gardens

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Old-fashioned library card catalogs are being repurposed in libraries across Minnesota. The drawers are the right size for packets full of flower, vegetable, herb and native plant seeds. Minnesota gardens may be frozen right now, but...

Planning and planting a healing garden

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Soft colors and textures, like those of Russian sage, enhance the calm feeling of a healing garden. With this week’s warmer temperatures and rain, many gardeners are eager to jumpstart the growing season. Planning a healing garden is an...

Climate trends tool simplifies state environmental review process

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu In 2022, the State of Minnesota began requesting information about climate trends at proposed project sites as part of the standard environmental review process. This requirement applies to a wide array of projects, from landfills and...

Deep freeze could kill emerald ash borer larvae

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu EAB larva making a gallery in ash tree. Photo: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Forestry, Bugwood.org. Are you and your family stuck inside because of the tremendous cold gripping Minnesota this weekend?...

January garden checklist

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Mystery of the month The snow melts, and you notice something is off with your lawn. What could be causing the turf near your sidewalks or other impermeable surfaces to die? The solution is at the bottom of this article. Pests and...