plants

Adding plants to water features

Water features can make for relaxing and eye-catching additions to outdoor spaces. According to the online gardening resource Garden Know-How, a water feature is any landscape enhancement that uses water and other material to bring tranquility and beauty to a space. Thanks to their soothing sounds...

Gardening in small spaces

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Gardening in small spaces requires you to maximize the space you have and keep potential problems under control. Here we review the top things to consider when gardening small. Choose your plants wisely Compact pepper plants and...

Ask Extension: Is it OK to use red pepper in bird seed as squirrel deterrent?

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Squirrels are constantly eating the seed I put out for birds in the winter. I have read one way to discourage squirrels is to add chili powder to birdseed. Is this safe for birds? Squirrels are important, but frustrating animals in our...

Grow plants indoors all year long with hydroponics

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu A simple DIY hydroponics system for growing lettuce and other greens Are you looking for: A new winter hobby? Access to fresh greens or herbs throughout the winter? A fun project for kids? A unique holiday gift idea? Hydroponic...

Winter food safety planning - 5 tips to prepare for next season

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Winter is a good time for planning, reflection and thinking about the systems behind your farm's operation. What worked, what didn't, and what can be improved for next season? What did your employees suggest for improvements? That review...

Tip: Check over houseplants for pests.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu By now your houseplants have been indoors for a while. Insect pests like our warm, dry homes. Take time this week to look closely at your houseplants for signs of pests like mealybugs, scale, and spidermites. Look for white cottony stuff,...

Are poinsettias poisonous?

Christmas trees, Santa Claus, menorahs, and glittering lighting displays are just a few of the many prominent symbols of the holiday season. And while mistletoe might garner more attention and inspire more displays of affection, poinsettias are another prominent sign that the holiday season has...

Ask Extension: Do I need to protect my yew this winter?

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Planted in the right conditions, yews can tolerate winter weather and provide winter interest in our landscapes. I planted an upright yew evergreen shrub this summer. Do I need to wrap it in burlap for winter or protect it in some...

Use deicing salts with care

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Evergreens are particularly susceptible to deicing salt damage especially when planted close to streets. Winter weather inevitably brings slippery conditions on streets, driveways, sidewalks and parking lots. Deicing salts are used to...

Fruit gardening: What can I prune right now?

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Wait until January or February to prune grapevines. As we clean up our gardens for winter, many gardeners have been asking when they can start pruning their fruit trees and shrubs. There is something satisfying about having everything...