Moisture conditions for plants


Wed. May. 19, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Moisture conditions for plants

We discussed watering newly planted trees and shrubs yesterday so today, I wanted to take it a step further and talk about the level of moisture for our plants.

We talk a lot about sun/shade conditions and soil types but often don’t pay much attentions to whether they like dry feet or wet feet.  Some really have a penchant for moist soil. Siberian Iris are graceful yet tough perennials that thrive in average to  … [Continue reading]

Watering newly planted trees and shrubs


Tue. May. 18, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Watering newly planted trees and shrubs

We selected the appropriate trees/shrubs for our site and planted them properly. NOW…. we need to pay attention to WATERING.

When first planted, these “investments” are establishing their root systems to  withstand what Mother Nature throws at them.  If you didn’t get a watering schedule from the nursery you bought your plants from, this guide will help you.  Watering newly planted trees and shrubs [U of MN extension]

Root systems of bare  … [Continue reading]

Trees – Plant this not that


Mon. May. 17, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Trees – Plant this not that

My favorite arborist, Faith Appelquist of Treequality, shared her thoughts on the worst trees for planting. Tree selection is a big deal, they’re an investment in dollars and time.

There are lots of considerations, one of those is the mature size of the tree you select. Oftentimes, homeowners don’t see the 4 ft. sapling they planted 4 feet from the foundation growing to 40 feet tall! That’s NOT a good thing. … [Continue reading]

Friendly fences 2021


Fri. May. 14, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Friendly fences 2021

 As more and more folks are interested in their outdoor spaces, privacy is an issue that’s come up. Aside from building a fence, which, at this time with lumber prices through the roof, may not be desirable, a friendly fence may be! One of the first options that comes to mind is the dogwood shrub. There are plenty of options, the red twigged dogwood.

It grows to 10 ft tall and is hardy to  … [Continue reading]

Tis the season for ticks


Thu. May. 13, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Tis the season for ticks

Tis tick season! Deer ticks and wood ticks aka American Dog ticks are the most common, both of which are annoying blood sucking pests, however, the deer tick , also known as the black legged tick, is a whole other issue as they’re a vector for Lyme Disease and other diseases. U of MN tick information. 

Both of these ticks are common in grassy fields and the underbrush. Risk of bites  … [Continue reading]

Fertilizing annuals and perennials


Wed. May. 12, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Fertilizing annuals and perennials

Many of us have made our way to our local Garden Centers!

Generally, I’ve not been one to add a lot of chemicals to my gardens which includes fertilizer.  However, to boost the bloom and get the foliage flashing –  fertilizing is the ticket.  There is a difference in how you fertilize annuals and perennials.

Since annuals live their entire life in one season, they will bloom bigger and better with more fertilizer treatments … [Continue reading]

Summer blooming bulb planting


Tue. May. 11, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Summer blooming bulb planting

While some of you may have already done this…. Gladiolas, dahlias and cannas are bulbs we in cold climates can plant now for summer bloom! Alliums, oriental lilies, begonias and bulbs I can’t pronounce are also on that list.

I made an impulse purchase  a couple of years ago and bought some pretty gladioli called ‘Vista’, a pretty purple and white glad with a red center.

They really add some pop to the perennial  … [Continue reading]

Planting vegetables in containers


Mon. May. 10, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Planting vegetables in containers

So many folks are growing vegetables and herbs in containers and wondering what size container they should use and what TYPE of container. Certain containers create issues for your plants.

Tomatoes are super popular and grow well in containers but they need size! University based information says use AT LEAST a 12 inch diameter container, but honestly, bigger is better. 

The larger pots provide more soil and hold more water which minimizes wilting and  … [Continue reading]

Mother’s Day and flowers


Fri. May. 7, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Mother’s Day and flowers

This day was started by Anna Jarvis, it’s a totally American holiday. Jarvis eventually spent all her inheritance to get rid of the holiday after it became too commercialized for her taste! I’m so glad it continues today!!!!

This was when my mom and I would go shopping to fill her whiskey barrels with annuals.

It’s a BIG day for local garden centers! Strolling the aisles and aisles and putting on SMILES!

You might  … [Continue reading]

Zone envy for American native plants


Thu. May. 6, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Zone envy for American native plants

 Those of us with northern gardens sometimes have zone envy!  As I’ve talked about before, climate change is changing our frost dates, temperatures are rising and I’m thinking we could test the waters for zone 5 native plants.

There are a few that really caught my eye. Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica) (pretty sounding name), is a tropical looking plant that grows to about 18 inches.

It’s the flowers that really  … [Continue reading]