Show Date: 18 May 12
Finally, research confirms dirt’s good for you…  even eating it is okay.  Well, so long as you don’t over indulge!

good dirt!

There’s a certain bacteria in soil that reportedly raises serotonin levels in the brain leading to a more relaxed and happy kid (or adult).

The National Wildlife Federation reports that bacteria along with parasites and viruses help build strong immune systems.  Kids that are kept in an ultraclean environment are more likely to suffer from asthma and allergies.

“The Garden is no place to stress for success but to soak up some sun and renew your Spirit” by Teri Knight

SO, get out there and GET DIRTY!!

Show Date: 17 May 12
As you who’ve listened to my show I’m not one for fussy plants.  Roses scared me for years as I thought they were all frightfully fussy.  Then I was introduced to the Rugosa Rose.  A wonderful plant with bloom power and staying power here in Minnesota.

Rugosas are rugged, beautiful and smell amazing.  They’re also not picky about their soil.  Just give them a good 6 hours of sun and a little room to grow.  Always remember the mature size of the plant when deciding it’s location.

Rugosa rose 'Henry Hudson'

‘Henry Hudson’ grows to 4 feet tall and wide.  A gem of a rose is ‘Topaz Jewel’

Rugosa rose 'Topaz Jewel'

This yellow rose grow to about 5 feet and offers up a clove scent.  The above 2 roses would be great for the sunny foundation planting.  These next 2 stunners are larger plants and must be considered carefully.

Rugosa rose 'Basye's Purple'

‘Basye’s Purple’ has purple canes!  It can grow to 8 feet and is disease resistant.

Rugosa rose 'Therese Bugnet'

The above rose starts out rose red and fades to pink.  It’s canes are red and it has a sweet scent.

Show Date: 16 May 12
Yes, there’s a difference.  Because annuals live their entire life cycle in one season, they do well with more fertilizer treatments.  Also, if they’re in containers, the fertilizer runs out much quicker.  Perennials have the advantage of establishing their roots deeper in the soil and the fertilizer lingers longer.

Always follow package directions OR use less!  Never use more.  For great blooms, use a 10-20-10 fertilizer.  The middle number is phosphorus and is responsible for fruits, blooms and roots.

N = Nitrogen – foliage

P = Phosphorus – blooms/fruits and roots

K = Potassium – overall plant health

If it’s fantastic foliage then go for a 20-10-10 fertilizer.  You can rarely go wrong with an all-purpose fertilizer such as 10-10-10.  Perennials could use a little power boost each Spring, so now would be a good time to fertilize them.  You can always top dress your plants as well.  Adding compost right on top of the soil works for water retention and gives them some macro and micro nutrients.

If you’re perennials look pooped they may just need some fertilizer.  They could be overcrowded too.  Typically MOST perennials need to be divided every 3 years.

Show Date: 15 May 12
You thought bulb planting season was over?  No!  In pops the Caladium with some real pizzazz.  I love these plants.  They’re wonderful in the part shade garden but must be planted after the soil has warmed.  Do NOT plant these guys until the end of May, beginning of June.  Add peat moss to the planting hole, they like their soil a little more acidic.

Caladium 'Fanny Munson'

Caladium 'White Christmas'

Caladium 'Frieda Hemple'

Plant the bulbs knobby side up about 2 inches deep and 8 to 12 inches apart depending on their mature size.  For more drama in the part shade garden consider Elephant Ears.  All I can say is “WOW”…

Elephant Ear 'Mojito'

One more darling for the semi-shade garden is the anemone ‘Harmony Blue’, which I inadvertantly called ‘Blue Harmony’ on the podcast.  Oops!  Anyway, it’s hardiness is disputed so consider it NOT hardy to Minnesota.  You can dig up the bulbs in the Fall and overwinter them indoors the same as you would caladiums.  You can do that with Elephant Ears as well.

Anemone 'Harmony Blue'

Show Date: 14 May 12
Want your perennials to pack a punch with a longer bloom period?  Then choose some of these:

Hollyhock 'Mystic Merlin'

This hollyhock grows bushy and to just 4 feet tall.  Planted in sun you’ll get blooms from July to frost!

Gaillardia 'Fanfare'

 The above Blanket Flower, latin name Gaillardia, produces blooms from Spring to Fall, it’s zone 3 hardy and deer resistant!  This guys likes full sun.

Geranium 'Rozanne'

This hardy geranium likes partial sun and blooms from early summer to frost!  Another gem for the part shade garden is…

Bleeding Heart 'King of Hearts'

This bleeding heart continues to produce blooms for much of Spring and Summer.  I’ve heard a few differing opinions on how much mo

Show Date: 11 May 12
I was just talking with a woman about how to kill weeds using no chemicals.  Aside from hand pulling, you can prepare a new bed by laying down old carpet, plastic tarps or heavy cardboard down over the area in the Fall and come Spring, you’ll find a weed free zone.

While many of us prefer not to use chemicals, there’s a place for them in some situations.  I recently interviewed Jeff Gillman an associate Professor in the U of MN Horticulture department.

An alternative to copper (which is organic but highly toxic) is sulfur.  This is a fungicide.  It may take longer and more applications but it’s not toxic!!  That’s a trade-off I’m willing to make.

Pyrethrum is supposed to take out bugs.  It does.  It takes out ALL the insects, that means the good ones too.  Pyrethrum comes from the chrysanthemum plant which “sounds” like it would be great, however the EPA has labeled it a possible carcinogen.   Instead try insecticidal soaps.

Bacillus thuringiensis, aka Bt, is an insecticide that is a naturally occuring bacterium common in soils throughout the world.  It only lasts about a week but is worth the reapplication if necessary.

Hmmm, I don’t have any pretty pictures to put on this gardenbite…  I’ll just leave you with a look at what a delicious harvest will look like from your garden this late summer!

Show Date: 10 May 12
There’s nothing like a pretty sunflower to add a smile to the garden.  Sunflowers are one of the cheeriest flowers I know of.  They turn their “face” to the sun as they begin blooming and then once they’ve flowered they look down and face east to protect their seeds.

There’s a dizzying array of sunflowers now offered.  Anything from cut flowers, pollen-free to enormous heads that offer tasty seeds for birds, bees and humans too.

The above cheery beauty is called ‘Strawberry Blonde’ and grows to 5 feet tall.  It’s a pollen free plant that makes for great cut flowers.  Another pollen free option is ‘Moulin Rouge’.  For a shorter variety there’s ‘Bashful’.

'Moulin Rouge'

For a monster plant that delivers loads of oily seeds (great for roasting) try ‘Mammoth Grey Stripe’.  It grows anywhere from 9 to 12 feet tall with heads that are 15 inches wide.

For cut flowers, for snacking, for wildlife or just for fun; sunflowers have it all!

Take a peek at Burpee’s selection of Sunflowers.  Oh, and there’s more out there!

Show Date: 9 May 12
Paste tomatoes aka Roma tomatoes are great for freezing, canning and making salsa.  Many varieties are also tasty fresh from the vine.  They’re great on sandwiches… no soggy bread!

There are MANY varieties but here are a few favorites from Organic Gardening magazine and I’ll offer one of my own that I’ve grown and had great luck with:

Tomato 'Jersey Giant'

‘Jersey Giant’ is an heirloom that nearly went extinct.  Beefsteak flavor

Tomato 'Roman Candle'

‘Roman Candle’ has a sweet fragrance and is also just wonderful right off the vine.

Tomato 'Carol Chyko'

This big beauty, ‘Carol Chyko’ will grow fruits up to 3 lbs. but still tastes wonderful.

Tomato 'Fresh Salsa'

and finally, ‘Fresh Salsa’.  This tomato is the one I’ve grown and it’s prolific as well as tasty.

I like to slice the tomatoes about 1/3 of an inch thick, drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and ‘spicy globe’ (or any type) basil along with cloves of garlic and roast in a 200 degree oven for about 45 minutes or until browned and shriveled.  Not burnt!  I’ve also sliced jalapenos with the mix and then I freeze them and use for soups, stews and pastas.

Be sure to use parchment paper when roasting.  You’ll be SO glad you did!

You can also just freeze these tomatoes right off the vine.  If the skin bothers you, blanch them quickly and remove the skin then freeze.  They’re just wonderful over the winter!

Show Date: 8 May 12
I’m not one to enjoy fussy plants.  I like the kind that like to hang out with me!  Thus the book “Tough Plants for Northern Gardeners” is one of my favorites.  Not all the perennials listed are safe to zones 3 and 4.  Just so ya know!

This guy’s name sounds like he’d be fussy.  He’s not!  He’s put a lot of research into the book, talking with master gardeners from around the country, finding out what they say works well for them.

Proven perennials include:

• Bleeding Heart – good for shade and there are more varieties than you think
• Black-eyed Susan – pretty in sun and longlasting bloom
• Coreopsis – another long bloomer (watch for zone compatibility)
• Daylilies – some can handle light shade and there are a TON of choices
• Mint – this stuff can’t be killed.  It’s a great plant but can be invasive.  If you hit it with the lawn mower, you’ll like it!  Very fragrant

Annuals such as alyssum and nasturtiums are a couple of favorites for hanging baskets.

Daylily 'Miss Jessie'

Bleeding Heart 'Gold Heart'

Show Date: 7 May 12
This is a beautiful vegetable for the flower or veggie garden!  It’s loaded with Vitamin K, which is good for bone density.   Swiss Chard is really 2 vegetables in one.

Swiss chard 'Bright Lights'

The leaves can be eaten like spinach while the ribs can be steamed or grilled  like asparagus.  There are 3 types of swiss chard.

The white-stemmed variety are most tolerant of cold and heat.  The colored variety are just that, pretty and edible while the third variety is called perpetual.  As you harvest the leaves, more keep coming.

Slugs can be an issue.  Place crushed eggshells around the base or pick them off and toss ‘em in soapy water.

The leaves can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.  Do not take out the crown of the plant until harvest season is over.

Saute chard with olive oil and garlic (salt and pepper to taste) and you have a lovely side dish.