with Teri Knight
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: The climate is changing
Those of us who have gardened for some time and those who spend a lot of time in nature have noticed the changes in our climate. There’s really no mistaking it. Science tells this and so do our plants. I talked with you before about the Nerstrand Big Woods, a state park very close to where I live.
They have seen many old growth trees die out due to the amount of unusual moisture … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Getting a late start to warm season veggies
Farmers and gardeners have been in a frenzy trying to get their crops sowed. While farmers have a much bigger challenge, considering their fields have been flooded, home gardeners have had to deal with rain and the cold temperatures we had, which meant a late start to our peppers and tomatoes. I just received tomato plants I ordered online, last week. It was a joy to be able to plant … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: A tough winter into a nearly non-existent Spring meant plant die-off
There’s no doubt that 2019 gave us brutally cold weather and a nearly non-existent Spring. That’s translated to plenty of plant die-off. In my own yard, I’ve lost 2 burning bushes that had been there for at least a couple of decades.
They sporadically sported leaves but were mostly naked except for the shoots coming up from the ground. Turns out mine weren’t the only burning bushes … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Kids and gardening
Kids and dirt are a natural and now that the school year is nearly over, it’s a great time to think about introducing them to gardening.
Whether you’re an old hand at gardening or a beginner, doesn’t matter, gardening with your kids is a chance to share time and talk! Keep the kids garden small, about 6 x 10 feet or less, and in a sunny location. Start with just a few seeds and plants. … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Shrubs, shade and dogs
I had a listener who was looking for a shrub for shade. Sounded simple except she needed one that was not toxic to dogs. Her backyard is small and fenced so it’s important to make sure that whatever she plants is safe for her two curious dogs. Take the Yew, please, it’s toxic to nearly everything.
While it grows in shade, the seed inside the berries is toxic to pets and people.
Hydrangeas are … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Eastern Tent caterpillars
The Eastern Tent Caterpillar is late but here… gratefully less abundant as well.
ooooo, these guys send shivers down my spine! YUK. The larvae munches on your shrubs and trees. MOST of the time they will not kill your plant. Knock these creepy crawlies off in the morning before they wake up to venture out and feed OR after they get “home” and then crush them!
Although they are found on a variety of hardwood … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Deer resistant plants
While I admire the brown-eyed beauty of the white tail deer, I do NOT admire their munching on my plants!
This delightful deer was on it’s way to my Hosta Cafe. There are deer “resistant” plants. Notice I said “resistant” not “proof”!
Due to their toxicity, fragrance or texture, deer seem to be repelled by these plants:
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Soil and compost selection
So you’re standing in the garden center thinking, hmmm, what compost or soil should I buy. Finished compost is a deep, dark brown, almost black, no clumps or chunks. It will feel slightly damp and should have a sweet, fresh, earthy smell, even if it smells a little barnyardy, don’t worry.
If it smells like rotten eggs, it was not finished composting when put in the bag. WALK AWAY…..
If you see red worms … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Cutting back perennials to control height
The city I live in was set to do some reclamation on my streets. I live on a corner and they planned on doing both of them. So the engineer told me that I’d have to take out my butterfly garden plants if I wanted to keep them while they did the work and they’d put soil back for me to replant but their height was too tall.
I was set to … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Herbs for Pollinators
I talk a lot about pollinators and plants. An item in my Northern Gardener magazine caught my eye, planting HERBS for pollinators! Now I’ve told you before that swallowtail caterpillars LOVE parsley and dill.
This is a great reminder to plant enough to help the pollinators!
I love dill in many dishes including fish. It’s not just for pickles, it’s also fab in sauces! Parsley is another great herb for pollinators and people! Recipes for … [Continue reading]