July pest control for the vegetable garden


Wed. Jul. 11, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  July pest control for the vegetable garden

As I mentioned on my Garden Bite facebook page, I’ve had some real issues with Japanese beetles in southeastern MN in particular.  

July pest control in the veggie garden has been, fingers crossed, so far so good. However, it’s important to scout for pests daily, if possible.  Look closely at the leaves, stem, and fruit of the plants.  Check out this list from Planet Natural

Look for areas that are discolored,  … [Continue reading]

Good bug – Bad A#$ bug


Tue. Jul. 10, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Good bug – Bad A#$ bug

When you think of crickets, you likely think of hot summers.  Likely not, that they’re detritivores and more.  They eat decaying plant matter, among other things.  For a gardeners purpose, that’s okay.  It also means they excrete it back to your soil.  Sounds gross but it’s not a bad thing!


Okay, I had no idea but apparently you can buy crickets, keep them in an aquarium type container, feed them, water them,

 … [Continue reading]

Japanese Beetles and the lost vine


Mon. Jul. 9, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Japanese Beetles and the lost vine

I’ve shared on my Garden Bite facebook page about how the Japanese beetles have invaded my garden.  Last week I had to rip out my beautiful Virginia Creeper ‘Red Wall’. A hardy, healthy hybrid meant to be a lovely living fence.  

Up until JB struck, it’s 2nd year was on record to be stunning. Unfortunately that nasty bug absolutely LOVES ‘Red Wall’. And it annihilated the foliage.

 

That meant that it  … [Continue reading]

WNS and bats


Fri. Jul. 6, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  WNS and bats

Garden Bite WNS and bats 7-6-18

Bats are being threatened and not just by tennis rackets or pots and pans from a freaked out homeowner who catches them indoors!  

I talked about this subject a couple of years ago as a disease called White Nose Syndrome, or WNS, made it’s way west to southern Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota.

The fungal disease has killed millions of bats as it’s moved into 33 U.S. states and 5  … [Continue reading]

Grilled lettuce


Thu. Jul. 5, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Grilled lettuce

Garden Bite Grilled Lettuce 7-5-18

I would venture to guess that many of you are taking some time off during this holiday week.  Maybe a “Staycation”, perhaps some grilling out involved? In my new Northern Gardener magazine, there’s an article on grilling lettuce!  This subject has come up a few time this season. So, I’ll share what I’ve learned. Apparently it tastes REALLY good! 

Grilled Romaine lettuce in particular.  The author of “Grill Your Veggies”, Elizabeth  … [Continue reading]

Independence Day and ‘Fireworks’ plants


Wed. Jul. 4, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Independence Day and ‘Fireworks’ plants

Garden Bite Fireworks 7-4-18

Today we celebrate Independence Day, the day our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence!  A new Nation!  Most of us will be celebrating with cookouts and fireworks, absorbing time with friends and family.  

In honor of this day, I looked up plants with names that evoke the celebrations. Starting with an annual ornamental grass.  ‘Fireworks’ fountain grass grows to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide.  It’s blades  … [Continue reading]

Fireflies or Lightning bugs?


Mon. Jul. 2, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Fireflies or Lightning bugs?

Depending on what part of the country you come from, they’re either fireflies or lightning bugs. In the upper midwest, we kinda like both names!  The western half prefers firefly while the southeaster mid section prefers lightning bugs. Whatever you call ‘em, I’m thrilled to see so many!

When I was little, a long time ago and in a land south of Minnesota, it seemed like the evening backyard was alive with the magical  … [Continue reading]

Of Poppies and Peonies


Fri. Jun. 29, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min Garden Bite radio show:  Of Poppies and Peonies

GBTK 6-29-18

Cruising my emails, one of the nurseries sent me tantalizing photos, tempting me with their oriental poppies!  I must say, these late Spring/early summer bloomers are gorgeous. Though the blooms don’t last long, they’re worth it.  

You can plant bareroot plants in the Fall. The bloom that caught my eye is a 2018 introduction called ‘Snow Goose’.  It’s a pristine white with a deep maroon center.

Pair with ‘Raspberry Queen’… … [Continue reading]

Dividing Iris


Thu. Jun. 28, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min Garden Bite radio show: Dividing Iris

GBTK 6-28-18

Are your irises rising out of the ground?  And I don’t mean floated out, as we talked rainfall yesterday, I mean they’ve been left alone for years and are now fighting for room!

Generally it’s a good idea to divide your iris every 3 to 4 years. Dividing iris should be done 4 to 6  weeks after blooming, so sometime between July and early August according to the University of Minnesota Extension.

First,  … [Continue reading]

Hummingbirds


Wed. Jun. 27, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Hummingbirds

The little garden jewel, the hummingbird, the bestower of Joy…

Hummingbirds have long been a part of traditional western cultures.  They represent joy and tenacity.   The hummingbird’s wing movement, which uses the up stroke as well as the down stroke for power,  appears to be the sign for infinity.  They also symbolize eternity.   In Caribbean cultures, it is believed that hummingbirds represent those we love who have passed on.  So if you see a hummingbird, perhaps that’s  … [Continue reading]