Choosing your Easter lily


Fri. Apr. 7, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Choosing your Easter lily

This Sunday is Easter. It changes every year as Easter always falls on the first Sunday after a full moon between March 22nd and April 25th, approximately. This Christian Holy Day is marked by cherished traditions that bring joy, comfort, warmth and a continuity between generations.

The beautiful trumpet-shaped white flowers of the Easter Lily, or lilium longiflorum symbolize purity, hope and life – the spiritual essence of Easter – a time of renewal.  … [Continue reading]

Mulch and a tragic misstep IMHO


Thu. Apr. 6, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Mulch and a tragic misstep IMHO

I just read a statement from a website that is thought to be very reputable. It’s used by a LOT of lay people to get, what they believe, is the best information. That’s why I had to do this Garden Bite.

I won’t name the website but it clearly stated that plastic and landscape materials (fabric) are great mulch for foundation areas. NO, please do NOT use either of those. Ever.

The  … [Continue reading]

Assessing wildlife damage on plants


Wed. Apr. 5, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Assessing wildlife damage on plants

The weather was warm enough to start shoveling out the 4 ft. pile next to my back door to melt!

I’m now wearing a brace on my elbow. BOY that stuff was frozen! And then…

I’ve been continuing to tread lightly in my gardens but I DID see life! 

Have you been assessing wildlife damage? I have damage on nearly all my shrubs and even some perennials. 

Rabbits, voles and squirrels can all  … [Continue reading]

Tomato and pepper seed start time 2023


Tue. Apr. 4, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Tomato and pepper seed start time 2023

The last official frost date for Zone 4 is May 15th while zone 3 is looking at about May 25th.  That date is completely subject to the current weather!

I’m in zone 4b and we have yet to reach our first 50 degree day. (It was predicted but didn’t quite get there).  The average first 50 degree day in my area is March 9th. At this point, let’s  … [Continue reading]

Climate zones plus!


Mon. Apr. 3, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Climate zones plus!

I’ve seen the buzz lately in trade magazines and websites discussing the fact that our climate zones are NOT absolute. This isn’t really NEW news but it IS news that backyard weed warriors or weekend gardeners don’t really think about.

First a little info on how climate zones are determined; Data is collected for a 30-year period from nearly 8,000 temperature stations around the country to create the hardiness zone map. The data is reviewed  … [Continue reading]

Understory native plants


Fri. Mar. 31, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Understory native plants

 Looking for plants that do well in those shaded areas under your trees aka understory plants? I’m sharing some fabulous native perennials today from Prairie Moon Nursery.

Instead of surrounding your trees with rocks, which we know is a no-no, plant some companions that will help ward off weeds and add some flare!

Wild geraniums are a favorite of mine. They are hardy to zone 3, grow to about a foot tall and fill  … [Continue reading]

Maple Syruping 2023


Thu. Mar. 30, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Maple Syruping 2023

 I’ve spotted tapped trees!

It’s not too late to get some golden goodness out of your trees. Although it’s not really gold flowing, it looks more like water!

Weather plays a big role in sap flow. Maple sap runs best when daytime temperatures are in the high 30s to mid-40s and overnight temperatures are below freezing.

This cycle of above-freezing days and below-freezing nights needs to continue for several days, although nature occasionally has been  … [Continue reading]

For the Birds


Wed. Mar. 29, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: For the Birds

There are some awesome native plants to attract birds to your landscape.

These plants are vital in that they attract insects the birds need to feed their young. Natives also serve as safe nesting sites and perches.

I’m sharing some from my friends at Prairie Moon Nursery. Of course, since the birds love them for insects it’s only natural that the pollinators dig them too!

An early blooming tree would be the Downy Serviceberry … [Continue reading]

Bailey Nurseries 2023 plant introductions


Tue. Mar. 28, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Bailey Nurseries 2023 plant introductions

 In 2013 I had a local television show called DigIn Minnesota. I had SO much fun doing that show. I hosted and co-produced it. During one of the episodes I had the opportunity to visit Bailey Nurseries in Minnesota. I met with Alec Charais and produced a segment on their Easy Elegance Rose series.

Today I want to talk about their new 2023 introductions which include a wonderful new hydrangea from the  … [Continue reading]

Peat-free options


Mon. Mar. 27, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Peat-free options

 A couple of weeks ago I talked about the depletion of peat bogs and a growing movement to stop using so much of a resource that is not instantly renewable.

Today is about peat replacement options. Coconut coir aka coconut fiber is at the top of the list.

It is the fiber between the husk and outer shell of a coconut and a waste product of the coconut industry.

Coco coir can hold up to 10  … [Continue reading]