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]

Dividing perennials


Wed. May. 5, 2021

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

Spring is a great time to divide summer and fall blooming perennials. (Divide spring bloomers in fall) GENERALLY speaking, many perennials can be divided every 3 years or so. Divide perennials when they are peeking up about 3 to 6 inches or so. You can divide when they’re larger but they’ll look floppy for longer.

Hostas and daylilies are two of the easiest and most prolific plants to divide.

I really like to use a garden  … [Continue reading]

Permeable pavers


Tue. May. 4, 2021

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

I’ve talked many times before about reducing our lawns, today I’m going a step further by talking about permeable pavers. 

When most of our neighborhoods were built, the idea was to get the water off our paved surfaces as quickly as possible, neglecting the fact that that water has to go somewhere. It goes into our storm drains and directly into our lakes and streams. That means that it carries with it, our lawn fertilizers and  … [Continue reading]

Jumping worms – a “B” movie?


Mon. May. 3, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Jumping worms – a “B” movie?

Jumping worms have become a big topic lately. This invader is also known as snake worm, crazy worm and Alabama jumper. The link in the first line gives you a lot of information from the University of Minnesota extension including a list of plant sale recommendations.

It’s an Asian earthworm that turns your soil into something like coffee grounds while destroying your plants and lawn. It’s been in the Twin Cities since  … [Continue reading]

Flowers that repel pests


Fri. Apr. 30, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Flowers that repel pests

Speaking of pests, yesterday I talked about Japanese beetles, today I want to talk about flowers that repel bugs!

Cranesbill also known as perennial geranium, are hardy natives that enjoy part shade.

Russian sage is a great option for the sunny perennial border. It attracts beneficial bees while offering nothing to browsing bug pests. It’s tough, fuzzy foliage and aroma are a turnoff!

Lavender will also do the trick but be sure you purchase  … [Continue reading]

Japanese beetles – the struggle is real


Thu. Apr. 29, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Japanese beetles – the struggle is real

 I’m already getting questions about Japanese beetles. The adults show up starting in late spring and continue munching their way through many of our plants through mid summer. UGH.

It’s sad when a great joy in the garden is grabbing your container of soapy water and drowning this little buggers, but there it is!

Is there something we can do NOW? Yes. It does involve pyrethrin. Bonide sells Japanese Beetle  … [Continue reading]