Gardening ideas & tips for the average gardener.
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From The Ground Up

Understanding trellis "anatomy" for cold climate grape establishment

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Constructing a reliable trellis is a key step to successfully establishing a vineyard. Trellises come in various designs and there are multiple tools and supply options to choose from for construction and maintenance. The first step to...

Did you know?

Inflation has garnered countless headlines in recent years, and much of that news has focused on the notably higher cost of food. Though the cost of some items at the grocery store has gone down in 2024, many items remain significantly more expensive than they were as recently as three or four...

Behind the seeds

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu What do Firecracker dwarf sunflower, Emerald Tower basil, Amazing cauliflower and Sugar Ann snap peas have in common? They’re all varieties that won first place in the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener seed trials. Each...

Fruit update - 04/29/24

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu It’s almost May, which means it’s that time of the year again to share some updates related to Minnesota fruit production. The Fruit updates series share updates related to fruit crop growth stages, report on pests and diseases found...

Tomato Transplants & Bacterial Disease

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu The last few years have seen an uptick in the occurrence of three bacterial diseases in Minnesota tomatoes: bacterial spot, bacterial speck, and bacterial canker. Control of all of these diseases begins during transplant production. These...

Keeping up with the Cutworms

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu As soil starts to warm and vegetables get in the ground, complaints about cutworms often follow. Minnesota is home to a few species of cutworms, some of which we can track and predict, and others we can’t. Regardless of the species, we...

Outdoor plants toxic to household pets

Pets bring many positive changes to households. Pets can make homes more lively, and the companionship of animals can reduce feelings of loneliness while offering additional health benefits to pet owners. Individuals who are preparing to adopt or purchase pets need to be mindful that they may need...

How loud will cicadas be in Minnesota?

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Cicada shells are easy to find on the side of trees and on sidewalks in the summer. Photo: Herbert A. 'Joe' Pase III, Texas A&M Forest Service, Bugwood.org You may have seen on your social media that people are predicting a loud...

Giving gardens

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu The Remer Community Garden in Cass County sits behind the Father’s Heart and Hands food shelf, 25 miles southwest of Grand Rapids. Laura Moraczewski, an Extension Master Gardener volunteer, responded to an article in the local newspaper...

How to build a spray table/washing bin frame for safely washing fruits and vegetables

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Are you looking for low-cost and safe ways to wash fruits and vegetables to prepare them for sale this summer? You do not need to spend a lot of money to build a safe washing station. While stainless steel and permanent tanks and sinks...