nature

The appeal of stand-up paddling

Recreational activities entice people to embrace the great outdoors, particularly in summer. Stand-up paddling is one such activity that has become more popular in recent years. Recent research from the Physical Activity Council, a collective effort on the part of eight leading trade associations...

The delicious history of cheesecake

Rich, creamy and decadent, cheesecake is enjoyed across the globe. There are many famous cheesecake bakeries in North America, and those who can't resist digging their forks into this beloved dessert may assume that cheesecake traces its origins there. In fact, cheesecake traces its origins to the...

How to bring beneficial bees back

Bees, birds and butterflies play integral roles in pollinating many of the crops humans rely on for sustenance. The National Pollinator Garden Network, through the National Wildlife Federation, recently launched the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge, an effort to increase the amount of nectar and...

Managing soil crusting

We've seen some very heavy rains followed by hot weather over the last couple of weeks. These conditions can cause crusting on the soil surface. In this brief overview, I'll discuss how / why crusts form, and how you can respond in the immediate and longer term. At this point in the season, most...

Reasons for Small Fruit Size in Strawberries

Small fruit size in strawberries is a common occurrence in Minnesota berry farms. Troubleshooting the cause of the problem and addressing it will help ensure higher marketable yields and happy U-Pick customers. There are several potential causes of small or deformed strawberry fruit. These...

Horticulture Oils: Use and Safety

Horticultural oils are widely used to mitigate insect pests in a variety of settings such as ornamental trees, landscape plants, greenhouses, fruit trees, and orchards. But what are they, what are their appropriate uses, and what precautions should you take when using them? What are horticultural...

Emerald ash borer active now through Sept 1

Minnesota Department of Agriculture reports the emerald ash borer (EAB) to be active from May 1 through September 1. EAB is responsible for destroying millions of ash trees across the US including in Minnesota. MDA Certified Seal Some things you can do to prevent the spread of EAB: Do not...

Summer Snowflake: A late spring favorite!

Sad to see your tulip garden fading? Here's a late spring flowering bulb that's often overlooked for perennial gardens. Summer snowflake, Leucojum aestivum, band putting on looms in late May and can put on quite a show. It is a long-lasting perennial in the Amaryllis family, similar to daffodils,...

Tunnels and holes from moles and voles

If you have rodents making tunnels in your yard, it’s important to figure out which critter is the culprit so that you can use the proper management practices. Vole and mole damage look quite different from one another, so they should be easy to identify and then manage appropriately. In the home...

A guide to buying and setting up a bird bath

Warm weather means more opportunities to spend time outdoors while at home. Whether your favorite form of outdoor recreation includes sitting on the patio reading or digging in the garden, there's a good chance that you will be sharing the space with local wildlife. Optimizing opportunities to view...