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Latest episodes from WCCO's Smart Gardens

Identifying Grubs in the Grass, Getting Raspberries to Grow, Attracting Butterflies and Bees

Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 37:31


The plant sale is underway at the Arboretum. Growing great Raspberries. Identifying grubs in grass. When to transplant and divide peonies and rhubarb? Picking the right tree to plant in the yard. Preventing dogs from digging holes in the yard. Plants to attract butterflies and bees. Starting over on your lawn. How to get rid of bittersweet? Growing blackberries in Minnesota. The Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

Removing Stumps and Mushrooms, Killing and Preventing Grubs, When to Apply Dandelion Preventer

Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 34:04


Tips for reseeding a bare patch on the lawn. What is goose grass and how is it different from quack grass? How to get rid of quack grass? The best way to remove a tree stump. How to get rid of mushrooms in the yard? Siberian squill removal. What to use to kill and prevent grubs? Protecting trees from deer. The best time to spray dandelions. Trimming lavender plants. Moles and voles removal. At what height should the lawn be mowed? The plant sale is underway at the arboretum. When can lawns start to be seeded? Getting rid of moss. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn and Lawn and Turf expert Jon Trappe at extension.umn.edu.

Getting rid of Buckthorn, Tips for Reseeding Your Lawn, When to Remove Leaves From Plants

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 33:56


Why junipers change colors. The best method to get rid of buckthorn. Fungal disease in seeds. Removing quack grass. When to put young vegetable seedlings outside. Is aerating and dethatching necessary for reseeding a lawn? Fertilizing lilacs. Maintaining young trees. How to best trim peonies. When dormant seeds will start to grow. When is it safe to remove leaves from garden beds? Benefits of a leaf and compost combination. Is it a good time to put weed and feed on the lawn? Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer at extension.umn.edu

Plants Animals Don't Eat, Where to Grow Hostas, Maintaining Lilacs and Peonies

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 34:12


Planting potatoes properly. Is it time to use weed and feed? Plants that rabbit won't eat. Is it too late to dig up day lilies and irises? When can we clean the leaves off of plants? Will hostas grow in direct sunlight? When to divide plants? When to prune old lilac bushes Best method to divide tulips. Getting rid of red beetles that infest your plants. Maintaining a peony bush. When is the best time of the year to treat Creeping Charlie? Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

Applying Crab Grass Preventer, Getting Rid of Moss, Grass Growing Tips

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 34:40


Is it okay to start planting onions? Can crab grass treatment be applied yet? How to get rid of a moss infestation in the yard? Is it time to remove mulch from plants? When is a good time to start raking the lawn? What is thatch and how best to handle it? Tips on getting grass seed to grow. Are there remedies for dog urine spots in the lawn? What is deadheading and why could it help plants? What to do if you think you have a sink hole in your yard? Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn and Lawn and Turf expert Jon Trappe at extension.umn.edu.

When to Remove Mulch, Tree Replacement Tips, How to Grow Squash

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2025 37:06


What it takes to be a master gardener and how you can become one. How to control forget-me-nots. Is it time to remove mulch? Can grass seed be planted now? When to apply weed prevention treatment? Why an Alberta Spruce tree may be dying. What to know when replacing trees. How to grow great squash. Pussywillows are growing at the arboretum and there is a lot more happening on the grounds as spring gets into full swing. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

When to Till Soil, Coppicing Vs. Pollarding, Mole Prevention

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2025 33:30


Gardeners are doing their best dealing with this rollercoaster weather pattern in Minnesota. Is there a general consensus on tilling soil versus other methods? Leaving leaves for mulch. Addressing an amaryllis emergency. How to get an Endless Summer Hydrangea to bloom. What does coppicing and pollarding mean when it comes to tree trimming? Can you prevent a blue spruce tree from growing too large? Getting rid of the grubs that attract moles. Is it too early to fertilize the lawn? Is it time to uncover tulip bulbs? A lightning round of questions answered. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn at extension.umn.edu.

Preventing Fungus Gnats, Mulch Maintenance and Fertilizer Facts, Using Coffee Grounds for Plants

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2025 35:34


It is Maple Fest at The Arboretum and they are doing a lot of tree tapping and syrup tasting. Controlling thistle. Getting rid of fungus gnats. Is it time to remove the mulch off of vegetable gardens? The right temperature to apply fertilizer. Planting sweet potatoes. When and how to move strawberry plants. What are the benefits of using coffee grounds for plants? Planting lilac bushes. Is it too late to dormant seed? Planting disease resistant tomatoes. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn at extension.umn.edu.

Getting Good Grass for Minnesota Lawns, Growing Ginger, Tips for Sprinkler Systems

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2025 34:10


What type of turf has the deepest roots? What is the best grass seed for Minnesota lawns? How to best propagate ginger? Trimming ornamental grasses. Fixing a lumpy lawn. When to use your sprinkler system. Is it time to fertilize? Making a lawn more lush. What temperature should the lawn be before seeding? Learn more from Jon Trappe and horticulturalist Laura Irish Hanson. ext.umn.edu

Seeding and springing into the growing season!

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2025 34:43


Just around the corner is spring so Theresa shares the latest seed trials going on. Also we take your gardening questions today pertaining to everything from arborvitae and other plants absorbing too much heat, trimming dogwood into spring, monitoring the grow light with your indoor plants, buckthorn, using distilled water with plants and much, much more - also answer some gardening questions with carrots, tomatoes and other fresh veggies you may be working towards - all of that and more with master gardener Theresa Rooney. For more information and gardening questions head to ext.umn.edu

Protecting Plants From Rabbits, Getting an Easter Cactus to Bloom, Preferred mulch for Pumpkins

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2025 38:40


Recovering plants after damage caused by rabbits. It's time to tap maple trees. Deer doing damage in the yard. How to get an Easter Cactus to bloom? The time to prune trees is running out. What is a flaming Katy plant? Reusing soil for vegetable plants. What mulch to use for growing pumpkins? Preventing disease in tomato plants. How long do Amaryllis plants last? Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer. ext.umn.edu.

Buckthorn eradication, seeding into March and more!

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2025 39:18


This morning there is a warmer temperature but Laura Irish Hanson, U of MN Extension horticulturalist joins to tell everyone - “hold off”, she explains why! We also dive into microgreens, buckthorn eradication, lilac growth fixes, more seeding questions and much more on Smart Gardens! For more information or questions you can go to ext.umn.edu

Properly Storing Grass Seed, Crownvetch Removal, Attracting Deer With Plants

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2025 34:00


This snow cover will be a big benefit for lawns. How long can grass seed last with proper storage? Putting Amaryllis plants into dormancy. Repotting a spider plant. Removing crownvetch from the yard. Plants that attract deer. Can you grow tomatoes with just compost? Is it safe to fertilize a lawn near a lake? Learn more from Jon Trappe and horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn at extension.umn.edu

Snow is Helping the Outdoor Plants, Dormant Grass Seed Growing Already, Removing and Planting Trees

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2025 34:11


How this snow can help outdoor plants. Gardening classes are available for you. How much can you trim a burning bush? Properly planting baptisia flowers. What is hybrid vigor? Dormant grass seed starting to grow. Identifying black spots on roses. When to cover strawberry bushes. When to remove a tree and plant a new one in its place. When to move an azalea bush. Pumpkin patch advice. Transitioning a lawn into a prairie. How to find a good arborist. Master Gardener Teresa Rooney. extension.umn.edu

Capturing Rain Water, Is it Time to Prune, The Flower Show Opens at the Arboretum

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2025 34:01


Transferring Norfolk pine trees and what fertilizer to use for it. Growing edible perennials. Capturing rain water. Why soft water is not good for house plants. Is water collected from the roof okay to use on edible plants? Is it too soon to prune trees? Replacing soil for tomato plants with disease problems. Growing garlic. Repairing damage done by animals. The flower show opens today at the Arboretum. Caring for potted ferns. Composting soil on a long time garden space. Preventing fungus gnats. Doing a soil test. Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer. ext.umn.edu.

Fertilizing House Plants, Reusing Soil, Orchid Care

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2025 35:33


Fertilizing house plants. What to do if you want to reuse soil. How long do we have left to dormant seed? Treating apple scab. Planting a poinsettia outside. Growing yellow wax beans. Controlling cattails in a pond. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn extension.umn.edu

Impact of Lack of Snow and Freezing Cold on Plants, Winter Tree Trimming, Fixing a Leaning Tree

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2025 36:40


What this stretch of freezing cold weather and lack of snow could do to lawns and gardens. Pruning oak trees. Trimming maple trees before spring. Is there a temperature that kills plant pests? Garden overcome with berries. How to use a soil blocker and how it helps with planting seeds. What to do with a leaning tree. Experimenting with watering methods. Is it too early to start parsley plants? Is now the time to start winter sowing? Learn more from horticulturalist Laura Irish Hanson. ext.umn.edu

New Year's Resolutions for Gardeners, Winter Fertilizer for Houseplants, Digging a New Garden Space

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2025 33:53


Garden resolutions for the new year. Building a raised bed garden. Growing an espalier fruit tree.Consider letting the lawn and garden grow to welcome animals and pollinators. Which fertilizer to use on house plants in the winter? Getting cacti to bloom. Squash vine borer infestation. What to know before digging a new garden space. Planting black walnut trees. Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer. ext.umn.edu.

Protecting Plants From the Cold, Minnesota Apple Varieties, Spider Mite and Gopher Problems

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 33:07


How this cold weather is impacting our lawns and gardens. How to protect your plants from frost. Pruning apple trees. Why does Minnesota produce great apples? The best breeds of apples for eating and cooking. Getting rid of spider mites. Gophers causing issues in the garden. Caring for lavender plants. Planning a trip to the arboretum. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn extension.umn.edu

Warm Winter Impact on Lawns and Gardens, Common House Plant Mistakes, Transporting Plants

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2024 33:58


How this December rain and these mild temperatures could have an impact on the lawn. Propagating passion flowers. Caring for Meyer Lemon Trees. Growing a rubber plant. Keeping a Christmas Cactus alive. Common houseplant mistakes. Pruning magnolia trees. Moving Peony plants. Repotting aloe vera. Donating plants. Can we still dormant seed the lawn? Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney. extension.umn.edu

What to do in the Winter, Getting Plants to Bloom, Everything Amaryllis

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2024 37:51


What can gardeners do in the winter? Garden gift ideas for the holidays. Amaryllis bulbs can make the perfect present and how to maintain them. Why a clematis may not be blooming. How to get a Christmas cactus to bloom and what fertilizer to use. Controlling quack grass. Getting a poinsettia to turn red. Questions about growing Marijuana. Getting rid of woodpeckers. How long does grass seed last? Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer. ext.umn.edu

Poinsettia Care, Tree Trimming Tips, Forcing Bulbs

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2024 34:59


Poinsettia advice. Dormant seeding with some snow on the ground. Should we worry about critters in the winter? Difference between moles and voles. Is it time to trim trees? Controlling the bloom on your Christmas cactus. What it takes to be a master gardener. Caring for asparagus. What to do with bulbs that haven't been planted yet. Getting rid of moss in the lawn. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney. extension.umn.edu

Growing Herbs Indoors, Arborvitae Care, Jade Plant Maintenance

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2024 38:58


How snow can help soil. Tips for growing herbs indoors. Finding fungus gnats in your plants. Christmas cactus care. There is a lot happening at the arboretum even in the winter time and they have great food. Pruning Arborvitae. It is time to trim oaks. Problems with jade plants. Soil for lemon trees. Pruning Apple trees. Winter care for outside plants. What ferns in the office need. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn extension.umn.edu

Good Plants to Give as Gifts, Becoming a Master Gardener, Common Mistakes Made with Houseplants

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2024 38:05


It's a perfect time to dormant seed. Caring for a Christmas cactus.Good plants to give as gifts this holiday season. A good low maintenance plant for the home. Tips for drying flowers. What it takes to be a master gardener. Fungus gnats. Common mistakes homeowners make with house plants. Caring for fruit trees in Minnesota. Is it okay to water plants with soft water? Growing Easter lilies. Preventing critters from coming into the yard. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney. extension.umn.edu

Preserving Flowers, Where to Winter Your Plants, Getting Rid of Bugs on Inside Plants

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2024 40:17


Preserving flowers. Saving tulip bulbs until they are ready to plant. Caring for succulents. When brussels sprouts grow best. Where to keep plants in your house in the winter. Wrapping plants. Is it time to dormant seed? Getting rid of bugs on inside plants. Is it too late to plant perennials? Should plants be cut in the winter? Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn and Laura Irish Hanson. ext.umn.edu

What Needs to be Watered, Protecting Plants This Winter, Plants to Get in the Ground Now

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2024 35:55


What plants need the most water right now. Confused lilacs. Getting rid of bugs in plants that are brought inside.. Controlling wild raspberry bushes. Trimming asparagus. Thinking about fertilizing the lawn. Protecting plants from snow and critters this winter. Is it time to plant tulips? Earwig problems. Using the right mulch. Protecting rose bushes. When to transplant a tree. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney. ext.umn.edu

Letting Leaves Lay on the Yard, Dormant Seeding, When to Fertilize

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2024 37:55


The warm weather is extending the gardening season. When it's okay to let the leaves be on the lawn through the winter. It is time to dormant seed. Pruning perennials. Is it time to fertilize the lawn? Watering sod. Seeding wildflowers. Dividing different house plants. Applying compost in the garden. When to prune hydrangeas and lilacs. Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer. ext.umn.edu

Protecting Plants for Winter, Venus Fly Traps Tips, Prioritizing Plants that need to be watered

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2024 38:27


Protecting your plants as winter arrives. Caring for plants that were brought indoors. Venus fly trap tips. When to lay topsoil or mulch. What to do with hostas as winter comes. Getting ahead of dandelions. What plants should you prioritize watering right now? Is it time to dormant seed? Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn. ext.umn.edu

Rain Came to Minnesota, What to do With Bulbs, Dormant Seeding

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2024 28:46


Minnesota saw some rain this week but is it enough for your garden? How long can we water our plants before winter? Why elms are a good tree to plant in Minnesota. Winterizing roses. Is it too late to treat Creeping Charlie? When to sod the yard. Pruning water sprouts.When to plant bulbs? Lilacs have been having trouble. Dormant seeding. Getting rid of sumac. Pruning Raspberries. Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer. ext.umn.edu

Dealing with Dry Lawns, When to Fertilize, and Using the Right Mulch

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2024 38:59


When to plant Garlic. The Lawns are in need of water. Identifying weeds. Getting rid of moles. Finding a good arborist. Is it too late to fertilize the lawn? Collecting seeds from your plants.The strategy to seeding your lawn. Pruning fruit trees. What makes a lumpy lawn? When to mulch or bag leaves? Planting fall bulbs. Learn more from horticulturist Julie Weisenhorn and Dr. Jon Trappe. ext.umn.edu.

Caring for Plants in Dry Weather, Managing Buckthorn, Getting the Lawn and Plants Ready for Winter

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2024 34:59


Taking care of your plants as a stretch of dry weather continues. Managing thistle in your yard. When it's a good time to trim trees. How much water a tree needs. Identifying buckthorn and how to get rid of it. Preventing crabgrass. Preparing the lawn for winter. Fall is a great time at the Arboretum. Bringing plants inside for the winter. Pruning blue spruce. How to get a soil test. Learn more from U of MN horticulturist Mary Meyer. ext.umn.edu

Fungus Among The Leaves, Fruits Falling from Trees, and Perennials ,

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2024 31:01


The Garden sale is on! What is happening to the fruit and nuts on trees this year? How to deal with leaf scab? Fungus on buckthorn? Shrub maintenance. Winterizing the lawn. Preventing pests from damaging your plants. When to prune trees? Getting rid of gnats. Preventing moss. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney. ext.umn.edu

Lilacs, Tree Health, and Care for your Outdoor Plants

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2024 35:17


Lilacs are still blooming in September. Tree health. Seasonal hosta care. What time should the lawn be mowed? Recognizing herbicide damage. Apple tree issues. Grooming sumac. When will the maple trees get their fall color? Learn more from U of MN extension horticulturalist Mary Meyer. ext.umn.edu

Smart Gardens Creeping Charlie, Buckthorn, Moss, and More

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2024 34:33


How to handle unwanted plants and weeds with horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn and Dr. Jon Trappe. ext.umn.edu

Taking care of your lawn, trees and flowers!

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2024 36:50


In today's episode we talked to U of MN Extension Master gardener Teresa Rooney to discuss how to deter emerald ash borers with your trees and garden, manual pollination of your flowers,  properly curating your lawn and also Teresa shares more on the Master Gardener program. For questions and more information visit ext.umn.edu

Harvesting and prepping for winter and next spring.

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2024 38:33


Lot's to do this time of year Harvest...prep...winterize... Learn more from U of MN extension horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn and Dr. Jon Trappe. ext.umn.edu

The best time of the year for gardeners.

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2024 35:21


Fall is the most rewarding time for gardeners. Fall fruits and veggies and more. Learn more from U of MN extension horticulturalist Mary Meyer. ext.umn.edu

Live from the MN State Fair

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2024 34:49


U of MN extension horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn and Dr. Jon Trappe answer your questions live from the Minnesota State Fair. ext.umn.edu

Lilacs are taking a beating this summer.

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2024 35:52


Lilacs around the region are looking pretty bad. Learn more from U of MN extension horticulturalist Teresa Rooney. ext.umn.edu

Great grass growing weather.

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2024 38:00


This cool weather is great for growing grass...and weeds. What should you do? Learn more from U of MN extension horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn. ext.umn.edu

Japanese beetles, grass seeding, tree growth and more!

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2024 38:26


A variety of gardening and tree care discussion on today's show! From preventing Japanese beetles, seeding new grass, growing healthy trees - U of MN Extension master gardener Teresa Rooney walks us through various questions from listeners with gardening and tree related questions! Visit ext.umn.edu for more information!   

Lawn starting to brown.

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2024 39:20


Lawns typically go dormant this time of the year. Learn more from U of MN extension horticulturalist Teresa Rooney. ext.umn.edu

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