Garden Bite with Teri Knight: Recent Episodes
Teri Knight
Nibbles of knowledge on all things in the garden! I love to share gardening basics with the person who wants to get their hands dirty but might be a little apprehensive about digging in. It’s not about perfection, it’s about enjoying the road to it! It’s Wabi Sabi (Imperfect Beauty). I want you to go out in the garden with a little more confidence and a lot less fear of killing your plants, after all, some die! This is COLD Climate gardening. Teri Knight became a master gardener in 2003 and has hosted Garden Bite since 2007! Find more information on my website: www.gardenbite.com
Today I review a new book by Sarah Raven: A Year Full of Pots - Containers for all Seasons. It's a beautifully photographed wealth of information. You'll find more on my website gardenbite.com.
Those of us gardening in the North have been itching to garden since Mother Nature has given us some outrageous warm temps. But, please don't scratch! Learn all the why nots on today's Garden Bite! And check out GardenBite.com for more!
NASA did a study over 30 years ago giving houseplant lovers lots of excuses to buy more plants! That's good but the air-purifying qualities don't match up. So, what do plants DO? Find out on today's Garden Bite and check out my website for all the links more on why that study was debunked by those well above my pay grade! Let me know what you think.
Winter seems to have come early in my zone 4 area of Minnesota! Should you rake the leaves? What about your perennials? Cut them back or not. There are advantages and disadvantages to these options. Find more on today's episode and be sure to check out my website GardenBite.com for pictures and more!
There's a weird growth on my coneflowers? Oh no! What is it? On today's Garden Bite I share lots of information on what it could be and what it is. Check out my website for photos too.
Teri is interviewed by Jeff Johnson of KYMN radio regarding closing her gardening show on radio and her 31 year career on the air at various radio stations around the country. Teri remains very much into gardening and will continue to share here various adventures! Check out her website too! Garden Bite
In March of 2007 I started this 2 minute radio program after being approached by a local media distribution company. My background in radio and television along with becoming a Master Gardener in 2003 cemented my desire to create this show. I have loved producing a space for home gardeners who yearn to learn without feeling judged. Providing a fun, inclusive atmosphere and sharing my “nibbles of knowledge on all things in the garden”. Take a listen to today's show and see lots of photos and links! While I close THIS chapter, I will continue with my website, facebook and instagram pages and urge you to reach out to me through those channels and my email: tkgardenbite@gmail.com. I also intend on finishing and getting my first book published next year.
On today's Garden Bite I share a little history of Arbor Day and discuss the importance of planting diversity in your landscape as well as sharing a great under utilized tree. Check it out!
Trees and grass were never meant to live together... that's from my Arborist friend, Faith. Trees are in forests, they shade the typical grass. They are both wanting sun and water. Learn more about why they don't relate and how, if you must have grass, what types are best to grow around a tree on today's Garden Bite.
You could say Benjamin Vogt "coined" the term Prairie Up. He's an author I've interviewed a few times for his passion to change the homeowner landscape. I share his message but in a more tempered way. I have been taking small chunks of my lawn away and planting gardens, skipping chemicals and more. Learn about it on today's Garden Bite.
Check out my website, gardenbite.com, for the links and more information!Today I want to focus on a popular initiative that is getting a 2nd look. That is No Mow May. The idea of it was to assist pollinators by allowing early flowering, however, I recently received information from University of Minnesota Extension turfgrass educator, Jon Trappe, wherein he explains that the trend was first promoted by a research paper that has since been retracted!
Tomorrow is Earth Day. Check out today's Garden Bite website for Green Ideas and consider how we have damaged our planet, how we are working to help it and also just how damn beautiful it is! Let's celebrate our Earth!
I don’t have a bog or a pond but I know folks who do! Today I’m sharing some great ideas from my new favorite book, “A Northern Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants and Pollinators”. Bogs and ponds are unique. Follow today's Garden Bite for a lot more information and check out my website.
Everyone I talk to is SO excited for gardening season this year. I love it! I spotted a beautiful verbena I plan to use in at least 1 container! ‘Sparkling Amethyst’ is a stunner. Sharing more fun plants for 2023 on today's Garden Bite.
My local gardener friends are giddy. The 2022/23 winter was long but finally we’re on the other side with warm temperatures and drought conditions over, our local garden center flowers are on full display. Today I'm sharing some new annuals for 2023. Check them out on my website too.
If you planted seeds indoors, you’re seeing sprouts now. I’ve got okra coming big time! Tomatoes, peppers and more. Now is the time to give them some extra attention. Today's Garden Bite is all about it. Check out my website for pics and more info.
Trends can be fun. Trends can also be wolves in sheep's clothing. One of the latest trends plays on our desire to help pollinators. Bee hotels. While there is one good thing, they can help introduce kids to caring for our bees, they can also injure those said bees. I know, it seems like every time we try to do something good, research shows us to be more careful. Listen to my podcast and check out today's Garden Bite website to learn more.
I shared about my favorite new book on Monday, “A Northern Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants and Pollinators”. Today I include some of their information on planting the “Hell Strip” also known as the boulevard. I've also planted many of the natives they talk about and share those photos on my website, Garden Bite.
A look at some darling shrubs for containers on today's Garden Bite. These are zone 4 shrubs and a bonus zone 5 butterfly bush. Perfect for small space landscapes, you can plant them in containers, move them around or plant them in your landscape.
Rain barrels can save about 1300 gallons of water a year for homeowners! Learn more and my journey of a frozen barrel on today's Garden Bite as well as a look at what I want to build for a compost bin!
I am so excited to share this new book with you. I received a copy from the publisher to review and, I have to say, I am more than happy to report “A Northern Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants and Pollinators, creating habitat in the Northeast, Great Lakes and Upper Midwest” by Lorraine Johnson and Sheila Colla, is even better than I anticipated. Check out my website for photos and more information!
Sunday is Easter and there's no plant more associated with the Christian holiday than the Easter lily. On today's Garden Bite I share how to choose your Easter lily and the best way to care for it to prolong it's life. Also you'll find out how to plant it outdoors!
I read a statement from a reputable website that stated information regarding mulch. It's wrong IMHO. Today's Garden Bite is about what NOT to use and the best types of mulch for your landscape. One type in particular for pest resistance and another that's renewable! Check it out. PS, I haven't used the particular website that I won't mention after seeing several missteps. Again, it's my opinion after gathering a lot more information and my own experience.
Winter's been rough and although it WAS mostly over in my area, we just got dumped on again. On today's Garden Bite I share information on critter damage, how to tell what animal is doing the damage and what you can and cannot do.
In spite of the weather (snow) I started my tomato and pepper seeds. Learn more on today's Garden Bite and some tips to keep your costs down. There's really no need for a fancy grow light. Check it out and see what varieties I've planted on my website!
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. Again, it's about microclimates but I go a little deeper on today's Garden Bite.
On today's Garden Bite, I’m sharing some fabulous native perennials for those understory areas of your landscape. 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! Take a listen and a look on my website.
On today's Garden Bite I'm sharing a couple of gorgeous 2023 hydrangea introductions from Bailey Nurseries in my home state, Minnesota. Take a listen and a look on my website. 'Pop Star' is a perfect compact newcomer while 'Berry White' will grow tall and stunning.
On today's Garden Bite I share great 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.
The sap is flowing and you can make your own tree syrup. I use that term as maples aren't the only trees that you can tap for syrup. On today's Garden Bite I share details on the trees, the process and interesting information on where this happens and the precise temps needed.
Last week I talked about the depletion of peat bogs due to it's incredible value in the gardening industry. Today's Garden Bite is about options. Other forms of natural elements that can do about the same thing as peat including moisture retention, drainage and soil amending. Listen in and find more information on my website.
The Spring Equinox took place Monday but many of us are still dealing with snowy, wet, soggy soil. While our "garden muscles" want to go out into the landscape and start assessing and cutting back perennials and grasses; we need to tiptoe. On today's Garden Bite I share the do's and don'ts along with maps to frost depths and more.
Crop rotation isn't just for farmers. Different vegetables use different nutrients in the soil, and many the same, so crop rotation can really help your soil. You can "feed" it by planting in rotations of plant that are givers and takers. Learn much more on today's Garden Bite.
As mentioned yesterday I was at a Horticulture Day and was really looking forward to the main speaker, Meg McAndrews Cowden. She, sadly, had laryngitis and wasn’t able to give her talk on Gardening in a New Climate. However, her notes were in our materials and I share some of them with you on today's Garden Bite. I have talked many times about using natives, Meg expands with more on vegetable growing and extending seasons.
I was at a recent Horticulture Day and loved a presentation by an Extension Educator in Minnesota who told stories of people who had no clue on how they were contributing to the death of their trees. They're expensive, long term investments. Learn the to-do's and NOT to-do's when planting and caring for your trees on today's Garden Bite. There are lots of pictures too.
Hello, Spring? Where are you? Today is YOUR big day and I haven’t heard a peep out of you. Seriously we’re all getting a bit concerned! We have the itch to get out into our landscapes but many of us are still either snow covered or wet and soggy. Learn more about that and the Equinox as well as who called this day "The Return of the Sun Serpent" on today's Garden Bite.
Happy St. Patrick's Day! A perennial question has to do with whether there really is a plant called "Shamrock" and if not, where did that name come from. I tell you on today's Garden Bite. A little history 'Bite and a lot of green on today's post!
It's the bout of the century! No, just kidding. I get asked what the difference is between these two beautiful shrubs, Rhododendrons and Azaleas. There are answers on today's Garden Bite along with some beautiful photos on my website. One thing they both need is a more acidic soil.
Instead of a carpet of snow, how about a 2023 introduction of an AAS winner called 'Carpet Angel'? This is a new Shasta Daisy that would make a fabulous groundcover. I share it on today's Garden Bite along with one of my favorite annuals. A new African Daisy in the Bright Lights series. Take a listen and a look and let me know what you think!
There's a growing movement to end the use of peat moss in gardening. There are a lot of articles on the matter and like any resource, humans tend to overuse it. Is it renewable? Are there alternatives? Take a listen and a look on my website for today's Garden Bite and the "possible" answers to those questions.
This old fashioned plant is not native. At least the "common" bleeding heart, however, there are natives to North America and you likely have seen them. Learn all about Bleeding Hearts, this wonderful plant for shadier areas. Also check out a cultivar introduced just last year, 2022, on today's Garden Bite.
Change is gonna come into the garden. Whether is weather (like the winter of 2022/23) or something we've done or a hungry critter has changed; our landscapes are always changing. Plants growing or not growing. Check out today's Garden Bite for pointers on those times when change happens.
March is here but for those of us in cold climates, and this winter in particular!, our weather just isn’t suitable for outside growing yet! In come microgreens! They are really popular and super easy indoors. Check out today's Garden Bite for all the dirt on growing microgreens.
From now to about mid-April you can start planting seeds indoors. Be sure to adjust for YOUR climate zone. I am focusing on zone 4 mostly but that can translate to areas of 3 and 5 also. Find a list of dates of when to plant what along with detailed instructions and a video too on today's Garden Bite.
Admittedly I was not much of a fan of spirea but, wow, have they come a long way. National Garden Bureau has named their shrub of the year for 2023, it’s Spirea! With nearly 100 unique species, NGB reports that this hardy group of plants boasts a wide range of colorful foliage ranging from blue to yellow, red, to orange, and everything in between. Check out some beauties and get more info on today's Garden Bite. Email me at tkgardenbite@gmail.com.
Prairie Moon is a native seed company that I utilize a lot! There recent catalog shares many host plants for butterflies and moths. I share some of them with you today. It's amazing the colors of these insects that we often pay no attention to or simply don't see. I would LOVE to hear from you! Contact me at tkgardenbite@gmail.com and take a look on today's Garden Bite!
While I don't enjoy the "news" much, I do enjoy reading the Sunday newspaper (crossword a fav) spread across the kitchen table and a cup of coffee within reach. Recycling your newspaper is, of course a good idea, but there are other ways to repurpose it. Learn more on today's Garden Bite.
Bareroot plants are a great way to get more bang for your buck. Learn more about bareroot planting on today's Garden Bite. They do have some special requirements but they also tolerate being planted as soon as the soil is thawed. No waiting for warmer temperatures! Now is the time to start ordering them.
Winter will end... you can get a jump on those summer blooming bulbs. On today's Garden Bite I share the how-to's and also include a video from another expert! Listen up and take a look at my website for more including the 2023 Caladium of the Year! It's a stunner.
After huge snowfalls, ice, cold and more, Garden Bite is anxious to talk about some new shrubs for 2023. Let's put a bow on February with some fun new shrubs. Listen up and take a peek on my website too!
Did you love "catching" fireflies as a kid? Maybe you call them Lightning bugs. On today's Garden Bite I talk about the loss of fireflies, what's happening and the plants that attract them. Did you know there are over 150 species of fireflies in the U.S? Learn more on my website too.
Genetically modified organisms, hybridizing, genetically engineered. Ag science is huge and growing, no pun intended. On today's Garden Bite I offer more information on the topic. But it's a large topic. Keep in mind that genetic modification takes place all the time in nature, including humans!
It's all about small space gardening on today's Garden Bite. What vegetables to grow in containers and what sizes are best for the plants needs. A chart is included on my website. And don't forget a lovely shrub for your container too!
Tis the season of seeds! A perennial topic this time of year as we really start the gears rolling on early seed starting. I have some definitions to terms that can come in handy on today's Garden Bite. What's a cultivar? What is the meaning of GMO and GE?
Proven Winners is a major plant breeder. They have put out a list of the most popular annuals for 2023 based on what their customers, greenhouses and nurseries, are looking to purchase. Take a listen and take a peek on today's Garden Bite!
As you know, Garden Bite was in Mexico a couple of weeks ago. I managed to take a few pictures! HA. Trying to identify plant life is quite the adventure in itself. Take a look and tell me if YOU know what some of those plants are. Find Garden Bite on the web, on Facebook, Instagram and also Twitter. Although Twitter isn't my favorite platform! You can email me at tkgardenbite@gmail.com and please share my podcasts!
We have many invasive plants and insects that affect our ecosystems. It’s hard to imagine NOT having them based on the fact that humans are a traveling invasive species! But they're not all from other countries and some are deliberately brought here. Learn much more on today's Garden Bite.
Is planting trees enough to reverse climate change? Short answer: no. We put a LOT of emphasis on planting more trees, there are incentives and such. While that's great, it's not enough. My friend and arborist shares some great information which I share with you on today's Garden Bite. Planting forests and not destroying what we have makes even more sense.
Years ago, I lived on 5 acres in Lakeville, MN. While wandering through the woods, I discovered smurf blue stains in the snow! It was quite the research project to find what in the heck it was! Learn all about it on today's Garden Bite. This 2022/23 winter has brought the mystery of the blue stains in the snow back to the forefront!
Be with someone you love, do something you love, eat something you love, grow something you love! And find Valentines Day traditions around the world on today's Garden Bite. Germany, France, Japan and more! Who do YOU think is the most romantic?
Tomorrow's Valentines Day! What do the colors of flowers symbolize? You might want to know before you give them flowers as your receiver might know and you don't want to give the wrong message! That's on today's Garden Bite.
Now through early spring is the best time to prune MOST trees and shrubs. On today's Garden Bite I share why now, how to and what NOT to prune now! PS, see you all here next week when I return from vacation!
So you think you can't grow vegetables in less than 6 to 8 hours of sun? Oh, not so. On today's Garden Bite I have several options for varying degrees of sun/shade conditions. Take a peek on my website too!
Milkweed is THE plant for the Monarch butterfly and more but did you know there's more than one milkweed? Take a peek at today's Garden Bite to see the other milkweeds that fit into other types of landscapes. This is a repeat from 2022, here's a link to this episode. I'll be back to new Garden Bites next week!
Garden Bite is on vacation thru this week. My posts are from 2022 this week... Enjoy. As we continue to deal with climate change, record temps high and low, increased drought and floods, there’s a change of climate in the gardening world in several ways including how we view trees and the planting of them. Along with other ways for we humans to help our planet. I'll be offering more on this topic next week. Click here for the link to this episode on my website.
This is a repeat from 2022 as Garden Bite is on vacation!! Plant some seeds in a container that forms a greenhouse effect and set them outside. Cheap, easy and allows for the seeds to be ready to plant in your garden when the soil warms up! Plus check out the video on today's Garden Bite.
Last year I planted quite a few sunflowers in support of Ukraine. The bonus was how many bees and birds enjoyed them! Perusing my Burpee catalog I came across a new sunflower 'Creme Brulee' and a beautiful new coneflower 'Pretty Parasols'. I share them on today's Garden Bite along with photos from last year's fun with sunflowers!
It's been a tough winter with LOTS of snow, major ice dams and plenty of crashes on the roads. Salt, at this time, is a necessity for humans but it does mess with many of our plants. On today's Garden Bite I talk about the damage and some native salt tolerant plants to consider for areas you know the salt trucks will be hitting inadvertently and your sidewalk areas!
Emerald Ash Borer continues to decimate our Ash Trees. The USDA reported on Jan. 5th, 2023, that the insect is now in 36 states and has killed tens of millions of trees. Is there hope? Find out on today's Garden Bite and also take a look at some great alternatives. Diversity is key!
Pericallis are plants you’ll instantly know but their name doesn’t really roll off the tongue! They remind me of daisies but come in many colors and are annuals for most of us! They are perfect for spring containers, take a peek at Gardenbite.com and learn more about them... or just take a break and ogle some pretty plants.
Rethinking the lawn is definitely trending for 2023. On today's Garden Bite I continue talking about Benjamin Vogt's new book and share ideas and thoughts on introducing yourself and your neighbors to a new kind of lawn that invites pollinators, helps with cleaner water and air and is much quieter without that lawn mower!
The plant catalogs have been arriving or you’ve been googling and finding all kinds of fun plants. Every year, and 2023 is no different, I get questions from listeners about plant catalog terms. For instance, what does slow-to-bolt mean? I answer those queries on today's Garden Bite.
Companion planting has been around for generations. On today's Garden Bite I share information from a couple of sources. While not always supported by University based information, one of those resources was one of my Master Gardener instructors! Take a look on my website and learn how some herbs and vegetables compliment each other in the garden and others do not.
Late 2022 and into 2023, winter has been harsh for critters and that means they've been nibbling on shrubs even more! My dwarf burning bush is even shorter. Today's Garden Bite is about the damage and ways to prevent it.
Air Plants have been trending for a while and remain very popular in 2023. They require very little but what they do require is important to know! Check out today's Garden Bite for the plants, their care and some of the ways they're displayed.
Today I’m sharing an annual, a shrub, if you prefer, and an edible. I discovered these 2023 offerings I found through the National Garden Bureau where I’m a member. Check out my website for a look at all these wonderful new plants.
We're into the 3rd week of January and perhaps you've already blown through your resolutions... or you're more disciplined? Today's Garden Bite is about plant resolutions! Ways to help us garden better. Garden Bite.
Cacti and succulents are very popular plants. On today's Garden Bite I discuss the differences between the two. While some think they like the same conditions, really their care is slightly different. There's a saying that "all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti". Learn more on today's 'Bite!
In the world of succulents, Strings of Plants have gained significant popularity both among plant aficionados and home decorators. And with good reason. On today's Garden Bite I share lots of these beauties and their care. Take a look on my website too.
I'm going to do it! I'm going to try okra. On today's Garden Bite I share a couple of other seeds I received from All America Selections. A red okra that is beautiful and, apparently, quite tasty. This plant looks nothing like I thought it would. Maybe because I'm from the North and had okra once decades ago in New Orleans! Take a peek at a compact nasturtium called 'Baby Rose' that I'll be planting too.
Depending on who you talk to and the conditions of frozen soil and spring thaw, you'll find different answers on how the crazy winter weather will affect drought conditions across the US. On today's Garden Bite I talk about those conditions necessary to help us get out of drought.
Lighting for our houseplants is always an interesting topic in the dead of winter! With short days and homes that don't always have a lot of light anyway it can be challenging. I talk about the full spectrum of lights on today's Garden Bite and share more information on what that really is on my website.
In 5 easy ways! Seriously I get numerous questions this time of year from people wondering why their plant isn't thriving. On today's Garden Bite I share some possible explanations and how to combat them. Tomorrow I'll talk about various lighting methods. My website.
My niece has asked me to help her landscape her yard. These are her rules: nothing that takes any time and no hosta! How is she even related to me? HA. I'm about to break some news to her. First there will always be some time to give to your landscape, even the "easy" ones and there are 2 new types of hosta with frilly leaves that should knock her socks off. Take a look on today's Garden Bite.
Who is PPA and what perennial have they picked for 2023. On today's Garden Bite I share it all! This perennial is hardy to zone 4 and a real winner, another AAS winner!
I was recently sent seeds from AAS, All America Selections, to try. I will be setting up an area in a spare bedroom to get these started! I was so excited to see some of the tomato varieties that I wanted to share them with you! Today's Garden Bite highlights 5 disease resistant tomato winners from cherry to heirloom looking!
Today is the Epiphany. On today's Garden Bite I share traditions around the world and also what to do with your fresh cut tree. How to dispose of it and/or recycle it for wildlife and what some now say we shouldn't do.
Time and Teri-tested ways to ruin your garden! HA, there are plenty of ways to make gardening more difficult. On today's Garden Bite I share a few ways that can make your gardening experience a bit less pleasant! Take a listen and be sure to check out my website.
I've talked about this topic before but it does bear repeating, especially in winter. Our leaves get really dusty over time. That layer of "gunk", be it dust or even airborne grease from cooking, creates a layer that inhibits plants from doing what we want them to do. Especially in Winter. Clear the air! Take a look at my website for pics and a video too.
Does it matter if a plant pot is round or square? What about rectangular? On today's Garden Bite I share info on the real differences in terms of soil and the number of plants that can go into certain planters. Plus a peek at some of my planters.
Whoa, Christmas week 2022 Blizzard was one to remember across much of the Country. What happens to our plants, should we prune, how to prune and the good thing about snowcover is all on today's Garden Bite. I also received a variety of seed from AAS, see two of the new plants and what the "pelleted" seed means.
It's all about the Bubbly today! Champagne history and it's twists on today's Garden Bite. Here's to 2023! May it be YOUR BEST YEAR YET! And be sure to continue to follow Garden Bite for nibbles of knowledge on all things in the garden!
What is bottom watering? On today's Garden Bite I share which plants do best being watered from the bottom and, of course, how to do it! Take a listen and be sure to go to my website too!
Oh what a topic to end a year and begin a new one! Today's Garden Bite is about the top mistakes gardeners (new and old) make and how we can "correct" at least some of them!
Proven Winners is a brand of plant propagators around the world. Today's Garden Bite introducing you to a few 2023 perennials you'll see in garden centers around the U.S.
It's cold in much of the country, the birds are looking for sustenance. Today's Garden Bite is a few more tips on taking care of them.
It's that time of year! I share my Gardeners version of the classic, Twas the Night Before Christmas on Garden Bite. I wrote it back in 2007 and it tradition for me to share it. Take a listen!
Today's Garden Bite highlights Christmas color caladiums! And a bonus of another gorgeous variety. These tubers are outstanding and can be grown outdoors on indoors!
Yay, it's the shortest day of the year!! That means LONGER days are headed our way. Learn more about the Winter Solstice 2022 and celebrations around the world on today's Garden Bite.
This native plant, American lotus, has a lot to offer. Beauty, seedpods and excellent for ponds. It was also used in cooking. Take a look on today's Garden Bite and learn about this plant whose seedpods are used in all kinds of decorations! Garden Bite.
Oh we love the Christmas lights but an arborist friend of mine sent examples of what people do to our living trees with those lights and it's painful to look at! Seriously, the abuse they take is ridiculous. Listen to my podcast and take a look at my website, gardenbite.com, for pictures and a link to Treequality, the company my friend Faith Appelquist owns.
You see snow laden tree branches, pines dipping down heavy with ice and wonder... should you knock it off? On today's Garden Bite, I talk about what you should and shouldn't do, when to know the appropriate method and taking care not to hurt yourself too!
Do we want to be able to travel "safely" on our roadways in winter? Of course! But we know that road salt, while effective to 14 degrees, works, it also has significant impact on our plants and waterways that include affecting our drinking water. Studies continue on alternatives including cheese brine and more. Get more information on today's Garden Bite and my website has several links to other information as I noticed the "numbers" on salt usage don't add up!
Bats may not be anyone's favorite inside their home, however, they ARE very beneficial. As of January 2023, the Northern long-eared bat will be classified as "Endangered". Learn more about this bat, what's happening and why we don't want to lose them on today's Garden Bite.
Vista Magenta is "brave and fearless"! That's a fraction of the description for Pantone's 2023 Color of the Year. Learn more about why they chose this color in the red family, the insect involved in shades of red and how that relates to PLANTS! I have examples of some plants that would be perfect for the color scheme on today's Garden Bite.
Today is National Poinsettia Day. I talk about the naming of this plant from Mexico and the lovely legend of the Flowers of the Holy Night as well as how to choose the best one for longest life, how to care for them and more on the industry they've become. All on today's Garden Bite. Check out my website for photos and links to interesting facts and more!
Small space gardening continues to trend up as we head toward 2023. In fact, container gardening is the number 1 way 35 to 45 year olds prefer to garden. With that in mind, I did some research on incorporating container gardening into your landscape. I share some really fun small shrubs on today's Garden Bite.
While it's lovely to walk out in a winter wonderland, we're also getting our nature fix indoors with houseplants. On today's Garden Bite I share a "striking" option as well as some other easy care plants. See mine on my website and tell me what your favorite is!
In the whiteness of winter it's nice to look out and see some color! Evergreens always come to mind but they're not all green. On today's Garden Bite I explore 3 different evergreens that add a brightness to your landscape. Check them out on gardenbite.com and let me know which ones you like. You can always find Garden Bite on Facebook and also email me at tkgardenbite@gmail.com.
On today's Garden Bite I highlight 3 new edible AAS winners. The best of the best includes personal sizes edibles and a new roma! Check them out on my website too.
Today's Garden Bite highlights some of the 2023 winners in the Annuals category. These are the best of the best adding amazing color to your spring/summer landscapes!
As you might take out the trash, Benjamin Vogt would like you to take out your lawn and "Prairie Up". On today's Garden Bite I talk about his new book and share some beautiful options for removing your lawn and replacing it with prairie. We also know that that doesn't work all over the country, so look to your areas native plants. For most of us it's also not so easy for us to rip out our lawns all at once! Use the winter to ponder plants to replace it with!
The National Garden Bureau selects a bulb to celebrate each year. For 2023, it's the Amaryllis. It's another ever present flower during the holidays. Learn more about Amaryllis and which are the two most popular! And can you keep an amaryllis you bought in wax? That's on today's Garden Bite.
At this time of year the Norfolk Pine are in stores from grocery to garden centers. Are they pine? Where do they come from? How should I care for it? That's all on today's Garden Bite. Oh, and what happened to mine!
Before you buy that fresh cut tree, know where you're going to put it! And how to care for it. That is on today's Garden Bite. What you need to do and what you don't.
Ahh, can you smell that evergreen scent? Today's Garden Bite is about selecting a fresh cut Christmas tree. There are some things to consider as you choose the best one for your needs. Some needles can handle heavier ornaments, some have a heavier scent, some needles are soft, some are longer... Listen in and check out my website for more information.
Yesterday we packed our bellies, today we pack shopping bags! On today's Garden Bite I share some of my favorite tools! I have 3 new ones this year that I'm super excited about. Take a listen and check out my website for pictures and more information.
Yesterday's episode on new vegetables whetted my appetite for today's feasting! I share some ideas on the herbs eaten today that you can plant in your garden, rummaging your yard for indoor decor and on my website a wonderful quote from a German philosopher on thankfulness. Wishing you and yours a happy one!
I get lots of emails from seed companies. I couldn't resist taking a look at some new offerings from Johnny's Selected Seeds. I share them with you on today's Garden Bite. A tomato with a different texture and some colorful options for cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce and asparagus too.
Today's Garden Bite is about dormant oils including what they are and why you would use them on certain trees (fruit trees mainly) and why you wouldn't. I've also included explanations of other types of horticultural oils. Check it out!
Most often called Spruce tips, what are they? Where are they harvested? Is it a renewable source? How come they don't look so great this year? That's all on today's Garden Bite.
When planting our edible gardens, most of us think of them as annuals. Here's a look at 3 perennial edibles and 1 herb hardy to zone 4 climates. One really takes commitment (it's also one I'm not fond of but many others are), two do better with a little winter cover. Check them out on today's Garden Bite.
We're gathering again! Party time means we also want to bring a little something for the person hosting the party. Infused sugars are easy and fun too. On today's Garden Bite I share information on how to make them, suggestions for recipes and a couple of videos on my website too!
I hate to disappoint you but your Christmas cactus is not an overachiever. Every year, without fail, these flowering cactus are misidentified, even by nurseries! Maybe because a "Christmas" cactus sells better??? I don't know. But I do know the difference between a Thanksgiving cactus, a Christmas cactus and even an Easter cactus! I share them all on today's Garden Bite.
University Ag departments across the country trial plants in their zones and today I share annual flowers from the University of MN as cold climate gardeners LOVE our annuals! Check them out the ones I mention on today's Garden Bite along with a couple only on my website!
All America Selections is the standard for new plant introductions. They also have a Design Challenge for their test sites. I share a few winners for 2022 and a lovely perennial winner for 2023 on today's Garden Bite. Check out the links to this year challenge of "Games in the Garden".
Today is Veterans Day and I want to honor all those who have served our Country and for those who have come back from war with injuries we see and those we don’t. Today's Garden Bite is about the healing properties of nature on many levels. Learn more and find a great book on today's 'Bite.
Nothing says the holidays quite the same as Amaryllis. I love this apt description of these beautiful bulbs I found an a website "Art and Soul of winter". On today's Garden Bite I have instructions on planting the bulbs and also new introductions for 2022 with a bonus on my website! Check them out.
The swarming of boxelder bugs on our homes and garages means they’re still looking for a cozy place to spend the winter. And YOUR place will do! What to do or not do about these indoor irritations on today's Garden Bite.
The temperatures are dropping, we're zipping up our outdoor garden chores and moving back in. I share some of my favorite houseplants on today's Garden Bite. Oh there's more, I just don't have the time in 2 minutes!
Oh what to do with an overgrown Honeysuckle vine that's blocking my view but hummingbirds love it? Find out what I did and the process on today's Garden Bite. What my thoughts are on our landscapes, is it okay to pull something you just don't like anymore?
On today's Garden Bite I share shrubs to brighten your winter landscape. In the browns and whites of winter adding a touch of red, yellow or even nearly black berries can lift your spirit! It's too late to plant now but you can plan for next year!
The blend of winter sun, wind, temperature fluctuations, snow and ice can make for a deadly combo for some of our trees and shrubs. And there's critter crunching too. Learn how to protect them on today's Garden Bite. Catch the two videos also on my website
Want an easy way to seed your lawn? My area has suffered severe drought, that gives even more incentive to dormant seed your lawn because you don't have to worry about watering. Learn the how-to's of the process on today's Garden Bite.
It's November 1st and the weather has been "balmy" for many in cold climates. Unfortunately we haven't had a lot of rain though... so keep watering. Also, do some debris cleanup. Find out more to-do's on today's Garden Bite.
Last Friday I shared the history of Samhain, on today's Garden Bite, it's about the American tradition of Halloween. How it started, some stats on Halloween candy sales for 2022 and how my dad loved Halloween!
All Hallows Eve, Halloween, Samhain. The holiday takes place Monday (or Tuesday if you prefer). Although many will be celebrating over the weekend. How much are Americans expected to spend? How did Halloween evolve from Samhain? These questions and an explanation of "souling" as well as a recipe for soul cakes is on today's Garden Bite.
The Poweshiek Skipperling is a prairie butterfly which has suffered one of the most sudden and complete population collapses of any species in North American history. This butterfly was extremely prolific in Minnesota and now there are people trying to raise them and take them to Michigan to mate with wild ones. Read the story on today's Garden Bite with excerpts from the Star Tribune.
In cold climates it's the end of the mowing season! How tall should you mow your lawn for the last time and how to prepare the mower for winter on today's Garden Bite. Oh, and what I do with those leaves... Leave the leaves.
Pumpkin seeds are packed with nutrients and make a great crunchy snack that’s gluten-free, great for those on a paleo diet and vegans too! The seeds are also loaded with fiber, the good fat and protein. My taste is a tad more sophisticated now then when my mom would soak pumpkin seeds in salt water and then add more salt to roast them! Today's Garden Bite is about picking the right pumpkin, separating the gunk from the seeds and recipes for some tasty seeds, as well as my favorite!
It seems odd to plant garlic in October but it IS a bulb... Garlic planted now will be harvested in about July for those of us in cold climates. Learn best tips to plant garlic, what varieties I chose this year and my battle with roots on today's Garden Bite.
Last week I talked about the importance of trees in our landscapes. It's never more important than now with drought and urban pollutions that trees are planted in urban landscapes. Check out today's Garden Bite for trees that fit those landscapes well and handles the other pressures of urban life!
Pumpkin spice, pumpkin pie, pumpkin everything season is here. Some love it, some hate it but mostly pumpkins are actually squash... HA, I know it seems like they're their own category but technically squash, pumpkins and gourds are all curcurbita. And we end up back at botanical language to wrap the week on Garden Bite! I have a video and tasty recipes on GardenBite.com.
Those of us in cold climates are starting to put our gardens to bed and closing up shop, so to speak. That means caring for our tools before they go into storage for next season. On today's Garden Bite, I have some good practices to keep your tools in good shape.
My area continues to experience drought and it's important that we continue watering up until the ground freezes. What happens when we lose a tree to drought? Why is mulch so important? That's on today's Garden Bite.
Botanically speaking - when IS a nut not a nut? When IS a berry not a berry? Does it matter? Truly it's a whole other language but I find it fascinating. Does it matter to the average gardener? YOU decide on today's Garden Bite!
We know planting plants to attract pollinators but there's more to it. We also need to care for our soil, don't kill every insect and catch rain water. Learn why those things are important and more on today's Garden Bite.
Last week I talked about bird feeders and squirrels. Today’s it’s about WHAT to feed those birds as winter comes roaring in… at some point. Where to place feeders and what to feed which kind of birds on today's Garden Bite.
What? I never knew this shrub was called Winged Wahoo, but I happen to love that name. It makes sense too. The Burning Bush is beautiful and invasive and is restricted in many states now. Learn why and what it means from here forward in many states. Check out gardenbite.com for alternatives.
If you want to keep your expensive ceramic containers for years, then you will want to listen to today's Garden Bite. I have tips to overwinter them and on my website, what can happen when moisture gets in. Take a listen and peek on gardenbite.com.
As we head into cooler weather (or downright brutal), what do the terms "hard frost", "freeze warning" and more mean to our plants? The vegetables and perennials, the annuals and shrubs? That's on today's Garden Bite.
The monarchs are the birds are on the move. Birds are starting their journey to warm weather and on today's Garden Bite, I share tips on making your home a way stop for them.
Fall is a great time to plant trees, shrubs and perennials. On today's Garden Bite I have a few tips on planting that you wouldn't necessarily do in the spring. Plus how long you keep on watering!
There are many varieties of geraniums and they are fantastic in our annual containers and gardens. Lots of folks are overwintering them now. On today's Garden Bite I share how to do that and save some dollars while you're at it!
Today's Garden Bite is all about the doo's and don'ts of planting on a septic system. Learn from me! I did it the wrong way many years ago but have discovered some great information as well as a native seed mix specifically for those areas.
Last week we were planting bulbs for Spring bloom, today is about digging up bulbs for winter storage! Gladiolas, dahlias, cannas, begonias and elephant ears to name some! How to dig them up and how to store them on today's Garden Bite.
Learn what to look for when purchasing bulbs of any type and how to plant them. It's important to also deter squirrels from digging them up before they even have a chance! Of course there's also some great photos on today's Garden Bite too.
Planting those bulbs that will bring us flowers from spring to early summer! Check out today's Garden Bite for planting depths and some lovely new choices from tulips to hyacinth and crocus for 2022.
I'm excited, I ordered some native seed and will be planting them late in the month. Today's Garden Bite is about why and how you plant native seeds at this time of year. Which ones it works with and what I will be planting. See what I will be planting on my website!
I saw a recent article wherein the Dept. of Natural Resources has been testing the spleens of road kill deer and deer spleens from hunters who sent them in wherein there were noenicitinoids found in all of them. This insecticide was found in deer that were in corn fields and deer in northern Minnesota away from any treated fields. Learn more and understand there is a lot more research to do. Check out today's Garden Bite.
This plant is SO cool looking and it's not amenable to propagation. You likely won't see this plant except in the deep dark forest but if you do, wow! Is it a fungus or is it a wildflower. It has a few different names and is an extremely unique plant. Take a look and learn more on my GardenBite website!
This time of year there's an abundance of zucchini, sweet corn and so much more! At least for many, my garden hasn't produced as well but my neighbor, who started a new bed this year, has reaped LOTS of tomatoes. Lucky me! On today's Garden Bite I share ways to harvest your produce and preserve it safely.
I saw two different times of when exactly the Autumnal Equinox will happen... first time that's happened. Regardless of OUR clocks, the Equinox will happen at the exact same time all over the Northern Hemisphere. On today's Garden Bite I share exactly what's happening to create this transition around the world, what happens to the Southern Hemisphere and how those of us in the north start our "nesting" season.
Many years ago in another iteration of my life, I used old carpet to create a flower bed. On today's Garden Bite I share ways to rid your area of weeds without using chemicals, mixing in some natural elements to create a soil "potpourri" and some suggestions on the flowers to create a cut flower garden.
I talked about this "new" fruit shrub I saw in a catalog a couple of years ago, and boy howdy has the Honeyberry bush become very popular! While it's been around for some time, it's now getting a lot of attention. Find out why it's such a sought after fruiting shrub, it's amazing zone hardiness and flavor and how to plant and care for this wonderful berry on today's Garden Bite.
In my zone 4 area we generally start saving seeds in mid-October. Native plants work best in terms of continued viability and remaining true to the original plant but you can also save seeds of cultivars just don't expect the new plant to look exactly the same! On today's Garden Bite I share ways to harvest the seed and store it, how long it lasts and more.
I love Fall and I love Fall blooming plants. I've discovered even more and share them with you on today's Garden Bite. With a couple of new perennials for 2022. Take a listen and a peek!
I have lamented the two Black Walnut trees my neighbor has planted on our property line since the Fall after I moved in and my yard was LOADED with walnuts, squirrels and loads of planting nuts everywhere! Apparently there is some good to these trees as I've recently read in an article from my favorite magazine, Northern Gardener! Check out what will grow around this tree whose roots carry juglone on today's Garden Bite.
A rose is a rose? Hmmm, not really. There are numerous types. Some easy, some more challenging. And then there are David Austin roses. Breeding English roses for over 50 years, David Austin "wrote the book". (You'll understand that reference when you listen in) I also introduce you to 2 new varieties for 2022 on today's Garden Bite. These are hardy roses!
This native Silphium is a stunner right now. Take a trip with me on my bicycle to discover this tall yellow beauty and learn why it's called Cup Plant on today's Garden Bite. Be sure to check out my website and please, send me your comments, questions and suggestions for future bites!
Fall is a great time to plant trees. With that in mind I'm sharing best planting practices on today's Garden Bite along with some new research on old practices that you should reconsider. Lots of great tips to keep those investments healthy for decades!
Who is causing the achoos? Find out on today's Garden Bite. Those types of plants and also the fall migration of monarchs explained. Check out my website for a super cool video I captured of a monarch REALLY flashing his wings on a butterfly bush!
I talked about annual Fall plants last week, today's Garden Bite is about Fall blooming perennials and trees with lovely color. Check out my website for a look at many of them and links to further information.
While a perennial topic, fall lawn care is updated for 2022 on today's Garden Bite. Take a look and learn more about core aeration, dethatching, reseeding and planting grass seed.
Jumping worms are an incredibly invasive worm that sucks the nutrients out of our soil. Find the most recent map of where these worms are, their history in the USA and what we can do to protect our gardens on today's Garden Bite.
Happy Labor Day! Speaking of labor, I have some hardworking plants to share with you today on Garden Bite. This is my 2022 update. Take a look at on my website to see these perennials and learn even more about them.
On today's Garden Bite I sing the praises of Allium. There are a number of reasons this cold hardy perennial bulb is worth growing. And there are a number of colors, heights and even bloom times.
Gardeners don't retire, we adapt! Our bodies may not be as flexible as they once were so on today's Garden Bite I offer up some ways to ensure we continue to enjoy one of the most popular past times for the body, mind and soul! After having hip replacement surgery last year I am back at gardening full on and riding my motorcycle again!
I love Fall. And I love fall flowers. I share some of my favorites on today's Garden Bite and offer up some container options for you.
If you want to plant garlic this fall, it's time to start shopping! Learn about the type of garlic to grow in colder climates, when and how to plant on today's Garden Bite. I also have when to harvest and the process needed before you start using your homegrown garlic.
The soil is warm but the air is cooler in Fall and it's a perfect time to plant trees and shrubs. On today's Garden Bite I offer up the questions you need to ask yourself before purchasing, best planting practices and some great choices for a changing climate.
Porcelain berry is an invasive vine dubbed the August Weed of the Month by the Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture. It's berries really are aptly named and quite beautiful but the vine can strangle out native plants. It's been found naturalizing in the county I live in. Find out more about it on today's Garden Bite.
Wild cucumber may not be invasive but it IS aggressive! While the flowers smell good, the vine can be smothering to some plants. What's it like this year as opposed to years past? Find out more about this weedy vine and whether our winter affected it on today's Garden Bite.
We often talk of providing for pollinators. In fact, I discussed it on Monday while talking about pollinators and roadways. The talk usually centers around wildflowers, perennials and annuals. Today I'm sharing trees and shrubs fit for pollinators and also attractive to migrating birds. Providing shelter and food for all of them! Check them on Garden Bite.
It was a brutal winter and a late spring followed by 3 weeks of excessive heat. I had dubbed last year, 2021, The Rising for how beautiful my Resurrection Lilies had bloomed. This year, not so much. But did I lose them completely? Find out on today's Garden Bite!
A couple of weeks ago there was a great discussion on my Garden Bite Facebook page about pollinators and roadways. While it mostly centered around whether to mow roadways or not, there is much more happening. I live near the interstate dubbed "The Monarch Highway" and did some research into how Departments of Transportation are handling the issue of providing habitat for pollinators and taking care of the traveling public. Find out more on today's Garden Bite!
Our leafy greens, radishes, beets and such have likely been harvested. Now is the time to start planting for repeat edibles! Be sure to check Days to Harvest on your seed packets. Learn why these vegetables are even better planted now on today's Garden Bite.
My community puts on a Garden Tour each year. This year there was a place with only raised beds. It was beautiful. I talked with the owner about why she only planted raised beds and share information, as well as photos, on today's Garden Bite. There are so many ideas. Those to build yourself and those to purchase!
Hardy hibiscus take those of us in cold climates to the tropics. Blooming from July to September, some cultivars have flowers that can reach up to 9 inches across. I share some beauties from Proven Winners. Their Summerific series has 3 new offerings too! There is a caveat to growing these beauties. Learn more on today's Garden Bite.
Today's Garden Bite is about Aster Yellows. While it sounds like a pretty flower, it's not. This disease will kill your plants and it's been spotted within my listenership. Hear about it and be sure to check my website to see the bizarre characteristics it displays on your plant and what you need to do about it!
Caring for our vegetable gardens in mid-summer including watering (water gets hot sitting in a garden hose), weeding and more on today's Garden Bite.
I love gladiolas. They are old-fashioned and charming. They remind me of a different era. They are reliable bloomers beginning in mid to late July and lasting at least through August, usually. This year they've been late. What's going on? That's on today's Garden Bite.
What is diatomaceous earth? How is it used and is it any good for pest control? Find out those answers on today's Garden Bite!
Today I share the reason(s) why some of your plants look wilted ever after you've watered them. Hint: the heat has something to do with it. I'm also talking about the importance of buying your plant materials locally when possible. I explain something called "Scan for Pay" that big box stores do. Check it out on today's 'Bite and be sure to go to my website too.
Drought conditions affect soils differently. Today's Garden Bite is focused on clay soil. What's good about it and what's not so good. Yes, there can actually be some good stuff about clay soil. I also talk about how to amend it when needed. As always, I urge you to go to my website for links and more information as well as pictures!
"Most" of the U.S.A has suffered either drought or flooding. In either case your garden is affected. Today I talk about how the hotter than "normal" temperatures are affecting our vegetable gardens. What is happening with pollination and more. Check it all out today on Garden Bite.
I love Farmers Markets. From fresh produce to jellies, pickles, artists of every sort; there is something for everyone. Starting this Sunday, August 7th, it's National Farmers Market week!!! This line from the University of Minnesota Extension really sums it up: When you shop at a farmers market, you help stimulate local economies; preserve farm or urban growing land and associated livelihoods; increase access to fresh, nutritious food; and support healthy communities. See lots of pictures and find links to your local farmers markets on my website, gardenbite.com.
From Minnesota to Pennsylvania to Ontario, Wild Parsnip has invaded. This toxic weed is nasty. I rarely recommend using chemicals but this is one weed that is deserving of that treatment as it is a threat to humans and livestock. It will burn your skin and does damage to crops and livestock that ingest it. Learn much more and how to identify it on today's Garden Bite.
Climate change impacts are creating some very dry conditions all over the country. More home gardeners have been asking me about drought tolerant perennials. I have added to past posts about some really good options, including perennials I've added into my own garden. Check out the podcast and my website!
You cannot get better tomatoes than homegrown (or a farmers market). I'm roasting and dehydrating tomatoes on today's Garden Bite. My own methods and those of others too. Take a peek at some delectable treats and find recipes too on my website.
I have a neighbor. My neighbor has a large lot with rentals on it and uses a big riding lawn mower. My neighbor has repeatedly wounded my Ancestry Oak tree in the last 2 years. But there are extenuating circumstances. So, who is at fault? And then what is the solution for both parties? That's on today's Garden Bite. Pictures are on my website!
I revisit the question as to whether Daddy-longlegs are spiders after a co-worker freaked out and killed one. She's afraid of spiders. A listener had sent me some interesting facts about Daddy-longlegs. What they are and what they aren't. Check out more details on Gardenbite.com.
A listener had asked me if she could plant hydrangeas in river rock. Oh, don't get me started on planting plants in rock! Yes, it's all about what rock is actually useful for and why it's not great for plants. Check out my website for examples!
Sun or shade there's a Coral Bell for you! With well over 40 varieties these foliage plants offer something in every color but blue (and that's debatable as you'll see on my website). They are perennials with pop that pollinators love too.
On today's Garden Bite I share two of my favorite native plants. While one is a perennial, the other is an annual that self-sows. In spite of their names, Ground plum and Partridge pea, they are not a type of plum or a type of pea! Learn more about these very cool natives!! I know you'll want them too.
Some plants are friendly, they get along with most every other plants. Some are invasive and do not play well with others. On today's Garden Bite, I highlight those that play nice and some that don't!
I wanted to highlight this native plant, Indian Paintbrush, for several reasons. Of course, it's beauty and also it's attractiveness to pollinators. Where is it native to, where it's rare and where it's beauty shines a deep scarlet! Also where to purchase it! That's on today's Garden Bite.
It's not a new dance but that would sure be a lot more fun! Herbicide drift can be deadly to your edibles and other plants. Learn which herbicides do the most damage, how long it takes to show up on your plants, when not to use it and how to talk to your neighbor about what their spraying does and a lot more on today's Garden Bite.
Oh let me count the ways that bats are a good thing! I know, maybe not in your bedroom flying around at 1 o'clock in the morning, but they eat a LOT of mosquitoes! About a thousand an hour! And other birds have benefits too. Learn about bats, why they need to be protected and other fabulous flying insect eaters on today's Garden Bite.
It’s been hot, it’s been humid and our containers are looking a bit bedraggled. And where I live, this week is going to be worse. So, that means we need to be very attentive to our container plants. I'm talking about watering, fertilizing and mulching too on today's Garden Bite.
Just say no. Those beetle bags are not for the vast majority of landscapes. Learn why and what to do instead. Japanese beetles feast on more than 300 types of plants and they are spreading. It's taken a while as they landed in the U.S. in 1916 but they are an invasive. I have some great information and a video to on my website, gardenbite.com.
I'm fortunate to have a lot of different types of birds come to my landscape. The front yard, the backyard and the sides too! I had a listener ask why wouldn't they come to her house... That's what today's Garden Bite is all about. The do's and don'ts of attracting birds.
Oh how I love to see the wildlife in my gardens. Monarchs, of course, are a real treat but don't forget about the other butterflies that come visit. Painted Ladies are amazing, learn their story on today's Garden Bite. Red Admirals may not travel as far but they are some awesome creatures too. Fly with me on today's episode!
With the really cold winter and spring, I was so hoping not to deal with as many Japanese Beetles. I also put down some grub control last year. So what are the results? Find out on today's Garden Bite and learn more about these invasive pests.
I had plans! But some wicked roots go in my way. Time for Plan B. This is the story of what gardening is about! Adapt and pivot. Today's Garden Bite is a lesson for all gardeners, the new Green Thumbs, the Brown Thumbs and all of us in between!
My neighbor is moving and he had nowhere to keep his Jade plant! Lucky me, thanks, Earl. Since I haven't had one before I did some research on repotting and care of jade plants. Follow my journey on today's Garden Bite!
Lupines always make me think of the North Shore. Riding motorcycles through Bayfield, Wisconsin, I was thrilled to see all the fantastic lupines blooming! There are 2 kinds of lupines. The wild lupine aka sundial lupine and an invasive. Find out what butterfly is endangered and why wild lupines are so important to this butterfly. Check out today's Garden Bite!
There are some good bugs and then there are some bad ass bugs! Find out who's who and how to identify them. There's good reason to keep these bugs around and not use chemicals until you KNOW who you're dealing with. Go to my website for identification and more info.
There was a whole lot of grilling going on in my neighborhood over the holiday weekend! My suspicion is that it was mostly meat, however, grilling your vegetables is mighty tasty. Including lettuce! I have tips to grilling those vegetables and some recipes too on today's Garden Bite!
Lots of sneezing going on! Allergy sufferers are feeling the affects of flowering trees. On today's Garden Bite I offer up some trees that are easier on those who have the AH-Choos. And WHY they are better... Listen up and take a look at my website gardenbite.com.
Monday we celebrate Independence Day. Admittedly it’s been a rough few years for a variety of reasons but it’s time to remind ourselves of our Declaration of Independence: paraphrased, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all people are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. My pursuit of happiness is in the garden! The garden has its own ecosystem, the more diverse the plantings, the healthier it is. More plants on Garden Bite!
Have you ever thought of growing a cutting garden? Yes? Then this ‘Bite is for you! I share easy plants to grow including annuals and perennials. I've also included a small sketch of a cutting garden design. Take a look on Garden Bite.
The season in my area has been a bit later and a bit stunted but, nonetheless, those who have iris will need to consider dividing them. It's best to do this every 3 to 5 years. Learn about digging them up, checking them over and whether to mulch or not on today's Garden Bite. I also share some new beauties on my website!
Perennials are really the workhorses of the garden and today I talk about those that are more tolerant of drought. With climate change, this is an evermore increasing need for home gardeners! As you listen to the podcast, check out options on my website too, gardenbite.com.
Lawns are, once again, looking rough in some parts of the country! What types of grasses are planted as lawns, which ones are more tolerant of drought and much more on today's Garden Bite.
Although I find weeding occasionally cathartic... I would prefer not to HAVE to do it! I just mentioned some great groundcovers that help to deter weeds. Today I'm adding to the list with several taller plants and one short one! These plants work because their leaves block sunlight and deter weed seeds from germinating. Check them out on today's Garden Bite.
I have coveted the buddleia or Butterfly bush for years. I’ve been tempted many times to buy one and see what happens. One of the experts I work with just hates them! It’s a zone 5 plant! I live in zone 4b and that’s pushing it. But what if we COULD do it???? Ha! Today's Garden Bite is about pushing the zone boundaries and how we might be able to do that!
There are slight differences on building compost piles for the home garden, however there are certain elements that MUST happen. I explain what those are, what you cannot compost and how to create the layers to produce the best results - black gold! Go to my website, GardenBite.com and find much more detailed information that a 2 minute podcast can give you!
The Summer Solstice happened at 4:13 this morning, central time! The astrological first day of Summer and the longest day of the year. What are some of the traditions? Learn more on today's Garden Bite.
Peonies are the harbingers of Summer in our cold climates. They bloom with amazing flowers and there are plenty of breeders in our climate that have created some stunning options. Learn more about how to grow peonies to their utmost on today's Garden Bite and find some beauties on my website.
We all get busy or, hopefully, go on vacation. Or maybe we have lousy soil or a myriad of other things that keep us from thriving gardens. On today's Garden Bite I share some gadgets that help with weeding, watering and even growing. The National Garden Bureau members, including me, voted on products that offer options.
As you know, I’ve been an advocate of not using chemicals on my lawn, which means dandelions. Lots of gardeners, including me, have touted the benefits of those cheery yellow flowers. I just read an article from a man who really LIVES native plantings, Benjamin Vogt. Guess what? That dandelion is NOT native. It's a European invasive. Vogt shares what our native is and why that cheery dandelion we're all used to isn't "all that". Learn about it on today's Garden Bite.
The hardest part of gardening is trying to figure out why a plant isn't thriving. Is it an insect, is it a disease, are my plants getting the nutrients they need. Enough water, too much water? Maybe this particular plant doesn’t like afternoon sun or one day you’re looking down on something that makes you go “eeewww, what’s that?” I have some tips, some examples and links to diagnostic tools on today's Garden Bite.
Weeds a problem? Likely.. They are in my landscape. But ground covers come to the rescue! Be it plants of various types or mulch or some other type of material. Learn much more and find some awesome plant ground covers on today's Garden Bite.
Heading into the heat of summer, it's time to train your lawn to be water wise! Huh? What's that? I tell you on today's Garden Bite. Watering tips to keep your lawn healthy while not wasting so much water.
Phlox are one of the classic American perennials and one of the earliest North American natives to enter cultivation. The National Garden Bureau has named 2022 the Year of the Phlox and with good reason. An easy perennial, I have a lot of information on today's Garden Bite and plenty of pictures on my website too! Check out the podcast AND my website! And please, send me your comments, questions and suggestions for future 'Bite's! What do YOU want to know about? tkgardenbite@gmail.com and also Garden Bite with Teri Knight on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube too!
2022 has been quite the year so far for climate conditions for those of us in the Upper Midwest and elsewhere throughout the United States. While my area has seen a 90 degree day, we've also had an overnight below 38 degrees! And the wind, holy cow! So, how are we doing for June and WHAT can we do in our Vegetable gardens? That's on today's Garden Bite!
Want shrubs? Got shade? Got dogs? Hmmm, what to plant that is not toxic to your pets but will handle shade. The Yays and Nays on shrubs for shade and pets on today's Garden Bite.
Ants have again shown their moxie in my landscape. Mounds of their work is throughout my gardens and lawn, upending sedum, grasses and more. Oh what to do? That's on today's Garden Bite!
With the exception of hummingbirds, most of us plant gardens for beauty, fragrance and taste, not thinking too much about songbirds. Today's Garden Bite is about planting for those migratory birds. Plants, tips and also an app to help you identify who's singing that birdsong is all on my website!
Creeping Charlie ever present in our lawns will be, blooming purple flowers, oh so pretty to me. Ode to the weed that creepingly reseeds with stem and rhizome. Not content to stay in place, Creeping Charlie, sets a pace to cross your lawn, it’s a race. Embrace the creeper or let loose on the leaper? More on how to eliminate it, if that's your thing, on Garden Bite!
Sometimes our plants flop over. Perennials like blackeyed susans, asters and hollyhocks could use some support from time to time. Especially in windy conditions, which seems we've had a lot more of that recently. Those annual gladiolas could use support too sometimes! On today's Garden Bite I talk about several options for support. Check 'em out!
These may seem "old-fashioned" but gooseberry and currant shrubs are tart berries worth a look at! Strawberries and raspberries get the buzz but the tartness and easy growing of these cold climate shrubs are something to consider. I have all the information you need on my today's Garden Bite plus recipes!
My dad LOVED rhubarb. And my mom made a LOT of pies and froze a lot of cut-up rhubarb for winter. This perennial is well worth growing. I have the how-to and recipes on today's Garden Bite. Also a caveat to those leaves...
The red poppy came to symbolize our war veterans in 1921. It is a wildflower poppy. During World war one, the fields of Flanders in western Belgium saw 4 years of unrelenting battle. On today's Garden Bite, I share the poem of Flanders Field, the history of Memorial Day and where to get these poppies. Garden Bite remembers our Fallen...
It's Memorial weekend! Time for those of us in cold climates to really "dig in"! You want an eyepopping container planting, create it easily with a few pointers. Thrillers, Fillers and Spillers. I have recipes and examples on today's Garden Bite. However, the most important factor is what YOU like!
Yesterday we fed our annuals and perennials, today's Garden Bite is about feeding your shrubs and trees. When, why and how much!
While I'm not much for using any chemicals on my plants, that doesn't mean you can't use some fertilizers. Today's Garden Bite is about using organic fertilizers on your annuals and perennials. What NPK is, what they do for the plants and the best methods and why!
There are times when height is wonderful with plants... and then there are times when they flop over due to their height. There are methods to control height. I describe them on today's Garden Bite including when to cut them back if that's how you want to control it.
Herbs are mighty tasty for humans and pollinators too! What herbs pique the interest of pollinators? From caterpillars to butterflies and bees too. Take a listen and a look at my website, Garden Bite! See a swallowtail caterpillar munching away... Pick for yourself and leave some of them to flower.
Tomatoes take a little effort to plant. Or you can make a lot of effort. Your choice. I do have methods on today's Garden Bite. What I do and also a video with me on my former tv show "Dig In Minnesota" and Mr. Tomato Man! There are some great tips all the way around and you'll also learn more about planting peppers. Soil temperature is key.
You've made a monetary investment in your trees and shrubs, now you really need to spend some time. Time taking care of them by putting them on a watering schedule. Learn more on today's Garden Bite. How to figure out the amount of water and how often to water them!
On today's Garden Bite I talk about the investment of trees, what NOT to plant and some ideas of trees to plant instead. I talked with my friend, an Arborist, for great ideas. Hint, she calls Autumn Blaze Maple, Autumn Disaster...
Blueberries are loaded with the good stuff AND they taste great in everything. Growing blueberry bushes does require some work, especially for those of us in northern climates and without acidic soil. Learn how on today's Garden Bite and also some great suggestions on cultivars.
Today I'm sharing plants for pollinators and also hummingbird attractors! There are lots of them and I have a comprehensive list that includes trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials too. Go to Garden Bite website for all the details.
Today's Garden Bite is about plant shopping. Some tips and tricks to help in your selections to get the most bang for your buck! And have FUN!
Finally, most of you are into full-on gardening! It’s been a long wait but we’re exploring all our local garden centers and finding so many plants to purchase! Or is that just me? No, I doubt it, especially based on the number of people I see! I’ve always been one to plant annuals exclusively in containers but this year I'm changing it up! I bought a few packs of sunflowers this year and am excited to get them growing! Get more ideas from today's Garden Bite and find these flowers on my website.
While I’m not a hockey player, living in Minnesota, a person comes to know a few terms anyway. What’s that got to do with gardening, you ask, well, this plant I’m highlighting today would be the Hat Trick of Annuals. Nasturtiums. They are beautiful, edible and pollinators love them. Learn more about these easy annuals on Garden Bite and find recipes too!
We are finally feeling warmer temperatures and seeing more sunshine! It’s been a long haul this spring. Now is the time to plant gladiola, dahlia and canna bulbs for summer bloom! Alliums, oriental lilies, begonias and bulbs I can’t pronounce are also on that list too. Check out my tips on today's Garden Bite.
Growing vegetables and herbs in containers is a great way to garden if you have less space or if your sunny area is smaller. I’ve got tips today on the size container to use and what TYPE of container. Check out gardenbite.com too!
While talking with friends about how difficult it can be to figure out the proper way to recycle all of our plastics, one of them mentioned worms that eat plastic! WHAT? That meant further investigation for me. Wax worms and mealworms have been shown to eat forms of plastic. There's much more research to do but it's very intriguing. Learn more on my website, Garden Bite. Find Garden Bite on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter too. I also have a youtube channel!
Jumping worms remain a big topic in several states including Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin and more. They are traveling and we need to be aware of them. Check out today's Garden Bite where I have a video further explaining these worms and what they do to our soil.
While our season is clearly at least 3 weeks behind, the perennials are now peeking up, you can start dividing those overgrown hostas, daylilies and more. DO remember that spring blooming perennials are best divided in fall. Check out my website for further details GardenBite!
I was wandering around my gardens a couple of weeks ago, wishing I could DO something in them, when I came across a rather large cocoon on my Candy Corn spirea. Since the season is so late there were no leaves on the shrubs so the cocoon was very visible. I reached out to my listeners and found that it is, hopefully, the Hyalophlora Cecropia moth. Learn more on today's show and check out my website Garden Bite.
Happy May Day! Okay so it was yesterday but why not get a little history about May Day anyway! There are multiple iterations of celebrations that include industrial workers, witches, flowers and more. And what is Morris Dancing? Find out on today's Garden Bite, check out my website to see the video!
Arbor Day is 150 years old today! A day to celebrate TREES! With climate change, trees are a BIG topic. Planting a diversity of trees is something we should have learned a while ago. After the debacle of the American Elm and now the Ash Tree, we need to realize that we can't plant the same boulevard tree or our streets become naked! Today I talk about one tree that could be a great addition to the boulevard collection! Go to Gardenbite.com and check it out.
When is the best time to fertilize your lawn? Do you think it's now? Oh, then LISTEN up! I discuss the best time to fertilize your lawn (if you want to) and WHY that is. Find more information on my website, Garden Bite.
Do the blooms of forsythia foretell the coming of crabgrass? Or could it have more to do with the soil temperature? When to put down pre-emergents for crabgrass and other broadleaf weeds. That's today's Garden Bite. Be sure to go to my website and check out the video too. I also share information about how to track the soil temperature in YOUR area.
Mycelium are the thin threads of fungi (or mushrooms) that link roots of different plants. They are the plant world's information system and it's amazing! Learn much more about this incredible "world wood web"... so to speak. It's on today's Garden Bite.
Oh my, I think we might actually have spring. About 3 to 4 weeks behind but I’m still hopeful. With a spring in my step, I’m talking 2022 plant introductions! A new hydrangea, morning glory and a couple of other outstanding annuals including an airy cosmos that is simply lovely. Check them out here and on my website, Garden Bite! Find Garden Bite with Teri Knight on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube too!
I talked about soil and rain barrels and composting last week. But what about organic matters? What is it? Does it matter? How much organic matter matters? Can it be too much? All this on today's Garden Bite! What you should know about your soil. And a reminder to find Garden Bite on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and youtube.
Until we can get out in our vegetables gardens, we need to keep those indoors seedlings in good shape. On today's Garden Bite I talk about just that, how to position the lighting, watering practices and more, as well as the dreaded disease known as Damping Off.
April is fickle in the Upper Midwest. From sandals to sorels, ya never know what we’re gonna get. So what’s a gardener to do? I'll tell you on today's Garden Bite! And also what not to do yet in our cold climates.
You may have received an Easter lily this past weekend. On today's Garden Bite I give you tips on the best care and also about planting it outdoors! Yes, lilium longiflorum is hardy to zone 5. You can plant it in zone 4 too, just mulch it heavily. Learn more on Garden Bite.
Oh there are so many reasons to set up a rain barrel and use compost bins! Learn more on today's Garden Bite. There is a warning of where NOT to use captured rain water from your barrel as well as suggestions of where to get one that doesn't involve a big box store. Although you can buy one there too. My favorite compost bin design too and which one I don't like are also on my website.
Moles or voles, neither is welcome in the landscape but, there they are messin' with your lawns and plants. Learn the different ways each of these critters cause damage on today's Garden Bite and how you can deal with it.
Eighteen million new gardeners all want pollinators too! I discovered some fun and pretty plants I want to share with you today. These are all annuals that can be placed anywhere in your full sun garden areas. Plant in pots or in the soil... see them on Garden Bite.
A listener recently asked me about using Epsom salts in her landscape. What a great question! I had heard about it before but, frankly, the jury is out. On today's Garden Bite I talk about why you would or why you wouldn't use them. Do they really end blossom end rot? Hmm, let's find out!
How to handle those spotty potty patches from Fifi or Fido and what to do about snow mold. That's on today's Garden Bite! Simple ways to patch the patch and clear out snow mold. IF you even need to. Lightly raking out any snow left in your yard is a start. But be careful!
If mowing a lawn isn't your thing or you want to be more eco-friendly, Eco Grass is a fantastic option. Hardy from zones 2 to 7, this grass can be mowed or not. Learn much more about Eco-grass on today's Garden Bite. What types of grass seed, how tall it grows, what kind of foot traffic it can take!
We discussed planting bare-root trees and shrubs last week, today I'm talking about planting container grown plants. I explain what to look for, how deep to plant and how you tell where that depth should be and also why it's important. You'll also learn about those top roots, why they're important and the necessity of mulch on today's Garden Bite.
Since the pandemic, over 18 million of you have joined in the spirit renewing "hobby", "obsession" or whatever you care to call it! There's beauty in so many beginning their love of gardening. Of course, there are varied levels of gardeners but these pre-sown seed tapes and discs are for any gardener. Personally I love the idea of not trying to plant those tiny seeds! Learn all about them and where to find these pre-sown options on today's Garden Bite.
Not all hydrangeas are the same, they don't all bloom at the same time. On today's Garden Bite, I'm talking about what types of hydrangeas there are and when to prune them as well as how to prune them. Be sure to check out my website and follow Garden Bite on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter too.
We're gingerly stepping out into our lawns and gardens and MIGHT be finding some wildlife damage. Who's gnawing on your nannyberry or whatever it may be. A tree, perhaps a sapling or a shrub. What impact does that have on your plants and what can you do about it? That's on today's Garden Bite.
There are many garden myths out there. Should you really add wound dressing to a pruning cut? How about using Borax to kill Creeping Charlie? Oh and then there's that info about nothing growing around a Black Walnut tree. I debunk some common myths on today's Garden Bite!
For cold climate gardeners, or as I call us, Extreme Gardeners, it's time to gather our supplies to start tomato and pepper seeds. Notice I didn't say plant them yet. Best techniques for growing seeds indoors until the soil is warm enough to get those plants outside.
Okay, it's not so sexy but it's certainly something to know about the soil in your landscape. Why it matters and how to do a percolation test on today's Garden Bite. And what is the ideal mix for soil?
The sap is running! Most places. While there are only a few states that get that fantastic maple syrup, there are plenty of other trees you can tap. The only difference is the sugar content and the sap flow. Find out what trees work best and HOW to tap trees and cook down the sap for some sweet, purely natural, deliciousness on today's Garden Bite. Check out my Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube Channels too!
We’ve had some lovely warmer temperatures and even some rainfall. BUT, we live in cold climates so that means cold ain’t over till Mother Nature says so. And often she gives us more blasts of cold. That's why it's a good idea to know and understand all those temperature warnings the WeatherPeople tell us. What is a hard freeze? A frost advisory? And so on... I tell you on today's Garden Bite! Find Garden Bite on social media too!
Buying bare-root trees, shrubs and even perennials can be a less expensive way to go if you're purchasing in quantity. Does it take longer for them to catch up to container grown? How should you plant them? Those questions are answered on today's Garden Bite.
Years ago I had the privilege of interviewing John Whitman about his book "Fresh From the Garden - An Organic guide to growing Vegetables, Berries and Herbs in Cold Climate". Not only does he include 1700 plants but he also busts some garden myths. Find out what they are on today's Garden Bite. Our knowledge of EVERYTHING is always evolving and it's fun to learn other theories too!
I saw on a calendar of holidays, that today is International Day of Forests. I got to thinking, what a GREAT day! The UN General Assembly proclaimed this day in 2012. I’m IN! Forests supply so much to our planet and to we humans. Learn more on today's Garden Bite. Share your favorite tree on Garden Bite with Teri Knight Facebook page!
Oh the temptation is strong to get in our gardens when the temperatures rise! Hold up... there are reasons we shouldn't get out in our cold climate gardens yet. After all, we've had major snowfalls in April. Today's Garden Bite is about some tips to tiptoeing into our soggy soil gardens. Be sure to check out my website and find Garden Bite all over social media! Reach out any time with questions, comments or suggestions for future 'Bites. tkgardenbite@gmail.com
The Vernal Equinox is Sunday! The word vernal means ‘fresh’ or ‘new’ and is related to Spring. Many a gardener lists Spring as their favorite season. The freshness of it, the hope it brings and the first time we get our hands in the soil again and smell the Earth! What can we do now? What shouldn't we do? That's on today's Garden Bite!
Happy St. Patrick's Day! This day brings shamrocks to mind. What are shamrocks? It's a slurred version of seamrog from the Celts. There's some very interesting history involved in the "shamrock". It's actually a couple of different plants. I'm sharing some history and some mystery on Oxalis and the fact that we have a native oxalis too! Check out my website while you listen! Gardenbite.com.
Are rhododendrons the same as azaleas? Find out on today's Garden Bite. While there are a vast array of these shrubs, those of us in cold climates can't grow them all but we've got some amazing choices. Hear more about them and check out their fabulous looks on gardenbite.com. They do have some special needs including a more acidic soil.
I'm fortunate to live near an area where the very rare Dwarf Trout Lily is still seen (and protected). There are also some other lovely ephemerals (woodland flowers) including White trout lily, Bluebells and Columbine. Learn more about these little beauties and why they're important for pollinators and the very soil they live in! On today's Garden Bite. Of course, see them on my website gardenbite.com.
I'm highlighting 4 annuals selecting as All America Selections Winners for 2022. A verbena, zinnia, a torenia and a sunflower that you're going to want in your containers or annual beds or sprinkled among your perennials. Listen in and then take a peek on my website GardenBite.com. Be sure to check out my Facebook page too! Comment on your favorite.
Once again I dip into my fav magazine and find a perfect Garden Bite as spring approaches. I’ve talked many times about buying quality tools and how much I love my garden fork. That’s on the list of ‘Most Valuable Tools’ for the gardener. Find out the rest of them on today's Garden Bite and be sure to check out my website and social media channels. PS, the cool tools do NOT include the boot in the photo! HA
One hundred fifty years! That’s how long Northern Gardener has been publishing gardening advice to those of us living in cold climates. Or as I call us, Extreme Gardeners. I share a few of those tips today on Garden Bite. Please check out my website and be sure to follow, like and subscribe all my social media outlets. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram too!
The Japanese beetle is one nasty invasive insect. While those of us in a cold climate had a significantly cold winter, is it enough to kill the grubs? Learn all about it on today's Garden Bite. Check out my website and be sure to follow me on social media too! Send me your comments, questions and suggestions for future bites.
The National Garden Bureau has chosen 2022 to be the Year of the Lilac. You may ask why? Lilacs are among the most carefree spring-flowering, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrubs (or small trees). Listen for some of the top lilac offerings and go to Garden Bite for a new cultivar to fall in love with.
The only constant thing in life is change and that really follows us into the garden. Whether it’s change WE choose, the PLANT chooses, a hungry critter chooses or the weather! With that said, if there’s a plant not performing to peak parameters you’ve set, well then, change it. Learn your landscape! Today's Garden Bite is about the questions you need to ask. Go to my website for further information and be sure to Like, Follow, Subscribe on all the social media pages!
Another gardening trend, losing your lawn while gaining landscape. The hardest chore is getting rid of the sod. On today's Garden Bite I have several ways to do some sod bustin'! Check it out. And also be sure to visit my website. Send me an email if you have questions at tkgardenbite@gmail.com You can also find Garden Bite on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube too!
Got a garden itch you just can’t scratch? Here’s a helper that doesn’t involve rubbing your back up against a hard surface! Get a jump start by planting your tender bulbs indoors from now until April. But how? That's on today's Garden Bite!
Garden trends for 2022 include Gardening for Climate Change. What's that, you ask? It's on today's Garden Bite. Also other trends for this year including Small space gardening and the continuing trend of vegetable gardening. Gardening overall has exploded over the last 2 years as the world has dealt with a number of things, not the least of which has been the pandemic.
I still love hosta but there are a lot of gardeners who would love to plant something else in their shadier spaces. I have several options on today's Garden Bite to brighten your space. They look beautiful with your hosta too!
What exactly are bare-root plants and why would they be desirable? What are the advantages? That's answered on today's Garden Bite. Bare-root plants are about 1 to 3 years old and are dug up and sent to you wrapped in moist peat moss. Learn more...
Lettuce list the layers of deliciousness of greens. Sorry, I got carried away. Seriously there are so many greens that can add a nice bite to our salads. Arugula is one of my favorites but we can grow so many other tasty options including flowers like nasturtium and a plant that sounds really awesome, Tatsoi. Check it out on today's GardenBite.
If you’re looking to plant and be done with it, consider some long-lived plants. There are a bunch, I name a few on today's GardenBite. Peonies will likely outlive you! There are some roses too... but those are shrubs and that's another 'Bite! Check out the long-lived plants that may make your life easier.
What's the difference between a Genetically Modified plant and a Hybrid? First, genetic mutations have been going on forever. Think a male and female mate and have a baby... that's a genetic modification, naturally. Hybridizers have been doing this for a long time breeding various plants by hand. Genetically modified plants are created in a lab. There's a lot to this discussion, is it wrong? Is it a smart way to feed all the people we have on Earth? I have more on my website too. Check it out GardenBite.
Bring those early pollinators into your landscape with native Pussy willows! These early Spring bloomers are so cool looking. The male Pussy willow has the best flowers and you don't need a female to get the flowers for your pollinators. Learn all about our native, Salix discolor, and also some other species and cultivars that are really interesting. These shrubs can be cut back substantially and come back. Those cuttings can be woven for a fence. Willows are also being studied for bio-energy. It's all on today's GardenBite.
One more week to sow native seeds outdoors! Then it's indoor seed sowing/planting. All you need to get started and a list of WHEN to start WHICH seeds indoors! It's all on today's Garden Bite. Be sure to check out all the episodes. And let me know how you like my show! Thanks. tkgardenbite@gmail.com
It’s fun Friday and I’m going to share some fab NEW Spring bloomers for 2022! A couple of sweet and color annuals and a pair of perennials to capture that first spring bloom on today's GardenBite. Oh so pretty!
Yesterday I talked about repotting your houseplants, today it's about the varied soils and mixes. What exactly does potting soil do? What are soil-less mixes? Is one better than the other? I share my own experience and more on today's GardenBite.
Houseplants looking weary? Thin? Droopy? Or are their roots coming out the bottom of the pot? Time to repot. It's a how-to on today's GardenBite.
The pandemic has produced a plethora of gardeners. Some are seeking a healthier way to live, not only mentally, but physically. Vegetables offer an amazing assortment of nutrients and their coloring helps to tell the story of how they might aid your immunity! Greens are good but so are purples and yellows and even white too. Learn more on my show and on my website GardenBite.com.
Flowers, chocolate, cards... it's Valentine's Day. Today's Garden Bite is about the holiday's origins with a peek at celebrations around the world and a quick lesson on what the message is of the color of rose you select. That is, IF you select roses! Learn more on my website, GardenBite.com.
For those of us in cold climates, now into mid March is a good time to prune our trees and shrubs. Well, most of them. Do NOT prune spring-flowering types. That information, how-to and sharpening your tools is all on today's Garden Bite.
You don't have to have full sun to enjoy bountiful vegetables in your garden! There are plenty of options, some that can even handle 2 hours of direct sun. (they still need some!) And others that will do just fine in 4 to 6 hours! Full sun is 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. I talk about all the variations and vegetables to choose on today's Garden Bite.
Milkweed. THE plant for monarch butterflies. But it’s not just the common milkweed. There are, in fact, several options. Low to high and various colors and shapes too. All of them are attractive to monarch butterflies and more! Oh these lovely natives. Check 'em out on today's Garden Bite.
As we continue to deal with climate change, record temps high and low, increased drought and floods, there’s a change of climate in the gardening world in several ways including how we view trees and the planting of them as well as other ways homeowners are helping as best they can. That's all on today's Garden Bite.
Plant some seeds in a container that forms a greenhouse effect and set them outside. Cheap, easy and allows for the seeds to be ready to plant in your garden when the soil warms up! The process of vernalization explained on today's Garden Bite along with best seeds and a video too!
Pantone's 2022 Color of the Year is 'Very Peri'. I have plenty of fabulous plant choices to match that lovely shade of purple. Plus pictures and more information on the plants on my website, GardenBite.com along with more on 'Very Peri'!
Monitoring our shrubs for critter damage continues on our trees and shrubs but it's also a good time to look for galls and cankers. These can be real issues down the road. Catch them now and prune them out. Learn about them and how to prune on today's Garden Bite.
February 2nd each year brings the most-watched weather forecast of the year—and the only one led by a rodent. Learn the legend and the fact that, as cold climate gardeners, it kinda doesn't matter! But, there's more, I have predictions from NOAA in this episode. Learn more on Garden Bite.
Oh how we long for some fresh greens when we're in the midst of winter. Sprouting seeds gives us that opportunity. Very nutritious and tasty too, it takes just about a week from seed to sandwich! Learn all about sprouting seeds to greens on today's Garden Bite.
Snags are dead trees left standing. Why do you care? Oh because there is so much LIFE they have left to give. Unless they're a hazard, it's important to leave them alone. The cycle of life they provide is amazing. There is a great cartoon that I share on my website. I hope you'll take a look and learn all about it on today's Garden Bite!
Oh how wonderful it is to share your landscape with birds and butterflies! Today's Garden Bite is all about attracting them with the right natural food sources and tips to keep them coming back. It doesn't matter the size of your space, there's something for every one.
As we ponder our gardens, vegetables specifically, companion planting is a great topic. It's been used for a VERY long time but until recently was poo pooed by academics. Except for those who wrote their own articles on the subject! One of them was my own Instructor from Master Gardener classes in 2003! I have lots of information on what to plant with who on today's Garden Bite.
Orchids! Phalaenopsis orchids, aka Phals specifically, are the most popular indoor houseplant gift. Catching your eye in the produce aisle of the grocery store or in local garden centers, they can often be an impulse buy. The good news is they are relatively easy care. Find details such as what it means when the leaves are dark on Garden Bite.
Air plants have become a fun, trendy houseplant. Their Latin name is Tillandsia and they are native to South and Central America with about 500 species or more! They need no soil, so where do their nutrients come from? How to display them? And much more on today's Garden Bite.
Ugh, it's sub zero outside and all these ugly brown bugs are crawling around indoors. Okay, maybe not an army of them but enough that you wonder what are they doing in my home? Laying eggs? Ick. How do I get rid of them? That's on today's Garden BITE! No, these stink bugs don't bite humans.
Growing vegetables can seem a bit daunting for beginners. On the contrary, there are some really great choices to start with. Listen to today's Garden Bite and learn more about those vegetables on my website too!
It's not just hosta. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE hosta but sometimes we need some flowers and other color besides green, cream and yellow. Today's Garden Bite is about some other options to cheer up your shady corner.
Wow, I hope you are surviving our roller coaster of cold arctic air! As I write this, the temperature is 6 below zero but tomorrow is supposed to be 30 above. And then the deep freeze comes again. How on Earth do our wild birds stay warm? That's today's Garden Bite.
Developed in our cold climate of the Upper Midwest, this new Prairie grass is a stunner. Over decades and multiple trials, the University of Minnesota Dept. of Horticulture introduces 'Golden Sunset' - an upright Sorghastrum nutans aka Indian grass and Yellow prairie grass. The color is a must see. Check out Garden Bite
I’ve talked about cuddling up with your plant catalogs but I want to share some terms with you that not everyone is familiar with. Knowing what these terms mean will guide you to the best options for your gardening experience. As always go to Garden Bite for more in-depth information!
Those of us in cold climates (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, the Dakotas...) we like to stretch our zone occasionally. This zone 5 grass is gorgeous and, I think, worth a try in your zone 4. I talked about microclimates this week and planted Hakonechloa in "my microclimate". How did it work? Find out on today's Garden Bite.
Every year the National Garden Bureau (NGB) chooses a bulb, an annual, a houseplant, a shrub, an edible and a perennial of the year. Plants are chosen because they are popular, easy-to-grow, widely adaptable, genetically diverse, and versatile. For 2022, they chose Gladiolus for the bulb of the year. Find out why and enjoy some beautiful options on today's Garden Bite.
Reading my favorite magazine, Northern Gardener, I came across an article titled ‘Nativars’ by the Editor, and a friend of mine, Mary Schier. These are plants which are cultivars of our native plants. The question is, how do they relate to our environmental concerns? What is the difference between Selections and Hybrids? A quick overview of what nativars are and how they impact our environment on today's Garden Bite.
There's plenty of talk about microclimates but what are they and how do they relate in our own yards and landscapes? Can we change them? And how do we do that? It's on today's Garden Bite.
The Perennial Plant Association announced their winner for Perennial of the Year 2022. It's Little Bluestem! A native with plenty of lovely cultivars. I share some beauties and one that was developed at the University of Minnesota Department of Horticulture and has become a standard! Listen up and take a look on Garden Bite.
It's currently 9 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit) as I write this! Brrr. A great time to huddle indoors with those new plant catalogs and plan for the upcoming season. It's important for those of us in cold climates to really check out those catalog descriptions! Learn more on today's GardenBite and also get a peek at Pantones Color of the Year for 2022.
Today is Epiphany - the last day of the Christmas celebrations for Christians around the world. What is it and how is it celebrated? It has much to do with the Magi but the celebrations really vary! And it's time to take the Christmas tree down but there's much more life it can give. Learn all about it on today's GardenBite!
I’m having fun looking at new plant introductions for the 2022 season! I chose a few colorful options! Sun ball, Lemon Squeeze, Cupcakes White and Back in Black... ooo, what could they be? Find out on today's GardenBite!
Oh peperomia how I love your vast foliage options. I recently treated myself to a new plant and sassy pot. ‘Watermelon’ peperomia argyreia, is a sweet little beauty. There are more than a thousand varieties and they are great for small spaces! Check out today's GardenBite!
I talked about how plants help to clear the air in our homes but they can struggle to do that if they're covered in dust or cooking residue or whatever! Tips on cleaning your houseplants and clearing the air on today's Garden Bite!
There is an interesting history to Champagne. Fraught with intrigue and lawsuits on WHO can call their sparkling wine, Champagne! Was the bubbly always welcome? Find out on today's GardenBite. And toast to a new happy, healthy 2022... I think we can all say Amen to that!
As gardening continues to grow (no pun intended!) I take a look at how it's grown! What plant breeders are doing to create vegetable and flower cultivars to fit urban landscapes as well as raise nutritional values. And also, what's a Duchene Smile?! That is on today's GardenBite.
Around this time every year, after the holidays and when our winter in the Upper Midwest is really settling in, we are really needing our green fix and also need to clear the air in our homes. What are some of the best houseplants to do that? NASA proved decades ago that plants do have the capability of pulling toxins out of our indoor air! Learn more on gardenbite.com.
Of 25 million acres of Tallgrass Prairie between Minnesota and Iowa only about 300,000 remains. Tallgrass Prairie are among the most decimated and threatened natural plant communities in the Midwest and the world. The tallgrass prairie ecosystem is dominated by native grasses and wildflowers. It's soil rich in nutrients. Learn what happened and how some are working to recover some of what's been lost. gardenbite.com.
Every year plant breeders are coming out with new introductions. Hybridizing plants for a variety of reasons. Today I'm sharing some a few flowers and foliage plants that may not be AAS winners but have been trialed and are pretty darn gorgeous to look at! They also have additional attributes like staying power and disease resistance. Take a peek on gardenbite.com.
It’s Christmas Eve and that means I bring you my gardeners version of an old classic poem written in 1823 by Clement Clarke Moore. Twas the Night Before Christmas and all through the house, not a plant was stirring, not even a sprout... hear the whole thing on today's Bite and find it on my website, gardenbite.com.
While the American chestnut was for humans the American hazelnut is really for wildlife. I planted them on some property years ago primarily for the wildlife including pheasant, turkey, deer, woodpeckers and little mammals. Learn the ins and outs of growing American hazelnuts shrubs on today's Garden Bite and find additional info on gardenbite.com.
Sowing seed in winter doesn't make sense... or does it? Talking with native seed companies, it's a perfect time to sow seeds of native plants with the right snow conditions and a prepared site. Learn all about the reasons why winter seed sowing is a great idea on today's Garden Bite.
The Winter solstice takes place at 9:59am central time today. That got me thinking about the moon too, which leads to celestial gardening, also known as Biodynamics, which uses the movements of the moon and stars to guide planting and cultivation. Learn all about that on today's Garden Bite. How we can work WITH nature to renew soil. Check out my website too!
Years ago the American Chestnut was the most important tree in eastern North America. Supplying excellent lumber and tasty nuts that fattened calves and people alike! But in the early 1900’s a bark eating fungus came into New York on an Asian Chestnut. The blight spread with a vengeance and by 1950 the American Chestnut tree was gone. But decades of breeders have been working on bringing back to life the American chestnut. Learn much more on today's Garden Bite and also about roasting chestnuts. Pictures and links are on gardenbite.com.
The plant and seed catalogs for 2022 are already arriving. I just received one from a company I’d never heard of, Seeds N Such. I did a little research and found some mixed reviews. That got me thinking about how we order things and our own expectations. Learn about reputable companies, shopping locally and to speak up if an order is wrong! Find more on Garden Bite.
This time of year, for those of us in cold climates, snow and ice can accumulate on our trees and shrubs. Should we knock it off? That's a good question. The answer isn't always easy. I have some tips to consider before going out there and smacking that tree branch! Check it out on today's Garden Bite.
As you go about your gift shopping, don't forget the little ones! Getting kids to enjoy gardening is a lot easier when the tools they use fit their hands! Provide them with good tools and teach them these aren't "toys". Find links to good garden tools for children and learn more on today's Garden Bite.
Some holiday plants are heaped in legend. From Christmas trees to holly and mistletoe, where did those traditions start and why? It's all on today's Garden Bite.
Every year there’s a lot of social media chatter about those holiday cacti. Do you have an overachieving Christmas cactus or is it really a Thanksgiving cactus? And what about those Easter ones? Identifying those cacti isn't difficult, you just need to know what you're looking for! And THAT is on today's Garden Bite.
Sunday, we celebrate National Poinsettia Day in the U.S.! It's actually a native of Mexico, where it grows like a weed and can reach 10 feet tall. But here in the U.S., it is more of a houseplant and definitely a beautiful Christmas gift! Learn how to care for them and about the legend of WHY they're also named "Flowers of the Holy Night". I LOVE this story! And check out all the colors of poinsettias on gardenbite.com.
A couple of weeks ago I talked about the benefits of bats and birds. I want to add to the list of birds that bring joy AND munch on those unwanted pests such as beetles, caterpillars, grubs, snails and my recent nemesis, ANTS! Learn which birds will hang out all year if you give them what they need and how much they LOVE to eat! Check out gardenbite.com.
Gardening, being in nature, is one of the best things we can do for ourselves both physically and mentally. However, there are many of us with differing abilities that make movement and/or chores in the garden a bit more challenging. Today there are so many wonderful tools and advice on gardening with differing abilities. Learn more on adaptive gardening on today's Garden Bite. Be sure to check out gardenbite.com too.
Yesterday I shared the what and why of All America Selections. Today, I introduce you to some of the winners for 2022. Two vegetables and an annual you'll want in your garden next year! Go to gardenbite.com for more details and pictures too!
All America Selections (AAS) was established in 1932. Since that time, home gardeners have been able to see that designation and know that the plant they're buying has gone through rigorous trials. But how did it get started? Why did it get started? And where are those trial gardens??? It's all on today's Garden Bite. Be sure to check out my website too!
Black Friday may be over but we’re seeing plenty of holiday shopping ads! As the gardener or one of them in your family, there’s nothing wrong with leaving hints about what you want! Tools are a gardener’s biggest friend. Find out my favorites on today's Garden Bite.
Some may scoff but bats have benefits. Learn the many benefits before you kill it at one o'clock in the morning after it's flown into your bedroom! Oh and other birds belong in this category for their ability to eat insects we don't want!
It’s the time of year when you may hear the pitter patter of small creatures about your house. If it were just the kids! Nope, it’s mice seeking shelter in your cozy home! Oh I have trivia for the dinner table on the number of litters a mouse can have and how quickly that adds up. Plus some stats on their athletic abilities!
For those who have smaller homes or just don’t want the fuss of a big Christmas tree, check out the Norfolk Pine. This houseplant, that’s in many nurseries right now, is not a pine at all! Learn more about this wonderful plant and why you shouldn't toss it out after the holidays.
The local nurseries are filled with Fraser Firs, Balsams, Pine and Spruce. You learned all about the different types last Friday when we talked about tree selection. Today is all about caring for your tree, even before you get it in the house! Once inside, what do you need to do? Where should you NOT put it?
Selecting a fresh cut Christmas tree takes a bit of knowledge and some thought. Find out the do's and don'ts of choosing your tree on today's Garden Bite. Be sure to check out my website too and see the options along with more information. I'll share what to do before you get them in the door and how to care for them next week!
Happy Thanksgiving from Garden Bite. Today is about being grateful and sharing our bounty! And what I bring to the Thanksgiving table! ;-)
Every year plant breeders introduce new cultivars! I share some of those new perennials with you today. There's a hibiscus you've GOT to see on my website gardenbite.com. Oh and so much more!
I was recently reading an article regarding the "worst trees" and took issue with a few of their choices! Find out which ones they didn't like and why I think they're beautiful choices! Perhaps in spite of their "issues"...
Ugh, ants. They really invaded my perennial bed this year. Today's episode is all about how to control them so they don't lift your plants right out of the ground!
It's the season when we decorate... for decades that has meant using Oriental Bittersweet. This is one obnoxious invasive. It is shocking to see what this vine is capable of. Please go to gardenbite.com to see the destruction of the "holiday tradition". We have our own American Bittersweet which is beautiful and a native plant! Therefore it plays well with others. Listen to the podcast and then take a peek on my website!
I love creating my festive containers! I normally go to my local nursery and buy the “ingredients”, spruce tops, cedar branches and various other evergreens and fresh accents. This year was a bit different for me due to scheduled surgery. No worries, I'll be at full force in a few months. That said, I share some "starter" containers and what I did last year. Go to my website to see those creations and the numerous options for natural elements and more!
Inching out of a pandemic, we’re gathering again. That means host/hostess gifts! Rather than last minute, consider something a little different that’s easy and just takes a couple of weeks. Infused sugars! I have lots of ideas on today's show with pictures and more instruction on my website, gardenbite.com.
Each year, hundreds of annual flowers are on public display as part of the annual flower variety trial at the University of Minnesota Horticulture Display Garden in Morris, MN.
If you haven't brought your houseplants back in the house, they might be covered in snow or shivering and not too happy with you! Today's Garden Bite is about the steps to bringing them back indoors. Be sure to go to my website too!
Our winters can be brutal and the Farmers Almanac is calling 2021/22 winter "The Season of Shivers". So today is about using nature for mulch, protecting those shrubs and what shrubs are more tolerant of salt and snow!
Transitioning from combat to civilian life isn’t easy. Experts are going back to lessons from long ago about the role nature has in healing. Years ago, on another radio show I had called “15 with the Author”, I talked with Stephanie Westlund who wrote, “Field Exercises: How Veterans Are Healing Themselves through Farming and Outdoor Activities". It is a look at the healing properties of being in nature, including activities such as gardening. Learn much more on today's show and also on my website, gardenbite.com.
Does indoor compost stink? What about those little fruit flies? I've learned a few things about indoor composting and as we enter winter, we're not as likely to head to the compost pile in 8 ft of snow (okay, I exaggerate!) So what are some of those little nuances to having an indoor compost bucket that doesn't smell? Find out on today's Bite.
The holiday season brings out the amaryllis bulbs for those of us in cold climates. We force them to bloom. Can we keep them? Can we force them to bloom next year? How would we do that? It's all answered on today's Garden Bite. And what are waxed amaryllis?
There are plenty of reasons to leave your perennials up for winter. Find out what they are and how important it is for our wildlife. Check out some great photos on my website too. Gardenbite.com
The Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture has deemed it a noxious weed due to how it has overtaken as an understory plant in our forests, knocking out our natives. Wisconsin has already restricted it. Find out why and when you won't be able to buy this plant in Minnesota!
Vines are wonderful to soften fences. Annual vines are fun because you can change them out every year. Now is the time to unwind them from their temporary homes... you'll be glad you did. Find out why and why I do not like Morning Glories on today's Garden Bite!
I love native plants for many reasons! But this guy, Wood Betony, I hadn't heard of until I opened my newest issue of Northern Gardener magazine. (I highly recommend this magazine, and no, I'm not getting paid to say that!) Wood betony is an unusual parasitic plant with a taproot and lateral roots that attach to the roots of grasses, asters and a few other plants, making it desirable to plant in prairie restorations to deter invasive species. The flowers are tubular, baby! And the foliage is rad... oh, wow, that sounds ridiculous but I hope you'll run with it! tee hee. Check out my website for pics and more.
It’s the first week of November already and you didn’t get to seeding those dead spots in your lawn. That’s okay, dormant seeding is doable. the Ins and Outs of dormant seeding. Check out my website for further details. gardenbite.com
As you peruse garden catalogs and local garden center websites, there are some flowers you might think twice about planting if you have a pet or little person that likes to gnaw on everything. Check out the list of some poisonous plants you may reconsider planting. Make sure you check out my website for further information!
While we place pumpkins on our doorstep and kids dress up for trick or treating, the origins of Halloween vary. I talk about the Celtic origins on today's Garden Bite. Can you guess how much Americans spend on this holiday?
On the east coast the night before Halloween was called “Mischief Night”, that got me thinking about nature's nocturnal creatures! Learn more about our Upper Midwest native creatures that have a reputation for ferocity, some deserved, some perhaps not! That's today's Garden Bite and online too!
Orchids are lining up in garden centers and grocery stores. Those are Phalaenopsis and not hardy to our Upper Midwest region. They DO make wonderful gifts! Today I give a primer on native orchids to Minnesota and Wisconsin and talk about those INDOOR orchids. Caring for them and showing off some gorgeous options on gardenbite.com.
A perennial topic, yes. A sexy subject, Nope... but important nonetheless. I discuss the protocols of storing garden chemicals for Winter. This includes organics!
While predictions of Winter 21-22 say the Upper Midwest will see colder, snowier conditions, they ARE just predictions. However, it is a lot easier to get chores done before the snow flies, if possible! What are those chores? Find out on today's Garden Bite and check out my website for more info!
Local garden centers, farmers markets and apple orchards are a great place to pick up those odd curcurbitas (as we talked about last week) and find Indian corn, straw bales, corn stalks and so much more. But you can go in your closet and in your yard to find some cool stuff too! Check out different displays today and let your imagination run wild. And learn how to preserve branches!
When I was little, it was all about the pumpkins seeds!! Roasted with tons of salt. My taste is, gratefully, a lot more sophisticated and so are the recipes for those seasonal treats. Along with fabulous pie, soup and stews too. Find recipes and the myriad of curcurbita used for all kinds of cooking with these delicious fruits, or vegetables if you prefer!
When I was a kid, carving pumpkins meant using the kitchen knife. Not anymore, thank goodness! But there is an art to picking the right pumpkin depending on what you plan to do with it! I have all this and a video too on today's show and on my website along with links to free stuff!
Like it or loathe it, it's pumpkin spice season! Those cool curcurbitas offer so much more than a little spice in our latte. Check it out on today's Garden Bite and find a handy guide to those lumpy, bumpy beauties with recipes and more on my website too!
Tips on choosing and extending the life of your Fall mums and great ways to reuse those plastic garden pots! Check it out on today's Garden Bite and visit my website too!
Last week I talked about bird feeders and squirrels. Today’s it’s about WHAT to feed those birds as winter comes roaring in… at some point. What birds like certain types of seed/feed? How to protect those birds from predators. It's on today's 'Bite!
Glazed pots do not appreciate the wet cold of winter. Moisture in the soil is good for plants but not for these containers. Find out why and see the damage on my website, gardenbite.com. How to take care of those pots!
It’s not Winter yet, but it’s on the way and some have already experienced temperatures dipping into the 30’s. Some folks "Up North" have covered tomatoes or just given up! What's the difference between a "frost" and a "hard frost"? Does it matter? Find out on today's Garden Bite.
As we head into the “Season of Shivers”, according to the Farmers Almanac for the winter of 21-22, protecting your evergreens is a subject we can get started on early! How to protect them and a special consideration about using burlap on today's Garden Bite.
It's not too early to start thinking about winter protection for your woodies! Before you get the wrong idea... I'm talking about your trees and shrubs! Winter sun, wind, temperature fluctuations, snow and ice can make for a deadly combo for your trees and shrubs. Learn what to do about it on today's Garden Bite and be sure to go to my website gardenbite.com
Fresh herbs are a necessity in my garden but you can also have them indoors. And there are local nurseries that are happy to supply you with some fabulous plants! Not all herbs enjoy the great indoors but plenty do and I’ll share them with you.
It's time to clean out those bird feeders and houses too. Birds are starting to migrate and this is our opportunity to provide for them. But to do that properly, they need clean feeders and more. I talked with my friend and bird expert, Bonni, about this. I caught it on video! Check out my website, gardenbite.com
Yes, you can still plant in zones 3 and 4... We cold climate gardeners are a tough lot and so are our plants. The soil is still warm but the air is getting cooler. A great combination to plant trees, shrubs and some perennials too. Learn all about it on today's Garden Bite and check out my website for video and more.
Yesterday was about planting bulbs, today it's about digging out those tender bulbs that bloomed this Summer. When is the best time to dig out your dahlias and other tender bulbs and how do you store them? That's on today's Garden Bite.
Soon we'll be planting Fall bulbs for Spring color. There are lots and lots of gorgeous bulbs we can plant, most of which squirrels love to eat. BUT, there are ways to prevent that. That's on today's Garden Bite along with bulbs they don't "prefer"! Take a peek at my website too for further details and pictures.
Time flies! It's October 1st and time to collect seeds of coneflowers and rudbeckia with instructions on today's Garden Bite. You'll also want to decide how you want your "winter" garden to look and I've got the options on today's Garden Bite.
While I've seen a few hummingbirds still feasting on my annual mandevilla and my honeysuckle vines, most of them are headed south. There are 350 or so species of hummingbirds, all of which are native to the "New World", the Americas. I share which ones are native to Minnesota and Wisconsin and have some facts about these amazing little flying jewels on today's Garden Bite. Check out my website for more and for pictures too!
Although most plants are shutting down right now, your lawn continues to actively grow, if it’s had water! Fall is the time when lawn grasses use their energy to spread and develop deeper root systems instead of above ground blades. The best time to fertilize your lawn is, generally, now to late October. I share how to do this now, but remind you that many of us are still in a drought and fertilizer COULD be too much.
Apple season is in full swing with local orchards now open. For those of us in cold climates, growing apples wasn’t always easy but with a lot of research by places like the University of Minnesota, which started breeding apples in 1888, we can grow some delicious apples! Learn all about these delicious options you can grow in your own yard and when to plant them.
Not a sexy topic even for gardening, but Oak Wilt is a really lousy fungi that destroys these beautiful trees. Oak will has traveled further north, for the first time showing up in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. Wisconsin also has the disease. Oak wilt is caused by a fungus that deprives the tree of water. The fungus isn’t visible, but the symptoms are obvious: the tree’s leaves wilt from lack of water and die. Learn about the disease, "possible" treatments and WHO should do those treatments.
Dogs. Oh what companions they are to we hapless humans. And SO MUCH MORE. Their noses detect bombs, human remains, drugs and so on. Now they're being used to detect Emerald Ash Borer and, just recently, there are a few trained to sniff out the coronavirus. Learn more on today's Garden Bite and be sure to check out my website too.
On a recent bicycle ride I discovered a little hidden gem I didn't know the name of... so I went searching. Spotted touch-me-not is the common name of a native to the Upper Midwest. Learn more about this plant, how it got it's name and 2 other natives plants discovered on that bicycle ride! Check them all out on gardenbite.com.
We turn the Autumnal corner at 2:20 central time this afternoon! I just love this time of year. Sweatshirts and flannels, leaving the windows cracked open at night with that cool air making good sleeping weather. our Fall colors will be muted and now we are, once again, being asked to wear masks. While challenges continue, let’s just take a moment and celebrate TODAY. Today's 'Bite is about what pondering... listen for more.
Much of my home state, Minnesota, and western Wisconsin remains in a drought. Yes, we've had rain but it's still not enough to pull us out. Fall is "generally" a good time to put down a herbicide, but because of the dry conditions we need to rethink that! On today's Garden Bite I talk about why this is usually a good time to put down a herbicide for certain types of weeds and why THIS year, 2021, is not.
Too much produce can become a bit overwhelming after you've canned, preserved, froze and dehydrated a lot of it. Today's Garden Bite is about how to harvest to store your produce, the different temperatures and conditions for the various produce and more. Be sure to visit my website for more details.
In the drought that we are still experiencing, it's even more important to prepare our plants for the cold winter months. Learn what you need to do to help those trees, evergreens and other plants survive and thrive on today's Garden Bite.
Beautify and preserve. It’s possible with permeable pavers. Storm water runoff creates a litany of issues including contaminants and pollutants that enter our waterways, destroying habitat and killing wildlife. There are so many ways permeable pavers help our environment! Check it out on today's Garden Bite.
There's still harvesting and enjoying our flowers and planting, there's also time to consider building a new garden bed. As you do, be sure to add organic matter, a soil potpourri, so to speak...
Maples are always exceptional for fall color but I have a few others that offer brilliant color and a couple other surprises including one that will attract a lot of birds! They also work in small yards! Check them out today and on my website too.
It's all about planting garlic and the slight differences you need to make when planting in cold climates! The do's and don'ts and my experience. Go to my website gardenbite.com to see pictures and get more information!
As we work our way into Fall there are some plants that we all associate with that time of year. I talked about some Fall options last week, in particular, mums - the annual kind and the hardy mums! But what about perennials, some natives? It's also a good time to plant trees. How about taking a look at some different trees? It's on today's 'Bite!
The University of MN Extension, as every other State University extension around the country does, answers gardeners questions. This year the top topics included stressed maples and evergreens, insects and invasive species. Learn about them and what to do! Check out my website, gardenbite.com also!
Fall is a great time to seed your lawn and do a number of other chores. In Minnesota we've experienced severe drought which has led to dead grass and warnings on what you should and should not do for your lawn. While we received rain we are still not out of the woods, so to speak. Today's 'Bite is about how to reseed dead areas of your lawn (how to know it's really dead) and what NOT to do.
Recently someone I know had a nasty run-in with poison ivy. It’s nothing to be trifled with! Not everyone has a major reaction but once you have, you will continue to have a bad reaction. If it’s in an area of your yard you want it GONE. First, make sure that's what it is. Then there are a lot of precautions you must take to ensure your safety along with pets and others. Please listen to my podcast then go to my website where I have MUCH more information on how to get rid of it. I don't normally advocate using chemicals, but, for this stuff I do!
Happy Labor day, a holiday to pay tribute to the contributions American workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. As for worker PLANTS, let me tell you who to salute and, possibly select, for your own gardens on today's Garden Bite!
We're headed toward Labor Day weekend but that means there's still plenty of time to enjoy your outdoor spaces. As more and more, we consider our impact on our planet, have you ever considered Eco-friendly furniture? When I had my television show, Dig In Minnesota, I had the opportunity to find out more about polywood... plastic is used to create sturdy recycled furniture. They've come a long way! Check it and find the video on my website gardenbite.com.
The fall planted bulbs are starting to show up at local nurseries. These are those spring bloomers like tulips and crocus. But there’s also garlic, which will be ready to harvest in early August. Learn how to select the best bulbs, how to plant and care for them into winter.
Your petunias are pooped and it's time freshen up those annual containers with some fall color. Oh yes, there are mums, but there are also plenty of other plants to add the pop back into your planters. Check 'em out on my website too. Gardenbite.com
Grasses are some of my all time favorite plants and with the introduction of Big bluestem 'Blackhawks', I have another favorite!. Last year I scored two of them. Oh my, the foliage evolves throughout the growing season. You must see this beauty on my website gardenbite.com
Last year Lilac Blight hit HARD. The other hard part about it is that it doesn't just go away. While you pruned and cleaned up, the problem can persist plant debris for years. Learn more about this fungal issue and don't give up yet!
There are a lot of you with clay soil. I’m included in this group. I talked just last week about the good parts of clay soil but today it’s about plants that enjoy it! Or at the very least, tolerate it! One of my favorites is Aster. See it on my website and learn more about different perennials that can handle soil on today's 'Bite!
Fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs. They love the warm soil and cooler air. They also still have plenty of time to scoot their roots down deep into the soil. There IS a caveat to those of us in drought locations. Water, water, water... learn more about the do's and don'ts of Fall tree planting on today's Garden Bite.
It’s not too early to think about dealing with Buckthorn, one of Minnesota’s most damaging invasive plants. Wisconsin’s not real happy with it either!! Nor are several other states. This invasive is nasty. Learn more about why it's so bad, how to identify it and how to get rid of it or at least "manage" it on today's Garden Bite.
While listeners in Wisconsin are faring far better this Summer of Drought, Minnesota is in tough shape. Only far southeastern Minnesota is okay. Most of the rest of the state is in severe to extreme drought. You’ve likely seen your stress on your trees and shrubs. The University of MN Extension is cautioning homeowners not to prune trees... Learn more about HOW our trees/shrubs are being affected and what the ONE reason is that would be okay to prune.
Gardening can cost money but there are many ways to save. I’m sharing some of those with you today. Tree trimming companies often pay to dump their chips at a city-owned facility. If you’re willing to give up driveway space, they will dump it in your driveway for free! They may not be the colored mulch you wanted but that fades anyway! Learn more ways to save on garden supplies on today's episode!
I love my hanging baskets. I have had some very unique ones and decided I wanted to try my hand at creating my own. Sorta. It's not fancy weaving but a fun burlap basket. Learn how on gardenbite.com and today's episode!
A deal is only a deal if it works out. A neighbor's ill-fated blueberry bushes and another who wanted rock. UGH, learn why rock mulch is NOT a good idea in most garden beds and where it does work.
I love the sound of birds singing in the morning. I talk often about pollinator gardens but what about planting an “audible” garden? Birds sing for 2 reasons, for territory and for mating. Native plants attract native insects which native birds eat. Seed eaters tend to go for native grasses and flower heads. Learn more layering your garden and the songs of birds on today's Bite!
Nothing says fall like mums! Annuals or perennials, they are the prettiest flowers come the cooler season. On today's Garden Bite, I talk about the differences between the annual and the perennial, the University of Minnesota introduction of Mammoth Mums and more!
Sometimes I’ll just wander past my spearmint and rub some leaves to catch that wonderful scent. I do that with the rosemary, oregano, tarragon, well, you get my point! I also like to preserve those wonderful herbs for winter use! The easiest way to do that is by drying. Learn how to dry and/or freeze your herbs. And which ones you shouldn't bother trying to dry...
Microbes are everywhere! In our soil, in our plants which means in our food and water and, of course our guts. So why should we care? Wellllll… without them life would cease to exist. We’re talking about the magic of microbial science on today’s Garden Bite. Before you hit the snooze button, let’s dish on dirt.
That little flyer you have hovering over your hot dog is most likely the Yellow Jacket wasp. In August yellow jackets are at peak numbers and they want a sip of your drink or a bite of your food just as much as you do! On today's Bite, I share how to make a trap that doesn't involve chemicals!
I love ornamental grasses! Today's Bite covers grasses that butterflies love too, including 'Eyelash' grass. It's actual name is Blue Grama, but that sounds kinda funny. There are other names for it including 'Mosquito' and 'Caterpillar'. When you see it, you'll understand... check out my website. The flowers look like golden sails at the tip of the stems. It's a low grower that attracts at least a dozen different types of butterflies. And birds like it too!
The gladiolas are blooming and I’m thrilled as they always remind me of my dad. They were blooming when he passed away. That may sound sad but, honestly, it makes me feel like he gives me flowers every year from Heaven! They are old-fashioned and charming! Learn about planting and storing these bulbs over winter. And find some beauties on my website, gardenbite.com.
Last year my street was redone. That meant digging out all the plants in my butterfly garden and overwintering them in my vegetable garden. I replanted them this year and found that I needed to purchase additional plants due to transplant shock and other factors. So what did I get? Find out on today's Garden Bite and check out pictures on gardenbite.com.
So often I get asked "what's wrong with my plant?" Sometimes it's as easy as being planted in the wrong spot. Sun conditions might be wrong, soil conditions, too close to a building and so on... Right Plant, Right Place is the Master Gardeners mantra! Before you toss that plant or add fertilizer, find out exactly what conditions that plant needs and whether that's what it's getting. You can always ask a Master Gardener, including me! tkgardenbite@gmail.com or message me at my Facebook page: Garden Bite with Teri Knight
There are many gardeners who have clay soil. Most lament that fact but Proven Winners says you can learn to love it, it just takes a bit of knowledge and a bit of elbow grease. What IS clay soil? It’s sticky and absorbs water slowly, when it dries out it can be crusty, lumpy and hardpacked. So far not lovin’ it. HOWEVER... learn WHY clay soil can be a good thing, especially in drought. Who'd a thunk it?
My tomatoes have been producing like crazy. There’s one thing good about this heat. I have started dehydrating my ‘Grape Juliet’ grape tomatoes. They are fantastic this way. The heating process intensifies the already delicious flavor. Roasted tomatoes are a delicious appetizer! It's a how to on today's Garden Bite!
With this drought, what if you could just EAT your yard? I’ve noticed PLENTY of weeds. Plantain for one. You can use the young leaves like spinach or lightly stir fry the old ones. Some people blanch them, freeze them and use them in soups and stews. Much more on today's Garden Bite including recipes.
Landscaping is what YOU make it. Form, function, color, site conditions and your imagination are all factors. Today, though, I’m going to bust a few myths I’ve been hearing over the garden fence. Be sure to check out my website gardenbite.com for more information
Pinching back, deadheading. Sometimes these terms can make new gardeners nervous. They're not exactly sure what it means. Where do you "pinch" or prune back to? What's the point? It's all on today's Garden Bite! The what, the where and the how.
A native groundcover, ground plum is super cool. But it's not a plum. Learn more about this wonderful cold climate groundcover and what you do with when you just can't help yourself buying more plants!
A listener asked about what plants get along with each other and what plants don't... Well, invasives don't get along with any other plants. So, there's that. However, there are some very friendly plants for sun and for shade. Learn all about them on today's episode and find more information on my website gardenbite.com.
Have you ever thought of growing kiwi? Me either. I mean, come on, we live in zones 3 and 4! BUT, Hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta and Actinidia kolomikta) is the cold-hardy cousin of the vine that produces the familiar kiwi fruit sold at grocery stores. Learn more about this hardy kiwi and what cultivar is best for our cold zones.
So what does THAT mean? The "well-gardened mind". I interviewed the author of this book. While it's her grandfather's story of being a POW during WWII and his journey back to life, the echoes of his story can reach all of us. Collectively we've been through a lot over the last year and a half. Our gardens have become more than a "showcase" of plants. That's today's Garden Bite. ENJOY your time spent in the garden
A shoreline planting does so much more than provide physical stabilization of a lakeshore or river bank. The extensive root systems of native plants embrace the soil and hold it in place which also benefits the water ecosystem by filtering-out pollutants from water runoff, creating healthy shoreline habitat. And there's more! That's on today's Garden Bite. And also more info on my website, gardenbite.com.
Midsummer is the time for zone 4 to 6 gardeners to begin planting crops like broccoli, lettuce, peas, spinach, kale, cilantro and arugula. Planting now through early August will have you harvesting from September through November. Learn tips and tricks for 2nd season plantings on today's episode of Garden Bite and also on my website, gardenbite.com.
Perennial grasses are one of my favorite plants. There are tall grasses, small grasses, green grasses, blue grasses! Grasses for the prairie, grasses for the shoreline, grasses for sun, grasses for part shade and then the grasses that make you just say WOW! Take a listen to today's Garden Bite and find more info on my website, gardenbite.com.
My tomatoes are looking fabulous… well, most of them are. I’ve been eating my ‘Super Sweet 100’s” And also the ‘Grape Juliet’. The Cherokee Purple are also producing although I’ve noticed cracking on top. But my romas, which are crazy growing, also have some with blossom end rot. What is that? It's all explained on today's Garden Bite and find pictures and more on my website, gardenbite.com.
Many areas within the Garden Bite audience are suffering drought conditions. Some more than others. What plants can handle dry shade? I have some suggestions. Check them out on today's episode and find out more on my website, gardenbite.com.
Everyone loves having birds come to their landscapes, but some may find they don’t get much action even if they put out birdseed. So what’s going on? There can be multiple factors. Learn about them on today's Garden Bite. And check out my website too.
Since it has felt like we’re living in Texas, I thought I’d bring up clematis texensis, also called Scarlet Leatherflower. While a Texas native, it offers a possibility for those of us in zone 4b. This beauty is different in that it prefers full sun. Learn more about this flower on today's Garden Bite and find more on my website.
While we finally got some glorious rain and relief from the very hot weather, my area and so many others, remain in a drought. How do we fertilize plants, trees, shrubs and the lawn in these conditions? August is also, typically, hot and dry. How does that affect our plants? Learn when to fertilize, how much to fertilize and when to just say no to fertilizing on today's Garden Bite.
Strawberry season is all but over for most home gardeners. The heat wave we had speeds up the fruiting. So what do you do now for an even better crop next year? Strawberry patch renovation! I share tips on how to do that on today's episode of Garden Bite. Be sure to check out my website too.
Lupines always make me think of the North Shore. Riding motorcycles Bayfield, Wisconsin, I was thrilled to see all the fantastic lupines blooming! There are native lupines and also some invasives, however, they're still being sold and you can manage them. Find them on today's Garden Bite.
Succulents have found increasing popularity. It’s easy to see why. There are numerous options, some really beautiful. There are a large number of succulents. Create some beautiful containers indoors and out. Or plant them in the ground, as many are also perennials too! Find them on today's Garden Bite.
There are good bugs, the kind that help keep down pests and disease, and then there are bad ass bugs! These are miniature assassins. In fact, one is called just that. Learn about these awesome insects on today's Garden Bite.
I found my first Japanese beetles on my native Leadplant. Grabbed him, squished him. Then I wandered over to my roses and found 2 more. Two days later, there were 10 of them munching on the last of the roses on my ‘Music Box’ rose. Soapy water does the trick especially when you catch them in the afternoon when they're slower. However, there's good news on the horizon due to an insect that lays eggs on them! Learn all about it on today's Garden Bite.
Last week I talked about how allergy season is growing. Climate change, with it’s warming temperatures earlier in the season has meant that trees are triggered into flowering earlier. Today I want to talk about trees that are less likely to cause the ah-choos. As mentioned, trees are the biggest contributors to allergy season. Learn about them on today's episode.
Sunday we celebrate Independence Day. But this year, again, is different for Americans. The pandemic is slowed but the scars remain and the call to remind ourselves of our Declaration of Independence: paraphrased, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all people are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. As you all know, my pursuit of happiness is in the garden! Diverse plantings means a stronger eco-system. I have several on today's show!
While my area has been suffering drought, I have a number of hardy perennials that can handle the heat. Likely better than we can! I feel like wilted lettuce. Anyway, hear it all on today's Garden Bite and find pictures and more on my website, gardenbite.com.
Are your irises rising out of the ground? They’ve been left alone for years and are now fighting for room! Generally it's a good idea to divide your iris every 3 to 4 years. Learn the ins and outs of dividing iris, when is the best time to do it, how to do it and find some outstanding bearded iris on my website, gardenbite.com.
If you have allergies, it’s probably felt like a long season… and it is. Yup, another issue you can associate with climate change. So what's the deal? I explain why our allergies are worse and what plant gets a bad rap for causing the ah-choos!
Lawns are looking rough and we haven’t even made it to JULY! Kentucky bluegrass, which is what most lawns are, can start turning brown after about 7 days without water. On today's show I have lots of tips to tend to that crunchy lawn. Find more on gardenbite.com too!
It's a never ending process that I love. And it's work too! Garden bed renewal is something that happens when you purchase a home new to you or you've developed your interest in gardening or you're looking at those overgrown hostas and daylilies and realize you need to divide and conquer. Actually there are a bazillion reasons. Take a peek at my website and see the continuing process and get some ideas yourself.
A large part of gardening is welcoming the wildlife. The ruby throated Hummingbird is a little garden jewel that flies about 1500 miles just to land in your backyard. Learn what plants they love best and how to care for those feeders and, please, don't use red dye when making sugar water! It's all on today's Garden Bite
There are two types of weeds for this episode, annuals and perennials. The annual weeds are pretty easy to get rid of, sort of. The perennial weeds are a bit trickier. Find out how to deal with perennial weeds around your precious vegetables on today's Garden Bite!
The toughest part of gardening is trying to figure out why a plant isn’t thriving. Is it an insect, is it a disease, are my plants getting the nutrients they need. Enough water (this year in particular), or maybe too much water because we’re overcompensating for drought conditions? Find out what an errant weed whacker can do and some great diagnostic tools on today's Garden Bite.
When the flowers fade, the foliage flashes! A gardener can hardly help themselves to love flowers but foliage really lends color and texture that is capable of showing off flowers then becoming the show itself. There are so many options, check them out on gardenbite.com.
Sunday is the Summer Solstice, celebrated for centuries. The beginning of summer, although this year feels like summer started in May! From Ancient Greeks to Native Americans and Vikings, learn more on today's Bite... ahh, I'm thinking of BLT's.... tomatoes here they come.
Garlic mustard was planted as an herb but escaped cultivation. The chemicals in garlic mustard reduce the growth of other plants around it and will outcompete native understory vegetation. Learn more about this herb and find recipes as well as ways to get rid of it on today's Bite!
Ground covers come to the rescue in many ways. From keeping weeds down to assist in soil erosion to helping keep moisture in the soil. With this heat, that's a great thing. There are many kinds of ground covers, learn about them on today's Garden Bite.
It's the fungi with the funny name! Mycorrhizae fungi have a symbiotic relationship with the roots of many plants. What role does this fungi play? Can you have too much? It's all about the fungi on today's Garden Bite!
We've had weather to melt the best of us. And those who love lawns are looking at brown already. There are a lot of great ideas from the University of Minnesota extension! Check out my website along with my podcast!
Plant sales are awesome but there are a few things to look for before purchasing. We can't expect perfection, after all they're on sale, however you do want to make good choices. Especially if you're purchasing perennials, trees or shrubs.
Gardening is a lot of trial by error! Unless you get a few tips from those of us who've gardened for a while! On today's Bite, I give you some of the nuances of planting.
Late blight is a lousy disease that affects tomatoes stems, leaves and fruit. The pathogen does not survive our winters but if you have "volunteer" tomatoes or potatoes coming up, and had late blight last year, pull them out! Learn more on gardenbite.com.
June is an exciting month for vegetable gardeners. We've had some harvests of lettuces, radishes and such and we're seeing our tomatoes and peppers start to producing, although a ways out from harvesting! You can start some successive plantings now too. Check out gardenbite.com for even further details.
Punctuate your landscape by stuffing in some annuals, either into the ground or in containers. They make great transitions for filling in those "holes" left by spring flowering perennials. Be sure to check out my website too! Gardenbite.com
Wasps, the bane of the summer time picnic and those nests! Ugh, don’t get me started. BUT, and it’s a big one, they’re good for our ecosystem. Dang it! I mean, that’s good, but their bite is not fun. So how many wasp species are there? What do they actually DO for your ecosystem? That's on today's Garden Bite! Always take a look at my website gardenbite.com for a LOT more information on each episode!
I talk about perennials and annuals for pollinators but what about trees and shrubs? Today I talk about some of the recommended trees and shrubs for cold climates that pollinators dig!
When I became a Master Gardener in 2003, there was a group of MG’s that formed a group called “Friends of Charlie” because nearly every other question asked by home gardeners was, “How do I get rid of Creeping Charlie”? Learn about what you can and cannot do, if you can get rid of it and whether you really want to!
Oh such pretty flowers blooming in ditches, along railroad tracks and in large stretches of farm yards. Oh but what evil those beauties bring upon us. Dame’s Rocket looks like a native phlox but it’s not! Learn more about this pretty pest on today's Garden Bite.
Today is the day we reflect and remember our military personnel who gave their all for our freedom. The red poppy came to symbolize our war veterans in 1921. It is a wildflower poppy. During World war one, the fields of Flanders in western Belgium saw 4 years of unrelenting battle. After the war, these poppies came back in a most spectacular display. Learn more about the "corn poppy" aka the American Legion poppy.
Got deer? Get some deer resistant plants. Notice I said resistant! There are some plants that are naturally not delicious to deer. Due to their toxicity, fragrance or texture, deer seem to be repelled by these plants.
Shrubs could use some food too but there are some caveats, we’ll get to those. Keeping plants healthy also helps lower opportunities for disease and insects to do damage. A caveat to fertilizer response is the environment your shrubs are grown in. Woody plants respond well to fertilizers with a 3-1-2 or 3-1-1 ratio, for instance, the package may read 24-8-16, 18-6-12 or 12-4-4, etc.
First, there IS NO poop in fertilizer! Proven Winners, one of the top plant breeders, says it’s really important to feed your container plants, which I talked about last week. That makes sense, they’re roots can only go so far and get so much! There are 3 main kinds of fertilizer: water soluble, slow release, and controlled release.
Planting HERBS for pollinators! I’ve told you before that swallowtail caterpillars LOVE parsley and dill. Listen in for more herbs and be sure to plant enough for you AND the pollinators! Check my website for more details and recipes too.
So often folks find a tree they like and then everyone plants it and then that’s all you see. And then they get taken out by disease and our boulevards are naked. Planting diverse species is the best way to protect them all. Plant this not that, take 2
This is one of my favorite times of year... planting my annuals in containers! But it can also be overwhelming. If you get plant-love overload at your local nursery, it can make it difficult to choose plants! There are some basic rules to follow that will help you create that eye-popper every time.
Tomatoes and peppers like warm soil. And who doesn't? Think about putting your toes in warm sand... or soil! It’s an exciting time to get our most favored vegetable garden plants in the ground! What are some of the best practices when planting these warm season crops?
Since we discussed watering newly planted trees and shrubs I thought I would go a little further today. We talk a lot about sun/shade conditions and soil types but one thing we don’t always check on when pursuing our favorite plants is whether they like dry feet or wet feet. It's important to know who likes what!
As I discussed trees yesterday, I wanted to talk about watering newly planted trees and shrubs. They need regular and consistent watering until root systems establish. Root systems of bare root, containerized, and balled and burlapped trees and shrubs have been severely reduced or restricted by nursery management practices. Learn best practices on today's show.
My favorite arborist, Faith Appelquist, shared her thoughts on the worst trees for planting. Tree selection is a big deal, they’re an investment in dollars and time. There are lots of considerations, one of those is the mature size of the tree you select. Learn more on today's Garden Bite with some good selections!
As more and more folks are interested in their outdoor spaces, privacy is an issue that’s come up. Aside from building a fence, which, at this time with lumber prices through the roof, may not be desirable, a friendly fence may be! What are some of the best "friendly" fences for our zone 4 climate
Tis tick season! Deer ticks and wood ticks are the most common, both of which are annoying blood sucking pests, however, the deer tick , also known as the black legged tick, is a whole other issue as they’re a vector for Lyme Disease and other diseases. Learn more about how to identify them and avoid them.
I’ve never been one to add a lot of chemicals to my gardens. I‘ve always felt that taking care of the soil by using compost and manure with the occasional milorganite (which adds nitrogen) has been good enough. But, really, to boost the bloom and get the foliage flashing - fertilizing is the ticket. So here are some tips on fertilizing for annuals and perennials.
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. How and when to plant and a new dahlia for 2021 on today's Garden Bite!
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.
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.
Happy Moms day coming this Sunday! This particular celebration is one that the U.S. can call their own. A woman named Anna Jarvis trademarked the phrases “second Sunday in May” and “Mother’s Day” in 1912 being very specific that the apostrophe for mothers day was in there so that people would celebrate their own mother not just all moms. A trip to your local garden center!
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. I name a few on today's episode!
Spring is a great time to divide summer and fall blooming perennials. 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. Learn more!
I’ve talked many times before about reducing our lawns, today I'm going a step further by talking about permeable pavers. Saving our waterways in many ways!
This invader is also known as snake worm, crazy worm and Alabama jumper. It’s an Asian earthworm that turns your soil into something like coffee grounds while destroying your plants and lawn. Is there anything we can do? Yes and ...
Yesterday I talked about Japanese beetles, today I want to talk about flowers that repel bugs! There are plenty but I highlight five on today's Garden Bite episode!
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! What can you do now and in the future? That's on today's Garden Bite.
This is a yearly ponderable by the lawn faithful. Fertilizing the lawn, should you or shouldn’t you? The most correct answer, according to research, is NOT now. I know, I can hear many of you gasping, but the BEST times to fertilize your lawn are Late summer and fall. Despite this yearly spring ritual of the lawn faithful, hold off.
The dandelion dilemma. Many folks are not in favor of embracing the weed, they’d rather fight it. You might consider seeking revenge in a different way! By eating it! Plenty of recipes and links to some tasty dandelions, including a pink one are on my website gardenbite.com
Does forsythia bloom foretell the coming of crabgrass? Perhaps, but Mother Nature is fickle, as we experience nearly every year! I'm talking about crabgrass today. Pre-emergent and post-emergent, the best times to apply.
I love this time of year when we start seeing all the new plant introductions for the year settling into our local garden centers or even online. I do encourage listeners to shop local first, but if you can't find what you're looking for, online is a great alternative! On today's episode, I talk about a few standouts.
Kick up your heels and do a happy dance for Earth Day! There are many reasons to celebrate. The body, mind, spirit connection and all the Earth has to offer us. The more we care for it, the more it cares for us!
Bees get the buzz, as well they should, as the ultimate pollinator. But there are others, lots in fact. What or who are they and what are the best plants to bring those pollinators into your garden space and keep them coming? That's on today's Garden Bite. Plus a plant list on my website, gardenbite.com.
Want to garden but have a small space? Not a problem. Gardening in small spaces requires you to maximize the space you have and keep potential problems under control. The challenges and nuances to small space gardening on today's episode!
I talked about soil and rain barrels and composting last week. But what about organic matters? What is it? Does it matter? How much organic matter matters? Can it be too much? Learn more on today's episode!
As we get ready to garden, tool prep is an easy chore to do and will make your garden life much easier! Learn the how-to's of simple care. And how to prune out damaged branches.
There are so many reasons to add a rain barrel to your gardening tool belt, so to speak. Earth friendly and will save you money. Home compost bins are another must have.
There are plenty of perennials more amiable than others. In our busy lives, it's nice to know of some perennials that "mostly" take care of themselves. Living in climate zone 4, there are a lot of choices!
As we turn to our landscapes, how do you start a new lawn? I talked with Gertens Lawn Guru, Tom Jameson, who has 30 years of experience perfecting seed combinations and protocols. Right seed and irrigation are priorities!
Just over a week ago the temperature in southern MN got up to 83 degrees! Zone 4! One year ago on this date we had 8 inches of snow! BUT, according to Dr. Mark Seeley, University of Minnesota professor emeritus and meteorologist, we can expect new normals in the last spring frost date for Minnesota.
Raspberries are an easy fruit crop to grow. But you can savor more of your fruit and make harvesting easier by how you plant and trellising. I read an article from the the University of Minnesota Ext. and wanted to share it with you! That's on today's Garden Bite. Check out my website for pictures, links and more.
In today's more eco aware society, some are trying to find ways to do their part and still have a "lawn". Eco-grass is a great option. You can let it be and it flops over in a most fashionable way... or you can mow it occasionally and save on gas, chemicals and time. Learn more on today's Garden Bite. Go to my website for pictures and more.
Yesterday I talked about getting a soil test, the kind from a University soil lab. Today it's about soil itself! Soil holds the keys to a plant’s ability to take up nutrients, water and oxygen. But wait, there's more! On today's Garden Bite.
If you really want to get down and dirty, get a soil test. It is one of the best things you can do for your plants and yourself. The how to and they why for on today's Garden Bite!
Hydrangeas are one of the most popular flowering shrubs. A big question is when to prune them. There are different species, do they all get pruned at the same time? That's on today's Garden Bite
It's always exciting to see the new plant introductions. I share three today. Two shrubs and a perennial I just love!
Trees and shrubs are investments. You want to give them the best start to thrive. Today's episode is about best planting practices to allow them their best chance for a long life!
Rain gardens do amazing things, like help save our waterways from junk! What are good plants for raingardens? I share those and more on how rain gardens make a difference in our environment.
For those of us in cold climates, now is the time to start these seeds indoors. That will give them ample time to grow indoors while our soil outdoors warms up! But, not get too leggy!
The beautiful trumpet-shaped white flowers of lilium longiflorum symbolize purity, hope and life - the spiritual essence of Easter – a time of renewal. Today it's about choosing the best plant(s) and how to keep them healthy!
In a tumultuous time, find magic in your garden. There's scientific proof of what it does for our peace of mind being out in nature, growing plants. Even the smell of soil can lift our spirits!
You may be discovering spots in your lawn, did "Fido" or "Fifi" do it? Is it snow mold? If it's mold, is it pink or gray? There's a difference. Learn what you need to do on today's Garden Bite.
Most plants need "well-drained" soil. What exactly does that mean and how do we achieve it? That's on today's Bite!
The how-to of making your own maple syrup. The DIY method or order the supplies you need! Be sure to boil down the sap outdoors.
The sap is flowing. It’s not too late to tap your trees for some golden goodness. You'll find out what types of trees can be tapped and how big they should be! Tomorrow you'll learn HOW to tap them.
Looking for hope after a long isolating year plus, Spring hopes eternal and tomorrow is the Equinox. The Vernal equinox. What a funny sounding word! Today it's about frost depths and wet soil.
Bareroot plants are a great way to save $ and get more plants. So what are the downsides? Are they planted differently? And what are they anyway?? That's on today's Garden Bite!
Top o' the Morning! What is it with St. Patrick's Day and shamrocks? Are shamrocks real? Why were they so important to the Celts?
Some are takers and some are givers. Plants that is. Crop rotation is one of the simplest ways to discourage disease and keep your soil in good condition. In this episode, Teri shares what vegetables and fruits to rotate with.
If you’re new to gardening or just tired of fighting diseased plants, you may consider planting disease resistant varieties of vegetables. Find a list of vegetables and the code meanings on Garden Bite. And a couple of new tomato varieties to consider!
We've flirted with the 50's but we're not in a long term relationship yet... TIPTOE into Spring. Make like a flamingo and tread lightly on that soil. It's soggy and/or snow-covered. Instead of tromping on the ground, create some garden art! I have a tribute to a friend of mine on my website... if you have a moment, see the art he created.
Today Teri talks all about the best ways to prepare for transitioning your garden from winter into spring.