WCCO's Smart Gardens

A lot to get into with Master Gardener Theresa Rooney as time is ticking down on summer and your outdoor gardening projects! Right away, we give Theresa the floor to share more about the Master Gardener program and the step by step process of that! We try to tackle as many of your garden questions and issues as we can! Today we talked about dahlias, weed and feed, different Arborvaite varieties, some troubleshooting lilac bushes late in the summer, Creeping bentgrass removal, (yes we also got the Creeping Charlie question) and much much more! For any gardening questions you may have visit extension.umn.edu

You can smell it in the air - summer is ending and once again we discuss those last minute seeding and winterizing processes. We also dive in to talking fern beds, nitrogen addition, coloration of your lawn, white spruce troubleshooting, crabgrass issues, raking vs. leaving those leaves and brush out into the winter, Creeping Charlies, getting blueberries planted before its too late, dormant seeding - that and more with University of Minnesota Horticulturist Mary Meyer and University of Minnesota Turfgrass expert Eric Watkins. Be sure to check out their website with a plethora of tools and guides on your gardening and lawn project - just visit extension.umn.edu

While the drought continues, we do have some rain for your lawn and garden this Saturday morning! We also have the two experts to answer your questions for any lawn and garden project - lawn and turf expert Jon Trappe and U of M extension horticulturist Julie Weisenhorn who join Laura on the WCCO Radio porch! We discuss drought of course, also - raspberry plants, Creeping Charlies, boulevard garden questions, rodent control with your yard, when to put hibiscus and other gardening to rest for the winter as edge closer to the fall temps! That and so much more as we pack in a lot this hour on WCCO’s Smart Gardens! Be sure to check out the massive and multifaceted extension website at extension.umn.edu!

Laura is joined in studio this morning with UMN Extension horticulturist Laura Irish Hanson. This season’s drought has been difficult, but Laura has tips on how to keep your gardens alive. Don’t forget to water your trees! And when is the best time to water our plants? Clue: you can stay in your pajamas. Plus questions about apple tree termite infestations, tomato blossom end rot, butternut squash just in time for fall. For any gardening questions with your project visit extension.umn.edu

Laura is joined this morning with UMN Extension horticulturist Mary Meyer! She takes questions regarding watering during these drought conditions, maintaining Mexican Marigolds, and the most interesting questions she’s answered from the “Ask a Master Gardener” feature on the University of Minnesota Extension website. Plus the Minnesota Horticultural Society is celebrating its 160 anniversary! Mary tells us about the fun things to expect at the MN State Fair to commemorate the big anniversary. For any gardening questions with your project visit extension.umn.edu

Laura is joined this morning with not one but two garden experts: UMN Extension horticulturist Julie Weisenhorn and UMN Extension Educator Jon Trappe. Jon in particular knows about his Quack Grass and we have many questions about how it spreads. Julie weighs in on peach tree maintenance for an ambitious caller trying to grow peaches in MN! Plus Julie previews all the fun events coming up at the Arboretum. For any gardening questions with your project visit extension.umn.edu

Master Gardener with UMN Extension Teresa Rooney answers questions about pole bean control, tree pruning, magnolia scale, and critter control. Also a gentle reminder to clean your pruners, especially if you’re going from plant to plant. For any gardening questions with your project visit extension.umn.edu

University of Minnesota horticulturist Laura Irish Hanson is in studio to chat about all things horticulture. Plus questions and answers about Japanese Knotweed, Magnolia Scale treatment, fern takeovers, and garden veggies! For any gardening questions with your project visit extension.umn.edu

We chat with University of Minnesota horticulturist Laura Irish Hanson about the best time to fertilize, moth and grub treatment, mowing tips and more ! For any gardening questions with your project visit extension.umn.edu

With more of the summer heat on the way - plenty of time to get into those garden projects and we have Julie Weisenhorn, retired horticulturist with the University of Minnesota to help with any questions you have! We begin with some fertilizer questions, the weekly Creeping Charlie troubleshooting, perfecting the harvesting of tomatoes including Laura’s own personal experience and some questions on tomato growth - this, more on Summer Harvest Days coming up at the Arboretum and much more with Julie! If you have any questions on your garden or planting project - reach out to Julie and others - you can also access that extension website which is very multifaceted and helpful visit extension.umn.edu!

We begin the show talking about hydrangeas, tomato plant troubleshooting, rhubarb, applying GrubX to the lawn - how long can it last? oak tree trouble, insect damage to plants and gardens - this and much, much more with our friend Theresa Rooney, Master Gardener with Hennepin County and also the University of Minnesota! If you have a gardening question or want more information on some of the helpful tools you can access just visit extension.umn.edu

With the heat on the way we want to keep our outdoor and garden projects in check - we chat with University of Minnesota horticulturist Mary Meyer - We get into everything from transplanting Rhododendron, Creeping Charlies, keeping your garden protected, Aster yellow disease, clematis and much, much more with Mary! For any gardening questions with your project visit extension.umn.edu

Plenty as always to get into with our Smart Gardens program and we begin discussing what is foodscaping, including a fun event at the University of Minnesota - Foodscaping at the Arb where you can plant and plan your growing project with the help of master gardeners. Of course, we answer some of your questions on creeping charlies, crabgrass, trimming stems, branches, zinnia plant problems, blight on the apples and more with our friend Julie Weisenhorn. Learn more from horticulturist Julie Weisenhorn at extension.umn.edu !

We are in the thick of gardening season in Minnesota and we have so much to get into with Master Gardener Theresa Rooney with the University of Minnesota. Whether it is pests getting into your gardening project, fertilizer tips, asparagus plants on the move, arborvitaes caretaking, unwarranted trees popping up as well - and much, much more! Theresa shares an upcoming ‘Learning Garden Tour’ going on with Hennepin County in July where you can get face to face learning experiences with experts on gardening! You can reach out to Theresa and other gardening and horticulture experts with your gardening questions at extension.umn.edu !

It is a new era with Smart Gardens as Laura Oakes takes the helm for the first time and we dive right into it with your questions regarding asparagus, pruning, many people experiencing pests as well! That, tree questions, transitioning from spring to summer in the garden and more with Laura Irish Hanson - to learn more from horticulturist Laura Irish Hanson at extension.umn.edu

After years of helping our lawns and gardens we say goodbye to Denny Long as he heads into retirement. Should we begin to be concerned for our lawns and outdoor plants with a stretch of dry weather? Managing ground ivy or creeping Charlie. Keeping clover away from the yard. Preventing grubs from taking over your lawn. Keeping ants out of your yard. The right cutting height for a lawn. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn and Lawn and Turf expert Jon Trappe at extension.umn.edu.

We are LIVE from By The Yard Furniture showroom in Jordan, MN and we chat with horticulturist Mary Meyer with the University of Minnesota on a variety of gardening and lawn care topics - from tomato maintenance, ant problems, catmint planting, hydrangea seeding and much more! For any questions regarding your gardening project or lawn care questions visit extension.umn.edu !

Apple scab update. Bare root planting. Germinating rhubarb seed. Keeping critters away from your plants. The best way to kill dandelions. Preventing Lily of the Valley from spreading. Getting control of a clover outbreak. Best time of day to uncover plants. How to help peonies bloom. Bringing hydrangeas back to life. Waiting for peppers and tomatoes. Getting control of quack grass. Learn more from horticulturalist Laura Irish Hanson extension.umn.edu.

How to handle a lawn with high phosphorous. When to start planting peppers and tomatoes. Keeping bugs off of apple trees. Low maintenance plants. Start spraying for creeping Charlie. Why grass may be a different color. Maintaining grass when mowing the lawn. Adding compost to raised beds. What to after grubs are found in your lawn. Frost is still a factor with planting. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

Why grass may have difficulty growing. Preparing to plant perennials. How long tulips last. Restoring asparagus. What to do if your lawn has grub damage. Why a lawn may be bumpy. Keeping moss away from your yard. When its fine to apply lawn fertilizer. Growing grass in sandy soil. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn at extension.umn.edu.

Keeping bugs away from your plants. Getting rid of moss on your outdoor spaces. When to start planting spring flower trees. What to do if you need to relocate your rhubarb. Maintaining an amaryllis. When tulips will be in bloom. Phone apps for gardeners. Pruning a rose bush. Learn more from horticulturalist Laura Irish Hanson extension.umn.edu.

When to apply crabgrass killer. How often do trees need to be watered? When plants are okay to be left uncovered. Will tulips grow back after animal damage? When will hummingbirds arrive? Protecting pollinators during spring yard cleanup. When grass seed can be planted after applying crabgrass killer. How to best prune peonies. Repotting a Christmas Cactus. Signs of Emerald Ash Borer damage. Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer at extension.umn.edu.

How to grow plants in a stock tank. Time to find some fertilizer for your lawn. When to prune oak trees. When to start uncovering perennials. Where to find the best grass seed for your lawn and its needs. When to start raking your lawn. How to utilize a grow bag. How to best treat weeds in your yard. Defending against crabgrass. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn and Lawn and Turf expert Jon Trappe at extension.umn.edu.

All the outside plants are loving this wet weather. How vinegar can be used to help plants. Controlling chives. When to do a soil test. When hostas will start to sprout. When to uncover strawberries. Do perennials need to be fertilized? What is the best way to get insects off houseplants? Getting rid of moss. Stopping buckthorn from growing back. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

Now that the snow is melting, what can we start to do in our lawns and gardens? Is it time to remove burlap from trees? Treating for grubs. What goes into strategic root pruning? Is dethatching necessary? It is time to finish up your pruning. Fertilizer that cannot be used in Minnesota. What to do with overgrown lilacs? When to start splitting hostas. Creeping Charlie questions. Learn more from horticulturalist Laura Irish Hanson and Lawn and Turf expert Jon Trappe at extension.umn.edu.

Seed starting season is in full swing. What trees can be pruned right now? What to know when transplanting peonies. Is dethatching necessary in Minnesota? What to do if there is scale on a tree? Should we start uncovering outdoor plants? Preventing voles from damaging your lawn. Protecting plants from rabbits. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn at extension.umn.edu.

As a big snow storm is expected to hit Minnesota, is it okay to winter seed before it comes? Putting down grass seed before snow falls. Why buying good grass seed goes a long way. Minimizing lawn and damage done by dogs. Will the wild weather swings have an impact on perennials. Plants to prevent deer. Where and when to prune hydrangeas. Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer at extension.umn.edu.

What to know if you are preparing to plant a vegetable garden. How to protect your plants from critters. Maple Fest is coming to the arboretum. Are buds growing on lilac bushes already? The best plants for a rain garden. Is it too late to prune an apple tree? What is the best way to get rid of used potting soil? How to grow oak trees from acorns. Is it too late for tulips? Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

Now that the snow is starting to melt we are making moves on dormant seeding our lawns. What kind of work goes into planting a bee lawn? Is it okay to mix different grass species for a lawn? Maintaining lilacs. How to start a prairie area. How to get rid of moles in your yard. Getting an amaryllis to bloom. Deer droppings for fertilizer? Learn more from horticulturalist Laura Irish Hanson extension.umn.edu.

The process of growing persimmons. Getting trees to grow better. How to inhibit algae growth. Where to plant rhubarb. When plants need cold treatment. Keeping critters away from plants and grass. The spring flower show is getting underway at the arboretum. Bringing geraniums back to life. Making a lawn that is best for bees. It is time to trim maple trees. Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer at extension.umn.edu.

Minnesota growers are getting a tease of spring this weekend and that leaves many with questions when it comes to seeding, growing, and maintaining some of their gardening projects! To answer some of these questions we have the University of Minnesota Extension Horticulturist Julie Weisenhorn tackling some of your lawn care questions regarding seeding, pruning, greenhouse maintenance, peach trees, dormant seeding and indoor plant upkeep and much more!

Does this winter warm up have an impact on plants? Getting started with seeds. When to consider repotting a plant. Grass cutting questions. When to transplant house plants. Fungus gnat solutions. When to rototill your lawn. Identifying tree trouble. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu

When to transplant a poinsettia. How to germinate seeds in the winter. Pruning spruces. Maintaining fruit trees. Handling hydrangeas. Getting rid of spider mites. Can bamboo grow in Minnesota? Will plants come back after deer damage? What is an ideal temperature for a house plant? Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

What can a gardener do when we are in the middle of a cold winter? Spider plant problems. When to start fertilizing house plants. Debunking the exploding tree myth. Can streetlights impact plant growth? When is it too late to prune trees? Growing berries in Minnesota. Cutting back geraniums. Growing and caring for amaryllis plants. Recommended weed barriers. How to grow pineapple. Learn more from horticulturalist Laura Irish Hanson extension.umn.edu.

Do erratic temperatures have a big impact on trees? Winter tasks for gardeners. What to know if you want to start winter sowing. Preventing and getting rid of fungus gnats. How to properly repot a plant. Pruning practice. Getting a cactus to bloom. Making sure your pots drain. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn at extension.umn.edu.

Are seed catalogs still available? With the warmer weather we have been having, is it okay to prune fruit trees? Oak wilt worries. Grass to plant around the yard that does not get cut. When to start dormant seeding. Getting control of moss. Advice on growing plants on a fence. Can plants recover from animal damage? Are there plants rabbits do not eat? Jumping worm problems. Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer at extension.umn.edu.

The best methods to repel critters. How to get started on growing plants indoors. Working with frozen soil. Why some grass seed grows better than others. Getting rid of fungus gnats. Are grow lights a good investment? Why a Christmas cactus might not bloom. What plants need to be kept away from plants. Bush trimming basics. What to know about winter sowing. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

Planting grass to protect evergreen trees. Finding a Meyer Lemon Tree. Protecting plants from deer. What to do when overwintering a rose tree. Caring for an indoor bamboo plant. What to consider before giving a plant as a gift. Preparing for a snowstorm. Raking leaves in the winter. Keeping effective compost. What could be pruned right now. How to maintain a decades old Christmas cactus. What if grass seed gets old? Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

There are many deadlines gardeners need to know about. More insight on dormant seeding as winter is in full swing. Caring for plants in Arizona. Preparing plants indoors before bringing them outside in the spring. Steps to take to protect plants from animals. Tree planting tips. The benefits of a snake plant. Checking seeds for quality. How to tell one a lilac bush is dead. Growing milkweed. Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer at extension.umn.edu.

The process of growing sweet potatoes. Some gift ideas to give the gardener in your life. Keeping rabbits away from particular plants. Saving an amaryllis. Getting rid of fungus gnats. Making a Christmas Cactus to bloom. Growing herbs indoors. Humane critter control. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

What to do with our outdoor plants now that the snow is here to stay. How to pick the best apple seeds for a future tree. Trimming back birch. Germinating grass seed. How to manage grass that can be damaged by a dog. When to treat the lawn for creeping Charlie. Cutting back hostas in the winter. What is the best way to spread grass seed? Preventing crab grass. Learn more from horticulturalist Laura Irish Hanson and Turf expert Jon Trappe at extension.umn.edu.

With the snow coming in waves, the clock is ticking on when you need to salvage your lawn and garden. Indoor planting and seeding, tackling the lawn to-do lists before the snow really hits. Theresa Rooney is here to answer all of your winterproof gardening and lawn questions you may have, questions regarding amaryllis flowering bulbs, magnolia tree planting, indoor planting tips and more! Learn more from Master Gardener Theresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu

Do these wild weather swings have a big impact on plants? Is it too early to burlap boxwood? More dormant seeding questions answered. Proper way to plant purple prairie clover. Trimming back honeysuckle. How and when to cut back a variety of plants and flowers. How long can outdoor plants be watered? Benefits of moss. What to know if you have high phosphorous in your soil. Learn more from horticulturalist Laura Irish Hanson extension.umn.edu.

Does this shot of warm weather have an impact on outdoor plants? How to take the temperature of your soil. Some tips and tricks to get spring bulbs to bloom as we enter the colder months. When to cover strawberries for the winter. What is the best insulation for plants? When rose bushes should be covered. Why some lilac bushes are blooming once again. How to stop rabbits from eating hostas. When to dormant seed and aerate the lawn. Blanket flower basics. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

It is a great time to dormant seed. Properly guarding your trees and plants for the winter. Taking care of crab grass patches. Now is not the time to prune. The benefits of mulching your leaves. Ways to keep a geranium through the winter. Preventing moles and voles from damaging your lawn. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn and Lawn and Turf expert Jon Trappe at extension.umn.edu

What to know about dormant seeding and how it can help the lawn. Marinating asparagus for years to come. Saving a peach tree in the winter. Is it to late to fertilize the lawn? Properly guarding your trees ahead of winter. The myths behind products that increase aeration in the lawn. What to do when you mow your lawn for the last time of the year. Cutting back hydrangeas. Is it too late to spray for creeping Charlie? Learn more from horticulturalist Laura Irish Hanson and Lawn and Turf expert Jon Trappe extension.umn.edu.

A lot of questions from listeners, specifically today on winterizing your garden as many decide on if it is too late to tackle that garden project or wait until the spring thaw - we discuss that, pocket gopher issues, soil troubleshooting, mulching on roots as we wind down the growing and garden for many with these colder temperatures. Julie shares the details of the upcoming Tonka Brew Fest!. Learn more from horticulturist Julie Weisenhorn by visiting extension.umn.edu.

Why its so important to keep watering plants even in the middle of Fall. Moving dahlias. Burning pollinator gardens. When to tip roses. Is it still okay to spray for creeping Charlie? Fertilizing house plants. When to plant pollinator seeds? When to start cutting branches and how much should be trimmed? Preventing squirrels from digging up bulbs. What to know when watering tomatoes. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

What to do before bringing your outside plants inside. When to start watering perennials. Getting rid of Lily of the Valley. Why it is not recommended to use bat guano on a vegetable garden. Bringing a tree back to life. When to plant allium bulbs. Protecting shrubs from critters. Managing bugs that can be found on plants. When to dig out a lilac bush. Making sure hostas survive the winter. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn at extension.umn.edu.

Maintaining asparagus plants. Plants recommended to attract cedar waxwings. When to aerate and dethatch your lawn. Tips to dormant seeding. When to trim birch trees. Should crabgrass be removed before fertilizing a lawn? Solving moss problems. Keeping slugs away from hostas. Preserving squash for the season. The edible puffball mushroom. How long can potatoes be left in the ground? Tree replacement process. Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer at extension.umn.edu.