WCCO's Smart Gardens

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.

More heat on the way which means more time for your lawn care and growing project - we discuss the end days ahead this summery Fall weather season with Jon and Julie, and tackle various questions with your lawn and garden inquiries from rose bushes, grow bags with tomatoes, seeding questions, Japanese maple growth, lawncare without harming bunny populations, jumping worms and can we still seed? Also Julie shares details on Apple Fest taking place over at the Arboretum. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn and Lawn and Turf expert Jon Trappe at extension.umn.edu.

When is the best time to fertilize the lawn and how often should it be done? Is it time to plant apple tree seeds? Causes behind brown spots in the yard. What is causing lilacs to have so many issues in Minnesota? What is the lifespan of a lilac bush? Why are there so many acorns this year? How long should the lawn be aerated? What are the best hostas to plant in Minnesota? What to do after laying sod. What is the best apple for apple pie? Should clover be added to the lawn? Adjusting the height of your lawn mower. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn and Lawn and Turf expert Jon Trappe at extension.umn.edu.

What it takes to become a Master Gardener. The best grass for a shady area. Killing Creeping Charlie. Continuing issues with lilacs. Using Google Lens to identify plants. Methods to killing moss. Growing grass on bare patches. The basics of tree planting. When tress should be trimmed. Can grass seed get too old to use? Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

What to do in our lawns and gardens now that September is here. What to do with plants as we hit a cold snap. When to move ferns. Peach tree problems. Lemon tree growing basics. Becoming a master gardener. Now is the time to plant grass seed. Black spots on peonies. The best time to plant and move hydrangeas. How to keep lilacs alive. The best time for fall fertilizing. Getting rid of a Hosta virus. Dividing and replanting Hostas. Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer at extension.umn.edu.\

Why different types of turf could take longer to grow. When it's time to prune hydrangeas. Stopping unwanted chives from spreading. An increase in perennials dying across Minnesota. Planting around roots. Cleaning up crabapple trees. Using milk to water plants? Where to grow weigela in Minnesota? The best method to kill creeping Charlie. How to identify crab grass. The rule of 3 for mulching trees. The best time to cut back peonies. What is the brown dust that is sometimes seen on grass? Killing fungus on plants. Learn more from horticulturalist Laura Irish Hanson extension.umn.edu.

This morning we had horticulturist Julie Weisenhorn and lawn and turf expert Jon Trappe joining Denny LIVE on the WCCO Radio stage for today’s Smart Gardens program! We cover all things from dormant seeding (and overseeding), aeration, perennials, getting rid of japanese beetles and grubs, soil and salt with certain vegetable growth including plenty of tomato questions, sweet grass growth and much more!. Julie shares an Abiders show coming up Saturday night at the Westonka Sound Wave Benefit Event in partnership with the Westonka Food Shelf and Back Channel Brewing and they both share the latest of what is going on over at the Arboretum! If you have a gardening or lawn question visit their website at extension.umn.edu

If you want to become a master gardener, now is your chance. Is it too late to fertilize perennials? How to get female squash to bloom. What is the best way to maintain a maple tree? Pumpkin growing problems. Clematis concerns. Getting rid of moss on the patio. How to grow a peach tree. When to prune hydrangeas. Grass seed recommendations. Why lilacs have been having problems. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

Daffodil growing tips. Why dahlias are struggling this year. Where to plant black eyed Susans. Growing white clover. Identifying nutsedge. Preserving bulbs until they are ready to grow. How to grow a successful squash. What to know when there is rust on the grass. Planting a bee friendly garden. When to stop pruning. It is a good time to start seeding. When to cut peonies back. Why a variety of tomato plants is a good idea. How to stop creeping Charlie from getting into your yard. Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer at extension.umn.edu.

Crabgrass and quackgrass troubles, transplanting milkweed and rhubarb, Laura shares more on her recent ‘Hort Shorts’ videos and also talks Honey Harvest and Flowers for Pollinators Farm event coming up, when to aerate and overseed, filling raised beds and much more! Learn more from horticulturist Laura Irish Hanson by heading to extension.umn.edu

Growing and keeping our gardens and lawns nourished amid this hot and humid weather - we discuss this with Mary Meyer, horticulturist with the University of Minnesota and answer any and all lawn and gardening inquiries from plum trees, combatting Japanese beetles, proper house locations for growing shrubs, HOA lawn troubles, safely transplanting your garden or plants and yes we had our weekly creeping Charlie question! For more questions and to learn more from Horticulturist Mary Meyer visit her at extension.umn.edu

The weather has been wonderful for growing weeds.When to use weed and feed. Why an apple tree may not be blooming. Why you should not kill Japanese beetles. What could be used as a natural deer repellant? When to use Round Up. Getting rid of grubs. How to properly trim hydrangeas. Keeping rabbits out of the garden. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

It has been a great season for plants and weeds. Ways to get rid of weeds. New strategies to control the Japanese beetle. Reasons why a maple tree would be struggling to grow and how to help it. How to transfer a hydrangea. Controlling white clover. Removing and preventing ant hills in the yard. What could cause browning on cucumber leaves? Removing moss and how to prevent it from coming back? Finding the right fertilizer. What bug could be eating cauliflower? Using Preen on plants. Why a maple tree could be cracking. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn at extension.umn.edu.

Today we chat with Master Gardener Theresa Rooney with the University of Minnesota - she previews the upcoming Hennepin County Master Gardener Learning Gardening Tour - we also help with as many gardening questions as we can such as how mint affects your garden and yard, trouble with growing zinnias, tomato planting, jumping worms, milkweed, animals invading your growing process, iris blooming, brown spots on lawns and much, much more as we try to help troubleshoot your gardening needs! Learn more from Master Gardener Theresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

The impact all this rain is having on plants, trees, and flowers. Adding a clover lawn at your house. Why aphids could cause a big mess in your yard. When to dead head peonies. When its time to get control of weeds. Can you use pine needles as mulch? Getting rose bushes to bloom. Using herbicide on a bee lawn. Do not use pet manure as a fertilizer on plants. Properly mixing compost. Getting rid of purslane. When to get rid of buckthorn and how to treat the stumps. What kind of fertilizer should be used after heavy rain? How important is a sharp lawn mower blade? Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn and Lawn and Turf expert Jon Trappe at extension.umn.edu.

Does extreme heat have a big impact on flowers and plants? Is it too late to plant sweet potatoes? How to propagate lilacs. Day lilly issues. Rejuvenating strawberry beds. Silver maples making a mess. Trouble with poppies blooming. Where to get good compost. Cucumber beetle problems. The basics of growing good tomatoes. The arboretum is very busy this time of year. What is companion planting and how it could help your garden? Is it okay to fertilize plants in the extreme heat? Why would the leaves on a Christmas cactus turn purple? Transplanting peonies. Learn more from horticulturalist Laura Irish Hanson extension.umn.edu.

We were pleased to be joined by Julie Wiesenhorn U of MN Extension horticulturalist - visit ext.umn.edu. This morning we tackle all things from pink magnolias, soil conditioner spray, Siberian iris questions to much more with Julie!

When should garlic be planted and what to do when it starts to grow? Getting rid of comfrey in the lawn. When can you start to reseed a lawn after using Roundup? How long do fruit trees live? Why would marigold leaves change colors? Why would rhubarb stalks start getting skinny? Keeping soil moist. The best place to plant hydrangeas. Why plants growing near a house could have trouble growing. Removing lily of the valley. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

Managing black locust and buckthorn in the yard. What is the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes and what to know ahead of planting them? What could cause an evergreen tree to dry out? When should canna lilies be planted? Why would a peony bush not be flowering? Getting rid of lily of the valley flowers. What could impact the taste of cucumber? Saving trees with windburn. When to trim lilacs. What could cause rhubarb to die? Growing hen and chicks plants. What type of soil should a bird of paradise plant grow in? How to stop rabbits from eating hostas. Learn more from horticulturalist Laura Irish Hanson extension.umn.edu.