EXTENSION

Summer lawn care tips

I have had many questions this week about proper lawn care for the summer months. What is an appropriate mower height? How often and how much should I water? When is the best time to fertilize, de-thatch and renovate existing lawns?

By By Robin Trott, Extension Educator , June 09, 2010

Are you obeying fertilizer laws?

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding homeowners and turf grass professionals that lawn care practices make a big difference in the quality of lakes and rivers.

June 09, 2010

Don't worry about ash trees; fungus will go away

First things first: Don’t worry about your ash trees! I have been inundated with calls this week about ash trees losing their leaves.

By By Robin Trott, Extension Educator , June 02, 2010

Hummingbirds in the garden

Every year we look forward to the return of hummingbirds to our garden. These tiny birds add fun and whimsy to a summer day: their tiny chirps and aerial antics are well missed in the off season and eagerly welcomed when the weather warms.

By By Robin Trott, Extension Educator , May 26, 2010

Designing gardens around trees

I have had many questions this week regarding planting gardens around trees. The deep shade under many trees prohibits grass from growing, leaving unsightly bare patches and exposed roots. Many of you prefer something other than this “eyesore,” and hope to plant shade plants where grass won’t grow.

May 05, 2010

Crabgrass prevention in your home lawn

The early spring has created profuse inquiry regarding that prolific lawn weed – crabgrass.

By By Robin Trott, Extension Educator , April 21, 2010

Cultural tips to prevent scabby potatoes

Grocery stores have set up their seed potato displays, and many gardeners are getting ready to plant. However, some have expressed dismay about last year’s crop: disfigured, dark, rough, pitted and corky, their potatoes were infected with potato scab, a disease caused by a soil-borne bacteria.

By By Robin Trott, Extension Educator , April 14, 2010

Spring into gardening: dividing perennials

The early spring weather has beckoned like the mythical Sirens, and I am lured to my perennial beds. The frost has left the ground, and the first few early perennials have begun to grow.

April 07, 2010

Learn about digital maps at training sessions here

University of Minnesota Extension’s Community Mappers Project is an opportunity for Douglas County residents to learn more about digital maps and how these can be used to market businesses, locations, and communities.

March 31, 2010

Gardening from the ground up: soils

This early spring thaw has left bare patches in my yard, exposing the dark black soil of my garden. Dreams of an early spring planting fill my head, and I am so ready to get started.

By By Robin Trott, Extension Educator , March 24, 2010

Try summer bulbs for a touch of tropics

I can’t imagine a garden without the lovely fragrance of acidanthera (peacock orchid). A type of gladiola, the acidanthera flower is a white bloom with a maroon blotchy center, and like the gladiola, is a summer bulb.

By By Robin Trott, Extension Educator , March 17, 2010

Let's get growing - learn about gardens

It’s that time of year again. Spring is just around the corner, seeds are ordered, and local master gardener groups are gearing up for their annual education days.

By By Robin Trott, Extension Educator , March 10, 2010

Does your yard fill with deep ponds during a summer storm? Is your garden plagued with erosion issues? Are you concerned about pollutants running into your lake or stream during heavy rains?

By By Robin Trott, Extension Educator , March 03, 2010

What kind of garden do you want?

The first question you should ask yourself when planning a new garden is, “Why do I want a garden?” Maybe you have a shady spot where grass won’t grow, but hostas and ferns would.

By By Robin Trott, Extension Educator , February 10, 2010

Get jump on gardening - start seeds

Now that you’ve selected the seeds you’d like to grow in your garden, you might be considering starting some of those plants indoors.

By By Robin Trott, Extension Educator , January 27, 2010