GARDENING

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

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

Last-minute gifts for the gardener

Do you have an avid gardener on your Christmas list? There’s still time to shop for that special, gardening Christmas present.

December 16, 2009

Becoming a master gardener

As the garden season draws to a close, you might be asking yourself, “Now what?”

By By Robin Trott, Extension Educator , November 04, 2009

Forcing bulbs

Those first few flakes of winter have fallen and melted (and fallen again!). The turtlenecks and sweaters have made their way to my dresser and I am eagerly looking forward to the coming season… until it lasts forever.

By By Robin Trott, Extension Educator , October 28, 2009

Compass points kids to gardening

This summer, children in kindergarten through 4th grade had the opportunity to learn how to garden.

October 07, 2009

Northern hardy garden mums

Autumn is a wonderful time in the flower garden. Autumn joy sedum, fall blooming asters, coreopsis and goldenrod abound, but my favorites by far are chrysanthemums.

By By Robin Trott, Extension Educator , September 23, 2009

Herbs add texture, aroma to Minnesota gardens

If you’re like me, you love to cook with fresh herbs, but buying them at the supermarket is often cost prohibitive. The good news is that there are many herbs you can grow in your Minnesota garden.

By By Robin Trott, Extension Educator , July 15, 2009

July tours inspire local gardeners

July is a very busy month for garden tours. At 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, Just Like Grandma’s and the Osakis Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the fourth annual Flower Pots and Garden Stops.

By By Robin Trott, Extension Educator , July 08, 2009

How is your garden growing?

I spent my Memorial Day weekend planting my vegetable garden. Amending the soil with organic material, gently coaxing my little transplants out of their plastic pot homes, and tenderly placing them in the garden bed, I now eagerly await that first blush from my tomato plants and the promise of sweet peppers by mid-summer.

By By Robin Trott, Extension Educator , June 24, 2009