country

By Robin Trott, University of Minnesota Extension Educator Can we expect snow mold damage in our lawns next spring? The answer to this question is dependent on the snow and soil temperature conditions this fall and winter. Snow mold is common during years when an early, deep...

While enjoying these glory days of summer, keep an eye out for one of the season's most notorious party crashers: stinging wasps and bees. These insects build nests underground, in trees, shrubs, overhangs, eaves, utility poles, tires, houses, sheds and other structures. People often...

Deer hunting licenses are now available for purchase. Hunters who want an either-sex deer or special hunt permit for the coming season must apply by Thursday, September 5, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Hunters should carefully review the list of...

The Douglas Soil and Water Conservation District will host a tour to look at various conservation practices within Douglas County on Wednesday, August 21. The bus will leave the U.S. Department of Agriculture office, 900 Robert Street Northeast, Suite 103, Alexandria, at 10 a.m....

The Land Stewardship Project will hold a Field Day on Monday, August 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Jerry Morical Farm, 9020 County Road 56 near Garfield. The Field Day is for anyone who wants to learn more about soil health and how it affects their farm. The topics of cover crop integration...

When the summer sun shines and temperatures climb, conditions are ripe for Minnesota lakes to produce harmful algal blooms. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is reminding people that some types of algae can harm pets, livestock and even humans. Algae, microscopic aquatic...

The warm, humid days of summer are here, and with them come a variety of insects that threaten our garden. Colorado potato beetles, aphids, leaf hoppers, cucumber beetles and numerous others are very active this time of year, and many home owners choose to use insecticides to rid...

Tis the season for buying itch cream and bug spray. Stores are having trouble keeping these products on the shelves. The red welts on children are never ending and spending time out by a fire at night is becoming less enjoyable with the constant swatting. The heavy rainfall in May...

I have received many calls recently requesting information about how to get rid of ants in the home and lawn. Ants are the most frequent and persistent pests encountered around homes and buildings, and they have been a particular nuisance this year. Dealing with ants can be very...

The Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) Minnesota Chapter #1 will hold an educational meeting on Friday, August 9 at Douglas County Public Works Building, 526 Willow Drive, Alexandria. This meeting is free and open to the public. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m.

Farms that are using grazing and cover crops to produce wildlife habitat, clean water and profits will be featured during a field day on Thursday, August 8 in the Glenwood area. The tour will begin at 10 a.m. at the Dan and Linda Jenniges farm, 22887 County Road 10, Glenwood. The...

Enjoying the warm weather is one of the many perks of summer. These glory days bring many great opportunities to the people of Minnesota, such as spending time at the lakes, camping and gardening. Unfortunately, heat and humidity often lead the way to severe weather. Summer storms...

An unusually warm, dry spring and summer may have contributed to a substantial drop in cases of disease caused by ticks in 2012 in Minnesota. However, the decline doesn't mean the risk of illness from tick bites in 2013 will be any less than in most previous years, state health officials...

You're looking out your picture window at your towering ash tree that you have come to love. There is no breeze but yet the leaves could not be falling faster. Seeing leaves fall in the spring is always an alarming sight. With further examination, you see brown spots on the leaves. The...