Garden Bite with Teri Knight

I love Farmers Markets. From fresh produce to jellies, pickles, artists of every sort; there is something for everyone. Starting this Sunday, August 7th, it's National Farmers Market week!!! This line from the University of Minnesota Extension really sums it up: When you shop at a farmers market, you help stimulate local economies; preserve farm or urban growing land and associated livelihoods; increase access to fresh, nutritious food; and support healthy communities. See lots of pictures and find links to your local farmers markets on my website, gardenbite.com. 

From Minnesota to Pennsylvania to Ontario, Wild Parsnip has invaded. This toxic weed is nasty. I rarely recommend using chemicals but this is one weed that is deserving of that treatment as it is a threat to humans and livestock. It will burn your skin and does damage to crops and livestock that ingest it. Learn much more and how to identify it on today's Garden Bite. 

Climate change impacts are creating some very dry conditions all over the country. More home gardeners have been asking me about drought tolerant perennials. I have added to past posts about some really good options, including perennials I've added into my own garden. Check out the podcast and my website! 

You cannot get better tomatoes than homegrown (or a farmers market). I'm roasting and dehydrating tomatoes on today's Garden Bite. My own methods and those of others too. Take a peek at some delectable treats and find recipes too on my website. 

I have a neighbor. My neighbor has a large lot with rentals on it and uses a big riding lawn mower. My neighbor has repeatedly wounded my Ancestry Oak tree in the last 2 years. But there are extenuating circumstances. So, who is at fault? And then what is the solution for both parties? That's on today's Garden Bite. Pictures are on my website! 

I revisit the question as to whether Daddy-longlegs are spiders after a co-worker freaked out and killed one. She's afraid of spiders. A listener had sent me some interesting facts about Daddy-longlegs. What they are and what they aren't. Check out more details on Gardenbite.com. 

A listener had asked me if she could plant hydrangeas in river rock. Oh, don't get me started on planting plants in rock! Yes, it's all about what rock is actually useful for and why it's not great for plants. Check out my website for examples!

Sun or shade there's a Coral Bell for you! With well over 40 varieties these foliage plants offer something in every color but blue (and that's debatable as you'll see on my website). They are perennials with pop that pollinators love too. 

On today's Garden Bite I share two of my favorite native plants. While one is a perennial, the other is an annual that self-sows. In spite of their names, Ground plum and Partridge pea, they are not a type of plum or a type of pea! Learn more about these very cool natives!! I know you'll want them too. 

Some plants are friendly, they get along with most every other plants. Some are invasive and do not play well with others. On today's Garden Bite, I highlight those that play nice and some that don't!