Garden Bite with Teri Knight

Nothing says fall like mums! Annuals or perennials, they are the prettiest flowers come the cooler season. On today's Garden Bite, I talk about the differences between the annual and the perennial, the University of Minnesota introduction of Mammoth Mums and more! 

Sometimes I’ll just wander past my spearmint and rub some leaves to catch that wonderful scent. I do that with the rosemary, oregano, tarragon, well, you get my point!  I also like to preserve those wonderful herbs for winter use!  The easiest way to do that is by drying. Learn how to dry and/or freeze your herbs. And which ones you shouldn't bother trying to dry... 

Microbes are everywhere!  In our soil, in our plants which means in our food and water and, of course our guts. So why should we care?  Wellllll… without them life would cease to exist. We’re talking about the magic of microbial science on today’s Garden Bite. Before you hit the snooze button, let’s dish on dirt.

That little flyer you have hovering over your hot dog is most likely the Yellow Jacket wasp. In August yellow jackets are at peak numbers and they want a sip of your drink or a bite of your food just as much as you do! On today's Bite, I share how to make a trap that doesn't involve chemicals! 

I love ornamental grasses! Today's Bite covers grasses that butterflies love too, including 'Eyelash' grass. It's actual name is Blue Grama, but that sounds kinda funny. There are other names for it including 'Mosquito' and 'Caterpillar'. When you see it, you'll understand... check out my website. The flowers look like golden sails at the tip of the stems. It's a low grower that attracts at least a dozen different types of butterflies. And birds like it too! 

The gladiolas are blooming and I’m thrilled as they always remind me of my dad. They were blooming when he passed away. That may sound sad but, honestly, it makes me feel like he gives me flowers every year from Heaven! They are old-fashioned and charming! Learn about planting and storing these bulbs over winter. And find some beauties on my website, gardenbite.com. 

Last year my street was redone. That meant digging out all the plants in my butterfly garden and overwintering them in my vegetable garden. I replanted them this year and found that I needed to purchase additional plants due to transplant shock and other factors. So what did I get? Find out on today's Garden Bite and check out pictures on gardenbite.com. 

So often I get asked "what's wrong with my plant?"  Sometimes it's as easy as being planted in the wrong spot. Sun conditions might be wrong, soil conditions, too close to a building and so on... Right Plant, Right Place is the Master Gardeners mantra! Before you toss that plant or add fertilizer, find out exactly what conditions that plant needs and whether that's what it's getting. You can always ask a Master Gardener, including me!  [email protected] or message me at my Facebook page: Garden Bite with Teri Knight

There are many gardeners who have clay soil.  Most lament that fact but Proven Winners says you can learn to love it,  it just takes a bit of knowledge and a bit of elbow grease.  What IS clay soil?  It’s sticky and absorbs water slowly, when it dries out it can be crusty, lumpy and hardpacked. So far not lovin’ it. HOWEVER... learn WHY clay soil can be a good thing, especially in drought. Who'd a thunk it? 

My tomatoes have been producing like crazy. There’s one thing good about this heat. I have started dehydrating my ‘Grape Juliet’ grape tomatoes. They are fantastic this way. The heating process intensifies the already delicious flavor. Roasted tomatoes are a delicious appetizer! It's a how to on today's Garden Bite!