WCCO's Smart Gardens

This morning there is a warmer temperature but Laura Irish Hanson, U of MN Extension horticulturalist joins to tell everyone - “hold off”, she explains why! We also dive into microgreens, buckthorn eradication, lilac growth fixes, more seeding questions and much more on Smart Gardens! For more information or questions you can go to ext.umn.edu

This snow cover will be a big benefit for lawns. How long can grass seed last with proper storage? Putting Amaryllis plants into dormancy. Repotting a spider plant. Removing crownvetch from the yard. Plants that attract deer. Can you grow tomatoes with just compost? Is it safe to fertilize a lawn near a lake?

Learn more from Jon Trappe and horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn at extension.umn.edu

How this snow can help outdoor plants. Gardening classes are available for you. How much can you trim a burning bush? Properly planting baptisia flowers. What is hybrid vigor? Dormant grass seed starting to grow. Identifying black spots on roses. When to cover strawberry bushes. When to remove a tree and plant a new one in its place. When to move an azalea bush. Pumpkin patch advice. Transitioning a lawn into a prairie. How to find a good arborist.

Master Gardener Teresa Rooney. extension.umn.edu

Transferring Norfolk pine trees and what fertilizer to use for it. Growing edible perennials. Capturing rain water. Why soft water is not good for house plants. Is water collected from the roof okay to use on edible plants? Is it too soon to prune trees? Replacing soil for tomato plants with disease problems. Growing garlic. Repairing damage done by animals. The flower show opens today at the Arboretum. Caring for potted ferns. Composting soil on a long time garden space. Preventing fungus gnats. Doing a soil test.

Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer. ext.umn.edu.

Fertilizing house plants. What to do if you want to reuse soil. How long do we have left to dormant seed? Treating apple scab. Planting a poinsettia outside. Growing yellow wax beans. Controlling cattails in a pond.

Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn extension.umn.edu

What this stretch of freezing cold weather and lack of snow could do to lawns and gardens. Pruning oak trees. Trimming maple trees before spring. Is there a temperature that kills plant pests? Garden overcome with berries. How to use a soil blocker and how it helps with planting seeds. What to do with a leaning tree. Experimenting with watering methods. Is it too early to start parsley plants? Is now the time to start winter sowing?

Learn more from horticulturalist Laura Irish Hanson. ext.umn.edu

Garden resolutions for the new year. Building a raised bed garden. Growing an espalier fruit tree.Consider letting the lawn and garden grow to welcome animals and pollinators. Which fertilizer to use on house plants in the winter? Getting cacti to bloom. Squash vine borer infestation. What to know before digging a new garden space. Planting black walnut trees.

Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer. ext.umn.edu.

How this cold weather is impacting our lawns and gardens. How to protect your plants from frost. Pruning apple trees. Why does Minnesota produce great apples? The best breeds of apples for eating and cooking. Getting rid of spider mites. Gophers causing issues in the garden. Caring for lavender plants. Planning a trip to the arboretum.

Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn extension.umn.edu

How this December rain and these mild temperatures could have an impact on the lawn. Propagating passion flowers. Caring for Meyer Lemon Trees. Growing a rubber plant. Keeping a Christmas Cactus alive. Common houseplant mistakes. Pruning magnolia trees. Moving Peony plants. Repotting aloe vera. Donating plants. Can we still dormant seed the lawn?

Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney. extension.umn.edu

What can gardeners do in the winter? Garden gift ideas for the holidays. Amaryllis bulbs can make the perfect present and how to maintain them. Why a clematis may not be blooming. How to get a Christmas cactus to bloom and what fertilizer to use. Controlling quack grass. Getting a poinsettia to turn red. Questions about growing Marijuana. Getting rid of woodpeckers. How long does grass seed last?

Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer. ext.umn.edu