WCCO's Smart Gardens

Hear from kids who got away, a father who ran in alongside first responders, and Minnesota's top political leaders as we grapple with something all-too familiar: a school shooting. Get the latest on the perpetrator, and insight into what -- if anything -- may finally change.

This morning we had horticulturist Julie Weisenhorn and lawn and turf expert Jon Trappe joining Denny LIVE on the WCCO Radio stage for today’s Smart Gardens program! We cover all things from dormant seeding (and overseeding), aeration, perennials, getting rid of japanese beetles and grubs, soil and salt with certain vegetable growth including plenty of tomato questions, sweet grass growth and much more!. Julie shares an Abiders show coming up Saturday night at the Westonka Sound Wave Benefit Event in partnership with the Westonka Food Shelf and Back Channel Brewing and they both share the latest of what is going on over at the Arboretum! If you have a gardening or lawn question visit their website at extension.umn.edu

If you want to become a master gardener, now is your chance. Is it too late to fertilize perennials? How to get female squash to bloom. What is the best way to maintain a maple tree? Pumpkin growing problems. Clematis concerns. Getting rid of moss on the patio. How to grow a peach tree. When to prune hydrangeas. Grass seed recommendations. Why lilacs have been having problems. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are meeting today in Alaska to talk about the possibility of peace in Russia's war against Ukraine. One analyst says the word 'no' is Trump's most powerful weapon ... But will he use it? Also, CBS' Major Garrett has tips on what to watch for in the meeting.

Here are the facts, darn facts and opinions about President Donald Trump ordering the National Guard into Washington D.C., a move some believe underscores his totalitarian tendencies and others believe is a much-needed security measure for a key place in America.

Daffodil growing tips. Why dahlias are struggling this year. Where to plant black eyed Susans. Growing white clover. Identifying nutsedge. Preserving bulbs until they are ready to grow. How to grow a successful squash. What to know when there is rust on the grass. Planting a bee friendly garden. When to stop pruning. It is a good time to start seeding. When to cut peonies back. Why a variety of tomato plants is a good idea. How to stop creeping Charlie from getting into your yard.

Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer at extension.umn.edu.

Crabgrass and quackgrass troubles, transplanting milkweed and rhubarb, Laura shares more on her recent ‘Hort Shorts’ videos and also talks Honey Harvest and Flowers for Pollinators Farm event coming up, when to aerate and overseed, filling raised beds and much more! Learn more from horticulturist Laura Irish Hanson by heading to extension.umn.edu

Growing and keeping our gardens and lawns nourished amid this hot and humid weather - we discuss this with Mary Meyer, horticulturist with the University of Minnesota and answer any and all lawn and gardening inquiries from plum trees, combatting Japanese beetles, proper house locations for growing shrubs, HOA lawn troubles, safely transplanting your garden or plants and yes we had our weekly creeping Charlie question! For more questions and to learn more from Horticulturist Mary Meyer visit her at extension.umn.edu

The weather has been wonderful for growing weeds.When to use weed and feed. Why an apple tree may not be blooming. Why you should not kill Japanese beetles. What could be used as a natural deer repellant? When to use Round Up. Getting rid of grubs. How to properly trim hydrangeas. Keeping rabbits out of the garden.

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

It has been a great season for plants and weeds. Ways to get rid of weeds. New strategies to control the Japanese beetle. Reasons why a maple tree would be struggling to grow and how to help it. How to transfer a hydrangea. Controlling white clover. Removing and preventing ant hills in the yard. What could cause browning on cucumber leaves? Removing moss and how to prevent it from coming back? Finding the right fertilizer. What bug could be eating cauliflower? Using Preen on plants. Why a maple tree could be cracking.

Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn at extension.umn.edu.