It is time to divide and conquer in the garden. We often think that springtime is the only time to divide plants. In reality, there are some plants that will do better for you if they are divided now. A good rule of thumb is if the plant is flowering in the spring or summer, now is the time ...
As of Aug. 28, the Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca reports growing degree units (GDUs) since May 1 are 5% less than normal. The Southwest Research and Outreach Center in Lamberton reports GDUs are behind as well, running 5.8% behind the long-term average as of Aug. 26. Corn has generally been at least 1 crop stage behind where we would expect it to be and cooler-than-normal conditions combined with late planting dates continue to make us question if crops will reach maturity before a killing frost. Grain corn killed by frost before reaching physiological maturity can ...
Do you and your community need funding to get an energy efficiency or renewable energy project off the ground? The Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) can help! CERTs seeks to provide Seed Grants to support the labor costs for clean energy projects that spur community development in Minnesota. Project proposals should be for community-based energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that also provide forums for community education about the technologies and their economic, ecological, and community benefits. “Since 2006, CERTs has awarded more than $1.2 million to over 355 ...
Emerald Ash Borer will eventually show up in our area. While many of us have a love affair with ash trees (after all, they are beautiful trees!) we need to start thinking about growing other varieties of trees for our groves and yards. While we mostly think of spring as the best time to plant trees and perennials, fall time is a very good choice too. The heat of summer has passed which means less stress for those plants we are trying to get growing in our gardens. The U of M Extension staff has recently put together a few good choices for gardeners to choose from that work well in our ...
It may seem that every time a gardener turns around, there is some other disease to worry about. Gardeners, pay attention, because there is another new one but it is NOT in Minnesota at this time. Resident gardeners will need to pay attention to any rhododendrons that you may have purchased this year, according to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. We generally deal with new problems in the garden via insects but this time it is a pathogen that causes Sudden Oak Death Disease. According to the U of M and the MDA, “the rhododendron plant is a carrier of this invasive plant ...
Life in the Pits: A look at soil management and crop health University of Minnesota Extension, Renville, Yellow Medicine and Swift SWCD offices, and Hawk Creek Watershed invite farmers and crop consultants to an up-coming field day to learn about soil health on Sept. 10, in Granite Falls. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the American Legion, 60 6th Ave, Granite Falls. This is a unique, small-group field day which will equip participants with the ability to identify different levels of soil structure and help them understand management strategies to improve the soil. ...
