There have been some questions in the gardens this week about strawberries turning black and shriveling (grey mold). This is a fungus called Botrytis which affects fruits, flowers, and sometimes leaves. It is worse in cooler, wetter weather also affecting…
Let’s have a chat about some common issues in gardens this week and how to tackle them! First off, if you’re growing cucumbers, there are two diseases you should be on the lookout for anthracnose and wilt. Anthracnose is a…
Aphids are coming to play this week. These are tiny, mostly green soft-bodied insects sucking out the plant juices. Many aphids are only plant-specific to the plant family they attack. Like rose aphids attack only plants in the rose family.…
This week in the garden, a few interesting weeds are cropping up. Let’s take a closer look at each one and share some tips on dealing with them: First up is a weed that’s a flat mat of leaves with…
When it comes to jazzing up your outdoor space with some unique planters, the possibilities are endless! You can get creative by repurposing all sorts of stuff you might otherwise toss out. Think old tires that can be stacked up…
Last week, we discussed winter injury on spruce trees, and now it seems that some maples, birches, and hackberries are also affected. If your tree hasn’t leafed out at the top, it’s likely due to winter desiccation. We had another…
It seems like winter has taken a toll on the spruces this year, especially on the south-to-west side. If you notice needle dieback, it’s likely due to winterkill. Check where the needle attaches to the branch; if there’s a little…
Sure thing! When it comes to jazzing up your outdoor space with some funky planters, the possibilities are endless! You can get creative by repurposing all sorts of stuff you might otherwise toss out. Think old tires that can be…
Just a heads-up in the garden this week with this wonky weather we’ve been having lately: keep an eye on your rhubarb patch. With the temps jumping around, you might notice it starting to seed. No biggie, just snip off…
Pruning shrubs is like giving them a spa day—it keeps them healthy, shapely, and looking their best. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know: For those shrubs that have let themselves go a bit, there’s always rejuvenation pruning…
Ah, springtime brings a flurry of garden inquiries, doesn’t it? Let’s dive into some green thumb talk! So, for tackling crabgrass, it’s all about timing. If you’re dealing with a light infestation, a post-May 1st application of pre-emergent herbicide should…
In selecting shade trees for South Dakota, you’ve got to consider trees that can tough it out in our climate besides cottonwood. Here’s a lineup of some fantastic options: Bur Oak: This native Midwest gem, the Bur Oak, is tough,…
Hey there, springtime’s knocking on the door, and you know what that means – it’s time to start prepping for some indoor gardening magic! Clear up those cobwebs, sweep away the dust, and get ready to turn that back room…
So, my annual garden review is a rollercoaster of wins and losses before I look at the new seed catalogs! Let’s kick off with the radishes. Radishes are my nostalgic weakness. Every year I plant them, hoping for those crisp,…
Ready to dive into the floral wonders of the All-American Flower Selections for 2024? Brace yourselves – we’ve got some blooming beauties to chat about! First up on the floral runway is the Burning Embers Celosia. The dark bronze leaves…