Eastern Tent caterpillars


Wed. Jun. 5, 2019

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Eastern Tent caterpillars

The Eastern Tent Caterpillar is late but here…  gratefully less abundant as well.

ooooo, these guys send shivers down my spine!  YUK.  The larvae munches on your shrubs and trees.  MOST of the time they will not kill your plant.  Knock these creepy crawlies off in the morning before they wake up to venture out and feed OR after they get “home” and then crush them!

Although they are found on a variety of hardwood  … [Continue reading]

Deer resistant plants


Tue. Jun. 4, 2019

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Deer resistant plants

While I admire the brown-eyed beauty of the white tail deer, I do NOT admire their munching on my plants!

This delightful deer was on it’s way to my Hosta Cafe.  There are deer “resistant” plants.  Notice I said “resistant” not “proof”!

Due to their toxicity, fragrance or texture, deer seem to be repelled by these plants:

  • Columbine
  • Coneflower
  • Sage
  • Yarrow
  • Lily of the Valley
  • Lenten Rose
  • Bleeding Heart
  • Foxglove
  • Heliopsis
  • Beebalm aka Monarda
  • Boxwood
 … [Continue reading]

Soil and compost selection


Mon. Jun. 3, 2019

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Soil and compost selection

So you’re standing in the garden center thinking, hmmm, what compost or soil should I buy.  Finished compost is a deep, dark brown, almost black, no clumps or chunks. It will feel slightly damp and should have a sweet, fresh, earthy smell, even if it smells a little barnyardy, don’t worry.

If it smells like rotten eggs, it was not finished composting when put in the bag.  WALK AWAY…..

If you see red worms  … [Continue reading]

Cutting back perennials to control height


Fri. May. 31, 2019

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Cutting back perennials to control height

The city I live in was set to do some reclamation on my streets. I live on a corner and they planned on doing both of them. So the engineer told me that I’d have to take out my butterfly garden plants if I wanted to keep them while they did the work and they’d put soil back for me to replant but their height was too tall.

I was set to  … [Continue reading]

Herbs for Pollinators


Thu. May. 30, 2019

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Herbs for Pollinators

I talk a lot about pollinators and plants. An item in my Northern Gardener magazine caught my eye, planting HERBS for pollinators!  Now I’ve told you before that swallowtail caterpillars LOVE parsley and dill. 

This is a great reminder to plant enough to help the pollinators!  

I love dill in many dishes including fish. It’s not just for pickles, it’s also fab in sauces!  Parsley is another great herb for pollinators and people! Recipes for  … [Continue reading]

Eggshells and Epsom Salts


Wed. May. 29, 2019

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Eggshells and Epsom Salts

Last week I talked about coffee grounds and what they may or may NOT do in your garden. Today, I’m taking a page from the University of Minnesota to talk to you about eggshells and Epsom salts.

So here I am to burst your bubble… and I found the perfect photo… from a Master Gardener in Canada named Robert Pavlis on his site Garden Myths

Eggshells have been touted as the preventive measure tomato  … [Continue reading]

Trees – plant this not that part 2


Tue. May. 28, 2019

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Trees – plant this not that part 2

So often folks find a tree they like and then everyone plants it and then that’s all you see.  And then they get taken out by disease and our boulevards are naked.  Planting diverse species is the best way to protect them all.  That said, here’s a look at more of the dirty dozen trees my favorite arborist, Faith Appelquist of Treequality warns against.

To quote Faith, “Japanese tree lilacs  … [Continue reading]

Memorial Day – in memory – the poppy


Mon. May. 27, 2019

Click on the link below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Memorial Day – in memory – the poppy

Garden Bite would like to thank all those who serve in the United States Military and their families.  We honor those who gave everything.

Today is the day we reflect and remember our Soldiers.  Memorial Day, which is celebrated every year on the final Monday of May was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union andConfederate … [Continue reading]

The ‘illers of container planting


Fri. May. 24, 2019

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  The ‘illers of container planting

It’s Memorial weekend… and I’m still hoping (I’m writing this a week before) that I can start really planting without having to worry about covering my plants!

One thing I DO know is that I will be out plant shopping for my containers!  With that come the 3 ‘illers…  Thrillers, Fillers and Spillers for easy plant combos.  This helps avoid plant love overload!

Thriller – big, bold and beautiful.  This plant is the  … [Continue reading]

Tomato/pepper planting


Thu. May. 23, 2019

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Tomato/pepper planting

While “normally” this coming weekend, Memorial Day holiday, would be the time to plant tomatoes and peppers, the warm season vegetables, I want to make sure that you know that, for the best results, your soil should be at least 60 degrees.  Check the forecast for the next 10 days.  If the temperatures are going to drop below 55 for a high during the day and/or nighttime temps drop below 45.  Don’t bother to plant. Last  … [Continue reading]