Eastern tent caterpillars


Thu. May. 31, 2018

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

The Eastern Tent Caterpillar has been seen throughout much of the eastern United States.

The good news is that this year, they’re not so bad.  For Minnesota, check this LINK.

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  … [Continue reading]

Deer resistant plants


Wed. May. 30, 2018

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!

deer busted

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

deer double

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]

Garden workhorse plants


Tue. May. 29, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min Garden Bite radio show:  Garden workhorse plants

There are some garden workhorses out there, plants that don’t give up!  Some folks may call them invasive and, well, they are.  However, for those with lots of space and not a lot of time, these plants have a lot to offer.  Physostegia also known as Obedient Plant (which is anything BUT) is at the top of my workhorse list.

This native plant’s stems are bendable, that’s why it’s called “obedient plant”.  They will stay  … [Continue reading]

Remembering our Fallen Soldiers and the Poppy


Mon. May. 28, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Remembering our Fallen Soldiers and 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 and Confederate soldiers who died.  By  … [Continue reading]

Wet feet, dry feet


Fri. May. 25, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Wet feet, dry feet

We talk a lot about sun/shade conditions and soil types but one thing we don’t always check on when pursuing our favorite plants is whether they like dry feet or wet feet.  Not every plant likes to be in a rain garden!

Siberian Iris are graceful yet tough perennials that thrive in average to damp soil, and they’ll form large clumps that bloom heavily after the first year. In fact, you’ll want to divide  … [Continue reading]

Tomato planting


Thu. May. 24, 2018

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

I’m so excited! (and I just can’t hide it, I’m about to lose control and I think I like it!)

It’s time to put those peppers and tomatoes in the ground!  The ground temp should be about 60 degrees for tomatoes and about 70 degrees for peppers.  They like it hot!   This year I’m trying a couple of new AAS winners ‘Valentine’ and ‘Red Racer’.  I don’t know which is which because I had a  … [Continue reading]

The ‘illers of container planting


Wed. May. 23, 2018

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

We’re staring down Memorial weekend!  WAHOO!  Gardeners mean business now.  We are about to plant with abandon!!!

That also means meandering down aisles of flowers and plants, taking hours to figure out what to put in containers!  Or maybe that’s just me!  If you get plant-love overload at your local nursery, it can  make it difficult to choose plants!  There are some basic rules to follow that will help you create that eye-popper  … [Continue reading]

Feeding your shrubs


Tue. May. 22, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Feeding your shrubs

Yesterday we established that it’s a good idea to feed your container plantings and your other herbaceous plants, just don’t burn them.  Apply according to the label or LESS.

As for shrubs, well, they could use some food too but there are some caveats, we’ll get to those.

Keeping plants healthy also helps lower opportunities for disease and insects to do damage.

A caveat to fertilizer response is the environment your shrubs are grown in.   … [Continue reading]

The poop on fertilizing plants


Mon. May. 21, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min  Garden Bite radio show:  The poop on fertilizing plants

First let’s establish that there’s no poop involved in fertilizing!  Manure does not add much for nutrients into the soil, it fluffs it.

On to the whole fertilizing thing.  I’m notoriously bad at this, so, in that vein, I’m going to help you AND me!

Proven Winners, one of the top plant breeders, says it’s really important to feed your container plants.  That makes sense, they’re roots can only go so far and  … [Continue reading]

The dirt on plant shopping


Fri. May. 18, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  The dirt on plant shopping

When plant shopping, bigger is not always better.  Tis better to bloom in your garden than in the garden center.

If you see a little wilting it could be a sign of a root problem.  Look for plants with good color on the leaves.  Look under the leaves for any possible insects.  If you have a plant loupe, bring it with you!  You’ll look ultra cool, I promise.  ;-)

Plant loupe

Seriously, in some of the  … [Continue reading]