WCCO's Smart Gardens - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

Bee Lawn Basics, Preparing a Prairie Area, Getting Rid of Moles and Voles Feb 28, 2026

Show notes

Now that the snow is starting to melt we are making moves on dormant seeding our lawns. What kind of work goes into planting a bee lawn? Is it okay to mix different grass species for a lawn? Maintaining lilacs. How to start a prairie area. How to get rid of moles in your yard. Getting an amaryllis to bloom. Deer droppings for fertilizer? Learn more from horticulturalist Laura Irish Hanson extension.umn.edu.

Growing Persimmons in Minnesota, Cold Treating Plants, Planting a Lawn for Bees Feb 21, 2026

Show notes

The process of growing persimmons. Getting trees to grow better. How to inhibit algae growth. Where to plant rhubarb. When plants need cold treatment. Keeping critters away from plants and grass. The spring flower show is getting underway at the arboretum. Bringing geraniums back to life. Making a lawn that is best for bees. It is time to trim maple trees. Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer at extension.umn.edu.

Warm weather, even in winter, means spring is coming! Feb 14, 2026

Show notes

Minnesota growers are getting a tease of spring this weekend and that leaves many with questions when it comes to seeding, growing, and maintaining some of their gardening projects! To answer some of these questions we have the University of Minnesota Extension Horticulturist Julie Weisenhorn tackling some of your lawn care questions regarding seeding, pruning, greenhouse maintenance, peach trees, dormant seeding and indoor plant upkeep and much more!

Transplanting House Plants, More Fungus Gnat Problems, Tree Trouble Feb 07, 2026

Show notes

Does this winter warm up have an impact on plants? Getting started with seeds. When to consider repotting a plant. Grass cutting questions. When to transplant house plants. Fungus gnat solutions. When to rototill your lawn. Identifying tree trouble. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu

Winter Sowing Solutions, Fruit Tree Tips, Spider Mite Mitigation Jan 31, 2026

Show notes

When to transplant a poinsettia. How to germinate seeds in the winter. Pruning spruces. Maintaining fruit trees. Handling hydrangeas. Getting rid of spider mites. Can bamboo grow in Minnesota? Will plants come back after deer damage? What is an ideal temperature for a house plant? Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

Preparing Gardens in The Winter, Exploding Trees, When to Start and Stop Pruning Jan 24, 2026

Show notes

What can a gardener do when we are in the middle of a cold winter? Spider plant problems. When to start fertilizing house plants. Debunking the exploding tree myth. Can streetlights impact plant growth? When is it too late to prune trees? Growing berries in Minnesota. Cutting back geraniums. Growing and caring for amaryllis plants. Recommended weed barriers. How to grow pineapple. Learn more from horticulturalist Laura Irish Hanson extension.umn.edu.

How Temperature Can Impact Trees, Winter Sowing Tips, Properly Repotting a Plant Jan 17, 2026

Show notes

Do erratic temperatures have a big impact on trees? Winter tasks for gardeners. What to know if you want to start winter sowing. Preventing and getting rid of fungus gnats. How to properly repot a plant. Pruning practice. Getting a cactus to bloom. Making sure your pots drain. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn at extension.umn.edu.

Working With Weird Winter Weather, The Time to Prune Trees, January Deadlines for Gardeners Jan 10, 2026

Show notes

Are seed catalogs still available? With the warmer weather we have been having, is it okay to prune fruit trees? Oak wilt worries. Grass to plant around the yard that does not get cut. When to start dormant seeding. Getting control of moss. Advice on growing plants on a fence. Can plants recover from animal damage? Are there plants rabbits do not eat? Jumping worm problems. Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer at extension.umn.edu.

Starting Seeds Indoors, Getting Ready for Grass Seed, Plants to Keep Away from Pets Jan 03, 2026

Show notes

The best methods to repel critters. How to get started on growing plants indoors. Working with frozen soil. Why some grass seed grows better than others. Getting rid of fungus gnats. Are grow lights a good investment? Why a Christmas cactus might not bloom. What plants need to be kept away from plants. Bush trimming basics. What to know about winter sowing. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

Protecting Evergreen Trees, How to Pick Out a Plant For a Gift, Christmas Cactus Concerns Dec 27, 2025

Show notes

Planting grass to protect evergreen trees. Finding a Meyer Lemon Tree. Protecting plants from deer. What to do when overwintering a rose tree. Caring for an indoor bamboo plant. What to consider before giving a plant as a gift. Preparing for a snowstorm. Raking leaves in the winter. Keeping effective compost. What could be pruned right now. How to maintain a decades old Christmas cactus. What if grass seed gets old? Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

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