WCCO's Smart Gardens - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

The Impact Hot Days Can Have on Plants, Tomato Growing Tips, Companion Planting Benefits Jun 21, 2025

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Does extreme heat have a big impact on flowers and plants? Is it too late to plant sweet potatoes? How to propagate lilacs. Day lilly issues. Rejuvenating strawberry beds. Silver maples making a mess. Trouble with poppies blooming. Where to get good compost. Cucumber beetle problems. The basics of growing good tomatoes. The arboretum is very busy this time of year. What is companion planting and how it could help your garden? Is it okay to fertilize plants in the extreme heat? Why would the leaves on a Christmas cactus turn purple? Transplanting peonies. Learn more from horticulturalist Laura Irish Hanson extension.umn.edu.

'Is this who we are?' Reaction to political shootings in Minnesota, plus the latest on how the killing spree unfolded Jun 16, 2025

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A detailed 20-page complaint filed by federal prosecutors reveals chilling details about the actions by Vance Boelter, the suspect in targeted, political shootings that left former Minnesota Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark dead, and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife seriously injured. Here's reaction from local hosts on WCCO in Minneapolis, plus commentary on our overly hot political climate in the US, and how we can prevent this from happening again.

Rain is falling and garden's are thriving! Jun 14, 2025

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We were pleased to be joined by Julie Wiesenhorn U of MN Extension horticulturalist - visit ext.umn.edu. This morning we tackle all things from pink magnolias, soil conditioner spray, Siberian iris questions to much more with Julie!

The Process of Growing Garlic, The Life of a Fruit Tree, Where to Plant Hydrangeas Jun 07, 2025

Show notes

When should garlic be planted and what to do when it starts to grow? Getting rid of comfrey in the lawn. When can you start to reseed a lawn after using Roundup? How long do fruit trees live? Why would marigold leaves change colors? Why would rhubarb stalks start getting skinny? Keeping soil moist. The best place to plant hydrangeas. Why plants growing near a house could have trouble growing. Removing lily of the valley. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

Determinate vs. Indeterminate Tomatoes, Getting Peonies to Flower, Why Rhubarb Could Stop Growing May 31, 2025

Show notes

Managing black locust and buckthorn in the yard. What is the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes and what to know ahead of planting them? What could cause an evergreen tree to dry out? When should canna lilies be planted? Why would a peony bush not be flowering? Getting rid of lily of the valley flowers. What could impact the taste of cucumber? Saving trees with windburn. When to trim lilacs. What could cause rhubarb to die? Growing hen and chicks plants. What type of soil should a bird of paradise plant grow in? How to stop rabbits from eating hostas. Learn more from horticulturalist Laura Irish Hanson extension.umn.edu.

Seeding, planting, and measuring the health of your garden after the rain May 24, 2025

Show notes

Today Jon Trappe and Julie Weisenhorn with the University of Minnesota joined to answer gardening questions you may have regarding the growth and health of your planting and seeding. From top soil questions, grass seed and crab grass emergence, asparagus growth and much much more! For more questions you may have with your garden and growing, learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn and Lawn and Turf expert Jon Trappe at extension.umn.edu.

Weather Whiplash, Removing Crown Vetch, Controlling Quack Grass May 17, 2025

Show notes

The impact this change in weather is having on our flowers, plants and lawn. What to do if you have a tree infested with emerald ash borer? Getting rid of green worms. The best way to remove crown vetch. Why hydrangeas may be slow to grow. At what temperature should vegetable plants be covered? Preventing squirrels from damaging trees. How to loosen hard soil. Big plant sales are underway. Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer at extension.umn.edu.

Identifying Grubs in the Grass, Getting Raspberries to Grow, Attracting Butterflies and Bees May 10, 2025

Show notes

The plant sale is underway at the Arboretum. Growing great Raspberries. Identifying grubs in grass. When to transplant and divide peonies and rhubarb? Picking the right tree to plant in the yard. Preventing dogs from digging holes in the yard. Plants to attract butterflies and bees. Starting over on your lawn. How to get rid of bittersweet? Growing blackberries in Minnesota. The Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

Removing Stumps and Mushrooms, Killing and Preventing Grubs, When to Apply Dandelion Preventer May 03, 2025

Show notes

Tips for reseeding a bare patch on the lawn. What is goose grass and how is it different from quack grass? How to get rid of quack grass? The best way to remove a tree stump. How to get rid of mushrooms in the yard? Siberian squill removal. What to use to kill and prevent grubs? Protecting trees from deer. The best time to spray dandelions. Trimming lavender plants. Moles and voles removal. At what height should the lawn be mowed? The plant sale is underway at the arboretum. When can lawns start to be seeded? Getting rid of moss. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn and Lawn and Turf expert Jon Trappe at extension.umn.edu.

Getting rid of Buckthorn, Tips for Reseeding Your Lawn, When to Remove Leaves From Plants Apr 26, 2025

Show notes

Why junipers change colors. The best method to get rid of buckthorn. Fungal disease in seeds. Removing quack grass. When to put young vegetable seedlings outside. Is aerating and dethatching necessary for reseeding a lawn? Fertilizing lilacs. Maintaining young trees. How to best trim peonies. When dormant seeds will start to grow. When is it safe to remove leaves from garden beds? Benefits of a leaf and compost combination. Is it a good time to put weed and feed on the lawn? Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer at extension.umn.edu

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