WCCO's Smart Gardens - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

Plants Animals Don't Eat, Where to Grow Hostas, Maintaining Lilacs and Peonies Apr 19, 2025

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Planting potatoes properly. Is it time to use weed and feed? Plants that rabbit won't eat. Is it too late to dig up day lilies and irises? When can we clean the leaves off of plants? Will hostas grow in direct sunlight? When to divide plants? When to prune old lilac bushes Best method to divide tulips. Getting rid of red beetles that infest your plants. Maintaining a peony bush. When is the best time of the year to treat Creeping Charlie? Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

Applying Crab Grass Preventer, Getting Rid of Moss, Grass Growing Tips Apr 12, 2025

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Is it okay to start planting onions? Can crab grass treatment be applied yet? How to get rid of a moss infestation in the yard? Is it time to remove mulch from plants? When is a good time to start raking the lawn? What is thatch and how best to handle it? Tips on getting grass seed to grow. Are there remedies for dog urine spots in the lawn? What is deadheading and why could it help plants? What to do if you think you have a sink hole in your yard? Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn and Lawn and Turf expert Jon Trappe at extension.umn.edu.

When to Remove Mulch, Tree Replacement Tips, How to Grow Squash Apr 05, 2025

Show notes

What it takes to be a master gardener and how you can become one. How to control forget-me-nots. Is it time to remove mulch? Can grass seed be planted now? When to apply weed prevention treatment? Why an Alberta Spruce tree may be dying. What to know when replacing trees. How to grow great squash. Pussywillows are growing at the arboretum and there is a lot more happening on the grounds as spring gets into full swing. Learn more from Master Gardener Teresa Rooney at extension.umn.edu.

When to Till Soil, Coppicing Vs. Pollarding, Mole Prevention Mar 29, 2025

Show notes

Gardeners are doing their best dealing with this rollercoaster weather pattern in Minnesota. Is there a general consensus on tilling soil versus other methods? Leaving leaves for mulch. Addressing an amaryllis emergency. How to get an Endless Summer Hydrangea to bloom. What does coppicing and pollarding mean when it comes to tree trimming? Can you prevent a blue spruce tree from growing too large? Getting rid of the grubs that attract moles. Is it too early to fertilize the lawn? Is it time to uncover tulip bulbs? A lightning round of questions answered. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn at extension.umn.edu.

Preventing Fungus Gnats, Mulch Maintenance and Fertilizer Facts, Using Coffee Grounds for Plants Mar 22, 2025

Show notes

It is Maple Fest at The Arboretum and they are doing a lot of tree tapping and syrup tasting. Controlling thistle. Getting rid of fungus gnats. Is it time to remove the mulch off of vegetable gardens? The right temperature to apply fertilizer. Planting sweet potatoes. When and how to move strawberry plants. What are the benefits of using coffee grounds for plants? Planting lilac bushes. Is it too late to dormant seed? Planting disease resistant tomatoes. Learn more from horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn at extension.umn.edu.

Getting Good Grass for Minnesota Lawns, Growing Ginger, Tips for Sprinkler Systems Mar 15, 2025

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What type of turf has the deepest roots? What is the best grass seed for Minnesota lawns? How to best propagate ginger? Trimming ornamental grasses. Fixing a lumpy lawn. When to use your sprinkler system. Is it time to fertilize? Making a lawn more lush. What temperature should the lawn be before seeding? Learn more from Jon Trappe and horticulturalist Laura Irish Hanson. ext.umn.edu

Seeding and springing into the growing season! Mar 08, 2025

Show notes

Just around the corner is spring so Theresa shares the latest seed trials going on. Also we take your gardening questions today pertaining to everything from arborvitae and other plants absorbing too much heat, trimming dogwood into spring, monitoring the grow light with your indoor plants, buckthorn, using distilled water with plants and much, much more - also answer some gardening questions with carrots, tomatoes and other fresh veggies you may be working towards - all of that and more with master gardener Theresa Rooney. For more information and gardening questions head to ext.umn.edu

Protecting Plants From Rabbits, Getting an Easter Cactus to Bloom, Preferred mulch for Pumpkins Mar 01, 2025

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Recovering plants after damage caused by rabbits. It's time to tap maple trees. Deer doing damage in the yard. How to get an Easter Cactus to bloom? The time to prune trees is running out. What is a flaming Katy plant? Reusing soil for vegetable plants. What mulch to use for growing pumpkins? Preventing disease in tomato plants. How long do Amaryllis plants last? Learn more from horticulturalist Mary Meyer. ext.umn.edu.

Buckthorn eradication, seeding into March and more! Feb 22, 2025

Show notes

This morning there is a warmer temperature but Laura Irish Hanson, U of MN Extension horticulturalist joins to tell everyone - “hold off”, she explains why! We also dive into microgreens, buckthorn eradication, lilac growth fixes, more seeding questions and much more on Smart Gardens! For more information or questions you can go to ext.umn.edu

Properly Storing Grass Seed, Crownvetch Removal, Attracting Deer With Plants Feb 15, 2025

Show notes

This snow cover will be a big benefit for lawns. How long can grass seed last with proper storage? Putting Amaryllis plants into dormancy. Repotting a spider plant. Removing crownvetch from the yard. Plants that attract deer. Can you grow tomatoes with just compost? Is it safe to fertilize a lawn near a lake? Learn more from Jon Trappe and horticulturalist Julie Weisenhorn at extension.umn.edu

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