Garden Bite with Teri Knight

Just over a week ago the temperature in southern MN got up to 83 degrees! Zone 4! One year ago on this date we had 8 inches of snow! BUT, according to Dr. Mark Seeley, University of Minnesota professor emeritus and meteorologist, we can expect new normals in the last spring frost date for Minnesota. 

Raspberries are an easy fruit crop to grow. But you can savor more of your fruit and make harvesting easier by how you plant and trellising. I read an article from the the University of Minnesota Ext. and wanted to share it with you! That's on today's Garden Bite. Check out my website for pictures, links and more. 

In today's more eco aware society, some are trying to find ways to do their part and still have a "lawn". Eco-grass is a great option. You can let it be and it flops over in a most fashionable way... or you can mow it occasionally and save on gas, chemicals and time. Learn more on today's Garden Bite. Go to my website for pictures and more. 

Yesterday I talked about getting a soil test, the kind from a University soil lab. Today it's about soil itself! Soil  holds the keys to a plant’s ability to take up nutrients, water and oxygen. But wait, there's more! On today's Garden Bite.

If you really want to get down and dirty, get a soil test. It is one of the best things you can do for your plants and yourself. The how to and they why for on today's Garden Bite!

Hydrangeas are one of the most popular flowering shrubs. A big question is when to prune them. There are different species, do they all get pruned at the same time? That's on today's Garden Bite

It's always exciting to see the new plant introductions. I share three today. Two shrubs and a perennial I just love!

Trees and shrubs are investments. You want to give them the best start to thrive. Today's episode is about best planting practices to allow them their best chance for a long life!

Rain gardens do amazing things, like help save our waterways from junk! What are good plants for raingardens? I share those and more on how rain gardens make a difference in our environment. 

For those of us in cold climates, now is the time to start these seeds indoors. That will give them ample time to grow indoors while our soil outdoors warms up! But, not get too leggy!

The beautiful trumpet-shaped white flowers of lilium longiflorum symbolize purity, hope and life - the spiritual essence of Easter – a time of renewal. Today it's about choosing the best plant(s) and how to keep them healthy! 

In a tumultuous time, find magic in your garden. There's scientific proof of what it does for our peace of mind being out in nature, growing plants. Even the smell of soil can lift our spirits! 

You may be discovering spots in your lawn, did "Fido" or "Fifi" do it?  Is it snow mold? If it's mold, is it pink or gray? There's a difference. Learn what you need to do on today's Garden Bite.

Most plants need "well-drained" soil. What exactly does that mean and how do we achieve it? That's on today's Bite!

The how-to of making your own maple syrup. The DIY method or order the supplies you need! Be sure to boil down the sap outdoors. 

The sap is flowing. It’s not too late to tap your trees for some golden goodness. You'll find out what types of trees can be tapped and how big they should be! Tomorrow you'll learn HOW to tap them. 

Looking for hope after a long isolating year plus, Spring hopes eternal and tomorrow is the Equinox. The Vernal equinox. What a funny sounding word! Today it's about frost depths and wet soil.

Bareroot plants are a great way to save $ and get more plants. So what are the downsides? Are they planted differently? And what are they anyway?? That's on today's Garden Bite!

Top o' the Morning! What is it with St. Patrick's Day and shamrocks? Are shamrocks real? Why were they so important to the Celts?

Some are takers and some are givers.  Plants that is. Crop rotation is one of the simplest ways to discourage disease and keep your soil in good condition. In this episode, Teri shares what vegetables and fruits to rotate with. 

If you’re new to gardening or just tired of fighting diseased plants, you may consider planting disease resistant varieties of vegetables. Find a list of vegetables and the code meanings on Garden Bite. And a couple of new tomato varieties to consider!

We've flirted with the 50's but we're not in a long term relationship yet... TIPTOE into Spring. Make like a flamingo and tread lightly on that soil. It's soggy and/or snow-covered. Instead of tromping on the ground, create some garden art! I have a tribute to a friend of mine on my website... if you have a moment, see the art he created.

Today Teri talks all about the best ways to prepare for transitioning your garden from winter into spring.