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Gardening by the Month

Behind the Plant Sale

Every May, the Dakota County Master Gardeners put on a fabulous Plant Sale. In this article, we focus on what goes on “behind the plant sale.” From harvesting native seeds, to growing vegetables and herbs in our green and hoop houses, our plants are healthy, well-cared for and home-grown. This is a look at the people and processes that allow us to bring you some of the best quality, healthy and unique plants in the area.

Behind the Plant Sale

May - Container Gardening

Container gardening provides those with little or no yard an opportunity to grow vegetable, herbs or flowers inside your home or on your deck or patio. In addition, placing containers as part of your in-ground garden can add additional space and/or additional beauty to the garden. This article will help you plan your container garden.

May - Container Gardening

How to Pick the Best Perennials for Your Garden

May is the month when gardeners’ dreams turn to planting. We dream of a garden filled with interesting, colorful flowers all season. In order to achieve these benefits, you must pick the right perennial for the right spot in your garden. That means you need to start your selection process at home, before you set foot in your garden center which will be filled with tempting plants that may or may not grow successfully in your garden. This article will help you choose the best perennials for your garden.

How to Pick the Best Perennials for Your Garden

Rhubarb is a Welcome Spring Vegetable

Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable that grows well in Minnesota. If you grow rhubarb in your garden, it will soon be ready to eat and enjoy in many different recipes. This article provides both useful and fun information about this traditional, well-loved plant.

Rhubarb is a Welcome Spring Vegetable

Explore the Virtues of Wild Ginger for your Garden

Many gardeners love a good cookbook for the bounty we grow. But what about recipes?

Explore the Virtues of Wild Ginger for your Garden

Things to Check Out This Spring: What are Buds, Leaves and Blossoms?

Keep an eye out for BUDS, LEAVES, and BLOSSOMS growing on the trees around you. Read on to learn more about these fun signs of spring and some tree education ideas for children of all ages!

Things to Check Out This Spring: What are Buds, Leaves and Blossoms?

New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus): A Short Showy Shrub

New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) is in no way related to Earl Grey or the American mafia. Read this article about how this hardy, long-lived native perennial shrub got its name. Continue reading to learn more about this native shrub’s attributes and how to use New Jersey Tea in your garden.

New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus): A Short Showy Shrub

June - Fun With Fairy Gardens

Fairy gardens are a great way to experience gardening with your children or grandchildren but – grownups love them, too. It’s said that if you plant a fairy garden, something magical happens. Years drop away, stress leaves you and you’re transported into the world of make believe. Nothing brings out the inner child in us more than when we plant a fairy garden. This article will inspire to experience the joy of fairy gardens.

June - Fun With Fairy Gardens

Tomatoes the Ubiquitous Summer Vegetable

It’s not too late to plant tomatoes in Minnesota this summer. But, how do you choose from the many, many brands of tomatoes that are out there. Read this article for very useful information about choosing the right variety of tomato to grow in your garden.

Tomatoes the Ubiquitous Summer Vegetable

Pussytoes (Antennaria sp.) for Tough Growing Sites

Pussytoes is a cute name for a sturdy native plant. If you are looking for a tough, resilient groundcover for those difficult areas, consider one of the Antennarias (Pussytoes).

Pussytoes (Antennaria sp.) for Tough Growing Sites

Is it Too Late to Plant . . .?

Now it’s June and for many reasons, you don’t have your garden planted. Is it too late? This article explains why the answer is a resounding No! There are many vegetables and annuals that have a shorter time to maturation and will allow you to enjoy the fruits of your June labor. Read on to learn how to save your summer planting enjoyment.

Is it Too Late to Plant . . .?

Growing Ginger

Growing ginger is relatively easy, and it can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Read this article to learn the steps to grow ginger successfully.

Growing Ginger
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