My ‘Honeynut’ winter squash got a late start in the garden this year, and that, coupled with our cold, wet fall, left me with a big pile of not-quite-ripe squash. It’s not that the squash are not ripe enough to eat—although some are pretty green—they are just not ripe enough to store over a long period. Butternut squash is the…
Read More
I spent a recent Sunday ripping turf from the front lawn of our house as part of a garden expansion project. It’s not the first time I’ve removed turf grass though it may have been the most painful! This grass was very healthy and had a good grip on the soil below. It had rained about five days earlier, but…
Read More
It’s been a great summer for Minnesota Midget melons, a small cantaloupe-type melon that grows very well in the North. I’ve got three Minnesota Midget melon plants, all growing in containers and all doing great. So great, in fact, that I’ve been looking for ways to use them, including the cooler recipe you’ll find at the end of the post….
Read More
Leaf curl and blossom end rot have been problems for my container tomatoes, but not serious ones — at least so far. Despite the heat, humidity and rain of the early summer, it looks like this will be a good year for tomatoes. First, the facts: As of mid-July, Minnesota has seen the highest combined levels of heat and humidity…
Read More
There are many plants that attract, feed and nurture pollinating insects and birds. And, every gardener will have favorites. In my garden, there are three plants that always seem to be covered with bees and butterflies. Here’s the rundown: Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is the biggest bee magnet in my yard. Sometimes called giant anise hyssop or hummingbird mint, I…
Read More