Lawns, Gardens & Trees — Publications

Keeping Fruits and Vegetables Fresh and Safe from Plant to Palate - FN690

Even though fruits, vegetables and juice are nutritious parts of the diet, you need to take some food safety precautions. For example, contaminated melons, sprouts and raspberries have been linked with foodborne illness outbreaks.

Pesticide Safety: A Guide for Gardeners and Homeowners - H1096

Pesticides include natural and man-made substances such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, disinfectants and rodenticides. They are used to help control, destroy and repel destructive pests such as insects, weeds, plant disease organisms, germs and rodents.

Tree Diagnostic Series - F1807

This series of 23 cards will help Extension agents and Master Gardeners diagnose the most common tree diseases and abiotic disorders in North Dakota. The cards contain diagnostic photos, host range, symptoms and signs, and management tips.

Tree Fruit Culture and Cultivars in North Dakota - H327

Growing your own fruit can be fun. This publication gives instructions on the care and varieties that are successfully grown in North Dakota.

Bee-utiful Landscapes: Building a Pollinator Garden - H1811

Both native bees and European honey bees are in trouble in the United States. Homeowners can have a major impact on pollinators by planting a pollinator garden and providing suitable habitat. This publication will help you identify major pollinators, choose plants that will provide a continuous source of nectar and pollen, and safely use pesticides.

Annual and Perennial Flower Selections For North Dakota - H322

The organization of this publication is to provide annual suggestions for specific locations in and around the landscape: Low growing plants, tall, shade, full sun/dry locations, for massing, naturalizing, and fragrance.

Houseplants Proper Care and Management of Pest Problems - PP744

This publication summarizes how to properly grow houseplants and control the insect and mite pests and diseases that infest houseplants. Pest identification, damage symptoms and pest management strategies are described for insect and mite pests and diseases.

Refreshing Raspberries for home grown goodness - H38

Raspberries are high in fiber, vitamin C, and contain more calcium than any other temperate fruit. This publication offers information on varieties, planting, pest and weed controls, pruning, and winter protection.

Asparagus and Rhubarb - H61

Asparagus is the earliest vegetable you can harvest from your garden in the spring. The young, tender shoots of asparagus usually reach cutting size about mid-May in North Dakota. New shoots may be cut as often as every other day if temperatures and moisture conditions are favorable.

Strawberries - H16

Strawberries are one of the most prized fruits used in North Dakota homes. The information in this circular will serve as a guide in the production of strawberries for home use.

Butterfly Gardening in North Dakota - E1266

This publication summarizes butterfly gardening including identification of butterflies, life cycle, how to plan a butterfly garden, planting a butterfly garden, flowers and host plants of caterpillars.

Tree Planting in North Dakota - F1785

This publication describes proper methods of tree planting and advantages/disadvantages of different types of nursery stock. Common mistakes and misperceptions are discussed, as well as post-planting care.

Home Lawn Establishment - H1311

With the short growing season in the upper Midwest, homeowners’ desire to have a decent-looking lawn is high. Whether you are establishing a lawn, or you’re a frustrated homeowner wanting to improve what exists for turfgrass, the information in this publication will provide steps to a more attractive lawn.

From Garden to Table: Harvesting Herbs for Healthy Eating - H1267

Herbs have been used for cooking, medicine, aromatherapy, religious ceremonies, pest control, and simply for decoration, since pre-Biblical times. The purpose of this publication is to serve as a guide in growing and using herbs for culinary purposes.

Pruning Trees and Shrubs - H1036

All woody landscape plants will need pruning during their lifetime. The objectives of pruning are to produce strong, healthy and aesthetically attractive plants that complement our property. You can achieve these objectives by gaining an understanding of why, how and when to prune, as well as a few basic pruning principles.

From Garden to Table: Leafy Greens! - H1754

Learn how to successfully grow leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and more. After harvesting your bountiful greens, prepare them using one of these delicious recipes.

The Facts of Square Foot Gardening - H1597

Square foot gardening is a method of intensive gardening. This publications lists the advantages and "how to" tips to this practice that is gaining popularity.

Popular Peonies! - H281

Peonies are among the most adaptable perennials for North Dakota. This publication provides information on proper soil, placement, planting, spacing and cultivation. It also covers propagation, fertilization, when to cut blooms and varieties for this region.

The Root of Tree Health: Beneficial Fungi - F1782

This back to back informational handout on beneficial fungi, as they pertain to tree health and management.

Gardening With Children - FN1372

This publication summarizes the benefits of gardening with children and provide information about basic garden preparation, tools and resources for parents/adults.