Archives
September 5, 2021
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- Wasp Warning. Wasp populations are soaring, and they are coming for our food.
- Do You Have a Thatch Problem? Excess thatch kills lawns. Manage it now.
- Vegetables. Sowing a cover crop, harvesting melons, killing stink bugs, and more.
- Fruits. Harvesting apples and rhubarb, cracked apples, bleeding chokecherries, and more.
- Landscapes. Fertilizing lawns, planting trees, harvesting annual flowers, and more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
- Drought Watch. Rains fell in most of ND last week, but the drought continues.
August 19, 2021
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- Drought Survival Tips for Lawns. Let's help our lawns survive this historic drought.
- Plant Health Care. A summary of timely activities and emerging disorders in landscapes.
- Vegetables: Killing flea beetles and grasshoppers, sowing radish, and more.
- Fruits and Lawns: Coping with fruit scorch, sowing grass seed, and more.
- Landscapes: Mulching trees, managing galls, and more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
- Drought Watch. Last week was exceptionally warm and very dry.
August 4, 2021
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- Treasure Hunter Discovers Pesticide. A scientist digging at a rum distillery found an organic pesticide.
- Preventing Rotten Tomatoes. Learn to manage blossom end rot, the #1 threat to tomatoes today.
- Plant Health Care. A summary of timely activities and emerging disorders in landscapes.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
- Drought Watch. It's been another dry week, and there is no relief in sight.
December 3, 2020
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- Our Holly in North Dakota. Winterberry is great for making holiday decorations.
- Holiday Gifts for 2020. Ho, ho, ho! It's time for shopping!
- A 'Greener' Christmas Tree. Select a tree that is friendly to the environment.
- A Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge tells you how to kill your poinsettia. Bah, humbug!
- Holiday Plant Care. Brighten your home with these holiday plants!

November 1, 2020
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- The 'Wow!' Flower. Grow amaryllis and be prepared to be amazed!
- New, Blue Perennials. Blue flowers add a sense of peacefulness to the garden.
- Hort Shorts. A summary of timely activities and emerging disorders in landscapes.
- Trees, Gardens and Lawns: Irrigating evergreens, repelling deer, storing squash, and more.
- Flowers: Protecting non-hardy roses, planting tulips, caring for geraniums, and more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
- Drought Watch. The growing season is over, but our drought continues to worsen.

October 2, 2020
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- Landscaping with Onions. Alliums are stunning, and now is the time to plant their bulbs.
- Fall Colors of North Dakota. Our native trees are glowing now.
- Hort Shorts. A summary of timely activities and emerging disorders in landscapes.
- Landscapes: Critterproof daffodils, irrigating evergreens, mowing lawns for winter, and more.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Storing potatoes and carrots, testing garden soil, and more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
- Drought Watch. It's been another dry week, and there is no relief in sight.
September 17, 2020
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- Growing Garlic in North Dakota. Plant garlic now and enjoy flavorful meals next summer.
- Time for Tulips: Think Spring! The first step to a colorful landscape next spring is to plant tulips now.
- Plant Health Care. A summary of timely activities and emerging disorders in landscapes.
- Landscapes: Planting mums and trees, killing weeds in lawns, and more.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Harvesting pumpkins and squash, ripening tomatoes indoors, and more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
- Drought Watch. It's been another dry week, and there is no relief in sight.
September 7, 2020
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- Let's Grow a Great Lawn! September is the best month to improve your lawn.
- Plant Health Care. A summary of timely activities and emerging disorders in landscapes.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Harvesting apples, slow to ripen tomatoes, scorched peppers and more.
- Landscapes: Pine needles dropping, crabgrass dying, skunks digging and more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
- Drought Watch. Drought persists in western and central ND; no signs of relief coming.

August 22, 2020
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- "Murder Hornet" Watch. Asian giant hornets have invaded America. Do we have to worry in ND?
- Plant Health Care. A summary of timely activities and emerging disorders in landscapes.
- Landscapes: Earwigs on flowers, dying pine tips, sowing grass seed, and more.
- Vegetables: Flea beetles on cabbage, giant zucchini, harvesting potatoes and onions, and more.
- Fruits: Fall webworms on chokecherry, fruitless apricot trees, scarred apples, and more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
- Drought Watch. Last week was dry across ND; drought conditions worsen in the west.

August 12, 2020
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- The Empress of Autumn. Northern Empress™ is a small elm that glows in autumn.
- Plant Health Care. A summary of timely activities and emerging disorders in landscapes.
- Fruit and Vegetables: Smut on corn, blight on tomato vines, and more.
- Landscapes: Early fall color, fertilizing strategies, scorched leaves, and more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
- Drought Watch. Dry conditions persist in the central and far western regions of ND.

July 27, 2020
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- Rotten Tomatoes. Gardeners are finding tomatoes with rotten bottoms.
- Plant Health Care. A summary of timely activities and emerging disorders in landscapes.
- Fruit and Vegetables: Tomato blight, crooked cucumbers, bumpy broccoli, and more.
- Landscapes: An invasive lily beetle, herbicide injury, fall webworms, and more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
- Drought Watch. Conditions are improving, especially in northwest ND.
July 20, 2020
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- A Better Blueberry. Haskap is a promising new crop for us in North Dakota.
- Plant Health Care. A summary of timely activities and emerging disorders in landscapes.
- Landscapes: Tree suckers in lawns, ash plant bugs, mossy rose galls, and more.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Potato beetles, blooming onions, and more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
- Drought Watch. Conditions are improving across our state.
July 6, 2020
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- Sunflower Bouquets -- Quick and Easy! Grow a bouquet in 60 days or less.
- The Right Way to Water Your Lawn. Irrigate when needed and make every drop count.
- Drought Watch. The west is in a drought, the east is not.
- Plant Health Care. A summary of timely activities and emerging disorders in landscapes.
- Landscapes: Tree mulching, Dutch elm disease, lawn fertilizing tips and more.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Deadly compost, wormy apples, rhubarb harvesting tips and more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
June 22, 2020
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- Selecting a Crabapple. Here's how to pick the best cultivar for your yard.
- Plant Health Care. A summary of timely activities and emerging disorders in landscapes.
- Landscapes: Winter injury, woodpeckers, galls, lawn mowing tips and more.
- Fruits, Vegetables: Winter injury, damaged fruits, galls, herbicide injury and more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
November 1, 2019
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- Did You Winterize Your Lawn? Prepare your lawn for the long winter ahead.
- Landscaping to Attract Birds. These trees and shrubs will attract birds to your home.
- Plant Health Care. A summary of timely activities and emerging disorders in landscapes.
- Herbs, Fruits and Vegetables: Grow herbs indoors, mulch berries, clean under fruit trees, and more.
- Trees, Shrubs, and Flowers: Protect against deer, plant tulips, start amaryllis bulbs, and more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of frost dates, temps, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
October 8, 2019
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- Grow Your Own Coffeetree. The Kentucky coffeetree is beautiful, tough and truly special.
- Plant Health Care. A summary of timely activities and emerging disorders in landscapes.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Storing apples and potatoes, growing garlic and more.
- Trees and Shrubs, and Lawns: Wrapping trees, killing weeds, raking leaves and more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of frost dates, temps, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
September 26, 2019
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- Growing Parrots in the Garden. Parrot tulips are stunning in the garden and dazzling in bouquets!
- Plant Health Care. A summary of timely activities and emerging disorders in landscapes.
- Bugs in the Garden: Spiders, crickets, boxelder bugs, wasps and more.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Preparing for frost, finding wormy apples and more.
- Lawns, Trees and Shrubs: Backyard prairies, killing weeds, planting trees and more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of frost dates, temps, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
September 10, 2019
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- Improve Your Soil--Naturally. Growing cover crops is becoming popular among gardeners.
- Blazing Shrubs. These radiant plants look amazing in autumn!
- Plant Health Care. Tips on harvesting crops, managing pests and diseases, and more!
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.

August 27, 2019
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- Time to Fertilize Your Lawn. Now is the best time to feed your lawn, while it grows its roots!
- Plant Health Care. Tips on harvesting crops, managing pests and diseases, and more!
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
July 9, 2019
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- How to Prune Tomatoes. Pruning will help to keep vines healthy and productive.
- The Toughest Shrubs. Do you need a tough shrub for your yard? Go to your gas station for ideas.
- Plant Health Care. Tips on managing pests, diseases, herbicide injury and more!
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
June 10, 2019
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- Ash Disease Outbreak. Cool, wet weather has led to ash trees shedding leaves prematurely.
- Recovering From the Frigid Winter. Help the plants in your yard recover from this past winter.
- Plant Health Care. Tips on removing tree guards, mowing lawns, fighting ground squirrels, and more!
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
November 2018
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- Invite Birds to Your Yard. A bird feeding station will bring the wonders of wildlife to your home.
- What If EAB Came to Your Town? A new inventory of trees in ND towns shows how vulnerable we are.
- Plant Health Care. Tips on irrigating evergreens, mowing, cleaning the garden and much more!.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
October 2018
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- Homemade Apple Cider. Grow and blend your own cider. Enjoy a special treat on a cold day!
- Plant Health Care. Tips on storing produce, growing bulbs, wrapping trees; and much more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of frost dates, temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.
September 24, 2018
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- Stunning Fall Flowers. Fall is a special season and there are perennials that sparkle now.
- Plant Health Care. Tips on ripening tomatoes, harvesting pumpkins, planting tulips, and more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of frost dates, temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.

September 17, 2018
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- A Worthy Foe. Now is the time to attack Canada thistle, one of most difficult to control weeds.
- Plant Health Care. Tips on mowing, planting acorns, overwintering geraniums, and much more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of frost dates, temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across ND.

September 10, 2018
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- Something Special About Yew. Yews are superstars in the shade and provide year-round beauty.
- Plant Health Care. Tips on harvesting pumpkins, pruning raspberries, dividing peonies, planting trees and garlic, and much more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
September 3, 2018
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- Dangerous Weed Invades ND. The "most troublesome weed in the USA" has come to North Dakota.
- Bumper Crop of Crabgrass. Crabgrass has thrived over the past two summers. It's everywhere!
- Drought Persists. Soils in much of our state remain dry. Temps are cooler but we need rain.
- Plant Health Care. Emerging pests and timely activities for your yard and garden.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
August 27, 2018
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- Stung by the Queen. Learn how to fight back against wasps.
- Cucumber vs. Tree. Wild cucumbers grow aggressively; sometimes on top of trees.
- It Has Been Dry, But There is Hope. Soils in much of ND are dry; rains are beginning to provide relief.
- Plant Health Care. Emerging pests and timely activities for your yard and garden.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
August 20, 2018
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- The Toughest Tree in the West. Russian-olive thrives under frigid temps, drought and salty soils.
- Grasshopper Outbreak. Learn how to stay one step ahead of grasshoppers.
- The Drought Returns. Over half the state is suffering from dry conditions.
- Plant Health Care. Emerging pests and timely activities for your yard and garden.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
August 13, 2018
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- Are Your Trees Choking? Many trees in North Dakota are being strangled by the own roots.
- A Touch of the Prairie. Ornamental grasses are perfect perennials for us. Look at these superior cultivars.
- Plant Health Care. Emerging pests and timely activities for your yard and garden.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
August 6, 2018
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- Fast-Growing Shade Trees. These trees provide quick shade for landscapes.
- Countdown to Frost. Will your tiny tomatoes and pumpkins ripen before frost?
- Plant Health Care. Emerging pests and timely activities for your yard and garden.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.

July 30, 2018
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- Measuring Rain at Home. Make an informed decision when watering your yard and garden.
- Sow Fall Vegetables. Fall is the best season to grow radish, spinach and many other greens.
- Plant Health Care. Emerging pests and timely activities for your yard and garden.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.

July 23, 2018
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- Tree-Eating Sharks. In honor of Shark Week, we discuss how mowers terrorize trees.
- You Can't Buy Friendship. Ladybugs are great friends in the garden, but don't buy them.
- Plant Health Care. Emerging pests and timely activities for your yard and garden.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
July 16, 2018
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- Healthy Tomato Vines. Now is the time to protect tomato vines from diseases.
- Summer Blizzard. Sweet mockorange is covered with snowy blossoms in June.
- Drought Relief. A comparison of our drought status today and a year ago.
- Plant Health Care. Emerging pests and timely activities for your yard and garden.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.

July 9, 2018
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- Non-Stop Blooming Wild Rose. 'Nearly Wild' has the charm of a wild rose and blooms all summer.
- Super Summer Lawns. Tips on caring for your lawn this summer.
- Plant Health Care. Emerging pests and timely gardening activities for your yard and garden.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
November 2, 2017
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- Japanese Beetle is Spreading. This major pest was detected in 12 new counties this year.
- Deer-Resistant Perennials. Deer will stay away from these beautiful flowers.
- Winter Weather Forecast. Predictions of our national weather service and the Old Farmer's Almanac.
- Chores & Challenges. A colorful look at timely gardening activities.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
October 7, 2017
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- Pink Pearls. Improved cultivars of coralberry stand out in winter landscapes and holiday bouquets.
- Hardy, Drought-Tolerant Trees. These leafy trees can withstand our cold, dry climate.
- Storing Your Harvest. Extend the enjoyment of your harvest by storing your vegetables properly.
- Drought Watch. The drought is ending in the east and conditions are improving across the state.
- Chores & Challenges. A survey of timely gardening activities and emerging pests.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
September 22, 2017
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- New, Colorful Coneflowers. Hybrids with brighter colors and unique flower shapes are drawing attention.
- Hardy, Drought-Tolerant Shrubs. These flowering shrubs can withstand our harsh climate.
- Planting Trees in Fall. Now is a good time to plant trees.
- Drought Watch. The west got a little relief, but drought conditions persist across much of the state.
- Chores & Challenges. A survey of timely gardening activities and emerging pests.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
August 18, 2017
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- Gold Rush. Golden conifers are one of the hottest trends in landscaping today.
- Should You Aerate Your Lawn? Almost all lawns benefit from aeration and now is a great time to do it.
- Drought Watch. Most of North Dakota landscapes are stressed from a severe drought.
- Chores & Challenges. A survey of timely gardening activities and emerging pests.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
August 1, 2017
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- Special Salads. Now is a great time to grow salad greens!
- Handy Tech for Watering Trees. Communities are using watering bags to save time and labor.
- Drought Watch. Most of North Dakota landscapes are stressed from a severe drought.
- Chores & Challenges. A survey of timely gardening activities and emerging pests.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
July 15, 2017
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- The All-Star Pollinator Magnet. Butterfly weed is the Perennial Plant of the Year for 2017.
- Extend Your Growing Season. Row covers accelerate growth and protect crops from frost.
- Drought Watch. Most of North Dakota landscapes are stressed from a severe drought.
- Chores & Challenges. A survey of timely gardening activities and emerging pests.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
July 3, 2017
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- New Hazelnuts Show Promise. Hybrid hazelnuts will open new opportunities for nut production.
- Japanese Beetle Alert. Beetle-infested nursery stock was sold throughout much of ND.
- Drought Watch. Conditions in Central and SW North Dakota are extreme---scorching temps are coming.
- Chores & Challenges. A survey of timely gardening activities and emerging pests.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
June 26, 2017
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- Backyard Camping. First Editions® Campfire rose is a hardy, carefree shrub full of radiant blooms.
- Drought Watch. Monitor our drought status and projections for the rest of the summer.
- Wormfree Apples. Learn how to scout for apple maggot, the #1 pest of apples in ND.
- Chores & Challenges. Timely tips on caring for trees, fruits, veggies and more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
June 9, 2017
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- Special Lilacs. These three cultivars are standout performers.
- Conserving Water in the Landscape. Learn how to care for your landscape under drought conditions.
- Chores & Challenges. Emerging pests and timely gardening activities for your yard and garden.
- Weather Almanac. Monitor the hot, dry weather in your community.
November 22, 2016
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- Holiday Gifts for Gardeners. Here are some ideas for your favorite gardeners.
- New Romaine Lettuce is a Winner! Get to know 'Fusion', a variety that ND gardeners love.
- Edamame for North Dakota. Fresh edamame from the garden is a delight.
- Mountainash Hybrids for Fruit and Beauty. These attractive trees produce lots of nutritious fruit.
- Weather Almanac. Check out the latest data and trends.
November 7, 2016
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- Bitter Cold, Snowy Winter Likely. Much of ND is predicted to have a harsher than normal winter.
- Deer Repellents. Now is a critical time to protect your plants from deer damage.
- Growing Fragrant Hyacinth Indoors. A hyacinth can fill a room with sweet smelling perfume.
- Winterize Your Mower. It's time to put your lawn mower away for the winter.
- Last-Minute Chores. Mulch tender plants, clean up your garden, wrap trees, plant tulips, and more.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
October 12, 2016
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- The Secret to Making Pumpkin Pie. America's favorite pumpkin pie has a secret Ingredient.
- Dakota Fall Colors. Enjoy the beautiful leaves of our native trees.
- Timely Topics. Tips on planting garlic, cleaning up the garden, wrapping trees, and more activities.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
September 27, 2016
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- The Grand Finale! Nothing can match the brilliance of mums in autumn.
- Apple Harvest Season. It's apple picking time! Learn how to harvest and store apples.
- Bon Voyage, Monarchs. The monarchs of ND have began their remarkable trek to Mexico.
- Timely Topics. An illustrated survey of timely management practices in your yard and garden.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
September 12, 2016
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- A Mysterious, Magnificent Tree. The Ohio buckeye will fascinate you with its flowers and foliage.
- Big, Bold Tulips. Darwin hybrids have big blooms on sturdy stems.
- Timely Topics. An illustrated survey of timely management practices in your yard and garden.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
August 31, 2016
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- Secrets for Growing Sweet Potatoes. Can we grow sweet potatoes in North Dakota? Absolutely!
- Loving Your Lawn. September is the best month to fertilize, aerate and kill weeds in your lawn.
- Survey of Problems. An illustrated survey of emerging pests and problems in our state.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
August 21, 2016
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- Maximize the Harvest. Gardens are at their peak. Learn how to maximize your yield this fall.
- Annual Weeds Matching Quiz. How many of these weeds can you recognize?
- Landscaping in Salty Soils. Take these steps to help plants cope with this harsh environment.
- Survey of Problems. An illustrated survey of emerging pests and problems in our state.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
July 29, 2016
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- Grow Your Own Smoothie! Now is a great time to sow spinach for making smoothies.
- Safe and Natural Insecticides. Enjoy a safe and abundant harvest by using these natural products.
- Survey of Problems. An illustrated survey of emerging pests and problems in our state.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
July 13, 2016
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- Mysterious Crop Circles. Leafcutter bees are carving circles in the leaves of bushes.
- Trees in Shock. Recently planted trees are in shock. Irrigate them regularly.
- Hort Shorts. Protecting fruits from birds, irrigating a lawn, and monitoring for spotted-wing drosophila..
- Survey of Problems. An illustrated survey of emerging pests and problems in our state.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
June 30, 2016
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- Purple Power. Purple plants can make a dramatic statement in a landscape..
- Mulch Madness. A comparison of rock mulch versus shredded bark mulch.
- Hort Shorts. Controlling skunk damage; taking a soil sample; preventing birch borers.
- Survey of Problems. An illustrated survey of emerging pests and problems in our state.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
June 20, 2016
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- Invite Butterflies to Your Yard! These delicate creatures will enchant you.
- Matching Quiz. How many of these butterflies can you recognize?
- Hort Shorts. Summaries of growing aronia, lawn mowing tips, and managing messy crabapples.
- Survey of Problems. An illustrated survey of emerging pests and problems in our state.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
June 8, 2016
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- The Epsom Salt Myth. Epsom salt does not prevent blossom end rot; it promotes it.
- Online Plant Doctors. These online tools help you keep your plants healthy.
- Warmer Than Normal Summer? Our growing season may be warm with normal amounts of rain.
- Hort Shorts. Summaries of growing aronia, lawn mowing tips, and managing messy crabapples.
- Survey of Problems. An illustrated survey of emerging pests and problems in our state.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across North Dakota.
November 1, 2015
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- Landscaping for winter. Design a landscape that looks great during our long, long winter. Think bark!
- Tree bark ID quiz. How many of these trees can you recognize by their bark?
- Cardinals are coming. Cardinals are flocking to the Dakotas. Learn how to attract these and other songbirds to your yard.
- Hort Shorts. Summaries of growing tulips indoors, storing your lawn mower, and understanding blue raspberries.
- Last-minute chores. An illustrated survey of projects to do before winter arrives.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of frost dates, temperatures, rainfall and other weather data across the state.
October 1, 2015
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- Seeking balance. It's a challenge to balance the desire to have a quality lawn while minimizing our exposure to toxic pesticides.
- Tree leaf ID quiz. How many of these popular trees can you recognize by their leaves?
- Jack Frost is late. Most gardens have not experienced frost. Learn how to protect your tender plants.
- Hort Shorts. Summaries of growing herbs indoors, ripening tomatoes indoors, and discovering the golden larch.
- Survey. An illustrated survey of timely topics and emerging pests.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures and other weather data across the state.
September 15, 2015
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- Simple and beautiful. 'Annabelle' hydrangea is easy to grow and blooms prolifically.
- Do you know your lawn weeds? Can you identify these 10 weeds? We'll tell you how to control them too!
- Hort Shorts. Summaries of growing apricots, discovering Jolt™ dianthus, and providing water to birds during winter.
- Survey. An illustrated survey of timely topics and emerging pests.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures and other weather data across the state.
September 1, 2015
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- Discover diervilla. A tough shrub with striking beauty.
- When to harvest? It can be difficult to decide when to harvest some vegetables and fruits. Here are some tips.
- Hort Shorts. Summaries of pruning red raspberries, growing garlic, and propagating coleus.
- Survey. An illustrated survey of timely topics and emerging pests.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures and other weather data across the state.
August 23, 2015
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- Radiant and reliable. Sedum is a fall-blooming perennial that thrives in North Dakota.
- Grow your own gold. Fall-sown cover crops will add organic matter ("black gold") to your garden soil.
- Hort Shorts. Summaries of picking flowers for bouquets, recognizing toxic berries, and laying sod.
- Survey. An illustrated survey of timely topics and emerging pests.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures and other weather data across the state.
August 11, 2015
Download the report (6 pages, printer-friendly PDF format).
- First impressions. The first fall colors are on display. A look at Hot Wings® tatarian maple.
- Vines add a special touch. Vines accentuate the beauty of landscapes. Discover the best vines for ND.
- Hort Shorts. Summaries of mulching trees, monitoring emerald ash borer and managing wasps.
- Survey. An illustrated survey of timely topics and emerging pests.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures and other weather data across the state.
July 31, 2015
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- Perfect perennials. Ornamental grasses are perfect for our prairie soils and are beautiful year-round.
- Bee friendly. Bees in ND are threatened by economic development and mites. Learn how to promote bee activity in your yard.
- Hort Shorts. Summaries of building mason bee houses, growing blackberries and caring for shady lawns.
- Survey. An illustrated survey of timely topics and emerging pests.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures and other weather data across the state.
July 18, 2015
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- Restore the monarchy. Gardeners can support the restoration of monarchs in North Dakota by planting milkweed.
- Our state tree makes a comeback. Elms are hardy, sturdy and grow fast. Now there are cultivars that resist Dutch elm disease.
- Hort Shorts. Summaries of monitoring for spotted wing drosophila, working safely in the heat, and harvesting leafy herbs.
- Survey. An illustrated survey of timely topics and emerging pests.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures and other weather data across the state.
July 7, 2015
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- A Miniature, Magical World. With a little imagination and some dwarf plants you can create a mini-garden full of wonder..
- Get Ready for Fall Veggies! Many vegetables thrive under the cool temps of fall. Make plans now.
- Hort Shorts. Summaries of renovating strawberry patches, feeding birds in summer, and growing sunflowers in pots.
- Survey. An illustrated survey of timely topics and emerging pests.
- Weather Almanac. A summary of temperatures and other weather data across the state.
July 1, 2015
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- "Blueberries" for North Dakota. Blueberries are nearly impossible to grow in ND. Grow Canadian haskaps instead.
- Twisted tomatoes and taters. Herbicide injury is the #1 threat to gardens right now.
- Hort Shorts. Summaries of summer lawn care, apple maggot control, and Dutch elm disease.
- Survey. An illustrated survey of timely topics and emerging pests.
- Weather almanac. A summary of temperatures and other weather data across the state.
June 25, 2015
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- Peonies on parade. This popular flower is in full bloom. Learn how to start your own bed of peonies.
- First aid after storms. Fierce winds and ice pellets ravaged gardens last week.
- Survey. An illustrated survey of timely topics and emerging pests.
- Weather almanac. A summary of temperatures and other weather data across the state.
June 15, 2015
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- Japanese tree lilac. This tough tree has become one of the most popular trees in North Dakota.
- Rusty plants. Wet weather has contributed to an outbreak of rust diseases on trees and shrubs.
- Survey . An illustrated survey of timely topics and emerging pests.
- Weather almanac. A summary of temperatures and other weather data across the state.
June 8, 2015
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- Is today the day? Today is a great day to start your backyard orchard.
- Did you sow GMO-free seeds? If you are not sure, the answer is yes.
- Support your tomatoes. Support and prune tomato vines for healthier vines and higher quality fruits..
- Survey. An illustrated survey of timely topics and emerging pests.
- Weather almanac. A summary of temperatures and other weather data across the state.
June 1, 2015
Download the report (5 pages, printer-friendly PDF format).
- Ash trees dropping leaves. Cool, wet weather during bud break has led to an outbreak of disease.
- Do trees need fertilizer? Learn if and when your trees need fertilizer.
- Grow a giant pumpkin. Tips for growing the biggest pumpkin in the neighborhood.
- Survey. An illustrated survey of timely topics and emerging pests.
- Weather almanac. A summary of temperatures and other weather data across the state.
May 26, 2015
Download the report (5 pages, printer-friendly PDF format).
- Can you eat rhubarb after a frost? Cold temperatures damaged rhubarb. Soft, mushy stems should not be eaten.
- Assessing frost damage. A review of frost damage on leafy trees, evergreens, vegetables and perennial flowers.
- Would you like to be a bug trapper? A volunteer network is being established to trap Japanese beetle.
- Weather almanac. A summary of temperatures and other weather data across the state.
For more information, please contact Tom Kalb, Extension Horticulturist, North Dakota State University.