ARTICLES

Planting beneath mature, established trees presents one of the toughest challenges in residential landscaping.

Aeration and overseeding give your lawn a solid boost.

Construct a sturdy, open-frame bee hotel using scraps of lumber and natural materials.

Maximize limited space and add aesthetic appeal to your balcony by creating a vertical garden using reclaimed materials and careful planning.

Aphids are frustrating but manageable.

Fall planting gets roots established before spring, making this a solid move.

Leveling a sunken patio slab is a manageable project if you prep the surface correctly.

Restore heavy, compacted soil by aerating with a fork, adding compost, and planting cover crops.

Layering plants by height, root depth, and seasonal needs creates a dense, productive ecosystem.

Proper mulching conserves moisture, moderates temperature extremes, and suppresses weeds.

Revitalize a thinning lawn by dethatching, aerating, and reseeding.

Sheet mulching is a solid way to turn a patch of grass or weeds into a garden bed without the back-breaking work of digging.

Get a container garden going by matching plants to light, choosing the right soil, and timing your planting.

A late-fall fertilizer application helps grass store nutrients in its roots, giving it energy for spring and better cold hardiness.

Set up a reliable drip irrigation system by assessing your garden's water needs, selecting the right components, and following a straightforward installation process to ensure even water distribution and plant health.

Early blight is a common issue in Minnesota gardens, causing dark, target-like spots on leaves and reducing yields.

Mulching leaves provides free fertilizer for the lawn and garden beds, cutting the need for purchased fertilizers and weed killers.

Mulching is an essential landscaping technique that helps regulate soil temperature and enhance garden health.

A practical guide to using beneficial insects, habitat management, and IPM strategies to regulate pests without relying solely on chemicals.

Getting a thicker lawn comes down to timing and helping the soil breathe.

Native plants are a hit with pollinators and cut down on yard work.

Harvest remaining crops, dig up tender bulbs, and plant garlic and spring bulbs.

A practical guide to regenerative gardening, focusing on no-till methods, composting, cover crops, and biodiversity to improve soil health and sequester carbon.

Fall is a solid time to start composting with leaves and garden waste.

Replacing traditional grass with microclover or native plants cuts water and chemical use significantly.

Drip irrigation saves water and time, but picking the right kit matters. Here is what the research says about pressure, maintenance, and the top kits for raised beds, containers, and large gardens.

Preparing a lawn for the dormant winter period requires specific maintenance practices, with the final mow being one of the most important.

Swap high-maintenance turf for a native meadow to save water, reduce runoff, and support local wildlife.

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map was updated in November 2023, reflecting warmer temperatures and expanded data sources. Here is what the changes mean for plant survival, growing seasons, and regional shifts.

Native plants do more than look good. They support local wildlife, save water, and reduce maintenance work. Here is how to get started.

Preparing a garden for winter presents a conflict between traditional horticultural practices and a newer ecological approach.

Xeriscaping isn't just rocks and cactus. It's a proven strategy to save water and money using seven core principles, from soil prep to hydrozoning.