Food for Thought in the Home Landscape

Everyone wants a yard that is both beautiful and functional. For anyone wanting to grow food and make their landscapes more productive, there are many ways to incorporate both, outside of the usual raised beds, berry bushes, and fruit trees. Many more plants and plant parts than you might think are edible, and you can create layered designs to maximize density and diversity. Read this article for ideas and resources that you can put to use in your own yard.

Foraging 101

Foraging is the oldest form of food procurement. Here are some suggestions on how to get started.

Gai Lan: The Versatile Chinese Broccoli

Expand your vegetable choices with Gai lan. Also known as Chinese broccoli, Gai lan is a leafy green vegetable that is a staple in Chinese and Asian cuisine. It is a close relative to broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Its harvest time and preference for cooler growing conditions makes it a great vegetable option for spring and fall in Minnesota gardens. Gai lan has its own unique flavor profile and texture compared to American broccoli. Read this article to learn more about this healthy and flavorful vegetable.

Getting Your Squash Across the Finish Line

You are nearing the squash finish line for fall and winter squash. To ensure you get to enjoy the fruits of your squash labors this summer, there are still a few things you should do. Your squash vines, which once ruled the garden with massive green leaves, are now showing their age. As summer transitions into autumn, squash plants face a unique set of stressful challenges. Understanding these late-season concerns—and taking immediate action—can mean the difference between a bumper harvest and a rotting disappointment. Read this article for helpful tips for a great squash harvest.

Green Beans for the Holidays – Should You Plant Pole or Bush Green Beans Next Year?

Are you one of the 20 million people who enjoyed green bean casserole for Thanksgiving dinner? If you plant green beans in your garden this summer, you can preserve and use your home-grown green beans in your next Thanksgiving meal. In this article, you will learn more about your green bean planting options and how to choose which beans to grow and enjoy.

Groundnut (Apios americana): A Nutty Sweet Treat

This month, Master Gardener Jim Lakin continues his series on native vines by profiling the American Groundnut. This vine not only produces interesting flowers but also both edible seeds and tubers. Historically, the groundnut has been a significant part of the Native American and European pioneer diet. Read this article to learn more about how you can grow this interesting vine and enjoy its seeds and tubers.

Growing Healthy Tomatoes in Minnesota

Tomatoes are a beloved staple of Minnesota summer gardens and there is nothing like biting into a juicy, fresh-picked tomato. As popular as they are, unfortunately, tomato plants are susceptible to diseases, disorders, and other issues. Here are some practices you can do to set your tomato plants up for success by reducing problems before they may begin and how to manage through the growing season.

Growing Sweet Potatoes in Minnesota

Growing potatoes in Minnesota is easy, and you can grow many varieties, sizes, and colors. Sweet potatoes are a whole other story. They aren’t even in the same family as potatoes, who belong to the nightshade family. Sweet potatoes typically need a long, hot growing season – which can be a challenge in Minnesota. Read this article to learn the secrets to growing sweet potatoes in your back yard.

Growing Terrific Tomatoes

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Harvesting Vegetables

Whether you’re an old hand or brand new to vegetable gardening, at times it can be difficult to know exactly when and how to harvest your vegetables. Learn more about the importance of timing when harvesting your vegetables.

Herbs For A Winter Lift

Does the cilantro go limp before you use it? Is the basil brown when you remember to reach for it? Does your store tend to not have chives when you need them? Remedy these issues AND cheer up your indoor space by growing a few pots of herbs in a sunny window. Read this article to learn more about which herbs will grow best inside your house this winter.

History of Minnesota’s Successful Apple Research Breeding Program

Apples - one of the joys of autumn! Wandering through apple orchards is a favorite activity for Minnesotans. And at the end of the day, there is the pleasure of eating the apples we have collected in so many different ways. But did you know that the University of Minnesota is one of the leading apple research and breeding programs in the U.S.? Without the intense desire of early Minnesotans to have access to apples and the commitment of early apple breeders, we would not be enjoying Honeycrisp, Zestar®, SweeTango®, and First Kiss® as well as the many older varieties still available.