Our Spring Plant Sale is May 16, 2026! Friendly Master Gardeners ready to answer your toughest gardening questions can be found at Farmers Markets during the spring, summer, and fall in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, and Lakeville. During the winter, you can find them at winter markets in Eagan and Apple Valley. A complete listing of dates, locations and times can be found on our Event Calendar. Gardening Problem or Questions? Garden Information Ask a MG Ask a Master Gardener Extension Yard & Garden Extension Yard & Garden Garden Information 1/3 Upcoming Events View All Events Get the Buzz Don’t miss out on the Garden Buzz, the Dakota County Master Gardener’s monthly newsletter bringing you interesting, timely, research-based information on best practices in consumer gardening and caring for the environment. Monthly gardening tasks Master Gardener events Plant diseases, insects or other garden problems Tips to enhance your garden and the environment; Ideas for sharing the joy of gardening with the children in your lives Recipes, gardening books and much more! Subscribe Now

Annual Plant Sale Saturday, May 16, 2026 8:00 a.m. - Noon Rain or Shine Western Service Center 14955 Galaxie Avenue Apple Valley, MN Plan to gather your gardening friends and bring a box or wagon to bring home healthy, Minnesota-grown plants at reasonable prices! Click here for a list of available plants. Shop our wide variety of sun and shade perennials, natives, and woodland plants, grasses, groundcovers, and other landscape plants, along with herb and veggie plants too. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, The Buzz , to receive information about all our events and garden information.

Books & Other Resources County Hosts Seed Collection for Dakota County Master Gardener Volunteers Read More Learning to Grow African Leafy Vegetables in Minnesota The number of African-born refugees and immigrants and their offspring living in Minnesota has grown significantly since the 1990s. With them has come vegetables native to Africa. Many of these vegetables are popular items at farmers markets. However, Minnesota’s short growing season and limited access to seeds has made it challenging to grow some of these vegetables here. This article identifies some native African vegetables and discusses an important plant breeding program started by the University of Minnesota and partnering with community members. Read More Shoot Your Plants Like a Pro July – when we can walk out into our gardens and are captivated by the beauty of our plants, vegetables or trees – nature. It’s natural to want to capture the beauty of nature in a photograph. With the advent of the iPhone, and its pal the Android phone, we have all become photographers, or so we think. Often the subjects we photograph do not come out looking as well as they did in real life. There is more to photography than pointing your camera and clicking the button. Here are some tips to help you take better photos. Read More Paper Poinsettias Here is a fun seasonal project for your Growing Sprout. Read on to find out how to make them and where poinsettias grow. It might surprise you! Read More Master Gardeners Answer Your Questions One of the most important services that the Master Gardeners in Dakota County provide to the community, is answering garden and environmental related questions. This article explains some of the ways that you can have your gardening questions answered by a certified Master Gardener in Dakota County. In particular, at Farmers Markets around the county, you can find MGs at their “Ask a Master Gardener” table, ready to answer your gardening questions. Read More Know Your Resources “Hey, Siri, what’s the best kind of mulch for my garden?” This is a question often overheard in a plant center from someone trying to make a selection for their yard. And while Siri can give some options, one has to doubt the accuracy of the reply. Questionable advice can always be found somewhere, whether that’s from artificial intelligence or your neighbor’s second cousin on Facebook, but surely there’s a better way to get the most accurate and helpful answers! This article explains how you can find answers to many of your gardening questions from experts and based on research. Read on to learn how to find reliable answers to your gardening questions. Read More Find Plants for Tough Sites Have you ever fallen in love with a plant that you know in your brain won’t grow in your garden but your heart made you buy it anyway? You bought that sun-loving plant and planted it – full of hope - in your shady garden. Didn’t work out? Unfortunately, wishing, and even tender loving care, can’t make a plant grow if it is in the wrong garden space. Fortunately, this article tells us about a resource that can help you find just the right plant for even tough garden sites. Read More A Versatile Understory Tree: Eastern Redbud Jim Lakin introduces us to another stunning, not-too-big tree native to Minnesota – the Eastern Redbud. This lovely specimen welcomes spring with rosy-pink pea like flowers and ends the growing season with large, heart shaped yellow leaves. It would make a lovely addition to your garden. Read on to learn more. Read More All About Upcycling By now, many of us have heard the phrase, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” Read on for ways to set up our youngest gardeners with good habits to “Reuse” or “Upcycle” what they already have. No purchase required! Read More The Dakota County Seed Library This month we would like to tell you about the Dakota County Seed Library, located in the Farmington Library. Read on to learn about how this important project contributes to the support of pollinators and sustainable landscaping practices and, most importantly for you, the home gardener, how you can benefit from and contribute to this project. Read More The Gardeners Guide to Prairie Plants: Written By Neil Diboll and Hilary Cox Interested in prairie plants for your garden or just to admire? Jim Lakin reviews one of the most indispensable books on the subject – “The Gardeners Guide to Prairie Plants.” The book includes photographs of each species described, along with a general description and listing of significant characteristics. But this book also contains more valuable information. Read More The Backyard Parables: Lessons on Gardening, and Life “The Backyard Parables: Lesson on Gardening, and Life,” is a gardening memoir of sorts writing by Margaret Roach. Roach, a former editor-in-chief of the ‘Martha Stewart Living’ magazine, quit her job to tend to her gardens full-time. In this delightful book, Roach dispenses both gardening and life lessons. Read this book review to learn more. Read More 1 2 3 1 ... 1 2 3 ... 3

Perennials Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans): A High Note on Any Trellis Are you looking for a beautiful, native vine for a sunny fence or pergola in your yard? Consider the glorious Trumpet Vine. This article reveals the many reasons why Trumpet Vine may be a delightful and pollinator-friendly addition to your garden. Read More Virgin’s Bower (Clematis virginiana) Are you a clematis lover? Do you have a fenceline, large arbor or a slope to cover? If so, this article explains why you might want to consider the native clematis Virgin’s Bower. This is a vigorous grower and produces beautiful white flowers that appeal to humans and pollinators. Read More Choosing Iris in Minnesota Late spring and early summer bring Iris blooms in Minnesota! Strolling through the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, you will find many varieties of iris located in the Perennial Garden, and all around the Arb. In fact, the UMN Arboretum website arb.umn.edu lists 677 individual specimens currently on the website’s plant finder! You can plant iris in your own garden but which ones to choose? Read on for some considerations when choosing iris for your Minnesota garden. Read More Find Award-Winning Plants for Your Garden Aren’t we all interested in buying the best plants for our gardens; plants that will grow and prosper in our Minnesota growing conditions? There are many ways to research and find such plants. However, this article will discuss two sources of perennials and annuals that have won awards for their excellence in our region. Read this article to learn more about which plants the industry experts think are outstanding for our gardens. Read More Perpetual Poinsettias Christmas is over and leaves are starting to fall off your once-flourishing poinsettia plants. Most people throw away Poinsettias and buy new plants each winter. Instead, consider saving a plant’s life and the Poinsettia will reward you with beauty throughout the year. If you enjoy Poinsettia’s and are willing to care and feed this lovely plant throughout the year, read this article for some great information about saving your Poinsettia for another beautiful display during next year’s holidays. Read More Raccoon Grape: Ampelopsis cordata A Tough Customer in the Beds This month marks the beginning of a series by Master Gardener Jim Lakin on native vines. First up is the Raccoon Grapevine (Ampelopsis cordata). Raccoon Grapevine is quite a vigorous vine plant which, if managed well, will reward the grower with a spectacular display. Read this article to learn more about this hardy vine. Read More Fritillarias October is a great month to plant bulbs for your spring garden. Tulips, crocuses and daffodils are well-known lovely spring bulb plants. But why not try something new and different? Read this article to learn about the Fritillaria, a unique spring blooming plant that grows well in Minnesota. Change it up with this spectacular spring plant. Read More Hydrangeas – An Essential Garden Classic The Hydrangea shrub is a classic garden staple because of its hardiness and beautiful blooms. Shopping for Hydrangea at your local garden store can be overwhelming because there are many different varieties of this lovely perennial shrub. This article describes the different varieties, their characteristics and care needs. Read on to learn more about which hydrangeas would work well in your yard. Read More Yes, You Can Grow Shade-Loving Plants Many people think that shade just creates problems for the garden. This article explains how wrong that can be. Read on to learn more about which trees, shrubs and perennials can prosper in your shady garden. Read More Straight Info on Zigzag Iris: Iris brevicaulis There are many beautiful varieties of iris that you can choose from for your garden. This article discusses one type of iris that may not be as well known but definitely deserves your consideration - the zigzag iris. The zigzag iris is a native usually found in moist areas of the wild. When they bloom in the spring they put on a striking display of blues and yellows. If you are looking for a gorgeous springtime accent to your pond or stream side or the more moist areas of your garden, Zigzag iris is sure to be a stunning addition. Read More American Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens): An American Beauty American Bittersweet is a hardy native vine traditionally found on country roads and farms. It puts on a beautiful display of orange-hulled fruit in autumn. It has been a favorite material for welcoming door wreaths. Read this article about this beautiful and useful native Minnesota plant. Read More Aromatic Aster: That Which We Call an Aster by Any Other Name Would Smell as Sweet As summer winds down and our garden colors turn to reds and oranges, the blue and yellow of Aromatic Aster is a lovely pleasure. But its good looks aren’t even the best reason to grow Aromatic Aster. Read this article to learn more about why this midwestern native should have a place in your garden. Read More 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 ... 5

Trees & Shrubs A Rapid Growing Native Shade Tree: The Birch (Betula spp.) The birch tree is so much a part of Americana and so dear to the hearts of all Northern Midwesterners, it’s a pretty easy sell to suggest adding some to your landscape. But, hold on, there are facts to understand about various types of birch to ensure that the one that you choose will thrive in your yard. This article focuses on three types of birch that are commonly used in Minnesota. Read More A Tree for All Seasons: Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp) For the smaller yard, a smaller tree can be just the right touch. A forty-foot oak might be a bit overpowering, but a so-called “understory tree” can be the perfect landscaping accent to make the house appear to be a welcoming homestead. One excellent candidate is the native Serviceberry. Read More American Beech (Fagus grandifolia): An All American! Think of the majestic forests of the early Midwest and you think of glorious beech trees. They and their cousins, the oaks and chestnuts are the noble components of a climax mesic forest. This magnificent tree has a unique trunk and puts on a beautiful show of color in the fall. But there are some things you need to know to grow this tree successfully. Read this article to learn more. Read More American Holly (Ilex opaca): Deck the Halls! American holly is a tree that breathes festivity! In winter’s white silence, American holly radiates merriment showing red berries on olive green leaves. Boughs often find their way into Christmas wreathes. But this tree is also a great year-round addition to the landscape. Read this article to learn why. Read More American Smoketree - An American Beauty This month, MG Jim Lakin continues his series on smaller understory native trees with an article on the American Smoketree. This beautiful specimen can be pruned to be a small tree or large bush. It features stunning “smoke-like” clusters of flowers from which its name is derived. Read Jim’s article to learn more about this stunning specimen tree for your yard. Read More Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea): A “Star of the North” It might seem a bit early to talk about native evergreens but as this article explains, providing greenery in Minnesota winters is just one of the benefits of having a Balsam Fir in your yard. Balsam Fir is a beautiful native tree worth consideration for your part shady yard. Read More Best Time to Prune Trees Although trees are quite resilient and may be pruned anytime, there are both practical as well as biological reasons to prune or not prune during certain times of the year. Read More Beware the Majestic Black Walnut Tree The black walnut tree is beautiful in the landscape and provides food for wildlife and humans. But the chemical juglone, that is present in all parts of the black walnut tree, provides a cautionary tale for the suburban gardener. Read this article to understand the pros and significant cons of growing a black walnut tree near a garden where you plan to grow flowers or vegetables. Read More Black Chokeberry: Showy but Well-Behaved Read More Black Spruce (Picea mariana): A Northwoods Native As Master Gardener Jim Lakin explains, you don’t need to go to the Rhine country in Germany to see a cathedral of natural majesty. This month, Jim profiles the mighty and beautiful Black Spruce (pices mariana). Black Spruce is native to Minnesota and can grow to 50-100 feet under the right environmental conditions. But other varieties have been developed for landscape use. Read on to learn more about this magnificent conifer. Read More Buckthorn Removal Ah yes, the dreaded B word … Buckthorn! This noxious invasive species threatens residential, woodland areas, waters and grassland areas. Unfortunately, buckthorn is a multi-year commitment as the seeds in the soil can germinate for many years. So, you ask, what kind of treatment plan should you use? Read on for tips to use in removing this invasive plant. Read More Buttonbush (Queen of the Wetlands) Buttonbush is a great shrub for naturalizing in wet areas and attracts butterflies. Read more about its attributes. Read More 1 2 3 4 1 ... 1 2 3 4 ... 4

Indoor Plants Are You Contributing to the Illegal Succulent Trade? Succulents, particularly rare or unusual succulents, have become very popular. Easy online succulent sales boomed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the demand for rare and unique plants plus the ease of being able to buy and sell plants online has contributed to the illegal succulent trade business. This, in turn, has created a nightmare for plant conservationists, particularly in South Africa, where illegal plant harvesting is disrupting the ecosystem. This article is intended to bring awareness to this problem and to suggest how you can avoid being part of the problem. Read More Humidity and Indoor Plants Are you filling your winter gardening needs by growing houseplants? If so, you’ve probably noticed that the air in our homes is dryer during the winter months. That not only affects us, but it also can have a significant impact on your plants. This is especially true for tropical plants . . . and many house plants do originate in tropical settings. In this article, Master Gardener Linda Stein provides advice about how providing humidity to your plants can help them through the winter. Read More Terrariums - A Garden in a Bottle Are you looking for an easy way to enjoy a live project with your child or grandchild over the Winter? How about creating a simple Terrarium that not only will be easy to care for but will also add a living garden to your home. All you need to begin is an open or enclosed glass or plastic container and a variety of planting materials. Read More Is it Time for Houseplants? It’s December. Everything in the garden is dead or hibernating. Assuming you did your fall clean-up in the yard, cleaned and sharpened your tools for next year and planted your spring bulbs, there is nothing to do in the garden. Feeling lost? Maybe it’s time to consider houseplants. Read More The Vacation is Over Your orchids have been enjoying an invigorating respite outside, but like all good things, it must come to an end. Orchids, like any indoor plant that has summered outdoors, have the potential of picking up nefarious bugs and potential diseases that you don’t want to bring into your indoor growing area. It is better to go on the offensive while they are outside because there are more treatment options available to combat the offenders when the orchids are outside. Read this article to learn how to return your orchids (or other house plants) indoors after their summer vacation. Read More Give Your Orchid a Vacation Orchids are like school children. They have been cooped up in your house all winter. They have treated you well, stayed healthy, and maybe even treated you to blooms; for that they deserve something special: a vacation! It is easy; you don’t need a travel agent, an airline reservation or even a hotel room: just set them outside. Read this article by avid orchid grower, Paul Wood, to learn how to safely grow your orchids outside in the summer. Read More How to Select an Orchid Have you been intrigued about orchids but don’t know where to start or how to keep them alive? Or, are you already an orchid grower but want some expert tips? This article on orchids is the first of three by orchid expert, Paul Wood. The first article provides great advice about how to choose the right orchid for you. Read on to learn how you can begin to be an orchid grower – and lover! Read More Moving Houseplants Outdoors for a Summer Vacation You have been enjoying your indoor plants during our long, cold winter. But soon it will be time to think about transitioning some of those plants outdoors. March might seem a bit early to think about moving your indoor plants to the outdoors but plants do require a transition time and warm weather will be here sooner than you think. There are many reasons that you might move your houseplants outdoors for the summer. But there are several things to consider to ensure that your plants flourish as a result of this move. Read More Indoor Allergen Friendly Plants Did you know that Americans spend roughly 90% of their time, on average, indoors according to US EPA report? As a gardener, perhaps it’s time we focus on our indoor space and the benefits and types of plants we could have indoors. Click on this link to learn more about Indoor Allergen Friendly Plants. Read More Pet-Safe Plant Choices There are a lot of us in Dakota County and beyond who love both plants and our pets. Not all plants are compatible with the dogs and cats who live with us. Read on to find out about safer plant choices to make for our furry family members - and a few plants to keep away! Read More Propagating House Plants Winter blahs got you down? Bring more green into your home by propagating your houseplants. It’s easier than you think for many plant varieties, and it’s a fun way to spend part of a gray day. Read More The Short-lived Beauty of Blooming Cactus Various cacti can provide gardening pleasure in Minnesota both outside in the summer and inside during the cold weather. There are thousands of varieties of cacti, many of which are different and exotic, in other words, pretty cool. But there are some tricks to growing cacti successfully. Here are some tips on growing healthy cacti and getting them to re-bloom. Read More 1 2 1 ... 1 2 ... 2

< Back Indulging in the World of Mulching Spring has sprung in Minnesota! Are you thinking about putting mulch in your garden or wondering if you should? Resolve to learn more about mulching in your landscape beds this year. As you wander around your gardens and at the local landscape and garden supply stores, you may wonder which type of mulch to use, where to apply it and what time of year is appropriate for such mulch. Read on to find out the answers to these mulching questions. Mary Gadek, Dakota County Master Gardener CATEGORIES OF MULCH ORGANIC Organic mulches are natural materials that decompose over time, adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil and beneficial microorganisms that inhibit plant diseases. The increased amounts of organic matter will improve soil drainage and moisture retention, reduce soil compaction, and attract earthworms. Because organic mulches decompose, they need to be replaced. Depending on the type of mulch used, replacement intervals vary from one to four years. Bark: Available in bags or bulk, bark mulch comes in various particle sizes, ranging from fine to large chunks with some decorative colored/dyed options. This attractive mulch is weed-free and decomposes slowly, with cedar and cypress being the slowest. Use bark mulches around trees, shrubs, and roses, as well as in perennial beds. Photo by Mary Gadek daffodils surrounded by wood mulch Wood Chips: Wood chips from local arborists, municipal facilities, or waste sites are produced by chipping or shredding tree and shrub trimmings. Shredded mulch is less likely to blow or wash away than chips. Wood chips are best used in most landscape plantings, including around trees, shrubs, and roses, and in perennial beds. Be aware: Some commercially available wood chips are made by shredding or chipping lumber or pallets. They are an inferior product that breaks down quickly and may contain chemicals. These products are sometimes dyed to mask their origin. Check labels or with your garden center to avoid such products. Wood chips are best used in landscape plantings, such as around trees, shrubs, and roses, and in perennial beds. Pine Needles: Pine needle mulch, or pine straw, is light, airy, slow to decompose, and attractive. It lasts several years and can be easily removed, if necessary. Pine needles are slightly acidic, although their effect on soil pH is relatively minor. Use pine needles in the landscape, especially around trees and shrubs, and perennials. Available at local garden centers or under the pine tree in your yard. Photo by Mary Gadek straw mulch in garden Cocoa Beans Shells: Cocoa bean shells or cocoa hulls are a by-product of chocolate production. They are light, easy to handle, and have an attractive brown color with a pleasant aroma. This mulch is more expensive than most, but a depth of 1 to 2 inches is sufficient. Best to use for annuals, large containers, perennials, vegetable gardens, roses and sensory gardens. They typically last about one growing season. WARNING: Dog owners should monitor their dogs closely, as dogs may develop signs of chocolate poisoning if they ingest it. Straw: Wheat, oat, or soybean straw, free of seeds , makes effective short-term mulch for the vegetable garden and strawberry bed as well as overwintering insulation for cold-tender plants. Avoid using it around trees and shrubs as it may provide a winter habitat for mice and other rodents. Sawdust : Sawdust is easy to apply, weed-free, and decomposes slowly. Apply sawdust in vegetable gardens, perennial plantings, or around trees and shrubs. Use saw dust that either has been composted or aged for a year, or a thin layer (1 inch or less) of fresh saw dust, ensuring it doesn't crust over, reducing water infiltration. Watch for nitrogen deficiency (when your plants appear light green to yellow colors and slow growth) when using sawdust due to the high carbon to nitrogen ratio. Refrain from using sawdust from treated lumber. Leaves: Taken right from your own yard, s hred or compost leaves before using them as mulch to prevent matting, reduce their likelihood of blowing away, and speed up decomposition. Utilize for vegetable gardens, annual flower beds, raspberry plantings, and around perennials, trees, and shrubs. However, skip applying for winter mulch for strawberries and herbaceous perennials because they tend to mat down and smother plants. Grass Clippings: Grass clippings decompose quickly, making them ideal for vegetable gardens, annual flower beds or left (without clumps) on your lawn while cutting with an unbagged lawnmower. Let lawn clippings dry before applying to gardens, as fresh clippings may form a dense mat or produce an odor. Avoid using clippings treated with broadleaf herbicide until after two or three mowings. Clippings from weed-infested lawns will contain weed seeds. Newspaper and Cardboard: newspaper and cardboard can be used as mulch (but is often then covered with wood mulch or compost), in vegetable gardens, garden pathways, and around trees and shrubs. Shredded newspapers or whole sheets can be used as mulch. Most newspapers use organic inks, so there is no worry about lead contamination. Avoid waxed cardboard and glossy paper, such as magazine pages. Remove tape and staples from boxes. This link provides additional instructions on how to implement this mulch. Compost: Compost, used alone or with other mulches, like shredded leaves or newspaper, helps improve soil structure, drainage, and fertility, but doesn't suppress weeds as well as other mulches. Compost can be used in nearly all garden settings, including perennial and annual beds, vegetable gardens, and around trees and shrubs. INORGANIC Photo by Mary Gadek Little Bluestem ornamental grass in rock mulch Inorganic mulches, include rock, gravel, rubber or plastic chips, plastic sheeting and landscape fabric . The benefits of inorganic mulches are: warming the soil in the spring or fall, suppressing weeds, limiting soil erosion on steep areas and preventing water infiltration where water is not wanted. However, inorganic mulches do not contribute to building soil fertility or composition, can overheat soil in the summer and often have organic material collected on top of it, leading to weed issues. Inorganic mulches usually are more tedious to install, may require additional irrigation and can be difficult to garden in, making planting, transplanting, and weeding challenging. Rubber or plastic chips eventually decompose, which can release chemical components that are not desirable for healthy soil. Organic mulches placed over landscape fabric can still get weeds and are more likely to wash away. WHEN TO APPLY MULCH In Minnesota, apply mulch i n early spring but wait until the ground warms and perennials emerge. Putting down a layer of mulch too early can further insulate the ground and slow plant emergence. In the fall, mulch can help protect newly planted perennials and other plants from harsh cold temperatures. For late-season applications, apply mulch after plants go dormant, but not too early, as it can delay dormancy and increase the risk of cold damage. BEWARE OF JUMPING WORMS Beware of jumping worms. Once you have chosen the type of mulch, keep reading to learn more about applying mulch to your garden as well as learning about invasive jumping worms which like to reside in mulch. Here is an article about mulch and jumping worms . For more jumping worm prevention, seek out garden centers that use the recommended best practices with their mulch. This is an article about best management practices. Mulching is often a good gardening practice but be mindful of the type of mulch your use and when to use it, in order to obtain the best result. Sources https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/using-mulch-garden https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/how_to_select_mulch.pdf https://homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu/factsheets/mulch-basics/ https://www.dakotamastergardeners.org/prepcare/garden-mulch-and-jumping-worms https://www.mnla.biz/news/677301/2024-Updated-Nursery--Landscape-Best-Management-Practices-BMPs-to-Reduce-Spread-of-Jumping-Worms.htm#:~:text=Only%20use%2C%20sell%2C%20purchase%2C,eggs%20and%20other%20horticultural%20pests . Photo Credits: Mary Gadek (1-3)

< Back Missouri Gourd (Cucurbita foetidissima): Beautiful but Tough Missouri gourd – a gourd of many names is an interesting and unusual vine. As this article explains, Missouri gourd has many advantages as a ground cover or climbing vine. As an added bonus, the vine produces a beautiful flower and edible fruit. Jim Lakin MD, Master Gardener As best one can tell, Missouri gourd probably started out as native to the Flint Hills and Osage Plains of Kansas, naturalizing both southwestward, eastward and northward into Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and southern Minnesota. It’s also known as calabazilla, chilicote, coyote gourd, fetid gourd, wild gourd, wild pumpkin and buffalo gourd. Indeed, it has the toughness of bison. Although most widespread in the Southwest of the US and northern Mexico it will grow in most any climate boasting seven to nine months of warm weather. A member of the cucumber family, this guy is remarkably tolerant of dry, poor soil. Thus, it becomes an ideal ground cover for those areas of the property where not much of anything will grow. It will sprawl or climb a fence or trellis with vigor. It also is quite handy on banks susceptible to erosion. Once established, the vine will produce large showy orange to yellow flowers in summer, reminiscent of squash blossoms. As you might guess from its relatives, Missouri gourd will produce small gourd like fruit, looking like mini watermelons. They can be quite decorative in the fall. Photo Credit: Wikipedia Missouri gourd flower in summer The plant is edible, although you have to boil the fruit when it is very young. As it matures, it becomes quite bitter. The flowers are also bitter. You might give the seeds a try, although be sure to boil or roast them before you dig in. In addition to being a food source for Native Americans, the gourd is traditionally used to make musical instruments, particularly rattles. You might try drying out a gourd to make an interesting winter project! Photo Credit: Charles Clark, Wikipedia small melon-like fruit So, if you are looking for a reliable ground cover for difficult soil which will reward you with stunningly golden flowers and decorative fall melons, consider Missouri gourd. Photo Credits: Charles Clark, Wikipedia (1), Wikipedia (2)

< Back How to Choose a Tomato Plant for Your Garden The long, hot, sunny days of Minnesota summers are great for growing tomatoes and Minnesotans love to grow their own fresh tomatoes. This is the first in a series the Garden Buzz will be featuring on all things tomato. Our topic this month is choosing the right tomatoes for your needs. Choosing a tomato plant can be confusing and involve time consuming searches through hundreds of varieties looking for the right one for you. Hopefully, this article will help you wade through your options. Susan Ball, Dakota County Master Gardener The long, hot, sunny days of Minnesota summers are great for growing tomatoes and Minnesotans love to grow their own fresh tomatoes. But choosing a tomato plant can be confusing and involve time consuming searches through hundreds of varieties looking for the right one for you. For example, here are just some of the options you have to pick from: Determinate or indeterminate? Heirloom or hybrid? Disease resistant or disease tolerant? Big, with little tomatoes already growing, or small, not even flowers? We will wade through all these questions and help you decide the best tomato plant for YOU. First, how are you going to use your tomatoes? Salads, sandwiches, cooking, preserving and easy fresh eating all have preferred varieties. For salads and sandwiches choose large, juicy varieties like Beefsteak , Brandywine , Better Boy or Cherokee Purple . For cooking and preserving choose meaty, low-water-content varieties that ripen all at once, such as Roma , San Marzano , or Amish Paste . For easy, fresh eating choose sweet, bite-sized cherry or grape tomatoes like Sun Gold or Super Sweet 100 . Photo Credit: www.davenportgarden.com Brandywine tomato Second, how much space do you have? Tomato plants have two main growth habits: Determinate or bush growth and indeterminate or vining growth. Bush tomatoes grow to a predetermined, compact height - around 3-4 feet, produce most of their fruit within a short period of time - 4-6 weeks, then stop producing. They are best for small spaces, containers and/or gardeners who want a large harvest all at once, for example, for canning. Bush tomatoes also include cherry tomato plants, such as the varieties Toy Boy and Small Fry . Vining tomatoes grow and produce fruit continuously until frost. They are best for large gardens and gardeners who want a steady stream of fresh tomatoes. These tomatoes all require support, like tall stakes or cages. Popular varieties include Big Beef , Beefsteak and Sweet 100s . Photo Credit: www.3porchfarm.com Big beef bush tomato Third: Heirloom or hybrid? Heirloom tomatoes are historical tomatoes (that is, “open pollinated” tomatoes meaning they can reproduce true to type). These are tomatoes that have been grown since before 1940 and their seeds saved and passed down through the years. Some heirlooms date back to the Aztecs, such as the Zapotec tomato. Photo Credit: farmhandseeds.com a Zapotec tomato Heirlooms tend to have thinner skins, more colors and flavor than hybrid varieties. Irregular shapes, sizes, and multi-colored or marbled skins characterize heirloom tomatoes. Brandywine and Mortgage Lifter are two highly recommended heirloom varieties. They are especially recommended for people who have not grown heirlooms before. Hybrid tomatoes are cross-bred and bred for specific traits. They tend to be uniform in size, disease resistant and with thicker skins - which means they can be transported long distances safely to parts of the country without access to fresh tomatoes. Popular hybrid varieties include Better Boy , Better Bush and Early Girl . Master Gardeners have been busy conducting seed trials and evaluating tomatoes since 1982. They have their own list of recommended varieties. Their criteria: flavor, disease and insect resistance, productivity and germination rate. Their list of best tomatoes: Brandymaster Red : one parent a hybrid and the other parent an heirloom Brandymaster Pink : one parent a hybrid and the other parent an heirloom) Brandy Boy : hybrid combining Brandywine with another, unnamed variety - developed by Burpee) (2nd place tie) Genuwine and Big Brandy : heirloom marriage tomatoes, tomatoes with two heirloom parents (4th place tie) Brandywine : heirloom tomato Early Spring : heirloom tomato For a list of places to buy heirloom tomatoes and/or seedlings go to: Seed Savers Exchange or https://www.google.com/Heirloom+tomatoes+Where+to+buy Fourth: Do you want disease resistant tomatoes? Consider how important disease resistant varieties are to you. If this is very important you probably want to consider hybrid tomatoes. A resistant variety will not become diseased. On the other hand, a tolerant variety may become diseased, but the spread of the disease will be slower and the disease will be less serious. Hybrid varieties with disease resistance are indicated by letters on the label: V = Verticillium wilt; F = Fusarium wilt; N = nematodes; T = Tobacco Mosaic Virus. Some disease resistant and tolerant varieties recommended by Cornell University’s breeding program are: Iron Lady , Stellar , Brandywine , Summer Sweetheart and Plum Perfect. And Last: What to look for when choosing the actual seedling or plant. Choose sturdy, stocky plants up to 1 foot tall with thick stems (pencil thickness) and bright green evenly spaced leaves. Avoid plants that are tall and lanky, have spots, or already have flowers or fruit. They may be stressed or root bound. Hopefully you will find this information helpful in choosing a tomato plant that suits YOUR needs. Enjoy! REFERENCES https://ucanr.edu/blog/over-fence-alameda-county/article/choosing-tomato-varieties-best-your-garden Beginners Guide to Choosing the Best Tomato Varieties for your Garden, Feb 24, 2004; www.themakermakes.com Choosing Tomato Varieties Best for Your Garden | Over the Fence , Mar 9, 2024, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/master-gardener-seed-trials McKusick, Tom, Northern Gardner , https://northerngardener.org/day-27-favorite-heirloom-tomatoes/ https://www.burpee.com/heirloom/heirloom-tomatoes/?bp_mode=Plant https://www.vegetables.cornell.edu/pest-management/disease-factsheets/disease-resistant-vegetable-varieties/new-york-adapted-tomatoes-with-resistance-to-multiple-fungal-and-bacterial-diseases-created-at-cornell/ https://vegvariety.cce.cornell.edu/main/login.php Photo Credits: www.davenportgarden.com (1), www.3porchfarm.com (2) , farmhandseeds.com (3)

< Back Fragrant Plants Jessie Thompson, Dakota County Master Gardener If given a single flower right now, would your first reaction be to smell it? Scents can be so powerful. It can instantly unlock a memory and transport us to another time. Maybe the aroma of lilacs brings you back to playing in the backyard with your childhood best friend. Or the smell of basil, reminds you of your grandmother’s pesto. The fragrance of plants can enhance your garden and contribute to a sensory experience. It is easy to understand why we humans would want to be around good smelling plants and flowers, but have you ever wondered why plants have scents? Plants give off scents as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that evaporate easily into the air. The complex mixes of VOCs play important roles in plant communication and defense, such as attracting pollinators and deterring pests. It can also be important for seed dispersal. A large quantity of a plant's VOCs can be released from flowers, but they also come from all parts of plants, including stems, seeds, roots, leaves, and fruits. Plants release their fragrance to signal their flowers are ready for pollination and it is timed for when their pollinators are most active. For example, plants that are pollinated by bees and butterflies tend to release most of their scent during the day. Some plants release their scents during the night and attract nocturnal pollinators, like the 4-O-Clock ‘ Mirabilis jalapa’ that blooms in the evening and attracts night moths. Sweet scented plants usually attract bees and butterflies, while plants with spicy or fruity scents attract pollinator beetles. Fragrant plants can bring so much enjoyment to humans but they can also play an important role to pollinators, insects, animals, and ecosystems. Here are just a few examples of fragrant plants that both we and our wildlife friends can enjoy: Anise hyssop ‘ Agastache foeniculum’ - A hearty perennial with lavender purple flowers. Attracts butterflies, pollinators, and rusty patch bumblebees. The leaves can be used for anise-flavored tea. Photo Credit: www.pinterest.com Anise Hyssop plants Dill ‘ Anethum graveolens’ - Not only delicious for pickles and other recipes, this fragrant annual herb also attracts pollinators and larvae of swallowtail butterflies. Photo Credit: University of Minnesota Extension dill plant in display garden Bright Eyes ‘Phlox Phlox paniculata’ 'Bright Eyes' - This hearty perennial has a sweet fragrance that attracts and is a nectar source for adult butterflies. Photo Credit: University of Minnesota Extension close up of pink ‘Bright Eyes’ flowers; Coral Reef Bee Balm ‘ Monarda didyma’ 'Coral Reef' - Attracts birds, butterflies, hummingbirds, and pollinators. Bee balm has a scent similar to oregano, thyme and mint and can be used to make tea. Photo Credit: University of Minnesota Extension 'Coral Reef’ Bee Balm plant If you would like to add scented plants to your garden, the University of Minnesota Extension Plants Elements of Design Tool can be useful to find fragrant plants that will work for your yard. Some plants have a strong scent that can be experienced from a little distance while other plants have a more subtle fragrance that is best enjoyed up close. Consider placing the plants where you will enjoy them most, like along a pathway, in a patio planter, or by the front door. References: Floral Scents and Fruit Aromas: Functions, Compositions, Biosynthesis, and Regulation - PMC Plant Volatile Organic Compounds: Revealing the Hidden Interactions - PMC Why do flowers have scents? | Scientific American Why do plants smell? | Kew Making scents: The aromatic world of flowers - Scienceline Scent Photo Credits: www.publicdomainpictures.net (1), www.pinterest.com (2), University of Minnesota Extension (3-5)

< Back Top Ten Reasons for Choosing Purple for Your Garden Tom Molitor, Dakota County Master Gardener Intern Color, in flowers or vegetables, is one of many reasons we appreciate our gardens. There are so many different colors and shades of colors to choose from when planning our gardens. In this entertaining article, ten reasons to choose purple plants are explored. Yes, purple plants are beautiful, but this article encourages you to think deeper and more expansively about why you should appreciate them – and plant them - in your garden. Color has a tremendous influence on our well-being. Colors are associated with season change, our favorite sports teams, our alma mater colors, fashion, music, art and so many more. They bring joy and happiness into our lives. Colors provide us with images of the past, of the present and even the future. Whether it be in grade school, high school, college or beyond, a commonly asked question is “what is your favorite color?” Each of us makes choices every day based on colors, even shades of colors. We choose colors based on our own preferences or due to our emotional state or on occasion we might make a color decision based on systemic thought, or even based on scientific reasoning. In Minnesota the color purple is associated, for many, with the Minnesota Vikings. After a disappointing season we can put the Vikings purple clothing in the back of the closet for a few months and concentrate on other reasons to celebrate purple - our plants for example! As we plan our gardens let us consider reasons to plant purple flowers and purple vegetables for 2026. My goal is to persuade you to choose purple for your plants and vegetables. If you have not been convinced by the end of this article to choose purple , you have made me blue. Provided below is a top ten list of both scientific and non-scientific reasons for choosing purple flowers and vegetables. Some of the reasons may surprise you! 10 Variety and diversity : so many shades of purple exist - violet, periwinkle, and lavender - to name just a few. Whether you prefer dark colors, light colors, colored leaves, colored flowers, colored roots or rhizomes, purple has them all. Photo by Gayle Bergevin 9 An impressive history in purple : it is a history of elegance, royalty, spirituality and sophistication. Purple has historically been linked to royalty and wealth, with expensive purple dyes being a status symbol. Purple dyes historically came from expensive natural sources like the murex sea snail (Tyrian purple) and, importantly, plants. Plants whose roots and berries have been used for purple dyes include: Alkanet ( Alkanna tinctoria ): the roots produce a strong red/purple dye, particularly for oils and textiles; Elderberry ( Sambucus nigra ), berries produce lavender to deep purple shades; Pokeberry ( Phytolacca americana ): yields shades from deep rose to mahogany-purple; Whortleberry/Blaeberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus ), blue-purple berries produce lavender colors Logwood ( Haematoxylum campechianum ) a flowering tree produces a deep purple dye. 8 Medicinal value : Purple fruits and vegetables contain compounds called anthocyanins, pigments in foods ranging from that royal hue – anywhere from deep red-orange to striking violet to beautiful blue. Anthocyanins are known for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective health benefits, including supporting heart, brain, and eye health, and potentially slowing aging and cancer growth . Their health value stems from protecting cells from oxidative damage. Plants that contain anthocyanins are also better protected against damage from sunlight. Several purple herbs possess significant medicinal value including - Echinacea (purple coneflower), Self-Heal, and Purple Dead Nettle , which are often used in teas, tinctures, or salves. 7 Uniqueness and Individuality : Purple stands out from the crowd, representing a desire to be noticed and express individuality. Whether it is a vegetable garden or a flower garden— purple is striking, has inherent beauty and draws upon your senses. Photo by Gayle Bergevin 6 Purple conjures up references to literature, to music, to theater . “The Color Purple,” by Alice Walker, was a remarkable book, movie and theater production. Do we have comparable references with green and yellow colors? One of the most influential musicians from the state of Minnesota was Prince. Purple was his signature color, as was his most popular song - Purple Rain . Consider playing the song Purple Rain when you are planting purple flowers this spring. It’s unclear if the plant will benefit but the gardener certainly will. 5 Children prefer Purple : Children are often drawn to purple because of its vibrant and attention-grabbing nature, its association with fun and imagination, and its ability to inspire creativity and spark imagination. 4 Spirituality and Mysticism : Purple is frequently linked to spirituality and the mystical. Many spiritual practices incorporating purple due to its meditative properties. Who doesn’t appreciate a flower garden (with purple flowers, of course) for its meditative properties. 3 Calming and Balancing : Purple is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and nerves, promoting mental balance and stability. Shades like lavender are particularly effective for relaxation and mental rest. For example, Lilacs ( Syringa vulgaris ) and/or Lavender ( Lavandula ). Photo by Gayle Bergevin 2 Pollinators love purple . Bees and other pollinators are highly attracted to purple. Watch a pollinator garden for bees’ preferences; purple flowers are generally preferred over that of green and yellow. 1 There are many beautiful purple plants to choose from. In sum, Purple is widely considered a fun, vibrant color that combines the calming stability of blue with the energetic power of red . It is used to spark imagination in learning environments and brings a cheerful, whimsical feel to everyday life. So too, do purple flowers and purple vegetables bring such emotions and fun to your garden. A few suggestions for planting purple vegetables: the royalty of purple vegetables are the Beet and the Eggplant. No discussion of purple vegetables can proceed without mentioning these two stalwarts of the garden. One reason they stand out is that the purple dyes in these plants is retained upon cooking. Purple beans and peppers are also beautiful in the garden but they lose their vibrant purple color upon cooking. While orange tends to be the preferred color for garden carrots, the purple carrot is also desirable (and, based on Egyptian ancient records, most likely preceded the orange carrot.) Photo by Gayle Bergevin Have the top ten reasons to choose purple vegetables and flowers convinced you yet? You may choose purple plants and vegetables for their beauty but there are so many more reasons to appreciate the purple . Whatever the reason, hopefully you are inspired to choose purple for your garden this year. Photo Credits: pxhere.com (all creative commons) (1), Gayle Bergevin (2-5)

Edible Plants Edible Plants Bitter Melon – The Bumpy, Spiky Gourd Loved ‘Round the Sub-Tropical World’ How about growing “bitter melon” for a change of pace. You may not be familiar with this vegetable as it is more widely grown in the tropics and subtropics. But bitter melon can be grown in Minnesota and has many health benefits. Read on to learn more about how to grow this lesser-known vegetable and when you are finished, read the Garden to Kitchen article about how to use bitter melon. Read More Brussels Sprouts Brussels sprouts are one of the few crops usually harvested in late fall – late September through late October, depending on your location. Flavor improves with cooler fall weather and they can stay in the garden as long as temperatures remain above 20°F. Read more about how to grow and enjoy this late season vegetable. Read More Brussels Sprouts: The Last Gasp of a Northern Garden Brussels sprouts need a northern garden environment to thrive. Cool autumn air and frost intensifies the sugars in the sprouts, enhancing their flavor. This characteristic means that brussels sprouts are often the last plants standing in a Minnesota garden. Read on to learn more about Brussels sprouts and discover the best way to care for sprouts from late summer through harvest. Read More Butternut Squash – The Best Flavor of All Winter Squash? December marks the beginning of winter – the time of year when winter squash seems like just the right vegetable to enjoy. Butternut squash is often described as having the best flavor of all winter squash. After you enjoy eating butternut squash this winter, you will want to grow some of your own next spring. Read on to learn how to grow butternut squash successfully. Read More Carrots and Parsnips Carrots and parsnips are favorite “winter” vegetables. They are “root” vegetables that are staples of Minnesota gardens. You can save the carrots and parsnips that you grew in your garden for eating in the winter. Even if you didn’t grow them yourself, carrots and parsnips are a great addition to a winter meal. Learn more about how to grow and enjoy these healthy and tasty vegetables. Read More Cat-Grass Learn how to grow your own! Many cats like a little salad now and then – cat-grass that is. Grass is not a necessity if your cat its eating a well-balanced diet. But cats can enjoy it and grass provides environmental enrichment for an indoor cat. With the help of the child in your life, you might want to grow some cat-grass as a treat for your cat. It’s also a fun and easy activity. Read More Chocolates From Sweet Potatoes Do you love sweet potatoes but have trouble growing them? Well, you’re not alone. Read how Master Gardener Anita Oakman managed to find a way to serve her skinny sweet potatoes that fooled and pleased her sweet potato loving mother-in-law. You might love this recipe, too! Read More Discover Delicata Squash? Delicata Squash is favored for its delicate, edible skin. No peeling necessary! This squash is booming in popularity. Here are some growing tips. Read More Eating Jicama Jicama is a light brown skinned root vegetable that can usually be found in the produce section of most major supermarkets, and more commonly in Hispanic and Asian markets. Peeling away its leathery, toxic skin with any kitchen knife or vegetable peeler reveals an opaque white, fibrous flesh that can be enjoyed raw or cooked. Read on to learn how to use this interesting vegetable Read More Eating Winter Melon Looking for a comfort food that can come straight from your garden? Try this recipe using winter melon. Winter melon, also known as ash gourd, is a fruit native to parts of Southern Asia. The fruit grows on a vine and matures into a round or oblong melon that is approximately the same size and color as a watermelon. When it is ripe, it’s exterior turns a greenish-powdery ash-color. It tastes a bit like cucumber and is delicious in the soup described in this article. Read More 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. Read More Foraging 101 Foraging is the oldest form of food procurement. Here are some suggestions on how to get started. Read More 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 ... 5