Growing Asparagus in Gardens

Growing Asparagus in Gardens Vijai Pandian, Horticulture Educator University of Wisconsin – Madison,  Division of Extension, Kenosha and Racine Counties  One of the first vegetables to harvest in the spring is asparagus. Native to coastal regions of Europe and Asia, asparagus is a hardy perennial vegetable crop, drought and salt tolerant, and once established it […]

Fall is a good time to do a soil test

Before setting your garden to rest for the winter, think of ways to improve your garden soil for next year’s crop. A healthy garden soil is the foundation for successful gardening, and a simple soil test can reveal the existing nutrient levels in the soil and help in strategizing your efforts to improve the soil […]

Stinking Stink Bug!!!

Watch out for the pesky “Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB)” that sneaks into the homes at this time of the year.  In the last few years, the population of BMSB increased in southeast Wisconsin and in several other regions in the state. BMSB is native to Asia (China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan) and was first […]

Over-Seeding Lawns in Autumn

After stressful summer, lawn grasses in Wisconsin rejuvenate in autumn and it is considered one of the best times to seed, renovate and establish new lawns. Moderate temperatures in 70’s and ample soil moisture in September promotes speedy establishment of lawn grasses.  Summer annual weeds like crabgrass ends its life cycle in September and doesn’t […]

Mitigating drought stress on landscape and garden plants during the current local dry spell

Article was written by Vijai Pandian, Horticulture Extension Educator.  Originally published in the Kenosha News. Southeast Wisconsin is facing severe drought affecting many landscape and garden plants. Lawn grasses has gone dormant, moisture sensitive trees are exhibiting signs of scorch leaves, defoliation, early fall coloration and branch dieback; wilted strawberries are producing low quality fruits, flowering […]

Holiday Rosemary

Growing Rosemary Indoor Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a popular aromatic herb that symbolizes remembrance, friendship, and loyalty.  Often sold during the holiday season in a decorated topiary form, the value of rosemary goes beyond its ornamental use. Since the Roman era, both fresh and dried rosemary has been used for cosmetics, medicinal, and culinary purposes.  […]

Winter Mulch Your Landscape Plants

Winterize Your Landscape Fluctuating temperatures in late fall and winter can cause considerable damage to many landscape plants.  Especially when the temperature suddenly drops into the 20s, landscape plants need an extra layer of winter protection if there is little or no snow cover. One of the best blanket covers to protect the crown and […]

Winter mulch your landscape plants

Article was written by Vijai Pandian, Horticulture Extension Educator.  Originally published in the Kenosha News. Fluctuating temperatures in late fall and winter can cause considerable damage to many landscape plants, especially when the temperature suddenly drops into the 20s, landscape plants need an extra layer of winter protection if there is little or no snow cover. […]

DATCP Guidance on Unsolicited Seed Packages

DATCP Guidance on Unsolicited Seed Packages Release Date: July 28, 2020 Media Contact: Grace Atherton, Communications Director, (608) 224-5020, Grace.Atherton@wisconsin.gov MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has been notified that some Wisconsin residents have received unsolicited packages in the mail containing seeds that appear to have originated from China. […]

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