GARDENING

Ex-straw-dinary results

Karsten enthusiastic about gardening technique ROSEVILLE — Gardeners often spread straw as mulch on their garden beds, using it to retain moisture and control weeds. But a whole bale of straw can actually become a vessel for planting vegetables and flowers, offering the same advantages — plus many more. Worthington native Joel Karsten has become an expert in the straw bale planting method, having developed the process through his own experimentation. He’s written a booklet detailing the method, teaches community education classes on it, hosts a website and Facebook forum and is a frequent speaker to garden clubs and other community groups.

By Beth Rickers , January 25, 2012

Parking lot to garden plot

Worthington native establishes minature farm in Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS — Three decades ago, Stefan Meyer was a young kid experiencing life on the family’s corn, soybean and turkey growing operation just outside of Worthington.

By Julie Buntjer , October 21, 2010

Column: 'Fairy rings' appear on lawns

I love coming to work on Fridays. I just never know what might be waiting for me on my desk. This morning I had an assortment of oak galls, a very active brown spider (you’ll be happy to know it wasn’t a brown recluse) and many questions about mushrooms in lawns and, in particular, fairy rings.

By Robin Trott, Extension Educator, Alexandria Echo Press , September 01, 2010

'Gardens and Glazes' to raise funds for ATLAS

Pottery demonstration added to this year's two-day event
MELVIN, Iowa — Last year’s Garden Party brought a crowd of more than 400 people to Leon Hulstein’s farm in rural Melvin.

July 16, 2010

Thumbs up for the communal garden’s green thumbs

GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Row upon row of vegetables and herbs are beginning to bloom on two vacant lots in downtown Grand Forks.

By James R. Johnson, Grand Forks Herald , June 25, 2010

Cacti thrive in Minnesota

COTTAGE GROVE - Barb Arntzen, of Cottage Grove, said people believe cacti can only grow in deserts in the Southwest. To prove her point that they also grow in Minnesota, she carries a photograph in her purse of the prickly pear cacti that bloomed in her yard in 2004.

By Judy Spooner, South Washington County Bulletin , June 25, 2010

Ole, Lena and Sven are roses; this is not a joke

Growing roses in central and northern Minnesota has always been a challenge. The University of Minnesota is doing research in developing roses which are low-maintenance, hardy and disease resistant for northern gardens.

By Kyle Schulz, Master Gardener, Wadena Pioneer Journal , June 02, 2010

Recipe Column: Spring heralds the arrival of rhubarb

My mother loved rhubarb. As I was cutting off the leaves of some freshly picked rhubarb — a gift from daughter Laura’s landlady — I closed my eyes. I was back in mom’s kitchen learning how to chop up rhubarb.

By Judy Spoon , May 21, 2010

Advocates say urban farming feeds the poor, provides jobs

DULUTH - Duluth could soon be awash in home-grown vegetables if two new programs taking seed this spring sprout as organizers hope.

By John Myers, Duluth News Tribune , May 17, 2010

Lawn mowing tips

DETROIT LAKES - Lawn mowing is perhaps the most important practice performed in home lawn care. The simple practice of mowing impacts not only the appearance of your lawn, but also can impact the turf’s ability to ward off problems.

By Jim Stordahl, DL-Online , April 26, 2010

Column: Less is more with early yard work

WADENA - The weather has been lovely, we have spring fever and we can be easily tricked into thinking that maybe we can start digging around those flower beds and see what has survived the winter and if things are starting to sprout. But NO! This is Minnesota, zone 3, and we have April to get through and May can also be very devious.

By Kyle Schulz, Master Gardener , April 05, 2010

‘Pickle Bill’ workshop planned

WALNUT GROVE — “Peddling Your Pickles Safely?” is a workshop for those interested in learning about the requirements of the Minnesota “Pickle Bill” legislation. The workshop will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., April 28, at the Walnut Grove Community Center, 311 6th St.

By Daily Globe , March 09, 2010

Garden of Aden: Heron Lake senior surrounds home with blooming beauty

HERON LAKE — When Evelyn Aden first tried to grow tall garden phlox at her house on the southeast edge of Heron Lake, the plants didn’t want to cooperate.

By Beth Rickers , August 22, 2009

Plenty of gardening resources available

WORTHINGTON — A close relative recently called me with just one question on his mind: “What’s the kind of plant that comes back year after year?”

By Beth Rickers , April 09, 2008

She says topato ... and pomato

Beth Nelson has accumulated a lifetime of gardening stories

By Ryan McGaughey , April 09, 2008