Herbaceous perennials and annuals add interest to our yards and gardens with bright, beautiful flowers and interesting foliage. Whether native, non-native, sun-loving or shade-tolerant, herbaceous plants invite wildlife, provide for pollinators, and bring us enjoyment with color, texture and fragrance.
This free publication describes the importance of bees in pollinating major food crops, how to attract and support native pollinators, and how to construct, place, and maintain nests.
Whether you’re a beginning or an experienced gardener, you’ll appreciate the step-by-step instructions for planting, landscaping, and managing your own prairie plot. The Prairie Primer has more than 50 illustrated descriptions of grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs help you select the best plants for specific sites. Gardeners and prairie enthusiasts alike will find the spiral-bound book convenient to use in the field.
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Christy Stewart, UW Horticulture and USDA-ARS Revised: 12/11/2012 Item number: XHT1213 Why are pollinators important? Approximately three quarters of the world’s major food crops require or benefit from animal pollination. This includes many fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, currants, plums, apples, sweet cherries, pears, watermelons, cantaloupes, cucumbers, squashes, and tomatoes. Pollinators also […]
Jenna Lind, UW-Madison Plant Pathology Revised: 6/24/2013 Item number: XHT1223 What is impatiens downy mildew? Impatiens downy mildew is a disease that has become a serious threat wherever impatiens are grown. The disease has recently become a serious issue in the United States, including Wisconsin. Impatiens downy mildew has been so destructive in many areas […]
Scott Craven, Scott Hygnstrom, Philip Peterson Revised: 1/24/2001 Item number: G3083 Illustrates numerous methods for protecting crops and other property from deer. Offers designs for deer fences and other constructions, along with a list of repellents and scare devices (8 pages). Download Article
Invasive phragmites, or common reed. is a tall, perennial grass that aggressively colonizes and forms dense stands in freshwater wetlands. Learn how to identify and control this invasive threat to Wisconsin’s wetlands in this factsheet.
Daniel L. Mahr, Paul Whitaker, Nino Ridgway Revised: 10/31/2011 Item number: A3842 This colorful, richly illustrated booklet offers an introduction to beneficial natural enemies and their use in pest management (116 pages). Download Article
Learn how to make the most of your garden. Features tips for setting up and planting raised beds, including wheelchair access.
Boost your garden’s production with mulches. This publication shows when to use organic mulches, like bark or leaves, and synthetic mulches, like plastic sheets, and teaches how to apply them.
R. Chris Williamson, Turf and Ornamental Specialist Revised: 4/25/2004 Item number: XHT1022 Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, are likely the most serious pest of greenhouse crops in the world. Thrips have spread throughout the horticulture industry on plugs, cuttings, and small plants. Because of thrips’ small size (1∕16 inch) and tendency to remain hidden in […]
R. Chris Williamson, UW Turf and Ornamental Specialist Revised: 4/25/2004 Item number: XHT1021 Several types of mites can cause serious damage to a variety of greenhouse crops. Among the most common mite species are the broad mite (Polyphagotarsoeneumus latus), carmine spider mite (Tetranychus cinnabarinus), cyclamen mite (Phytonemus pallidus), the Lewis spider mite (Eotetranychus lewisi), and […]
R. Chris Williamson, UW Turf and Ornamental Specialist Revised: 4/25/2004 Item number: XHT1020 Aphids can be persistent and serious pests in the greenhouse. Because of their high reproductive capability and resistance to numerous insecticides, they can be difficult to control. Aphids are sucking insects that damage greenhouse crops by causing curling and distortion of young, […]
Pest Alert Authors: Brian Hudelson, UW-Madison Plant Pathology Last Revised: 05/01/2020 X-number: XHT1011 What is Ralstonia wilt? Ralstonia wilt (also sometimes known as Southern wilt) is a usually lethal disease that affects over 250 plants in over 40 plant families. Susceptible greenhouse-grown ornamentals include, but are not limited to, plants in the genera Capsicum, Cosmos, Cyclamen, Dahlia, Fuschsia, Gerbera, Hydrangea, Impatiens, Lantana, Nasturtium and Pelargonium. Vegetables such as eggplant, pepper, potato […]
Authors: Ann Joy and Brian Hudelson, UW-Madison Plant Pathology Last Revised: 01/03/2019 X-number: XHT1042 What is Southern blight? Southern blight is a lethal fungal disease that is most common in the tropics and subtropics. This disease causes damage in the southern U.S. and can even cause problems in temperate locations like Wisconsin during periods of warm, moist […]
