Rabbit Ecology and Damage Management

This publication describes the lives, habits, and habitat of the eastern cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hare, both natives of Wisconsin. Plant damage and management are described.

Maintaining Lawn and Garden Tools

When it comes to digging in the garden or pruning trees and shrubs, having high quality tools that are cleaned, lubricated, sharpened and otherwise properly maintained, makes any outdoor job simpler and more efficient. Learn how to maintain your garden tools in this useful factsheet.

Slime Molds

Ann Joy and Brian Hudelson, UW-Madison Plant Pathology Revised:  4/25/2004 Item number:  XHT1091 What is a slime mold?  Slime molds are members of a shape-shifting group of organisms called myxomycetes.  These organisms are found all over the world, even in deserts, high altitudes, and on the edges of snowbanks.  Although they often resemble fungi, slime […]

Bird’s Nest Fungi

Bird’s nest fungi are not harmful to plants, but grow on decomposing organic matter, such as on mulch in planting beds with damp, shady conditions. Learn more in this factsheet.

Extending the Garden Season

Cold frames and hot beds, hoop houses, cloches, and floating row covers allow gardeners to grow plants earlier in spring and later in fall. Get ideas that will work for you in this factsheet.

Rain Barrels

Mike Maddox, State Master Gardener Program Manager & Darren Lochner, Formerly of the UW-Extension Lower Chippewa River Basin Revised:  2/5/2008 Item number:  XHT1157 What is a rain barrel?  A rain barrel can be any large container designed to collect rain water.  Typically, rain barrels are placed at the bottom of downspouts in order to collect […]

Slugs

Phil Pellitteri, UW Insect Diagnostic Lab Revised:  5/25/2010 Item number:  XHT1040 Slugs are legless, soft-bodied creatures that resemble snails without a shell.  Slugs feed on a wide range of plants including ornamentals, vegetables and fruits.  A number of species of slugs are found in Wisconsin, but gray and spotted garden slugs are the most common, […]

Container Gardening

Live in an apartment or condo? You can still raise a garden’s worth of flowers or vegetables in pots and other containers by mastering the methods described in this publication.

The Basics of Micro Irrigation

Micro irrigation has numerous advantages in greenhouses, orchards, vineyards, fields, lawns, and gardens. Learn about components of micro irrigation systems and benefits and drawbacks these systems provide.

Using Wood Ash in the Home Garden

Wood ash can provide certain soil nutrients, and can be used to raise soil pH. However, if used incorrectly or excessively, problems can occur. Learn more in this factsheet.

Storing Tender “Bulbs” for Winter

This time of year frost is bound to nip non-hardy plants still outdoors. If you have any of the tender “bulbs” (plants which grow from fleshy storage structures even if they aren’t technically true bulbs) you’ll need to get those into storage for the winter soon. Find out more about preparing these plants to save for the next growing season in this article…

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