Crop rotation in the home vegetable garden involves changing the planting location of vegetables within the garden each season. Crop rotation is used to reduce damage from insect pests, to limit the development of vegetable diseases, and to manage soil fertility. Learn the basics in this factsheet.
Scott R. Craven, Phillip J. Pellitteri, Mark J. Renz Revised: 1/15/2010 Item number: G3564 Wisconsin’s bountiful natural resources make it an ideal place for outdoor recreation. Most plants and creatures you encounter won’t hurt you, but timber rattlesnakes, yellow jackets, wild parsnip, and others can be troublesome. This guide will help you recognize, avoid, and […]
W.L. Gojmerac Revised: 1/24/2012 Item number: A2135 Approximately 1000 species of spiders are found in this country, living almost anywhere. Learn about the dangers and problems and control of some spiders. Download Article
Learn how to make the most of your garden. Features tips for setting up and planting raised beds, including wheelchair access.
Here are answers to the questions gardeners ask most often about growing vegetables. From asparagus to watercress, this guide covers over 50 vegetables plus other basic gardening topics.
Robert Tomesh, horticulture specialist, University of Wisconsin Extension, Cooperative Extension Revised: 3/31/2011 Item number: A3933-01 Vine-type fruits and vegetables—such as tomatoes, melons, and cucumbers—are some of the most popular produce grown. Various trellising, staking, and caging techniques can be used to enhance yield, minimize disease, and improve harvesting. Find out which techniques will work in […]
The bright yellow, orange and red colors of autumn leaves are one of nature’s most beautiful spectacles. Although a familiar annual event, much of our understanding of autumn leaf coloration has, until recently, been based primarily on random observation and speculation.
Cold frames and hot beds, hoop houses, cloches, and floating row covers allow gardeners to grow plants earlier in spring and later in fall. Although these structures are used primarily for growing vegetables, they may be used for growing ornamentals, including flowering plants, as well.
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 […]
Laura Jull, UW-Extension Revised: 8/13/2012 Item number: A3877 This publication focuses on recognizing and preventing plant damage caused by deicing salts, evaluates the pros and cons of alternatives to rock salt, and provides an extensive list of salt-tolerant plants. Download Article
When selecting plants for landscaping, consider choosing ones that offer showy fall foliage. This beautifully illustrated 38-page publication provides an extensive (though by no means comprehensive) list of commercially available woody plants that offer spectacular fall color.
If deer visit your property, you’ve likely already experienced the frustration of having landscape plants destroyed overnight. Before planting (or replanting), check out this list of trees, shrubs, flowers, herbs, and grasses that deer tend to avoid.
