By Jay Dampier, Extension Horticulture Program The pandemic has disrupted how we do things on so many levels. In 2020 some gardeners were not able to get the seeds they wanted due increased demand and staffing shortages at seed companies. While seed companies expect to be better prepared this year, it is not too early […]
By Brian Hudelson, Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic, UW-Madison As the holiday season wraps up and you begin to put away your decorations for the year, be aware that certain perishable holiday items need to be disposed of properly. In particular, be careful of how you dispose of holiday wreaths and other garlands that contain boxwood […]
Tomato spotted wilt is a common viral disease of worldwide distribution that can affect over 1000 plant species. Economically important hosts include a wide range of vegetables, fruits, field crops, and ornamentals. Many weeds are also potential hosts.
Increased interest in organic, sustainable gardening, has grown to include a variety of lawn care practices, including use of organic fertilizers derived from natural sources such as plant or animal wastes. As use of organic fertilizers becomes more widespread, understanding ways in which they differ from conventional, inorganic fertilizers is important.
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.
Patricia S. McManus, Daniel L. Mahr, Teryl R. Roper, UW-Extension Revised: 3/17/2011 Item number: A2179 Home gardens usually contain only a few apple trees, making it feasible to limit pesticide use and still produce a healthy crop of apples. This extensively updated publication outlines the basic principles of pest management. Learn which non-chemical strategies are […]
Karen Delahaut, UW-Madison Fresh Market Vegetable Program Revised: 5/11/2010 Item number: XHT1095 Recently, several commonly-used insecticides for the control of insects in home lawns have been taken off the market. As a result, it’s becoming ever more challenging for home gardeners to find suitable insecticide products at garden centers, discount stores, and hardware stores. This […]
Woodpeckers are attractive, interesting visitors to bird feeders and yards. In addition to adding beauty to the landscape, woodpeckers are an integral part of the ecosystem. Woodpeckers are primary cavity nesters, which means that they use their bills (and reinforced skull structure) to excavate holes into dead wood. Woodpeckers use the cavities they create for […]
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services provides guidance for various types of organizations and service providers operating and providing assistance or safeguards in our communities. DHS Community Garden Guidelines for coordinators and gardeners Community Garden Signage
Authors: Kevin Schoessow, Extension Burnett, Sawyer and Washburn Counties Last Revised: 02/27/2020 X-number: XHT1268 Home gardeners often ask if wood ash can be used as a fertilizer in vegetable gardens and flowerbeds, around landscape trees and shrubs, and on lawns. Wood ash can be a valuable source of certain nutrients and can also be used to modify […]
This insect was first reported in North America in eastern Canada during World War II and was most likely introduced in shipments of plant materials from Europe. LLB spread to New England in the 1990’s and has been moving westward since that time. LLB made its first appearance in Wisconsin in 2014 and as of the end of 2019 has been found in 12 counties including Dane, Door, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Pierce, Portage, Price, Shawano, Taylor and Wood Counties.
Poison Ivy is a perennial woody plant that grows as either a low shrub or a climbing vine. Poison ivy is native to North America and is common in Wisconsin, growing in pastures, roadside ditches, fence rows, wooded forests, beaches and parks. Contact with poison ivy causes skin rashes, blisters and other allergic reactions. Learn identification and control in this factsheet.
