Gardening Resources for Nebraska from Nebraska Extension
The USDA updated their Hardiness Zone map publicized in November 2023, reflecting changes in average extreme minimum temperatures, moving several Nebraska and Iowa counties to zone 6a. The author reminds gardeners to consider factors not covered by the map, such as anomalies and soil conditions, before purchasing new plants.
Fall has finally arrived in Nebraska and now is the time we can start thinking about fall planted bulbs for next spring. There is an endless parade of options to choose from – so which one do you pick? Let’s talk about some of the lesser-known options that you can choose to plant in your…
Carpenter ants make their nests in dead and decaying wood, and sometimes that results to damage to structural wood. People often worry when they see a large black ant crawling in their landscape. Does this mean their house is at risk? Learn about nature’s carpenters and how to prevent carpenter ants from entering and infesting your home.
When we first think about invasive plants, we often conjure images of plants that are not pretty. I often think of the brambles that Maleficent casts around the castle in Sleeping Beauty. Sharp thorns, jagged edges, overall, a barren landscape. Invasive plants are not new. We know that some thistles, leafy spurge, and palmer amaranth…
Plant breeders have given us some spectacular wonders for our gardens over the years. We now have beebalm and phlox that are more resistant to powdery mildew. Coneflowers now come in bright bolder colors with sturdier stems. We even have different Joe-Pye-Weeds that are shorter, more compact and even some like Eupatorium altissimum ‘Prairie Jewel’…
Yes, they’re back and they’re right on time. The brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) have certainly made a name for themselves in eastern Nebraska for invading houses. Over the last few years, they’ve become known as a structural pest and indoor nuisance. Entomologists call them fall invaders or incidental invaders, due to the timing of…
Plant roots are supposed to grow underground, right? Well, yes, but as in most aspects of life, there are exceptions. Some trees, like the baldcypress and silver maple (and other maples too!) are famous for surface rooting. Others respond to their environment and compacted soils and produce them on their own. No matter why they show up in the landscape, they often create a problem(s) and must be dealt with.
Do you love your green grass, but wish you had less to maintain or something additional in the landscape to enjoy? Many homeowners have this feeling but are stuck in the rut of the traditional landscape that is dominated by turf. The good news is that you can have your cake and eat it too by being intentional about where the turf is and where something else could or should be.
At this point in the year, the less-than-supportive indoor conditions tend to take their toll on our houseplants. Put another way, many are developing “Houseplant-itis”. The low humidity, reduced sunlight and cool temperatures next to the window glass often cause them to become lackluster. Fortunately, there are a few ways to encourage healthy growth between now and when they can be safely moved outdoors in May.
If you didn’t receive everything on your Christmas list, you may want to consider being your own Santa. After all, there are some “gotta have ‘em” in all facets of life. If you want to smoke a pork butt, you need an off-set smoker and some apple wood. If you’re going to garden, there are 5 essential tools: