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Horticulture Blogs

tree roots on the surface of the soil around the trunk of a tree green canopy with sunshine in background

Where the tree roots grow

Good Growing
Did you plant a tree this past spring? How about last fall? Do you have a mature tree that you are caring for? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this article is for you because when you are caring for a tree, you are tasked with caring for the above-ground portion and the below-ground...
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pink blooming shooting start with foliage in background

Shooting stars on a remnant prairie

Good Growing
The other day I was traveling for work and found myself near a remnant prairie with a few minutes to spare, so I had no choice but to stop for a walk. These parcels of land are incredible examples of what the landscape was before sod busting and settlement. Visiting these historic ecosystems can be...
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Crabgrass stages a takover of the lawn - crabgrass looking very healthy as it spreads in grass in a suburban back yard

Garden Vocabulary: Water Grass

Good Growing
It started as an ordinary phone call. A homeowner contacted the Extension office with a question about controlling a grassy weed in her lawn. A weed she knew was ubiquitous in lawn care. However, when she said the name “water grass,” I was dumbfounded. The voice on the other end of the line seemed...
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a patch of blooming creeping Charlie plants

Managing creeping Charlie in home landscapes

Good Growing
As we go through our landscapes in spring and begin the inevitable task of weeding, there is one plant we commonly encounter. It creeps through shaded lawns, slips beneath shrubs, and roots wherever it touches the soil. With its small purple flowers, creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)...
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Group of people planting trees man planting in the foreground two more planting in the background

Celebrating Nature

Good Growing
This week, we celebrate two holidays: Earth Day and Arbor Day. Although they were inspired by different moments in history, both share the purpose of inspiring environmental stewardship. Together, their histories and modern observances reflect our ever-evolving understanding of the human-nature...
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a digging spade in the ground next to a cluster of freshly harvested sweet potatoes

How sweet it is growing sweet potatoes

Good Growing
Grow what you eatI often suggest that the best things to grow in your garden are fruits and vegetables we enjoy eating. Sometimes, though, our gardens may exceed our appetites. After growing fifteen kale plants, my family determined that we could probably live off two. And ten cherry tomato bushes...
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