Garden Solutions - Identify Disease in Plants - Minnesota State Horticultural Society

Planting for Pollinators

Planting a Pollinator Tea Garden

Create a garden that will nourish both pollinators and people.

Plant Herbs for Pollinators

It’s a good idea to plant herbs for pollinators, because so many herbs are useful plants for the larvae of butterflies and useful moths.

What Is A Bee Lawn?

We’re seeing more interest in “bee lawns,” including support from the state of Minnesota to encourage lawns that are good for pollinators and the planet.

Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Garden

Tips and strategies for encouraging hummingbirds into your garden.

Best Plants for Hummingbirds

Here's what to plant if you're looking to attract hummingbirds.

Gardening for Pollinators: Nesting Habitat and Specialist Bees

A handy guide of resources compiled by Julia Brokaw about gardening to support bee habitat.

Lawns to Legumes: Your Yard Can BEE the Change

Learn about the Lawns to Legumes pilot program and how you can get involved.

Help Pollinators by Planting a Bee-Friendly Lawn

In this article, Mary Meyer and Michelle Wisdom discuss the Bee Lawn Demonstration at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Top 10 Native Pollinator Plants

Brought to you by Birds, Bees, & Butterflies - Bemidji, check out this list of top native plants that are super foods for pollinators in Minnesota.

How to Build a Bee House

Learn how you can build this shelter and help attract mason and leaf-cutter bees.

Soft Landings: Critical Habitat for Pollinators

This article by Heather Holm centers around the importance of soft landings, native plantings for pollinators under keystone trees.

How to Create Habitat for Stem-nesting Bees

A helpful guide from the UMN Bee Lab on what steps you can take to support stem-nesting bees.

Landscaping with Pollinators

Check out this helpful resource guide to landscaping with pollinators!

Best Plants for Hummingbirds

MSHS Pollinator Paks contain many pollinator-friendly plants - here are the ones hummingbirds love!

Best Plants for Butterflies

Here are Heather Holm's recommendations for best plants for butterflies for different sun and soil conditions.

Pollinator Paks™

Look for Pollinator Paks™ at garden centers and nurseries late May through September. Each pack includes six plants, ready to drop in the ground and known to attract pollinators.

Upper Midwest Citizen Scientist Pollinator Monitoring Guide: Native Bees

A guide from the Xerces Society on how to monitor native bees in pollinator habitats.

Plant Profile: Monarda Punctata

Also known as Spotted Bee Balm, this plant is a pollinator magnet!

Pollinator Conservation and Climate Change

Check out these resources about gardening to support pollinators amidst the challenges of a changing climate.

UMN Bee Lab Flowering Lawns and Land Managers Toolkit

Interested in the benefits of a flowering lawn? Take a look at these resources.

Planting and Maintaining a Bee Lawn

Helpful tips for transitioning towards a pollinator-friendly lawn.

Annual Flowers That Attract Pollinators

9 annual flowers that attracted the most pollinators in a study that looked at more than 30 annual flowers. Brought to you by the UMN Extension.

Guide to Minnesota Bumble Bees: Female and Male

Learn all about Minnesota's bumble bees in this UMN Extension guide.

Plants Pollinators Love

A down-to-business, no-frills list of favorite plants for pollinators.

Gardening with Native Grasses in Cold Climates and a Guide to the Butterflies They Support

Download this book, written by Diane M. Narem and Mary Hockenberry Meyer of the University of Minnesota, to learn about the benefits of native grasses in the Upper Midwest.

Bee Friendly Lawns

Learn how to protect your pollinators by creating a bee friendly lawn! Pamphlet created by Bee Safe Minneapolis.

Native Plants

Native Plant ID Resources

Xerces Society's Karin Jokela shares her favorite websites, apps and books for identifying native plants.

Alternatives to Invasive Plants

Here are some alternatives to invasive plants, including some popular garden plants that are threatening native areas.

Northern Natives: Whorled Milkweed

This Milkweed species is an important host plant for many pollinators, blooming later in the season and in drought conditions.

Native Aster Species for Northern Gardeners

Garden designer Benjamin Vogt takes a deeper look at the wide array of Aster varieties and their many benefits in your garden.

Native Plant Landscaping for Wetlands and Rain Gardens Webinar

In this MSHS webinar, ecological restoration specialist Cheryl Culbreth discusses native plants that thrive in wet conditions.

Pollinator Conservation Resources - Great Lakes Region

Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation provides region-specific resources about planning, creating, maintaining, and restoring pollinator habitat.

What You Plant Matters

Deep Roots KC is a Kansas based organization dedicated to encouraging the appreciation, conservation, and use of native plants in the heartland through educating, collaborating, and facilitating the planting of regenerative native landscapes that are essential for a healthy planet.

Landscaping with Native Plants

Learn about landscaping with native plants from ecological restoration specialist Cheryl Culbreth.

Native Plant Identification Webinar

In this webinar, pollinator conservation planner Karin Jokela shares handy tools and resources to help identify native plants.

Learn about Native Plants

Explore the benefits and different varieties of natives. Also, find which species grow best in various conditions, from dry prairies to wet meadows to shallow water.

Native Columbine

Delicate, dangling blooms of red petals with yellow stamens often turn up in the most unexpected places.

Plant Profile: Eastern Red Columbine

Learn more about this versatile native plant and its growing conditions.

Minnesota Wildflowers

This website offers an extensive field guide to native and non-native wild plants that grow in Minnesota.

Top 10 Native Pollinator Plants

Brought to you by Birds, Bees, & Butterflies - Bemidji, check out this list of top native plants that are super foods for pollinators in Minnesota.

Native Plant Landscaping for Wetlands & Rain Gardens

Resources for native plant landscaping for wetlands and rain gardens.

Diseases

Disease Resistant Basils

Basil Downy Mildew disease and a desire for something different have led gardeners to search for disease resistant varieties of basil.

Downy Mildew Resistant Impatiens Cultivars

Before, nothing could keep impatiens downy mildew at bay - now, it’s time to plant impatiens again.

Aster Yellows vs. Eriophyid Mites on Coneflower

Learn about these two common plant issues and which could be impacting your garden.

Tomato Diseases

Blossom end rot and early blight made an appearance in 2013...

What's Wrong with My Plant?

Diagnose problems in the yard and garden caused by insects, diseases and nonliving factors using the University of Minnesota's Plant Pathogen Tool.

What to Do About Scorched Plants

Discovering that your plants have crispy, browning edges? Find out more about potential causes of leaf scorch and what you can do.

Invasive Plants

Buckthorn Control Resources

A handout from our Buckthorn Control Made Easy webinar provides a list of helpful resources for managing this invasive plant.

Canada Thistle

A "Prohibited Noxious Weed" in MN, Canada Thistle presents many challenges to the health of the region's prairies, wetlands, savannas and other habitats.

Oriental Bittersweet Control

A resource for controlling oriental bittersweet.

How to Deal with Creeping Charlie

This article explores different perspectives on creeping Charlie and how you can approach the presence of this plant in your garden.

Buckthorn Stump & Seedling Management

This handy pamphlet has information on Buckthorn Stump and Seedling Management.

Herbicide Treatment for Buckthorn

Consider suspending cut-stump treatment of buckthorn from the beginning of spring ground thaw until buckthorn is fully leafed out, approximately April to July.

Pests

Jumping Worms in MN

Here's what we know so far, with links to additional resources.

The European Chafer Beetle in MN

A new and potentially very destructive lawn pest has been discovered for the first time in Minnesota.

Magnolia Scale

This insect has been around for years and can be devastating to magnolias. Here's what you need to know.

Garden Solution: Spider Mites

A helpful guide on how to navigate and manage spider mites in your garden.

Invasive Jumping Worms Lecture - PBS Wisconsin

In this PBS Wisconsin University Place Lecture, Brad Herrick, an ecologist at the UW-Madison Arboretum, presents on the basic biology and identification of earthworms.

A New Invader: Jumping Worms

"Jumping worms can destroy soil and forests, and gardeners are on the front lines." Written by Gail Hudson, this story is featured in the January/February 2022 issue of the Northern Gardener magazine.

Invasive Jumping Worms

Impacts and prevention explained by Dr. Lee Frelich, Director of the Center for Forest Ecology at the UMN.

Japanese Beetle Facts

Japanese beetles can be a significant landscape pest and difficult to tolerate, particularly when they first become abundant in an area.

Three Bad Bugs for Northern Gardeners

Three insects University of Minnesota entomologist Jeff Hahn thinks northern gardeners should watch out for...

Squash Vine Borers: What to Know

Tips on how to protect your plants from these insects and prevent an infestation.

Jumping Worms and Compost Facilities Webinar

Hosted by the Minnesota Composting Council, this webinar discusses strategies for preventing the spread of jumping worms at compost and mulch sites.

Grubs vs. Nematodes: Showdown in the Soil

This resource explains the relationship between grubs and nematodes and provides some tips for getting rid of grubs.

Soil Amendment

How to Get The Most Out of Your Mulch

There are proven benefits to using mulch in the garden, but it’s important to choose the appropriate type.

Compost for Beginners

Compost makes a lot of sense once you’ve been gardening awhile, but can be confusing to new gardeners.

Tips for Making Better Compost

Probably the most common advice given for improving your garden’s performance is to add compost.

Best Books for Building Soil

To build better soil, the basic rule is add compost. For a more detailed discussion, check out these books.

Resources for Building Healthy Soil

From book recommendations to educational resources and more, this document offers an expansive list of resources tied to supporting soil health.

How to Read Soil Test Results

Most horticulturists recommend a soil test as the first step in planning a garden because it helps you decide what additions, if any, you need to make to the soil.

Vermi-composting Webinar

Curious to learn how you can build high-quality compost yourself? Watch this MSHS webinar presented by Nick Schneider!

What is a Soil Amendment?

A soil amendment is anything added to soil to improve its abilities, including water retention and absorption.

An Herbal Compost Tea for Your Plants

University of Minnesota Master Gardener Shari Mayer discusses using herbs to create a potent compost tea.

How-To: Soil Percolation Test

Northern Gardener's Nancy Rose talks about the difference soil makes in what you can grow and how you approach gardening.

How-To: Soil Texture Test

Horticulturist Nancy Rose talks about the importance of knowing your soil for more garden success.

Sustainable Gardening

Sustainable Roses for Northern Gardeners

Randy Nelson and David Zlesak report on roses that are particularly adapted to different climates.

Plant Solutions for Soggy Sites

Wondering what to do with the cranberry bog in your backyard? Try these design tips for moisture loving plants instead!

82 Realistically Sustainable Gardening Tips

Go beyond organic with these creative, real-world ideas for more sustainable gardening.

Rain Barrel Basics: Why, How to Set One Up, and Winterizing

Learn about how to conserve and reuse water in your garden through this guide on rain barrels.

Tips for Heatwave Gardening

Along with the challenges of growing in cold climates, northern gardeners must also navigate extreme heat. Learn about strategies for heatwave gardening.

What is a Bee Lawn?

There are numerous benefits to growing a bee-friendly lawn. What is a bee lawn, exactly? Click here to find out more.

Abundant Lawns, Landscapes, and Gardens Webinar

Learn how to grow a healthy, thick lawn, luscious gardens, and thriving trees and shrubs in this presentation by Russ Henry and Chesney Engquist, owners of Minnehaha Falls Landscaping.

How to Create a Food Forest

Russ Henry of Minnehaha Falls Landscaping outlines in this article the eight "intertwined layers in a well-planned food forest."

How to Create "Green Mulch" in Your Yard

Great tips from Wild Ones Twin Cities on how to incorporate native vegetation into your garden as a mulch.

Rain Gardens: Solving Drainage and Water Quality Issues

Rain gardens are a simple, elegant
solution to solving drainage issues on
properties and water quality issues
state-wide. Learn more about the benefits and considerations for starting your own rain garden in this resource from Minnehaha Landscaping!

Rainscaping for Water Efficiency

Gardeners employing a variety of techniques to keep rainwater on their properties protect local watersheds.

Sustainable Hardscaping for an Earth-Wise Garden

Consider the more stony parts of a garden, such as pathways, fences, and outdoor furniture.

To Lawn or Not to Lawn, that is the Question

More gardeners are choosing to forgo lawns in favor of more environmentally-friendly options.

Effective Watering Strategies for Northern Gardeners

Effective watering strategies are foundational to a successful northern garden. Learn when, how much, and how to water.

Creating an Eco-Friendly Yard

A comprehensive guide of tips, resources, and plant recommendations to transform your yard.

Plant Selection: Right Plant, Right Place, Right Purpose!

Learn from Extension educator Julie Weisenhorn about sustainable plant selection and what factors to consider when choosing plants to grow.

How Can We Make the Most of Our Edible Gardens? Growing Tips from Kevin Espiritu

Youtube star Kevin Espiritu shares his top 5 tips for increasing your garden's yield in this SUNSET article.

Backyard Food Forests Webinar

Learn how to transform your yard into an abundant food forest in this MSHS webinar, hosted by Russ Henry of Minnehaha Falls Landscaping.

Living Mulch: Using Native Plants to Replace Traditional Mulch

What's Living Mulch? Great question! Find out more in this presentation by Kaitlyn O’Connor, Plant Ecologist at ISG Inc.

Tough Growing Locations

Hydroponic Gardening Webinar

Hydroponic expert Larry Cipolla outlines easy ways to grow a variety of vegetables without soil in this MSHS webinar.

Pots vs. Raised Beds vs. Traditional Beds

Should you plant their garden in the ground, or in raised beds, or even in pots? Each of these choices has advantages—and disadvantages.

Rug Gardens: Big Harvests, Little Spaces

Join the discussion about what it would take to grow food for two from a 9-by-12 foot plot—what they called a “rug garden.”

Growing Perennials in Containers

Learn about some options for how to grow perennials in containers in northern gardens.

Overwintering Tropical Plants

In northern gardens, many tropical plants need special care to survive the colder months. Learn more about why and how to overwinter.

Building a Raised Bed with Legs

There are several reasons to consider adding elevated garden beds into your garden. And you can build one yourself!

Growing Organic Edibles in Small Spaces Webinar

Think creatively about the many ways and places you can grow fruits and vegetables! Watch this MSHS webinar to learn more.

Rain Gardens Slow Water/Add Beauty to Landscape

Learn about how rain gardens crucially support resilient urban landscapes in this Minnesota Farm Guide article.

How to Build a Low Tunnel

Low tunnels are a great investment to extend your season, especially in locations with unpredictable springs.

Landscaping for Shade with Native Plants Webinar

Watch this MSHS Webinar to learn from Cheryl Culbreth, an Ecological Restoration Specialist, as she shares her favorite native plants for shady spots.

Shade Tolerant Vegetables to Try

There are shade tolerant vegetables, especially if you have partial shade or dappled shade.

Here's another gate -- this one in Duluth. The gardener has covered the arbor with grapes.

Extreme Gardening: Duluth

“Extreme Gardening" offers suggestions for gardening in extreme weather, such as heat, humidity, cold, drought and flood — and, of course, snow, which we have dealt with so much.

Add a Cold Frame to Extend the Season

Hoping to extend the growing season of your garden? Learn how a cold frame can make it possible to continue growing greens, root vegetables, and more as winter approaches.

Strategies for the First Frost and Beyond

What does the first frost mean for your garden? Gain some insight on how to navigate and prepare for this transition into winter.

Building Raised Bed Gardens: 2 Basic Options

Building a raised bed doesn't have to a difficult. Read this article to learn how to build a basic box.

Hellstrip Gardening

Jen Ehlert provides helpful advice for establishing and maintaining successful boulevard gardens in this resource.

Hellstrip Gardening Webinar

Enjoy this hour-long webinar by presenter Jen Ehlert on boulevard garden design and maintenance.

Weeds

Getting Rid of Garlic Mustard

Cheryl Culbreth, founder of Landscape Restoration, Inc. shares resources for battling this noxious weed.

Canada Thistle

Laura Schwarz discusses invasive species removal with Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense).

Have You Tried Weedless Gardening?

Lee Reich's primer on weedless gardening for Northern Gardener.

Identifying Weeds

This UMN Extension diagnostic tool will help you identify and manage common weeds.

Ground-ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is an invasive edible species in the mint family that is native to Europe and southwestern Asia and was introduced into the United States before the late 1600‚Äôs, probably for medical purposes. It is also known as gill-over-the-ground, creeping charlie, alehoof, tunhoof, catsfoot, field balm, run-away-robin, Lizzie-Run-Up-The-Hedge, Herbe St. Jean, or creeping jenny.

How To Deal With Creeping Charlie

Laura Schwarz weighs in about Creeping Charlie, formally known as Glechoma hederacea.

Minnesota Noxious Weeds List

Noxious weeds - annual, biennial, or perennial plants that have the potential to threaten human or animal health.