The garden start up can require extra time and energy. We’re considering ways that help gardening year to year. For example, some community gardeners learn that reserving last year’s well-weeded garden plot again may result in less weeding time this season. A Fall to Spring cover for the vegetable garden may hold the topsoil in … Continue reading
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Once in a Blue Moon
People who like plants have plenty to do these days. At Plant Exchange blog, we’ve found the annuals for container gardens and window boxes. Now we consider new perennials that will establish where we plant them and last year to year. At Plant Exchange blog, perennial plants are logging many growing days after a cool … Continue reading
Memories at the Start of Summer
Memorial Day holiday is a time for honoring those who died in service to our country. Traditions include decorating graves and remembering all who have passed away. Celebrations begin the summer season. In this region, the long-lived perennial peony is often in bloom in late May and associated with the holiday. Once established in a … Continue reading
Regional Plant-Related Event
With the infestation of Emerald Ash Borer found in Dakota Dunes, Dr. John Ball, South Dakota Forester, Professor of South Dakota State University, and South Dakota Extension, says towns nearby such as Vermillion and Yankton may see Emerald Ash Borer infestations as soon as a year or so away. He suggests referring to the Home … Continue reading
Are We There Yet?
Are we ready to plant transplants this start-stop spring? By the calendar, for sure. This is a view of our flower plants that will grow outdoors soon. In this USDA Hardiness 4-5a region, the air temperatures have been in the low 70’s F. most days. Still, the soil temperatures are lagging as expected. The transition … Continue reading
Garden Bloggers Bloom Day- May 15th
Welcome to Spring at Plant Exchange Blog on the Northern Plains, USDA Zone 4-5a. Recent soaking rain and 70-degree days are what deciduous trees, shrubs, and perennials have been waiting for! Native plum trees, an early sign of spring, often grow in thickets, planted mainly by birds. Fragrant flowers draw many small bees and other … Continue reading
Plants Adjust to Spring
Plants are adjusting to spring all around us. Multi-taskers (like humans), many trees, shrubs, and perennials are forming leaves and flowering. As many plants begin spring activity after dormancy, they need startup energy. Leaves use sunlight to make food. Extra energy is also required for flowering to start procreation. Plants like daffodils and tulips use … Continue reading
The Plum Tree Announces Spring
Scattered daffodils, tulips, hellebores, and grape hyacinths sing in four-part harmony as I look around the yard for the early signs of spring. It’s been a first mowing, edging, weeding, and removing more dregs of winter day. After windy, dry weather, there’s a chance of rain. Tight flower buds of the native plum tree (Prunus … Continue reading
We Appreciate Trees and Their Care Challenges
The city of Yankton soon celebrates Arbor Day. Urban forestry staff emphasizes the diversity of trees matched to growing sites and their care year-round, earning a 2023 Tree City USA designation by the Arbor Day Foundation in Nebraska. Nearby, Vermillion also meets the 2023 Tree City USA standards. Planting a tree is often part of … Continue reading
Dibbles and Bits
A reader shares a tip about seed-starting with benefits anytime you plant this season. An article on design for outdoor container gardens has a practical bent. An overlooked ironwood tree is highlighted. All subjects in the June 2023 Fine Gardening magazine are available for browsing at the Yankton Community Library. We bring our twist to today’s Plant Exchange Blog. >>>Tiny seeds can be hard … Continue reading
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