Want to garden without the hassle? 50’ x 50’ plots are still available in the Kimball Community Gardens, tilled and ready to plant. Water available on-site. Call Rose at (320) 398-5552. (Cost is $25.)
Extension Entomologist Jeffrey Hahn has some tips for homeowners dealing with nuisance pests this spring. Beginning in March, homeowners have been having problems with nuisance insects in their homes, especially cluster flies, Boxelder bugs, and (multicolored Asian) lady beetles. Fortunately, these insects are harmless, although they can be annoying, especially when a lot of them are present. Here are a few things to keep in mind when dealing with these insects.
• First, it is important to know that these insects are not reproducing indoors. Because they emerge from their hiding places periodically throughout the winter and early spring, it appears they are laying eggs and their offspring are emerging. In fact, all of the insects you see now entered your home last fall. They hibernate in balls or clusters in wall voids, attics, and similar areas. As the temperatures warm, the insects in the outer layers become active first and then emerge into the living quarters of the home, explaining why they do not all become active at the same time.
After the April we’ve had, May has got to have clearer skies. Let’s hope so, anyway.
We’ll need those clear skies to see Jupiter, Venus and Mercury perform an intricate dance during the second half of May. Jupiter, in the west, is dropping from the sky as Earth leaves it behind in the orbital race; meanwhile, Venus and Mercury are climbing into the evening sky as they catch up to Earth. Mercury, being closer to the sun, is faster and outstrips Venus.
Roses have long been America’s favorite flower. Learn more about growing roses in your landscape and overall rose care at Rose Education Day Saturday, April 27, at the Whitney Senior Center, 1527 Northway Drive, St. Cloud. Registration for this free workshop will take place from 8-8:30 a.m. with three educational sessions beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 11:30 a.m.
Registrants will participate in three presentations by American Rose Society consulting rosarians, Master Gardeners and experienced rose growers. Clemens Gardens Rose Specialist, Stearns County Master Gardener and Granite City Rose Society President, Deb Keiser, will begin the day with, “Basic Rose Care.” Stearns County Master Gardener Joan Andersen will follow with a presentation on, “Using Hardy Shrub Roses in the Garden.” Finally, Deb Keiser and ARS Consulting Rosarian Tom Roi will instruct participants in a hands-on pruning workshop.
Hosted by Benton County Master Gardeners
The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners of Benton County would like to invite you to attend their final Spring Gardening Seminar. There is no charge to attend and it is open for all those interested.
The seminar will be at 7 p.m. Monday, April 29, at the Watab Township Hall. The Watab Township Hall is located at 660-75th St NW, Sauk Rapids, west of the intersection of Highway 10 and County Road 4 (Pirates Cove Road).
Dakota County Master Gardener JoAnn Sabin will present, “The Seven Deadly Gardening Sins.” No pre-registration is necessary to attend this seminar. Any questions can be directed to the Stearns County Extension office at (320) 255-6169.