outdoors

100 years of University of Minnesota apple breeding

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Minnehaha apple with cross-section from the National Fruit Collection (1951-024) One hundred years ago, in 1920, the University of Minnesota introduced its first apple named Minnehaha. In 1921 came Wedge and Folwell. And in 1922, the...

Establish winter habitats for backyard animals

Preparing a property for winter involves putting away lawn furniture, raking leaves and removing any annual plants that have shriveled up and spent the last of their energy. It can be tempting to want to clean up completely and leave a blank slate in the yard. But by doing so, you may be robbing...

Apple picking pointers

Apple picking is a beloved autumn tradition. While many traditions had to be put on the back burner as the world dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, apple picking seems like one activity that can endure in a world dominated by social distancing. Apple picking season tends to begin in mid- to late-...

Dogs, cats, deer, the neighbor's cows? Animals in the growing area during harvest and what to do about it

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu What are the risks with animals? Cats are often welcome farm pets, but should not be allowed to roam in the growing area Image: Produce Safety Alliance Fresh fruits and vegetables are grown in soil, under the sky and near both wild...

What to do to prepare your garden for winter

Gardens provide an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In fact, many gardening enthusiasts typically cannot wait for the spring thaw so they can spend the next several months tending to their plants under the warm sun. But a gardener's work is never truly done, and the work...

What you can do to help local wildlife

As the world's population has increased, so, too, has the need to accommodate such growth. Areas that were wild as recently as 100 years ago may have long since been overrun by housing and urban development, leaving little space for local wildlife to call home. According to the World Wildlife...

Apply to the Extension Master Gardener program through Oct. 1

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Gardening enthusiasts throughout the state are encouraged to apply to become a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener. The application period is open through Oct. 1. Extension Master Gardeners bring science-based horticulture...

Fall turf grass problems? Grubs might be the culprit

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu If you are noticing ugly, dead patches in your lawn, you might have an active population of white grubs. White grubs can cause serious damage to turfgrass. Their feeding injures plant roots, causing the turf to wilt and die. Symptoms of...

How to effectively freeze vegetables

To say that COVID-19 transformed daily life would be an understatement. Few, if any, aspects of life were untouched once the virus hit. One aspect of daily life that changed considerably is the way people shop for food. As recommendations to remain home and out of crowded places spread, many people...

How to prepare youngsters for their first hunting trip

A young person's first hunting trip can be an incredible experience, sparking a lifelong love and appreciation for nature and wildlife. Parents who grew up hunting likely remember their first hunting trip and want to recreate that experience for their own children. As memorable as a first hunting...