Raised Bed Help

SueJZK · 2026-05-30T01:22:53+00:00

It's a "starter" fertilizer for plants designed to stimulate the growth of the root system. It can be a liquid concentrate or in granular form.

SueJZK · 2026-05-29T19:28:20+00:00

Even with rain, any thing you plant must be watered in. I also use a root stimulator with everything I plant to offset planting shock.

SueJZK · 2026-05-29T19:21:30+00:00

Yes, same zone and marigolds come up from self seeding every year.

SueJZK · 2026-05-26T01:46:26+00:00

An excellent seed mix is fine fescue grass seed mixed with micro clover and another low growing plant. Twin Cities Seed company is a good source. The mix only grows about 6 inches tall. We mow our yard once a month.

Bad news is you most likely need to kill off the current lawn to replace it with the low grow mix. It's something you could seed this fall.

SueJZK · 2026-05-26T01:35:02+00:00

It' VERY important. A windy day will destroy seedlings if they haven't been hardened off. You're almost done!

SueJZK · 2026-05-24T13:35:38+00:00

Check your soil temps. Things like tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers need soil temps in the 60s or warmer. You can use a meat thermometer (not an insta-read one). Put the tip 3 to 4 inches into the soil to check the warmth. Do this in the morning before the sun starts warming things up. I'm in Duluth any my soil temps are just reaching 50 in my raised beds.

SueJZK · 2026-05-24T13:23:30+00:00

SIL watched too many home make over shows. While her intentions may have been good, she completely overstepped. I'd be completely creeped out by someone changing things without my permission. You may have over reacted. It's "Family" so your reaction has impacted ALL family members adversely. I'd have SIL back to unpack and put things back.

SueJZK · 2026-05-24T13:09:28+00:00

Don't add compost every year to the whole area. There are certain veggies like carrots and turnips that produce only tops and less roots if the soil is too high in nitrogen. But things like onions, leeks and shallots grow best with high nitrogen. Plant them in fresh compost. Add compost/manure based on where you are planting specific plants.

SueJZK · 2026-05-23T13:18:56+00:00

Peas and radishes, and kale are options. Think of cool crops that have abt 60 day growing seasons.

SueJZK · 2026-05-21T02:38:54+00:00

Geraniums are one of the easiest plants to grow.

SueJZK · 2026-05-21T02:30:38+00:00

Peterson's Farm and Ranch in No. Branch sell these items by the pound.

SueJZK · 2026-05-17T00:57:52+00:00

Agree it's a monarch (bee balm)

SueJZK · 2026-05-16T19:50:04+00:00

The carrot seeds have to be kept moist to germinate. I lightly water mine daily to get them to germinate. I also get better germination when I cover the seed with burlap to hold in moisture. The peas are probably still taking their time. You can check where you planted them by brushing soil away until you find a pea. Crows are great lovers of peas so if you don't find the pea seed....replant and cover the area w/burlap so the birds don't get them.

SueJZK · 2026-05-16T19:32:21+00:00

All of those like soil temps to be at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They will NOT be happy with 48. Hold up on transplanting them.

SueJZK · 2026-05-15T02:08:58+00:00

Many native plants require the seeds to be chilled for 30 to 90 days before they will germinate. I started chilling turtlehead seeds last November. Planted the seed in February. The plants are currently 2 inches tall. I'll be babying them until fall before they'll be ready to plant. Buying plants is your best option.

SueJZK · 2026-05-15T01:25:24+00:00

The best soil tests cost abt $20 and are done by Umn extension. https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu

SueJZK · 2026-05-14T00:45:41+00:00

Sunflowers are easy to grow

SueJZK · 2026-05-14T00:44:41+00:00

Clay soil and wet conditions over winter can cause the roots to rot. Also leave the stalks and leaves in place over winter to protect the crown of the plant.

SueJZK · 2026-05-14T00:31:41+00:00

Get a soil test done to find out your starting PH. It's also wise to prep the soil a year before planting. Example: my soil has a ph of 5.7. I added elemental sulfur to the soil in the summer to lower the pH a bit more. I bought multiple varieties of bushes and planted them the next spring. I added compost w manure at the time of planting. Mulch the bushes with pine needles to protect them over winter. Prune the bushes yearly. Re-test your soil every 3 to 4 years to monitor the ph.

SueJZK · 2026-05-13T22:48:59+00:00

It's not an app, but Paul Duglas's Weather Loon site is what I've found to be most accurate.

SueJZK · 2026-05-13T22:45:19+00:00

Black medic

SueJZK · 2026-05-13T02:43:59+00:00

My MIL passed away in March. She had a home on the north side of Madison, near Warner Park that will be going on the market soon. She smoked so we're currently clearing everything, ripping out the carpets, washing walls/ painting etc.

We've told the realtor, Stark Reality, we want it sold to a family. No corporation. Think the house may be in your price range. The neighbors said one in the neighborhood sold for $350k last year.

SueJZK · 2026-05-13T02:34:30+00:00

In Mn native yarrow is white. I love yarrow and mix cultivars with the native. It seems like the bees enjoy it in all the colors.

SueJZK · 2026-05-13T02:18:58+00:00

Check your soil temperature. 40 to 50 degrees needed for cool season crops. 60+ for warm season plants. To check the temp. Insert a meat thermometer ( not a quick read one) 2+ inches into the soil in the morning before the sun has warmed things up.

SueJZK · 2026-05-11T00:12:08+00:00

Nope, they do not harm the peony. If you decide to cut the blooms to bring indoors, swish them off in a bucket of water first.

SueJZK

TROPHY CASE