Garden Bite with Teri Knight

Those of us gardening in the North have been itching to garden since Mother Nature has given us some outrageous warm temps. But, please don't scratch! Learn all the why nots on today's Garden Bite! And check out GardenBite.comfor more!

NASA did a study over 30 years ago giving houseplant lovers lots of excuses to buy more plants! That's good but the air-purifying qualities don't match up. So, what do plants DO? Find out on today's Garden Bite and check out my website for all the links more on why that study was debunked by those well above my pay grade! Let me know what you think.

Winter seems to have come early in my zone 4 area of Minnesota! Should you rake the leaves? What about your perennials? Cut them back or not. There are advantages and disadvantages to these options. Find more on today's episode and be sure to check out my website GardenBite.com for pictures and more!

There's a weird growth on my coneflowers? Oh no! What is it? On today's Garden Bite I share lots of information on what it could be and what it is. Check out mywebsitefor photos too.

Teri is interviewed by Jeff Johnson of KYMN radio regarding closing her gardening show on radio and her 31 year career on the air at various radio stations around the country. Teri remains very much into gardening and will continue to share here various adventures! Check out her website too! Garden Bite

In March of 2007 I started this 2 minute radio program after being approached by a local media distribution company. My background in radio and television along with becoming a Master Gardener in 2003 cemented my desire to create this show. I have loved producing a space for home gardeners who yearn to learn without feeling judged. Providing a fun, inclusive atmosphere and sharing my “nibbles of knowledge on all things in the garden”. Take a listen to today's show and see lots of photos and links! While I close THIS chapter, I will continue with my website, facebook and instagram pages and urge you to reach out to me through those channels and my email: tkgardenbite@gmail.com. I also intend on finishing and getting my first book published next year.

On today's Garden Bite I share a little history of Arbor Day and discuss the importance of planting diversity in your landscape as well as sharing a great under utilized tree. Check it out!

Trees and grass were never meant to live together... that's from my Arborist friend, Faith. Trees are in forests, they shade the typical grass. They are both wanting sun and water. Learn more about why they don't relate and how, if you must have grass, what types are best to grow around atree on today's Garden Bite.

You could say Benjamin Vogt "coined" the term Prairie Up. He's an author I've interviewed a few times for his passion to change the homeowner landscape. I share his message but in a more tempered way. I have been taking small chunks of my lawn away and planting gardens, skipping chemicals and more. Learn about it on today's Garden Bite.

Check out my website,gardenbite.com, for the links and more information! Today I want to focus on a popular initiative that is getting a 2nd look. That is No Mow May. The idea of it was to assist pollinators by allowing early flowering, however, I recently received information from University of Minnesota Extension turfgrass educator, Jon Trappe, wherein he explains that the trend was first promoted by a research paper that has since been retracted!

Tomorrow is Earth Day. Check out today's Garden Bite websitefor Green Ideas and consider how we have damaged our planet, how we are working to help it and also just how damn beautiful it is! Let's celebrate our Earth!

I don’t have a bog or a pond but I know folks who do! Today I’m sharing some great ideas from my new favorite book, “A Northern Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants and Pollinators”. Bogs and ponds are unique. Follow today'sGarden Bite for a lot more information and check out my website.

Everyone I talk to is SO excited for gardening season this year. I love it! I spotted a beautiful verbena I plan to use in at least 1 container! ‘Sparkling Amethyst’ is a stunner. Sharing more fun plants for 2023 on today's Garden Bite.

My local gardener friends are giddy. The 2022/23 winter was long but finally we’re on the other side with warm temperatures and drought conditions over, our local garden center flowers are on full display. Today I'm sharing some new annuals for 2023. Check them out on my websitetoo.

If you planted seeds indoors, you’re seeing sprouts now. I’ve got okra coming big time! Tomatoes, peppers and more. Now is the time to give them some extra attention. Today's Garden Bite is all about it. Check out my website for pics and more info.

Trends can be fun. Trends can also be wolves in sheep's clothing. One of the latest trends plays on our desire to help pollinators. Bee hotels. While there is one good thing, they can help introduce kids to caring for our bees, they can also injure those said bees. I know, it seems like every time we try to do something good, research shows us to be more careful. Listen to my podcast and check out today's Garden Bite website to learn more.

I shared about my favorite new book on Monday, “A Northern Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants and Pollinators”. Today I include some of their information on planting the “Hell Strip” also known as the boulevard. I've also planted many of the natives they talk about and share those photos onmy website, Garden Bite.

A look at some darling shrubs for containers on today's Garden Bite. These are zone 4 shrubs and a bonus zone 5 butterfly bush. Perfect for small space landscapes, you can plant them in containers, move them around or plant them in your landscape.

Rain barrels can save about 1300 gallons of water a year for homeowners! Learn more and my journey of a frozen barrel on today's Garden Bite as well as a look at what I want to build for a compost bin!

I am so excited to share this new book with you. I received a copy from the publisher to review and, I have to say, I am more than happy to report “A Northern Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants and Pollinators, creating habitat in the Northeast, Great Lakes and Upper Midwest” by Lorraine Johnson and Sheila Colla, is even better than I anticipated. Check out mywebsite for photos and more information!

Sunday is Easter and there's no plant more associated with the Christian holiday than the Easter lily. On today's Garden Bite I share how to choose your Easter lily and the best way to care for it to prolong it's life. Also you'll find out how to plant it outdoors!

I read a statement from a reputable website that stated information regarding mulch. It's wrong IMHO. Today's Garden Bite is about what NOT to use and the best types of mulch for your landscape. One type in particular for pest resistance and another that's renewable! Check it out. PS, I haven't used the particular website that I won't mention after seeing several missteps. Again, it's my opinion after gathering a lot more information and my own experience.

Winter's been rough and although it WAS mostly over in my area, we just got dumped on again. On today's Garden Bite I share information on critter damage, how to tell what animal is doing the damage and what you can and cannot do.

In spite of the weather (snow) I started my tomato and pepper seeds. Learn more on today's Garden Biteand some tips to keep your costs down. There's really no need for a fancy grow light. Check it out and see what varieties I've planted on my website!

I’ve seen the buzz lately in trade magazines and websites discussing the fact that our climate zones are NOT absolute. This isn’t really NEW news but it IS news that backyard weed warriors or weekend gardeners don’t really think about. Again, it's about microclimates but I go a little deeper on today's Garden Bite.

On today's Garden Bite, I’m sharing some fabulous native perennials for those understory areas of your landscape. Instead of surrounding your trees with rocks, which we know is a no-no, plant some companions that will help ward off weeds and add some flare! Take a listen and a look on my website.

On today's Garden Bite I'm sharing a couple of gorgeous 2023 hydrangea introductions from Bailey Nurseries in my home state, Minnesota. Take a listen and a look on my website. 'Pop Star' is a perfect compact newcomer while 'Berry White' will grow tall and stunning.

On today's Garden Bite I share great native plants to attract birds to your landscape. These plants are vital in that they attract insects the birds need to feed their young. Natives also serve as safe nesting sites and perches.

The sap is flowing and you can make your own tree syrup. I use that term as maples aren't the only trees that you can tap for syrup. On today'sGarden Bite I share details on the trees, the process and interesting information on where this happens and the precise temps needed.

Last week I talked about the depletion of peat bogs due to it's incredible value in the gardening industry. Today's Garden Bite is about options. Other forms of natural elements that can do about the same thing as peat including moisture retention, drainage and soil amending. Listen in and find more information on my website.

The Spring Equinox took place Monday but many of us are still dealing with snowy, wet, soggy soil. While our "garden muscles" want to go out into the landscape and start assessing and cutting back perennials and grasses; we need to tiptoe. On today's Garden Bite I share the do's and don'ts along with maps to frost depths and more.

Crop rotation isn't just for farmers. Different vegetables use different nutrients in the soil, and many the same, so crop rotation can really help your soil. You can "feed" it by planting in rotations of plant that are givers and takers. Learn much more on today's Garden Bite.

As mentioned yesterday I was at a Horticulture Day and was really looking forward to the main speaker, Meg McAndrews Cowden. She, sadly, had laryngitis and wasn’t able to give her talk on Gardening in a New Climate. However, her notes were in our materials and I share some of them with you on today's Garden Bite. I have talked many times about using natives, Meg expands with more on vegetable growing and extending seasons.

I was at a recent Horticulture Day and loved a presentation by an Extension Educator in Minnesota who told stories of people who had no clue on how they were contributing to the death of their trees. They're expensive, long term investments. Learn the to-do's and NOT to-do's when planting and caring for your trees on today's Garden Bite. There are lots of pictures too.

Hello, Spring? Where are you? Today is YOUR big day and I haven’t heard a peep out of you. Seriously we’re all getting a bit concerned! We have the itch to get out into our landscapes but many of us are still either snow covered or wet and soggy. Learn more about that and the Equinox as well as who called this day "The Return of the Sun Serpent" on today's Garden Bite.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! A perennial question has to do with whether there really is a plant called "Shamrock" and if not, where did that name come from. I tell you on today'sGarden Bite. A little history 'Bite and a lot of green on today's post! 

It's the bout of the century! No, just kidding. I get asked what the difference is between these two beautiful shrubs, Rhododendrons and Azaleas. There are answers on today's Garden Bitealong with some beautiful photos on my website. One thing they both need is a more acidic soil. 

Instead of a carpet of snow, how about a 2023 introduction of an AAS winner called 'Carpet Angel'? This is a new Shasta Daisy that would make a fabulous groundcover. I share it on today's Garden Bite along with one of my favorite annuals. A new African Daisy in the Bright Lights series. Take a listen and a look and let me know what you think! 

There's a growing movement to end the use of peat moss in gardening. There are a lot of articles on the matter and like any resource, humans tend to overuse it. Is it renewable? Are there alternatives? Take a listen and a look on my website for today'sGarden Bite and the "possible" answers to those questions. 

This old fashioned plant is not native. At least the "common" bleeding heart, however, there are natives to North America and you likely have seen them. Learn all about Bleeding Hearts, this wonderful plant for shadier areas. Also check out a cultivar introduced just last year, 2022, on today's Garden Bite. 

Change is gonna come into the garden. Whether is weather (like the winter of 2022/23) or something we've done or a hungry critter has changed; our landscapes are always changing. Plants growing or not growing. Check out today's Garden Bite for pointers on those times when change happens. 

March is here but for those of us in cold climates, and this winter in particular!, our weather just isn’t suitable for outside growing yet! In come microgreens! They are really popular and super easy indoors. Check out today's Garden Bite for all the dirt on growing microgreens. 

From now to about mid-April you can start planting seeds indoors. Be sure to adjust for YOUR climate zone. I am focusing on zone 4 mostly but that can translate to areas of 3 and 5 also. Find a list of dates of when to plant what along with detailed instructions and a video too on today's Garden Bite. 

Admittedly I was not much of a fan of spirea but, wow, have they come a long way. National Garden Bureau has named their shrub of the year for 2023, it’s Spirea! With nearly 100 unique species, NGB reports that this hardy group of plants boasts a wide range of colorful foliage ranging from blue to yellow, red, to orange, and everything in between. Check out some beauties and get more info on today's Garden Bite. Email me at tkgardenbite@gmail.com. 

Prairie Moon is a native seed company that I utilize a lot! There recent catalog shares many host plants for butterflies and moths. I share some of them with you today. It's amazing the colors of these insects that we often pay no attention to or simply don't see. I would LOVE to hear from you! Contact me at tkgardenbite@gmail.com and take a look on today's Garden Bite! 

While I don't enjoy the "news" much, I do enjoy reading the Sunday newspaper (crossword a fav) spread across the kitchen table and a cup of coffee within reach. Recycling your newspaper is, of course a good idea, but there are other ways to repurpose it. Learn more on today's Garden Bite. 

Bareroot plants are a great way to get more bang for your buck. Learn more about bareroot planting on today'sGarden Bite. They do have some special requirements but they also tolerate being planted as soon as the soil is thawed. No waiting for warmer temperatures! Now is the time to start ordering them. 

Winter will end... you can get a jump on those summer blooming bulbs. On today's Garden BiteI share the how-to's and also include a video from another expert! Listen up and take a look at my website for more including the 2023 Caladium of the Year! It's a stunner. 

After huge snowfalls, ice, cold and more, Garden Bite is anxious to talk about some new shrubs for 2023. Let's put a bow on February with some fun new shrubs. Listen up and take a peek on my website too! 

Did you love "catching" fireflies as a kid? Maybe you call them Lightning bugs. On today's Garden BiteI talk about the loss of fireflies, what's happening and the plants that attract them. Did you know there are over 150 species of fireflies in the U.S? Learn more on my website too. 

Genetically modified organisms, hybridizing, genetically engineered. Ag science is huge and growing, no pun intended. On today's Garden Bite I offer more information on the topic. But it's a large topic. Keep in mind that genetic modification takes place all the time in nature, including humans! 

It's all about small space gardening on today's Garden Bite. What vegetables to grow in containers and what sizes are best for the plants needs. A chart is included on my website. And don't forget a lovely shrub for your container too! 

Tis the season of seeds! A perennial topic this time of year as we really start the gears rolling on early seed starting. I have some definitions to terms that can come in handy on today's Garden Bite. What's a cultivar? What is the meaning of GMO and GE? 

Proven Winners is a major plant breeder. They have put out a list of the most popular annuals for 2023 based on what their customers, greenhouses and nurseries, are looking to purchase. Take a listen and take a peek on today's Garden Bite! 

As you know, Garden Bite was in Mexico a couple of weeks ago. I managed to take a few pictures! HA. Trying to identify plant life is quite the adventure in itself. Take a look and tell me if YOU know what some of those plants are. Find Garden Bite on the web, on Facebook, Instagram and also Twitter. Although Twitter isn't my favorite platform! You can email me at tkgardenbite@gmail.com and please share my podcasts! 

We have many invasive plants and insects that affect our ecosystems. It’s hard to imagine NOT having them based on the fact that humans are a traveling invasive species! But they're not all from other countries and some are deliberately brought here. Learn much more on today'sGarden Bite. 

Is planting trees enough to reverse climate change? Short answer: no. We put a LOT of emphasis on planting more trees, there are incentives and such. While that's great, it's not enough. My friend and arborist shares some great information which I share with you on today's Garden Bite. Planting forests and not destroying what we have makes even more sense. 

Years ago, I lived on 5 acres in Lakeville, MN.  While wandering through the woods, I discovered smurf blue stains in the snow! It was quite the research project to find what in the heck it was! Learn all about it on today's Garden Bite. This 2022/23 winter has brought the mystery of the blue stains in the snow back to the forefront! 

Be with someone you love, do something you love, eat something you love, grow something you love! And find Valentines Day traditions around the world on today's Garden Bite. Germany, France, Japan and more! Who do YOU think is the most romantic?

Tomorrow's Valentines Day! What do the colors of flowers symbolize? You might want to know before you give them flowers as your receiver might know and you don't want to give the wrong message! That's on today'sGarden Bite. 

Now through early spring is the best time to prune MOST trees and shrubs. On today's Garden Bite I share why now, how to and what NOT to prune now! PS, see you all here next week when I return from vacation! 

So you think you can't grow vegetables in less than 6 to 8 hours of sun? Oh, not so. On today's Garden Bite I have several options for varying degrees of sun/shade conditions. Take a peek on my website too! 

Milkweed is THE plant for the Monarch butterfly and more but did you know there's more than one milkweed?  Take a peek at today's Garden Bite to see the other milkweeds that fit into other types of landscapes. This is a repeat from 2022,  here's alink to this episode. I'll be back to new Garden Bites next week! 

Garden Bite is on vacation thru this week. My posts are from 2022 this week... Enjoy.   As we continue to deal with climate change, record temps high and low, increased drought and floods, there’s a change of climate in the gardening world in several ways including how we view trees and the planting of them. Along with other ways for we humans to help our planet. I'll be offering more on this topic next week. Clickhere for the link to this episode on my website. 

This is a repeat from 2022 as Garden Bite is on vacation!! Plant some seeds in a container that forms a greenhouse effect and set them outside. Cheap, easy and allows for the seeds to be ready to plant in your garden when the soil warms up! Plus check out the video on today's Garden Bite. 

Last year I planted quite a few sunflowers in support of Ukraine. The bonus was how many bees and birds enjoyed them! Perusing my Burpee catalog I came across a new sunflower 'Creme Brulee' and a beautiful new coneflower 'Pretty Parasols'. I share them on today's Garden Bitealong with photos from last year's fun with sunflowers! 

It's been a tough winter with LOTS of snow, major ice dams and plenty of crashes on the roads. Salt, at this time, is a necessity for humans but it does mess with many of our plants. On today's Garden BiteI talk about the damage and some native salt tolerant plants to consider for areas you know the salt trucks will be hitting inadvertently and your sidewalk areas! 

Emerald Ash Borer continues to decimate our Ash Trees. The USDA reported on Jan. 5th, 2023, that the insect is now in 36 states and has killed tens of millions of trees. Is there hope? Find out on today's Garden Bite and also take a look at some great alternatives. Diversity is key! 

Pericallis are plants you’ll instantly know but their name doesn’t really roll off the tongue! They remind me of daisies but come in many colors and are annuals for most of us! They are perfect for spring containers, take a peek at Gardenbite.com and learn more about them... or just take a break and ogle some pretty plants. 

Rethinking the lawn is definitely trending for 2023. On today's Garden Bite I continue talking about Benjamin Vogt's new book and share ideas and thoughts on introducing yourself and your neighbors to a new kind of lawn that invites pollinators, helps with cleaner water and air and is much quieter without that lawn mower! 

The plant catalogs have been arriving or you’ve been googling and finding all kinds of fun plants. Every year, and 2023 is no different, I get questions from listeners about plant catalog terms. For instance, what does slow-to-bolt mean? I answer those queries on today's Garden Bite. 

Companion planting has been around for generations. On today's Garden Bite I share information from a couple of sources. While not always supported by University based information, one of those resources was one of my Master Gardener instructors! Take a look on my website and learn how some herbs and vegetables compliment each other in the garden and others do not. 

Late 2022 and into 2023, winter has been harsh for critters and that means they've been nibbling on shrubs even more! My dwarf burning bush is even shorter. Today's Garden Bite is about the damage and ways to prevent it.  

Air Plants have been trending for a while and remain very popular in 2023. They require very little but what they do require is important to know! Check out today's Garden Bitefor the plants, their care and some of the ways they're displayed. 

Today I’m sharing an annual, a shrub, if you prefer, and an edible. I discovered these 2023 offerings I found through the National Garden Bureau where I’m a member. Check outmy websitefor a look at all these wonderful new plants. 

We're into the 3rd week of January and perhaps you've already blown through your resolutions... or you're more disciplined? Today's Garden Bite is about plant resolutions! Ways to help us garden better.  Garden Bite. 

Cacti and succulents are very popular plants. On today's Garden Bite I discuss the differences between the two. While some think they like the same conditions, really their care is slightly different. There's a saying that "all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti". Learn more on today's 'Bite! 

In the world of succulents, Strings of Plants have gained significant popularity both among plant aficionados and home decorators. And with good reason. On today's Garden Bite I share lots of these beauties and their care. Take a look on my websitetoo.  

I'm going to do it! I'm going to try okra. On today's Garden BiteI share a couple of other seeds I received from All America Selections. A red okra that is beautiful and, apparently, quite tasty. This plant looks nothing like I thought it would. Maybe because I'm from the North and had okra once decades ago in New Orleans! Take a peek at a compact nasturtium called 'Baby Rose' that I'll be planting too. 

Depending on who you talk to and the conditions of frozen soil and spring thaw, you'll find different answers on how the crazy winter weather will affect drought conditions across the US. On today's Garden Bite I talk about those conditions necessary to help us get out of drought. 

Lighting for our houseplants is always an interesting topic in the dead of winter! With short days and homes that don't always have a lot of light anyway it can be challenging. I talk about the full spectrum of lights on today's Garden Bite and share more information on what that really is on my website. 

In 5 easy ways! Seriously I get numerous questions this time of year from people wondering why their plant isn't thriving. On today's Garden Bite I share some possible explanations and how to combat them. Tomorrow I'll talk about various lighting methods. My website. 

My niece has asked me to help her landscape her yard. These are her rules: nothing that takes any time and no hosta! How is she even related to me? HA. I'm about to break some news to her. First there will always be some time to give to your landscape, even the "easy" ones and there are 2 new types of hosta with frilly leaves that should knock her socks off. Take a look on today's Garden Bite. 

Who is PPA and what perennial have they picked for 2023. On today'sGarden Bite I share it all! This perennial is hardy to zone 4 and a real winner, another AAS winner! 

I was recently sent seeds from AAS, All America Selections, to try. I will be setting up an area in a spare bedroom to get these started! I was so excited to see some of the tomato varieties that I wanted to share them with you! Today's Garden Bite highlights 5 disease resistant tomato winners from cherry to heirloom looking! 

Today is the Epiphany. On today's Garden BiteI share traditions around the world and also what to do with your fresh cut tree. How to dispose of it and/or recycle it for wildlife and what some now say we shouldn't do. 

Time and Teri-tested ways to ruin your garden! HA, there are plenty of ways to make gardening more difficult. On today's Garden Bite I share a few ways that can make your gardening experience a bit less pleasant! Take a listen and be sure to check out my website. 

I've talked about this topic before but it does bear repeating, especially in winter. Our leaves get really dusty over time. That layer of "gunk", be it dust or even airborne grease from cooking, creates a layer that inhibits plants from doing what we want them to do. Especially in Winter. Clear the air! Take a look at my website for pics and a video too. 

Does it matter if a plant pot is round or square? What about rectangular? On today's Garden Bite I share info on thereal differences in terms of soil and the number of plants that can go into certain planters. Plus a peek at some of my planters. 

Whoa, Christmas week 2022 Blizzard was one to remember across much of the Country. What happens to our plants, should we prune, how to prune and the good thing about snowcover is all on today'sGarden Bite. I also received a variety of seed from AAS, see two of the new plants and what the "pelleted" seed means. 

It's all about the Bubbly today! Champagne history and it's twists on today's Garden Bite. Here's to 2023! May it be YOUR BEST YEAR YET! And be sure  to continue to follow Garden Bite for nibbles of knowledge on all things in the garden! 

What is bottom watering? On today's Garden BiteI share which plants do best being watered from the bottom and, of course, how to do it! Take a listen and be sure to go to my website too! 

Oh what a topic to end a year and begin a new one! Today's Garden Bite is about the top mistakes gardeners (new and old) make and how we can "correct" at least some of them! 

Proven Winners is a brand of plant propagators around the world. Today's Garden Bite introducing you to a few 2023 perennials you'll see in garden centers around the U.S. 

It's cold in much of the country, the birds are looking for sustenance. Today's Garden Bite is a few more tips on taking care of them. 

It's that time of year! I share my Gardeners version of the classic, Twas the Night Before Christmas on Garden Bite. I wrote it back in 2007 and it tradition for me to share it. Take a listen! 

Today'sGarden Bitehighlights Christmas color caladiums! And a bonus of another gorgeous variety. These tubers are outstanding and can be grown outdoors on indoors! 

Yay, it's the shortest day of the year!! That means LONGER days are headed our way. Learn more about the Winter Solstice 2022 and celebrations around the world on today's Garden Bite. 

This native plant, American lotus, has a lot to offer. Beauty, seedpods and excellent for ponds. It was also used in cooking. Take a look on today's Garden Bite and learn about this plant whose seedpods are used in all kinds of decorations! Garden Bite.