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Be observant
It’s been a different sort of winter. As gardeners, we need to pay close attention to what is happening in our landscapes as spring arrives.
- Watch for insects (see Marissa Schuh’s article).
- Feel your soil and water it if it's dry, followed by mulching (leaf mulch works great).
- Prune off winter dieback.
- And keep good records on how your plants are performing.
![Tall white flowers on a section of mown grass by a road.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/unmown-flowers-boulevard.jpg?h=00e18867&itok=r0GeukOE)
"No Mow May" might help pollinators, but can cause problems down the line for your lawn. You can still help both.
![Two people kneel in a field as they plant a large oak sapling.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Volunteers%20plant%20oak%20-%20Jeff%20Jackson.jpg?h=35f8e497&itok=yRXBsEeL)
These native trees are likely to thrive in the Twin Cities' future climate while supporting the small critters that make up the foundation of our ecosystem.
![A group of white grubs in the dirt.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/oodles-of-grubs.jpg?h=40dfd111&itok=m60qqtqv)
Now that most Minnesotans can see their lawns again after a record-breaking winter, some aren’t too happy with what the melt has revealed. People are noticing big, juicy white grubs feeding on their lawns.
Tropical milkweed is one type of milkweed advertised to support monarchs. But it has a complex and likely negative impact on the butterflies.
![Hazel in the understory of red pine forest](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Hazel-under-red-pine.jpg?h=46729dd6&itok=dgUYOn3b)
Advice on what to plant in the understory of your backyard woods for the greater Twin Cities metro region.
![Hands holding compost.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/istockphoto-489871228-612x612.jpg?h=48f6e558&itok=6iGaYwvb)
Findings from a 2022 study of compost use in community gardens suggest probably none.
![Lady bugs crawling on the inside of a window.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/malb-window-hahn.jpg?h=c8c3bf27&itok=CTkeiqu6)
With the springtime increase in temperature you may begin to notice insects in your home. Most of these insects are harmless, but they can be annoying when many of them are present.
![Shrub with branches with no flowers growing above branches at ground level that have flowers.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/forsythia-bud-dieback.jpg?h=470e2d05&itok=P0BXlHiD)
Winter damage can affect your plants, trees and shrubs. Learn how to protect them and help them recover.
Keep trees and shrubs healthy as the seasons change. Make it a goal to prune trees and shrubs annually.
![the Southern Research and Outreach Center.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/hoidal-rohwer-broccoli.jpeg?h=27ecc42e&itok=HIrZ7Cw2)
Extension researchers screened varieties of broccoli for tolerance to common diseases, as well as environmental challenges like warm fall nights and high heat in the summer.
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