If you go out to your garden and discover an insect invasion, the first thing you need to do is identify the invader in question.
You might think that fertilizing these stressed plants is the answer. However, this could be exactly the wrong thing to do!
![Grassy green and yellow striped mounded plant.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/spring-sedge-Beatlemania.jpg?h=fedbb6ff&itok=tP6SFJ65)
Ground covers can cover an area of your yard or garden for one season, a few seasons, or many years. They reduce weed pressure and add beauty, and also enhance soil health, provide food and habitat for pollinators, and reduce soil erosion.
![Students planting tree](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/img_3966.jpg?itok=HM6NBxt4)
Adding trees and shrubs to your landscape can help protect soil and water resources, sequester carbon, increase wildlife habitat, and provide edible fruits and nuts.
![rusty patched bumble bee on white flower](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/rusty-patch-bumble-bee.jpg?h=4d9b0a71&itok=OtwN7G5G)
Because the rusty patched bumble bee is so uncommon, researchers haven’t been able to observe nesting behaviors for over 25 years. But that has begun to change.
Review some best practices for gardening on decks, in containers and raised beds, and avoid problems in your small garden.
![Students plant an apple tree](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/img_3966.jpg?itok=HM6NBxt4)
Spring is a great time of year to plant trees and shrubs. The timing enables roots to grow into the surrounding soil before stress due to new foliage growth and high temperatures occurs. Follow these five “best practices” to give your new trees and shrubs the best start possible.
![A worm on top of the soil](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/jumping%20worm%2C%20Flickr%20by%20Alfredo%20Eloisa.jpg?h=dcb399b2&itok=xUNZwv7o)
Jumping worms are a new and unwelcome invasive species in Minnesota. Learn how to prevent accidental spread of this nuisance worm to your landscape.
![potato plant](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Potatoes%20grwon%20in%20mulch.jpg?h=c9f71a6a&itok=EffyO0sI)
If you haven’t thought about potatoes yet, now is a great time to select varieties and think about planting once the weather cooperates. Potatoes are grown from seed tubers, not true seed.
![Patchy spring lawn](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/spring%20lawn%20%285-25-21%29.jpg?itok=2F1jZAkJ)
Following are some tips for early spring lawn care: what you can do, and, most importantly, what you should wait to do. Remember, with all things gardening, patience is a virtue!