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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.
![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.
![Close up of two red clover flowers.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/red-clover_0.jpg?h=5949c532&itok=iExgDe-_)
Extension's new guide to cover crops recommends plants that are well suited to various windows of time during a vegetable rotation for gardeners and farmers alike.
![Lawn with dead areas of clumped dirt.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/bumpy-dead-lawn.jpg?h=2342fd05&itok=Dt3u0amw)
Grubs? Animals? What's causing this lawn to die?
![Bushy mounded plant with gold, green and bronze leaves with a small offshoot.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/coral-bells-Heuchera-Electra.jpg?h=8e870d35&itok=i967Zv91)
Spring is a great time to divide many of our favorite herbaceous garden perennials. Find out how often to divide perennials and which ones you just shouldn’t divide.
Many gardeners have land that they may not be using, or that could be used differently. Learn how you can facilitate land access for beginning farmers and folks who have limited space to garden.
Review some best practices for gardening on decks, in containers and raised beds, and avoid problems in your small garden.
![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.
![Hands holding a large chunk of dark soil with cover crops and visible roots.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/cover-crop-live-roots.jpg?h=8bfb8876&itok=Xw9tU1vS)
Adding organic materials to your garden, in combination with soil testing, is an ideal way to promote soil, plant and environmental health. But it is possible to have too much organic matter in your soil.
![Big leafy green plant with white fluffy flowers by a garage.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/bohemian-knotweed.jpeg?h=8ee644ec&itok=1nBFNAWa)
Knotweed was once a prized ornamental in the 1800s but is now recognized as an invasive plant.
![Catmint with purple flowers.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Catmint-blooming.jpg?h=71fa6866&itok=vUTDq7G5)
Catmints are an attractive addition to landscapes and attract pollinators. While catnip can be a weedy challenge for gardeners. Cats like them both.
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