Let's partner to build something great. OSU grad.

I am closing on my first home this spring and plan to turn most of the yard into a native Minnesota prairie from seed (little bluestem, sideoats grama, similar prairie grasses plus native forbs, etc). I'm wondering if using something like Dutch white clover while the grass/forb seeds are getting established would help out-compete weeds. I'll be using dutch white clover elsewhere overseeded in the turf yard that I plan to keep. The site is a smallish lot in St. Paul. I haven't done a soil test yet but I assume it's in bad shape.

Hello, This past spring I planted a bare root Nanaimo peach tree in my backyard. I pruned it back to scaffolding branches when I planted it and it grew wonderfully. However, a few months ago when the weather was turning for fall, I noticed some sap oozing from the areas where I pruned off branches in the spring. I did not think much of it at the time. However, today I noticed some blackening near the branch collars of the scaffold branches and some sap in the crotch where a scaffold branch meets the tree. The crotches of the new growth from the spring do not show discoloration or oozing, only the original scaffold branches do. Are the changes in my tree normal damage from freeze and thaw cycles of winter or does my peach have a fungus/disease? The tree does not appear to have any dying branches and has set a lot of healthy looking buds for next year. I have attached some photos of my tree and what I have described. If this is a disease or fungus what are my best treatment options? I have been planning to plant 2 more peaches this spring, but now I am worried I need to rethinking this if they are just going to suffer infection from my current tree. Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

How long after freeze dried fruit has softened is it safe to eat? Thank you

I managed a community that has a vast amount of Oak Trees and very mature trees in general. They have asked me to locate an independent arborist who could assist with agricultural consulting for the community. Do you provide any consulting services?

can you identify this weed and recommend a treatment ... in my lawn, i've tried Spectracide to no effect ..

How many master gardeners are in Olmsted county?

Hi, I have a new Ideal Instruments castrator and bands (lambs, goats kids) and a gently used calf/goat kid dehorner I would like to donate to a 4-Her. Can I drop those off at the extension office or can you put me in contact with a family that might want these? Best, Heike Holthaus<personal data hidden>

What is the least toxic way to remove/kill moss on the roof aside from physically scraping it off? Is Sodium hypochlorite better or worse that MossBeGone? Should both be avoided? Do you know of any do it yourself solutions? Our neighbors are using various roof cleaning groups and they are all using different things. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.