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Greetings gardeners,

Spring in Wisconsin brings welcome signs of growth, along with periods of steady rain and saturated soils. While moisture helps recharge landscapes after winter, extended wet conditions can create challenges for lawns, trees, and garden beds. Our new UW-Madison Extension resource, Gardening for Weather Extremes in Wisconsin: Extreme Precipitation outlines practical ways to improve drainage, protect soil structure, and select suitable plants to benefit your landscape and the greater ecosystem. Read on for timely gardening tips to prepare your yard and garden for the upcoming growing season.

No, these plant aren't hanging upside down—the unique yellow pendant flowers of native Uvularia grandiflora are among the earliest-blooming flowers in Wisconsin.

If you are concerned about the health or safety of trees located on your property, it may be prudent to hire a professional. Certified arborists are qualified professionals who prioritize long-term tree health and proper management over unnecessary removals. Read more…

Deciding whether to manage your lawn yourself or hire a professional service is an important choice for any homeowner. This guide helps you determine if outside assistance is needed and provides key questions to ask and certifications to look for, so you can be confident in the services you elect. Read more…

Want to take the guesswork out of lawn care? Our season-by-season lawn care calendar makes it easy to know what to do (and when) to keep your yard healthy year-round. Start developing your 2026 lawn care plan today! Read more…

Crabgrass is an annual weed that thrives in thin lawns and bare soil. This article explains why early prevention is the most effective management strategy, including proper mowing, hand pulling, lawn fertilization, and responsible herbicide use. Read more… 

Often confused with annual crabgrass, perennial grass weeds can be difficult to control due to their different growth habits, including rhizomes and clumping patterns. Identifying key plant characteristics can help you choose the most effective long-term management approach. Read more…

A weekly column of horticulture education and activities for Wisconsin gardeners. Read the latest articles from this past month.

▶ Listen: Pre-spring gardening tips with UW-Extension Horticulture Outreach Specialist Bruce Spangenberg | Wisconsin Radio Network | Featuring Bruce Spangenberg

UW Extension specialists support Wisconsin farmers with research-based guidance | Wisconsin State Farmer | Featuring Bruce Spangenberg

UW-Madison Extension Announces 3-Part Apple Insect Webinar Series for Home Growers  | Extension Horticulture Program | Featuring Josie Dillon

More Extension Horticulture in the news →

Hepatica, a native spring ephemeral, blooms for almost an entire month, serving as an important early food source for spring pollinators.

UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program

Find articles, resources, educational events and more at hort.extension.wisc.edu

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment 
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