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Greetings gardeners,

May is here, and it’s finally time to dig in—literally! As the last frost date approaches, outdoor plants continue to spring to life: perennials emerge, fruit trees blossom, and weeds get a head start in garden beds. In recent years, May has been coined as “No Mow May,” “Low Mow May,” “Less Mow May,” etc.… but what do all these catchy lawncare phrases actually mean? (Hint: It’s part of a larger effort to support declining pollinator populations. There are a lot of ways you can help!) There's so much happening in horticulture this month. Let’s make the most of this exciting time in the garden.

Do you fall in love with crabapple trees every May? Check out our list of recommended species for your landscape. 

Spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect from eastern Asia, first found in Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, it has slowly spread into the Midwest. Although no live spotted lanternflies have been found in Wisconsin yet, their arrival is likely—and they pose a risk to more than 100 types of fruit and landscape plants. Learn how to identify this pest and what to do if you spot one this summer. Read more...

Crop rotation is one of the oldest techniques in agriculture. In a home vegetable garden, it means planting different types of vegetables in different spots each year, rather than growing the same crop in the same place season after season. This practice helps reduce insect pest problems, slow the buildup of plant diseases, and maintain healthy soil fertility. Read more...

While lab testing is often necessary for accurate plant disease diagnosis, a few common ailments show clear visual symptoms. This guide walks you through ten diseases and disorders you can often recognize by eye—helping you know when to take action and when to seek lab confirmation. Read more…

Flowers, grasses, and sedges are great additions to any garden, but some popular plants can spread rapidly and eventually harm native ecosystems. This guide provides recommendations for attractive, eco-friendly plants that support biodiversity while keeping your landscape beautiful. Read more…

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

Bug out: Join us in celebrating Wisconsin’s insects | Madison Magazine | Featuring PJ Liesch

▶ Watch: Growing extra food to share with local food pantries | WEAU 13 News | Featuring Margaret Murphy

Creating un-beet-able vegetable gardens
Royal Purple News | Featuring Julie Hill

Five strategies to avoid mosquito and tick-borne disease in Wisconsin | Green Bay Press-Gazette | Featuring PJ Liesch

▶ Listen: The ABCs of aquaponics | WPR - The Larry Meiller Show | Featuring Johanna Oosterwyk

More Extension Horticulture in the news →

Rhubarb, Rheum rhabarbarum, is a sure sign of spring. Its vibrant stalks are among the first harvests of the season, bringing color, flavor, and nostalgia to our kitchens.

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UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program

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

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