Green Side Up

Help houseplants through the winter

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 18:00:00 -0600

About the author: Richard Hentschel’s expertise extends across several subject areas with specialties in lawn care, fruit tree production, woody ornamentals, and home and community gardening. During his 45-year career in horticulture and agriculture, Hentschel became a well-known and respected expert for commercial and homeowner audiences, industry organizations, and media. He retired from University of Illinois Extension in April 2022 with nearly 30 years of service as a Horticulture Specialist and Educator in northern Illinois.

Horticulture Educator Richard Hentschel discusses keeping our houseplants as healthy as possible during the low light levels of winter. Which window you use? How far away they are from the window or other sources of light make a big difference. There are a variety of lighting options today that were not around even 10 years ago.

How to keep your Christmas tree fresh

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 18:00:00 -0600

Richard Hentschel, host of Green Side Up, discusses the history of our holiday tree and current good practices to keep the tree as fresh as possible once in the home. Fresh trees will have a good smell, needles, and stems will bend and won’t be losing a lot of needles. Families can cut their own, starting a great tradition, or selecting from a local organization’s tree lot. Initial watering of the tree is key to having a tree last several weeks indoors.

Winterize the home orchard

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 18:00:00 -0600

University of Illinois Extension Educator Richard Hentschel shares how to winterize the home orchard. Two primary concerns are preventing damage from: 1) cold weather damage and 2) rodents. Whether it is rabbits or field mice, using protective wraps and wire fencing are still the best way to prevent feeding damage. Cold weather damage can also be prevented by wrapping the young tender trunk to prevent both frost cracks and sun scalding. This will need to be done for at least the first winter.

Don't forget late fall gardening tasks

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 18:00:00 -0600

GSU Host Richard Hentschel discusses the last of the gardening season. November gardening gives us a chance to finish up routine projects and to catch up on overdue gardening tasks. Late season vegetable gardening can mean harvesting the last of the root crops and healing them in at the edge of the garden for easy retrieval throughout the winter. Final clean-up of the garden and the last of the leaf pick-up means utilizing the compost pile again. As the season ends, garden equipment needs to be cleaned and stored properly for the winter too.

Fall is a good time to start composting

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0500

University of Illinois Extension Educator Richard Hentschel discusses the merits of composting and why late summer and fall are good times to start. It is easy since all the ingredients are readily available this time of year – lawn clippings for the greens, fallen leaves for the browns, a bit of garden soil, and water from the hose. The location can be an out of the way spot in the yard or behind the garage or garden shed, yet somewhere convenient.

Time to bring the houseplants back inside

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0500

Green Side Up Host Richard Hentschel discusses one of those gardening chores that catches us off guard, bringing in the houseplants that have been outside for the summer. With a little planning and inspection, that job can be a lot easier and timely. The main trigger is the weather forecast showing that first frosty night. Houseplants need to be in before those very cool nights, as most of our houseplants are tropical in origin. Learn how to bring them in without pests and how to decide which houseplants to save and which to send to the compost bin.

What happens to the garden for fall?

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 13:00:00 -0500

Families may tend to “let the garden go” once school starts or the fall sports season begins because we are too busy, yet the garden has lots of life left until we really get cold weather. All the root crops can stay right where they are until you need to use them. Learn more about your garden and how to use it in fall in this episode.

Weather and vegetable yields

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 13:00:00 -0500

Richard Hentschel, host of Green Side Up, talks about garden vegetable yields this season and how they have been impacted by the weather pattern we have had in northern Illinois. Early cool weather has given us plenty of leafy greens and early snap beans. The hot dry weather has set back our fruiting vegetables like peppers and tomatoes. However, another change in weather and they too are beginning to produce.

Keep the yard looking great in summer

Richard Hentschel — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Enjoying the yard and keeping it looking great are connected. Great weather this spring allowed many plants to grow well and bloom longer. Now that the season has settled down, keeping the yard looking good only takes a bit of work, if done routinely. So what can you do? Between the rains we received, and watering done, weed seeds can sprout. Lightly working the surface takes care of that and is not too labor intensive. Edging back the lawn away from the shrub bed or keeping the tree ring open can be done in stages too. Educator Richard Hentschel talks summer to-do lists for your yard in this episode.

The good, bad, and ugly of garden insects

Richard Hentschel — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 12:56:00 -0500

In the garden, no one likes to see holes in foliage, or fruits and vegetables being eaten, yet some feeding is expected if you rely on beneficial insects to help manage pest problems. Predatory insects will not show up unless the population of damaging insects is high enough to support them through their life cycle. In this episode, learn about some of the insects in your yard and garden, and how they can impact each other and your harvest.

Choosing whether to water lawns over summer

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 12:43:00 -0500

Lawns are always a discussion over the fence with the neighbor. A green lawn can really look great, but it comes with added management. Learn more about making the decision to water or not water your lawn, and how to culturally help out a dormant lawn with University of Illinois Extension Educator Richard Hentschel.

Watering tips for gardens and lawns

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 12:41:00 -0500

Watering in the home landscape can bring up a lot of questions – how often, how much, what time of day, and what is the best method? All great questions but there is not one simple answer. There are a variety of factors, from what you are watering to what the weather is like. Learn answers to these common, yet complex questions for lawns, gardens, and more with University of Illinois Extension Educator Richard Hentschel.

Keep your spring bulbs healthy

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 20 May 2021 01:00:00 -0500

This week, host Richard Hentschel covers some “best management practices” when it comes to our spring flowering bulbs. We enjoy them year in and year out, yet often neglect them once the bloom is gone. It is the simple things that keep them healthy and happy.

Expected and unexpected winter damage to the landscape

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 06 May 2021 01:00:00 -0500

Horticulture Educator Richard Hentschel talks about how our landscape plants faired this winter. We can always expect some damage on plants on the edge of their hardiness, but what was unexpected was the damage on our usually hardy plants.

Timing is everything with vegetable gardening

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 01:00:00 -0500

Richard Hentschel, host of Green Side Up, helps explain the mystical frost free date when it comes to planting the home vegetable garden. Warming-loving vegetables put out too early can be killed by frosts, while cold-loving vegetables may bolt and go to seed if planted too late. Local conditions often impact how early gardening can begin.

Protect your crabapple and apple trees

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 01:00:00 -0500

Horticulture Educator Richard Hentschel discusses how to keep all the leaves on your ornamental flowering crabapples and fruiting apples in the home orchard. Apple scab is one of the most common diseases impacting these trees, and protection is the name of the game.

Prepare for lawn season now

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 01:00:00 -0500

Host Richard Hentschel discusses what you can do about your lawn and lawn mower long before you can start to mow. Doing some spring maintenance gets the lawn mower ready to go before you have to mow, and a general lawn clean-up will make the lawn look better even though it has not begun to grow yet.

How Insects Spend the Winter

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0600

In this episode, University of Illinois Extension Educator Richard Hentschel addresses how insects spend the winter. Despite our hopes of the winter taking out those insects for us, they have survived quite well. Richard talks about how and where overwintering insects can be found and the stage of the insect itself. No matter if spring is early or late, insects develop right on time to match plant development.

Fruit Trees Questions Answered

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0600

Host Richard Hentschel continues his discussion of fruit trees for the yard and garden. Covered in this show are common questions, such as: Why has my fruit tree not produced flowers yet?” and “Are flower buds being killed over the winter?” He also will explain the complex issue of pollination, especially for apples.

Training your fruit trees

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0600

Richard Hentschel, host of GSU, changes gears from vegetables and seeds to fruit trees for 2021. Training your fruit trees has several benefits including easier spring pruning, quicker monitoring for insects and disease, encouraged fruit production, and overall easier management. This is the first in a series focused on fruit trees.

Garden catalogs offer small fruit options

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0600

Host Richard Hentschel talks about all the gardening catalogs arriving – whether either by email or our mailboxes – after the holidays. Besides vegetable and flower seeds, catalogs now offer small fruits like strawberries, currants, gooseberries, and brambles. These catalogs also are filled with all kinds of supplies and garden gadgets to make our garden work more enjoyable. He discusses the offerings and what to keep in mind before purchasing.

Buying Seeds for your 2021 Garden

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0600

University of Illinois Extension Educator Richard Hentschel discusses buying seeds for your 2021 garden. Gardening demand in 2020 created seed shortages, with garden centers selling out as many new gardens were planted. Hentschel talks about using leftover seed from 2020, purchasing what you need for 2021, and how much seed is really needed. He also covers when to start seed indoors for vegetable garden transplants or planting dates for direct seeding outdoors.

Wildlife activity this winter

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0600

University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Richard Hentschel discusses winter wildlife in the backyard. When you feed the birds throughout the winter, gardeners should expect to see other kinds of wildlife visiting, including the four-legged type from voles and ground squirrels up to racoons in size. Even if there is no obvious source of food, you can expect to see evidence of visitors to the yard. Late fall, squirrels will visit to uncover food they previously buried in garden beds and the lawn, and raccoons will routinely have a route they establish in search of food that may include your yard.

Fall garden and weed clean up

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 01:00:00 -0500

This week, Richard Hentschel, host of GSU, discusses our extended fall garden and bed cleanup in 2020. Unusually good weather has provided gardeners yet another opportunity to get caught up on tasks. Besides the usual cutting back of perennials, those garden weeds also can be dealt with before the cold weather arrives. A key to good weed management is separating the weed seeds from the vegetative plant parts so as not to generate a future seed bank from the compost pile or bin.

Firewood tips and techniques

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 01:00:00 -0500

Richard Hentschel, host of GSU, tackles a hot topic – firewood. Differences in moisture content, wood density, and how firewood is stored, all make a big difference in how much enjoyment you get from the fireplace in the home, or even from an outdoor firepit. Another tip: never bring firewood indoors if you cannot burn it in less than a week so any insects hanging out on or in the firewood will not become an indoor nuisance.

Prepare houseplants to come inside for winter

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 01:00:00 -0500

GSU’s Richard Hentschel sends a strong reminder about getting our houseplants in long before frosty and freezing weather moves in. Houseplants need some inspection and care before being brought indoors. Disease is not nearly as important as checking for insects, both on the foliage and in the pots and containers. Timing also is critical for acclimation to indoor conditions.

Weather and foliar diseases

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 01:00:00 -0500

University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Richard Hentschel talks about how weather influences fungal foliar disease outbreaks. Many foliar diseases infected our plants back in early to late spring and are now really obvious, having fully developed. Getting to know the lifecycle of some of the more common diseases that impact our ornamental plants and lawns can give us a heads up on how to handle them in 2021.

Growing season changes

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 01:00:00 -0500

This week’s podcast addresses the changes naturally occurring as the growing season shifts toward fall. Tree and shrub foliage can move from that nice shiny green to a duller solid green, and fall colors can begin to show up. Perennials can see a color change, often times to just a yellow with some reds. Our warm weather vegetables will really begin to slow without the heat. Cool and cold weather crops will continue to grow into very cool temps, or even a frost or light freeze. Plus, our insects are looking for a warm place to overwinter, which changes where you may see them.

Lawn maintenance and repair

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 01:00:00 -0500

Richard Hentschel, host of Green Side Up, talks about repairing lawns damaged by the summer weather and timing for seeding your lawn. Mid-August through the first week in September is a good window in northern Illinois. Richard also explains grass blends or combinations of species as a mix to increase disease resistance or drought tolerance.

Summer rains

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 01:00:00 -0500

GSU host Richard Hentschel gets into the expectations after rains return, and the good and bad that can happen in the yard and garden. All our plants, trees, shrubs, evergreens, flowers and vegetables really get a boost. Plants get that good green color back, and flowers happen more consistently. On the flip side, weeds will germinate and disease may get started and or spread more easily.

Hot weather and the vegetable garden

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 01:00:00 -0500

Host Richard Hentschel discusses how the hot weather impacts garden productivity. Fruit development is affected as well as if they flower at all with the hot weather pressures. Consistent water, be it from rains or irrigation often from flowering through harvest is critical.

National Pollinator Week

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 01:00:00 -0500

GSU Host and Horticulture Educator Richard Hentschel discusses National Pollinator Week designated for a week each year in June. Since 2007 when Pollinator Week was created, most consider the situation getting worse and not any better. We would be without our fruits and vegetables if the pollinators were gone. He shares tips on creating flower beds with longer bloom show to help keep the pollinators happy all growing season.

Plants in summer

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 01:00:00 -0500

This week, Richard Hentschel explores how our plants are settling in to a good summer rhythm on care and putting resources away for flowers, fruits, nuts or seeds for 2021. Weeds will need to be addressed as they move through their live cycles for the season. Lawns, which favor the cooler and moist weather of spring, will naturally slow down as the weather gets into a summer pattern. One major gardening effort that needs a good rhythm is watering the vegetable garden. Vegetable crops from the time they flower through a harvestable vegetable or fruit need a an even supply of water.

Tender And Warm-Loving Vegetables,Plants

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 21 May 2020 01:00:00 -0500

Richard Hentschel, host of Green Side Up, addresses the difference between our tender and warm-loving vegetables. Tomatoes and peppers are often planted out in the garden at the same time, yet tomatoes are considered tender and peppers warm-loving, so we either miss out with the tomatoes or get the peppers out too early. He also talks about planting shorter rows and repeat sowing to give smaller, usable harvests more often.

Proper Distancing Of Our Vegetable

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 14 May 2020 01:00:00 -0500

Horticulture Educator Richard Hentschel talks about proper distancing of our vegetable plants once the seedlings are up and out of the ground in the garden. Over-sowing seeds can be a hard habit to break. Properly thinned, our plants will give us a better mature plant which in turn produces better vegetables. Hentschel also provides ideas for how you can get more produce out of that same space throughout the year.

Planning a garden

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 01:00:00 -0500

GSU host Richard Hentschel talks to those first-time vegetable gardeners and what they need to know when planning a garden for the first time. No need for all the fancy stuff to get a vegetable garden going, just some basic tools you may already have like a shovel, garden spade, rake and some string, since small vegetable gardens can be worked by hand. Later, using the garden hose with a water breaker will be needed as is the need to do some weeding using a hoe or tined digger, and also a couple of buckets or plastic pots, one for weeds, the other for harvested produce.

Spring Things

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 01:00:00 -0500

Richard Hentschel of University of Illinois Extension discusses the expected order of spring things showing up in the home landscape. It all starts with the lawn, and spring bulbs are next to show up, followed by perennials. Flowering shrubs and ornamental trees follow with the opportunity to see blooms in the home and again outside later.

Home Vegetable Garden

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 01:00:00 -0500

University of Illinois Extension Educator Richard Hentschel addresses the differences in getting a variety of vegetables sown or transplanted into the home vegetable garden. Timing can make all the difference for successful germination and transplant establishment. Learning about the average frost-free day is a great way to start your planning.

Green Things

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 01:00:00 -0500

Host Richard Hentschel talks about our typical springtime delays that keep up us from doing those “green things” outside. Usually it is the cold weather or too much spring rain. There are a number of things we can do to get ready, such as making an inventory of where the water is puddling or of the kinds of weeds in the lawn and beds. We also can make sure the lawn mower is ready to go with a sharp mower blade.

How to force blooms indoors

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0600

Need a little spring this winter? GSU host Richard Hentschel shares how to “force” blooms indoors from your dormant pruning of the home orchard and flowering ornamental plants, such as lilacs. With a few simple stems, homeowners can enjoy spring bloom twice (once indoors and later outdoors). Before you prune, learn the visual difference between foliage buds and flower buds, and the steps to the “forcing” process.

Invasive Species

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0600

Illinois Extension Educator Richard Hentschel takes some time to discuss an invasive species that can impact our garden soils. Jumping worms were first found in Wisconsin in 2013 and then in Illinois in 2015. The concern is how much organic matter they can eat during the summer as they grow from an egg to about 6 to 8 inches long. Depending on where you live in the United States this worm goes by a few names. Learn about identifying them, where they’ve been found in Illinois, and more at https://go.illinois.edu/JumpingWormsUpdate2020

Home Orchard Set-up

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0600

Richard Hentschel, host of Green Side Up, discusses home orchard set-up and concerns in this podcast. He covers topics including winter hardiness of different fruit trees, siting the home orchard, and pollination requirements.

Recycle a Real Christmas Tree

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0600

Horticulture Educator Richard Hentschel addresses how homeowners can recycle a real Christmas tree, outside of community programs. There are uses for the tree right in the backyard to help our feathered friends and the home landscape.

Cranberries

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0600

Richard Hentschel talks about cranberries this week. Cranberries have been around a long time and likely served up in the early 1860s. We often associate Cranberries with the holiday season, but given the good nutritional qualities, they should get to the dinner table a lot more often. There are quite a few states that produce cranberries in the United States. Other producers are in Canada and Chile. Listen in to learn more!

Fresh Christmas Trees - Start to Finish

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0600

Green Side Up host Richard Hentschel covers some the more common holiday tree selection concerns when you are at the cut-your-own field or purchasing the from your favorite lot or garden center. The size, needle type, and how long you want the tree to last are just some of the considerations. And, don't forget to think about how you are going to handle the tree after the decorations and lights are back in their boxes.

Holiday Gift Plant Care

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0600

It's the time of year when holiday gift plants are being given and received. Some basic care information will extend their beauty and use, well past the holiday season. Get tips on nighttime temperatures, proper light and watering.

Holiday Baking Tip: How to Avoid Pantry Pests Later

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0600

Richard talks about what the future holds if flour products are not handled the right way this holiday baking season. Two most common pantry pests are the Indian meal moth and the stored grain beetles. Simple steps now will stop extensive cleanup later.

Fall Color, Pests and Lawn Care

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 01:00:00 -0500

Illinois Extension's Richard Hentschel discusses fall color, late season tree insects and diseases, and what's going on in the home lawn with mushrooms and holes.

Planning for Bulbs and Blooms

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 01:00:00 -0500

Illinois Extension Educator and GSU Host Richard Hentschel talks about timely summer bulb preparation and a reminder of when to plant those winter-hardy spring bulbs if you want to see those beautiful blooms in your home landscape next spring.

Break Up the Clean Up: End of Season Tasks

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 01:00:00 -0500

Garden cleanup is the topic this week from Richard Hentschel, Illinois Extension Educator. Given our weather pattern this season, consider at least the beginnings of a cleanup effort. Some vegetables are done for the season, annual beds have lost their attractiveness, and lots of perennials have finished for the year. With less hours of daylight, getting in one or two hours during the week is enough time to at least start and then you can avoid worrying so much about weekend weather too.

Freaky Fungi: When to be Concerned

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 01:00:00 -0500

Green Side Up host Richard Hentschel talks about the increased amounts of decay fungi present during this season due to the weather patterns. Cool, moist conditions really promote natural decay. Sometimes seeing those mushrooms in the landscape are telltale signs of hidden trouble like root, crown and trunk decay. Some decay fungi are less concerning like slime molds in mulched landscape beds or mushroom in the lawn following the decaying roots left behind after tree removal.

Late Season Vegetable Gardening

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 01:00:00 -0500

Host Richard Hentschel discusses vegetable gardening late into the season. Hardy crops will continue until a hard frost or light freeze, some crops like Swiss Chard will continue to grow even after that. Sowing greens like spinach and lettuces for a harvest of microgreens can easily be done. Season extenders get those warm season vegetables like peppers and tomatoes a few more weeks of productive growth.

How to End Blossom End Rot

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 01:00:00 -0500

Green Side Up host Richard Hentscel discusses a common fruit problem on tomatoes called Blossom End Rot. Blossom End Rot is not really a disease, but rather a nutrition issue for younger tomato plants in certain growing conditions. Tune in to learn more:

Is it Favorable for Fungi?

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 01:00:00 -0500

Richard Hentschel, host of Green Side Up, tackles yet another challenge homeowners are dealing with in the home landscape. Mushrooms can appear anywhere, anytime soil conditions are favorable. But do you need to worry about them?

Challenges and Competition with the Veggie Garden

Richard Hentschel — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 01:00:00 -0500

This time, host Richard Hentschel discusses our continued growing challenges with vegetable transplants and sowing from seed. Getting those seeds up and out of the ground is one challenge, another has been weed seedlings competing for space, sunlight, and nutrition.

Spring Conditions and Plant Condition

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 01:00:00 -0500

Host Richard Hentschel addresses the large amount of calls to Extension about growing conditions this spring. Lots of perennials are bigger than normal, plenty of woody plants are damaged or dead from the severe winter, and more.

How to Handle Swarming Insects

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 01:00:00 -0500

Host and Horticulture Educator Richard Hentschel discusses the good, bad and ugly of swarming insects.

How to Spot Winter Damage this Spring

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 16 May 2019 01:00:00 -0500

Host Richard Hentschel discusses plants in the home landscape damaged by this winter's severe conditions. Tree, shrub, perennial flowers and small fruits have all suffered some level of damage. Learn what this means for the future, and learn what to look for by mid-June. Hentschel also addresses our USDA hardiness zone map and why we may have brought on some this damage ourselves.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 02 May 2019 01:00:00 -0500

Illinois Extension Educator Richard Hentschel talks about our wet weather, how different types of soil handle the rain, and how it impacts planting and growing this spring. He also touches on what earthworms and ants are doing this season.

Seasonal FAQs: Early Spring 2019

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 01:00:00 -0500

GSU host Richard Hentschel covers a few popular annual questions, including crabgrass, fruit tree sprays and getting the vegetable garden started from seed.

Finishing Up Feeder Season

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 01:00:00 -0500

Horticulture Educator Richard Hentschel talks about doing some needed maintenance on the bird feeder for the rest of the 2019 feeding season, and ways to deal with the spent hulls underneath the feeder in the lawn and on the patio.

Winter Impact on Your Trees, Plants

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 00:00:00 -0600

Host of Green Side Up Richard Hentschel discusses how very cold winter temperatures affect flower bud survival and what it takes to bring our plants out of dormancy.

Fruit Tree Decisions

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 00:00:00 -0600

Illinois Extension Educator Richard Hentschel discusses several areas when it comes to the home orchard. Tree size, space needed, and pollination requirements are all key to enjoying the home orchard. Home orchards should consider using dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties to save space and allow for more trees. Disease resistance makes for easier disease management.

Breaking the Garden Catalog Code

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 00:00:00 -0600

Green Side Up Host Richard Hentschel talks about gardening catalogs, and explains some of those elusive initials and numbers that follow variety names. All those characters mean good things when it comes to growing those vegetables and flowers, but it is important to know their meanings.

Food Recalls and How to React

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 00:00:00 -0600

Nutrition & Wellness Educator Dru Banks continues to talk food safety with GSU host Richard Hentschel. This time they focus on food recalls and how to handle them.

Food Safety for the Holidays

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 00:00:00 -0600

Nutrition & Wellness Educator Dru Banks joins GSU's Richard Hentschel to discuss food safety tips. They cover preparing, serving and storing meals for large groups and more.

The Power of Winterizing

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 00:00:00 -0600

Richard Hentschel discusses winterizing garden equipment with gasoline engine, corded and battery run garden equipment, plus hand tools and even the lowly garden hose. Doing some preventative maintenance will allow these tools to last a long time and be easier to start next spring.

Family Fun (& Responsibility) - Feeding the Birds

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 00:00:00 -0600

Richard Hentschel discusses a great winter activity for the whole family – feeding the birds. He stresses the need that once you start, don't stop feeding the birds until late spring when nature can once again provide our feathered friends. Specific kinds of seed, as well as feeders, can attract your favorite backyard birds. And, don't forget the water!

Leaves can Benefit the Landscape

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Green Side Up Host Richard Hentschel talks more about ways to use fallen leaves from your shade trees, besides composting. He explores the benefits to the soil and plants in the home landscape too.

October To-Do List

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Host Richard Hentschel discusses what we can be doing in the yard while the weather lets us in mid-October. Winterizing garden beds, groundcovers, doing some dormant pruning and keeping up with the lawn and fall leaves is a great start in putting the home landscape "to bed."

Fire Pit & Fireplace Season

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 01:00:00 -0500

With temperatures dropping, the outdoor fire pit and indoor fireplaces are coming back in use. Whether you cut, split and dry your own firewood or buy it for the winter, good management will reward you with more heat and less smoke. Host Richard Hentschel provides firewood tips for the season.

Boggled by Bulbs?

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Confused about spring and summer flowering bulbs? Host Richard Hentschel takes away some of the mystery on why we call them what we do and why we plant them when we do. It is all about winter hardiness. In addition, he explains why not everything we call a bulb is a bulb.

What to do with Powdery Mildew

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 01:00:00 -0500

ILLINOIS Extension Educator Richard Hentschel talks about a very common foliage disease that can be seen on a wide variety of landscape plants and in the vegetable garden. Powdery Mildew is aptly named for the spores that create a distinct white appearance to plant leaves. Typical at the end of the growing season, it can be found on a number of plants, such as phlox, lilac, squash and cucumbers. Learn if you should treat this disease in this Green Side Up podcast.

Don't Forget the Garden this Fall

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Host Richard Hentschel promotes using the family vegetable garden well into the fall, even though the start of school often seems to signal the end of the season to many home gardeners. There is still time to grow, harvest and enjoy fresh vegetables for several more weeks.

Trees Need Water Too

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Illinois Extension Educator Richard Hentschel continues to discuss the now critical need to water valuable landscape ornamental and shade trees. Trees are the last of the plants to show wilting foliage as a symptom of a droughty condition. By the time that happens, watering is extremely important to survival. There are a variety of ways to water -- using a sprinkler, watering bags or an open-ended gardening hose in the drip line for established trees.

What & When to Water

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Host Richard Hentschel discusses watering in early August. Wilting is an obvious sign that plants need water and is easy to see on flowers, vegetables and in the lawn. Less obvious is what is going on with trees, shrubs, and evergreens. Proper watering and watering intervals during dry periods throughout the year will help ensure healthy plants.

Proper Care for Hanging Pots & Container Gardens

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Illinois Extension Educator Richard Hentschel discusses the best strategies for keeping hanging pots and container gardens looking great for the rest of the summer. The best approach is never letting the plants wilt. Learn how watering times and monitoring water loss will ensure flowering plants continue to bloom and container vegetables produce the best they can.

Early Summer Rains & What They Mean

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Richard Hentschel, host of Green Side Up, talks about the early summer weather pattern and what it means for lawns, garden beds and trees. He outlines the good parts of it and a few challenges now and those coming up a bit later in the season. Lots of plants have benefited from the rains with extra growth and the food reserves created.

What's Growing & Going in the Garden

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Host Richard Hentschel discusses some early season vegetable concerns. Those early cool season vegetables may be going to seed by now and any leaves on our leafy greens can now be bitter tasting. Radishes also may go to seed and suffer the same fate. Richard talks about common tomato leaf diseases and blossom end rot and what you can do about it.

The Good, Bad and Ugly of Wet Weather

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Richard Hentschel, Host of Green Side Up, talks about the many good, and not-so-good, effects of all the rain in the home landscape. Lawns continue to grow, mushrooms showing up in the lawn, some surprising insect activity and a quick reminder on mosquitos and ticks.

Much Ado About Mulch

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Host Richard Hentschel discusses using mulch in the home landscape. Used in the right amounts, there are many benefits to our plants with very few concerns. Richard also addresses some of the things we should do before putting the mulch down to make yard care easier later.

Mosquito Management

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 31 May 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Host Richard Hentschel weighs in on a biting topic – mosquitos in the landscape. Learn what homeowners can do to lessen the potential of biting mosquitos in the yard.

Dandelions, Thistles and Other Weeds

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 24 May 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Illinois Extension Educator Richard Hentschel discusses weeds in the landscape, perennial and vegetable beds. While dandelion and plantains and other broadleaved weeds are well known, a new comer showing up more often are the thistles. Canadian thistle is particularly troublesome by the way the underground roots easily spread the weed around the beds. To slow the populations down, cultivate very shallowly, water the plants and not the whole bed and get those weed out while they are early.

Potpourri of Points for Spring

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 10 May 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Richard Hentschel, host of Green Side Up, covers several smaller, but important topics this week. Managing spring flowering bulbs can be done as the bloom show fades. Dead-heading and leaving the foliage up until the leaves naturally die down is the best way to ensure good bloom for 2019. Vegetable gardens and perennial flower beds may need to be fenced to protect them from rabbit feeding. While chicken wire works, a better alternative is rabbit fencing. Find out why edging your landscape beds now makes that project easier and learn best practices for using spent container soils too.

Grassy Weed ID and Control

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 03 May 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Host Richard Hentschel talks about three of the grassy weeds in the lawn that can cause confusion this time of year. Quackgrass and tall fescue are both perennial cool season grasses while Nimblewill is a warm season perennial grass that is appearing in lawns as a tan or straw-colored stringy grass. Some of these grasses could be confused with crabgrass, which is an annual grassy weed that is yet to germinate. Management is different depending on what is in the lawn. Crabgrass you can prevent, quackgrass and tall fescue require a different control strategy. Nimblewill is a perennial and as a warm season grass, management will have to wait until it is actively growing. Tune in to learn more.

When You Can Plant What & Why

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Richard Hentschel discusses when we plant the vegetable garden based on the long-standing average frost free date. Soil and air temperatures are additional indicators of when we should be planting those very hardy to warm-loving vegetable transplants and seeds. Soils warm at different rates. Sandy soils warm slower than dark soils. Microclimates in the home landscape also should factor in. We can use season extenders on both ends of the season to increase the days we get to garden.

Planting Season

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Host Richard Hentschel does a phone interview with Dennis Bowman, a Commercial Agriculture Educator for U of I Extension located on campus. Dennis and Richard discussed the differences and similarities of agriculture and horticulture this time of year. They discuss soil temperatures and planting crops like corn and soybeans, as well as many vegetables.

Soil Temperatures Cause Delays

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Host Richard Hentschel discusses coping with our ever-changing spring weather in 2018. Average soil temperature this past week have only been in the mid-30s here in northern Illinois, while the past 5-year average has been hitting 50 degrees. Richard talks about the impact on early vegetable gardening and the needed delay in applying crabgrass preventer too. A bright spot is that there is ample soil moisture for all our plants.

Waiting for Spring

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Richard talks about how the weather is going to change when we can get outside and plant or sow vegetables in the garden. Spring bulbs are going to be ok as they are used to having some bad weather before the better temperatures. While we wait for spring to show up, forcing blooms indoors can give us a taste right now.

Spring Tree & Lawn Care

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Richard Hentschel, host of Green Side Up, talks about common questions coming into the Extension office - including early spring care of shade trees, pruning, dormant oils in our home orchards and the timing for crabgrass preventer. We are still in the window for dormant pruning of our maples, elms and oaks, but for different reasons. Spraying dormant oil on our fruit trees needs to happen when we begin to have nights above 32 degrees for at least 24 to 48 hours. Crabgrass control will need to wait until soils warm and remain consistent.

Spring Clean-Up Tasks

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 01:00:00 -0500

U of I Extension's Richard Hentschel discusses many of the early yard clean-up projects that can be done while we wait for the real spring weather. Early lawn clean-up with a leaf rake can take a while if you have a large yard. Uncovering spring bulbs and tender perennials is another activity that can be done, just do it slowly over a couple of weekends to allow plants to adjust. Also, don't forget about repairing any rabbit damaged shrubs while the landscape plants are dormant.

Don't Stop Feeding the Birds

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 01:00:00 -0500

Host Richard Hentschel discusses late spring bird feeding for migrating and local birds. Homeowners should make sure there is some water available now that we have no snow, as it is really appreciated by our feathered friends. In addition, keeping the feeder clean and feeder openings clear of seed debris makes it easier for birds to find their seed of choice. Also, you may want to use up seed so you do not have to store any through the summer.

Pesticides

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 00:00:00 -0600

Did you know many of us likely use a "pesticide" almost every day, if not every day? The word pesticide, when broken down and back to its origin, means killing a pest. This could be in the garden or home, from fungicides and insecticides to kitchen sanitizers. Host Richard Hentschel breaks down pesticide options and reminds folks to be safe, and always read and folllow label instructions.

Preparing for Home Orchard Work

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 00:00:00 -0600

Richard Hentschel, host of GSU, addresses what should be done in the home orchard, starting with dormant pruning. First spray of the season is usually a dormant oil and moving on to the early cover sprays to protect emerging foliage and flowers from our windborne diseases like Cedar Apple Rust and Apple Scab. Finding your spray equipment early before you need it ensures you are ready. Take an inventory of your spray products and purchase any additional product. Allows read and follow label instructions.

Late Winter Yard To-Dos

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 00:00:00 -0600

Host Richard Hentschel talks about what is going on out in the home landscape right now. Things are pretty brown, except the colorful food and snack wrappers stuck among base of plants. Do a quick pick-up so you won't have to look at trash this spring. Rabbits may have caused some (or a lot of) damage. Check out how the bulbs are doing and protect them from rabbit feeding. While we enjoy and support our winter birds, the feed also will attract voles and rabbits. Be aware of the damage they can do elsewhere in the yard.

Seeds and Seed Packets

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 00:00:00 -0600

University of Illinois Extension Educator Richard Hentschel discusses saved flower and vegetable seeds, and how to check them this time of year. He also reminds us that seed packets can give us lots of good information on the best conditions for seed germination.

Dormant Pruning

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 00:00:00 -0600

U of I Extension's Richard Hentschel discusses the need to do dormant pruning for our trees and shrubs. He provides the benefits of this strategy, including the ease of pruning while the plants are without leaves.

Berries and Brambles

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 00:00:00 -0600

Horticulture Educator and podcast host Richard Hentschel talks about how to keep your brambles from becoming the preverbal bramble patch. Did you know pruning is straight forward, and needs to be done just twice a year? Listen to learn how fruiting canes work, when they die and when they can be removed. Plus, Hentschel provides tips on thinning new canes so you grow the biggest berries!

Tips for Picking & Purchasing Fruit Trees

Richard Hentschel — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 00:00:00 -0600