Yellowstone County Master Gardener Association

10/12/2025

🌳Please join Sofia and me on Thursday the 16th. It is worth 1 Montana Master Gardener CEU. Hope to see you there.🌳

10/10/2025

There may be a misconception with the public that one can get a container of biocontrol agents, walk out into their property, dump the insects, and volia, the magic happens. As stated before, site conditions are critical when choosing biocontrol as part of an IWM program.

Here is another fact from Melissa Maggio - What components are critical on or at a site to have success with biocontrol agents?

As you probably guessed, based on the answers to some of the privious questions, it varies significantly from insect to insect and site to site! That being said, it is important to learn the specifics of the biocontrol agent that you plan to utilize.

Internet searches (NAISMA Biocontrol Factsheets, the Montana Biocontrol Project Website, or general google searches) will provide a lot of needed information but the staff at the Montana Biocontrol Project is also happy to help talk land managers through the specific needs of each biocontrol agent.

Montana Biocontrol Project information can be found their new website: http://www.mtbiocontrol.org/

Beyond site specific components, the most important aspect for success with biocontrol is patience. The timeline for impacts to a target w**d from biocontrol looks very different than the timeline from herbicide.

Since no one guessed who our eastern coordinators were last week in the TBT post, here is another question for a $10 Starbucks gift card.

In the picture above, I need the scientific name of the insect being released. The w**d they are releasing it in should be a clue!

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

Another cultural control method that is not as widely known about is fertilization. Fertilization is most effective when used as part of an integrated w**d management plan that combines other techniques like chemical application, crop rotation, and cultivation. For instance, a program might use a combination of fertilizer, herbicide, and seeding competitive plants to control invasive species like hawkw**ds.

Control through competition is the most common method of using fertilizer for w**d control. It is an effective strategy for lawns, pastures, and other areas where you want to promote a dense, uniform stand of grass or a competitive crop. By applying nutrients, such as nitrogen, you can strengthen and thicken your grass or crop. A lush, dense canopy shades the soil, blocking sunlight from reaching w**d seedlings and making it difficult for them to germinate and establish. Lastly, a well-fertilized lawn or crop is better equipped to resist stress from pests, diseases, and environmental factors. This allows it to grow vigorously and crowd out w**ds that thrive in nutrient-deficient, sparse soil.

In some instances, w**ds may be present because the soil lacks a specific nutrient. For example, certain w**ds like sandburs and clover can indicate a nitrogen deficiency. Adding nitrogen can help the desired plants outcompete these w**ds.

In specific circumstances, certain fertilizer formulations can be applied as an herbicide to directly kill certain w**ds:

Chelated iron (FeHEDTA) can be used as a post-emergent spray to kill certain broadleaf w**ds like dandelions and clover while leaving grass unharmed. The broadleaf w**ds absorb too much of the chelated iron, causing their cells to oxidize and the plant to die.

Some nitrogen fertilizer solutions, such as certain ammonium nitrate formulas, have been used as foliar sprays to control specific w**ds in specialty crops like crucifers. The w**d control is a secondary effect, and the application must be carefully timed and targeted.

If you are interested in learning more about the use of fertilizer to help control noxious w**ds, please contact our business member: Edaphix at https://www.edaphix.com/

10/10/2025

🧄Garlic is very resilient; it tolerates cold winters, and it can handle a short growing season. Montana meets those requirements.
Planted in the fall, garlic requires little care. In Montana garlic is traditionally planted in the fall, 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes, (typically mid- October), often until as late as November.
Prior to planting, break the bulbs apart and plant the largest cloves, keeping the individual membranes intact. Torn membranes are more susceptible to soil borne pathogens.
Set the cloves in the soil root end down, pointed end up, about two inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in rows about 12 inches apart.
Growing Garlic in Montana
https://apps.msuextension.org/montguide/guide.html?sku=MT199904AG

10/10/2025

09/28/2025

Bur Oaks, Quercus macrocarpa, are having a bumper acorn crop this fall. They are the ones with the shaggy, fringed cap.
Bur Oaks are native to Montana and are hardy to Zone 3.
If you want to try to grow your own, there are a few steps to take. Place them in water, those that sink are viable. Bur oaks require a period of cold for several weeks for them to break dormancy in the spring.
To find out more specifics on growing your own oaks.
Iowa State University Extension & Outreach
Yard and Garden: Handling, Germinating and Planting Acorns
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/yard-and-garden-handling-germinating-and-planting-acorns

08/07/2025

08/06/2025

It's NOT just about the color of Bell Peppers that makes them different! Full article 👇 💬

07/14/2025

Turf to Trees 2025 - Wild Montana Skies
The workshops will offer participants a comprehensive exploration of the interconnected elements of a healthy native ecosystem focusing on water, soil, pollinators, trees, and herbaceous plants.
Dates: August 13 and 14, 2025. Please sign up for only one day. (The topics of each workshop are similar but adjusted to the specified audience.)
Day 1, August 13, is tailored to green industry professionals and MSU Extension agents.
Day 2, August 14, is tailored to Master Gardeners, MSU Extension agents, and fellow horticulture enthusiasts.
Registration Fee: $85 MSU Extension Master Gardeners are required to contact [email protected] if interested in attending the course at a reduced price.
Registration link: https://ecommerce.montana.edu/pspp_turftree/
Location: MSU Bozeman Campus
Time: 8:30 am until 4:00 pm
Lunch, snacks, and refreshments will be provided.
Continuing education credits: MDA Pesticide Applicator Credits and ISA credits are pending. Montana Master Gardener continuing education credits (5) will also be available.
For more detailed information: https://www.montana.edu/cope/email-format/admin/view.php?draft=13719&uid=68718251a177d3.32084076

Please contact Dr. Eva Grimme at [email protected] or 406-994-5157 for questions.

07/09/2025