How soon in Michigan should I take up a soil sample for testing please?

Hi, I had lawn removed last fall with the intention of planting a native garden in that space this spring, however I did not realize the person who cleared the grass laid a weed barrier fabric under the mulch. It seems like the weed barrier would inhibit native plant growth and spreading so now I'm considering using raised planters that are 1 ft tall in this space instead (8 x 2 x 1' and 12 x 2 x 1'). I would like to have a mix of native grasses and perennial flowers in most of the planters with vegetables in a couple others. Will perennial natives do well in raised beds and come back each year if I prep them for winter in the fall? I've read mixed results on planting perennials in raised beds. Thank you!

A community member wants to know if there are any restrictions on receiving black currant plants shipped from Indiana, he had heard there might be.

For the past 6 of 9 since I had a perennial rock garden planted I have noticed one area where a sink hole or cave below one of the large boulders has been forming. The slope there has been sinking over the years and when I have tried to fill it up with dirt, the size of the hole seems to be almost cave-sized. The more I have dug down the vastness of the empty space down there has been a shock to me. I’ve not been able to find a solution and just let it go last Summer but want to fix this problem. I’ve had landscapers fill it with dirt and tell me it is erosion from water. Others have told me it is a sink hole that you will have to fill forever. A garden center told me it was gophers one year and I put out something to deter but not poison them. I tried calling the corps of engineers at Ramsey County and got no response. Just now, a landscaper handed me a brochure and I showed him the spot and he said it was rabbits hibernating but I know they don’t do that. I am afraid it is going to collapse when I am out there gardening and also worried that my beautiful garden and work is eventually going to be destroyed. Who can help me figure out what is really going on? I know the company that put the garden in was very expensive and were not at all helpful when I called them back with questions or complaints when many things died the next year including a tree so I don’t think it would be worth calling them. Is this a horticulture engineering problem to help solve? And if so, how do I find one?

Hi, I live in Bath, Michigan near Park Lake and am having issues with the brown shield bugs getting into my furnace and clogging up the vents. Can you give me any methods I can do to get rid of this pest from my yard, it's costing me money with the furnace repairs. Thanks.

Hi, I'm moving to Douglas MI from Chicago and will have to learn a whole new plant environment controled by the deer that are prolific in my area. Looking for a master gardener or someone who would be willing to work with me in reviewing my landscape plans and provide advice. Willing to pay for this. Thx, Pam

I will be vending in a local farmers market in Columbus this year, selling produce from my backyard garden. I'm selling a variety of specialty crops such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, potatoes, onions, etc. The market I am selling for is Westgate Farmers Market where I am also a board member. From a vending standpoint, I don't know what I need to have legally. Do I need to register my backyard garden as a small business? Do I need a tax ID number or EIN? What kind of insurance do I need? Since I am selling produce, what do I need in order to accept SNAP and other produce benefits? Will I need to submit a 1099 if I am selling something that doesn't require taxes? Lastly, what if I sell vegetable starts for people to put in their gardens? Will that need to be taxed?

I have 4 large crepe Myrtle’s that are covered in bark scale. What is the suggested treatment for this disease? Thank you.

Hello, We have recently acquired land in Talkeetna that we are hoping to apply lime this season in preparation for establishing pasture and a smaller area for vegetables the following year (2026). We believe we will need a large quantity of agricultural lime to allow for crops to grow (approximately 5 tons/acre). Do you know a good source a bulk quantities of ag lime that would ship to Alaska and general pricing? At Alaska Mill and Feed this quantity would be very expensive. Also, we will be conducting soil tests this spring, so don't know the exact liming requirement yet. We have estimated based on information about soils in the area (pH of 5.0). Maybe you have a more accurate understanding of general ag lime requirements in the Talkeetna area? Thank you for the guidance!

My litiope is very thick with brown leaves. I used a hedge trimmer to cut down one small area; there was healthy green under. Would it be okay to trim the whole bed? It is about 20’ by 10’ with another about 8’ by 10’.