Dear Master Gardener: When do I stop feeding the hummingbirds?

Answer: Hummingbirds spend their winters in Mexico and Central America. They breed throughout the eastern half of the United States, including Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, they start migrating south as early as mid-August and most leave the state by the end of September, although you may still see stragglers into October.

Dear Master Gardener: My neighbor gave me some Jack-in-the-Pulpit plants that have red berries attached to them. How and where should I plant them?

Answer: Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) is an unusual, exotic-looking native plant and a great addition to a woodland garden. Harvest the berries when they turn red, which should be early September. Each berry typically contains one to six seeds. Use a pruning shears or scissors to cut the berry cluster from the plant. Wear gloves because the juice can be very irritating to the skin. Remove the seeds by gently squeezing them from the berries, and whatever you do — don’t pop one in your mouth! They are poisonous and will burn your mouth! Then plant them one-half inch deep in rich, moist soil in a shady location. Try to imitate their natural habitat as much as possible by adding additional compost and leaf mold and keeping them well-watered.

You may get your garden questions answered by calling the new Master Gardener Help Line at 218-824-1068 and leaving a message. A Master Gardener will return your call. Or, emailing me at umnmastergardener@gmail.com and I will answer you in the column if space allows.

University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners are trained and certified volunteers for the University of Minnesota Extension. Information given in this column is based on university research.