Apply a mulch around landscape plantings and garden areas to conserve soil moisture. Mulching reduces the rate of evaporation from the soil surface and also limits weed competition. Organic materials, such as grass clippings, clean…
It is advisable not to add dog or cat feces to the compost pile. Dog and cat feces may contain harmful pathogens that may not be destroyed during the composting process.
Trees have shallow roots. The vast majority of a tree’s roots are located in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil. As the tree roots grow, some of the larger roots near the soil surface may emerge from the ground. While many individuals regard…
Leaving the leaves alone is a good way to support native pollinators and other insects and wildlife. These valuable insects rely on the habitat fallen leaves provide, especially over the winter…
The butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a member of the milkweed family. Plants grow 2 to 3 feet tall and produce flat-topped clusters of bright orange flowers from July through September. Their flowers attract several…
Cutting back or mowing off weeds is sometimes used to control weeds in the garden or lawn. Timely or frequent cutting back stresses the weed and reduces its competitive advantage over more desirable plants. Consistent removal of the…
Before filling raised beds, remove the grass sod, if possible, and work up the existing soil with a rototiller or spade. Add a few inches of the soil mix, then incorporate it into the existing soil. Continue to add and incorporate…
Grass clippings contribute very little to thatch development because clippings are primarily cellulose and decompose quickly. There is no need to remove grass clippings when lawns are mowed properly. Infrequent mowing of tall grass…
In certain situations, a gardener can use herbicides to supplement other weed control strategies. Several factors limit the usefulness of herbicides in the home garden. Most home gardens contain a variety of plants in a small area. This restricts…
The appearance of the turfgrass is the best way to determine when to water the lawn. The ideal time to water a lawn is at the first signs of water stress. Turfgrasses that have adequate supplies of water are normally dark green in color. For cool…
Flame weeding is the use of intense heat, usually produced by a propane torch or other fuel-burning device, to kill weeds. This organic option for weeding causes the water and sap inside the plant cell to boil and expand rupturing the cell…
Dead raspberry canes will be white to gray in color. When dead canes are pruned, the tissue inside the stem will be tan to brown and dry. Live canes will be brown to purple in color. The tissue inside the stem will be white to…
Mulches control weeds by preventing the germination of weed seeds. Established weeds should be destroyed prior to the application of the mulch. In addition to weed control, mulches help conserve soil moisture, reduce soil erosion, prevent…
Plant spring-flowering bulbs at a depth equal to 3 to 4 times their maximum bulb diameter. Accordingly, daffodils and tulips should be planted 6 to 8 inches deep, crocuses and grape hyacinths 3 to 4 inches deep. Large bulbs, such as…
Planting depth varies with the size of the bulb (corm). Large corms should be planted 4 to 6 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Small corms should be planted at a depth of 3 inches. Gladioli require well-drained soils and perform…
Plant spring-flowering bulbs at a depth equal to 3 to 4 times their maximum bulb diameter. Accordingly, tulips and daffodils should be planted 6 to 8 inches deep, crocuses and grape hyacinths 3 to 4 inches deep. Large bulbs, such as…
Choosing the right alternative lawn requires evaluating how the space will be used, how much maintenance and other inputs you're willing to provide, and understanding what "look" or aesthetic you are willing to accept. Below are some uses…
The best way to prevent crabgrass infestations in lawns is to maintain a thick, healthy lawn through proper mowing, irrigation, and fertilization. Crabgrass will have a difficult time germinating and surviving in a dense stand of turfgrass.…
Ground ivy (“creeping Charlie”) in lawns can be controlled with broadleaf herbicides. Products that contain 2,4-D or triclopyr are most effective. 2,4-D is an active ingredient in many broadleaf herbicide products. Triclopyr can…
In small areas, some weeds can be controlled by pulling and digging. This method is best accomplished after a soaking rain or deep watering. Unfortunately, pulling and digging is often ineffective on deep-rooted weeds.
Nimblewill (Muhlenbergia schreberi) is a warm-season perennial grass. Nimblewill is a thin, wiry grass that is pale green or gray-green. It spreads by aboveground shoots or stolons, often forming circular spots in the lawn.…
Perennial grassy weeds die back to ground level in fall but send up new growth in spring. These weed species have long thin leaves with parallel veins. Perennial weeds reproduce by seeds or may spread by creeping above or below ground…
Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a native vine common to woodland areas but found frequently growing in gardens and along fence lines. This vine causes an allergic reaction (dermatitis) in most people when their skin comes in…
“Water grass” is an ambiguous name. Several plants are occasionally referred to as water grass. Two common lawn weeds that are sometimes referred to as “water grass” are crabgrass and yellow nutsedge.
Keeping ahead of weeds and controlling them when they are small is essential for good weed management. This requires persistence throughout the entire growing season to remove weeds as they emerge. There are essentially two types of weeds in our…
Control of weeds in the vegetable garden is important. These unwanted plants are strong competitors for available water, nutrients, and sunlight and can reduce yields when not controlled. Reduced air circulation created by tall weeds…
Cultivation and hand pulling effectively control most annual weeds. It is very important to destroy these weeds while they are small before they produce thousands of seeds, guaranteeing a weed problem for many years in the future.
