Summer is the perfect time to enjoy your lawn and garden, but it’s also when your lawn is most susceptible to damage. While the air may feel muggy, weeks can go by without a drop of rain. Minnesota’s hot and dry summer months can be tough on your lawn, but with some care and attention, you can keep your grass healthy and green all summer. We’ll share some tips on keeping your lawn healthy in Minnesota’s hot and dry summer months.
Watering
Water your lawn regularly, especially during the hottest months of the year. Water deeply, but don’t overwater because it can lead to fungal growth. It’s best to water your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are more relaxed so that water doesn’t evaporate quickly. If you have sprinklers, ensure they are correctly adjusted to avoid water wastage.
Mowing
Mow your lawn regularly, but avoid cutting the grass too short. Longer grass blades hold more moisture and provide shade for the roots. Grass should be cut often enough so that no more than one-third of the grass blade is removed with each mowing. Cutting more than that can stress the grass and leave it vulnerable to disease. And remember to sharpen your mower’s blades, a dull blade results in ragged cuts, which make the grass less drought-tolerant.
Fertilizing
Fertilize your lawn with nitrogen-rich fertilizer at least twice a year in the summer months to boost root growth and overall health. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as it can burn your lawn. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid fertilizing during periods of high heat.
Good soil preparation
Start with healthy, high-quality soil and prepare your soil properly before planting. Soil with adequate nutrients, organic matter, and the right pH level supports healthy root growth and maximizes the chances of a vibrant lawn. Do a soil test to determine what fertilizers or nutrients your lawn needs to be healthy.
Proper lawn management
In addition to regular watering, mowing, and fertilizing, consider some other lawn management practices, such as aerating your lawn every two to three years. Aeration allows water and air to penetrate the soil and reach the roots, which promotes vigorous growth and resistance against drought and heat. Raking your lawn also helps to remove dead grass and thatch that could prevent moisture from getting to the root zone.
Your lawn can be the most beautiful place in your home, but making it healthy and looking vibrant takes time and dedication- especially during the hot and dry summer months in Minnesota. By following the tips shared in this blog, you can maintain the lush green color of your lawn and make sure it stays healthy and beautiful throughout the summer. Enjoy the sun!
Whether mowing is your favorite summer pastime or summer bummer, did you know mowing in May can negatively impact pollination? Pollination is crucial for the growth and survival of various plants and ultimately contributes to the overall health of our environment. Here is why you should consider waiting a month before trimming your lawn.
April Showers Bring May Flowers
May is the month when most flowering plants in Minnesota start to bloom. Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds rely on these plants for nectar and pollen. Mowing the lawn this month can disrupt the pollinators’ habitat and food source. The lawn mower’s sound and vibration can also scare pollinators away, making them less likely to return to the area to pollinate. Studies show that lawns that are mowed less frequently have a higher number of pollinators and flowering plants. Therefore, it is essential to avoid mowing in May or to cut down the frequency of your mowing routine.
Adjust Your Mowing Practices
If you need to mow your lawn in May, consider changing your mowing practices. Some tips to help protect the pollination process include mowing your lawn in the evening when pollinators are less active, using a manual lawn mower or a mower that produces less noise and vibration, leaving patches of your lawn uncut, or mowing only the perimeter of your lawn, and avoiding the use of pesticides that can harm pollinators.
Beneficial for Minnesota’s Ecosystem
Pollinators are crucial to the diversity of our ecosystem, and their decline can negatively impact food production and global biodiversity. In Minnesota, 90% of the flowering plants rely on pollinators to produce seeds and fruit. The pollination process also contributes to our state’s economy and crop production. Therefore, homeowners should play their part in protecting the pollination process.
How to Support Pollinators on Your Minnesota Lawn
You can support pollinators in your lawn by planting native flowers, shrubs, and trees that attract pollinators. Some pollinator-friendly plants include goldenrod, milkweed, asters, and coneflowers. You can also provide bee-nesting habitats and encourage your neighbors to do the same. Also, avoid using chemical pesticides and fertilizers and opt for organic alternatives.
Mowing in May can harm the pollination process in Minnesota. It is essential for homeowners to be mindful of their mowing practices and to take steps to protect pollinators and the environment. By choosing to mow less frequently or by changing the time and method of your mowing routine, you can contribute to the overall health of our ecosystem. Remember, small actions can make a significant impact. By supporting pollinators in your lawn, you are helping preserve our environment’s diversity and beauty for generations.
Gardening is a great activity that brings joy and relaxation. However, if you want your garden to thrive and yield healthy, juicy fruits and vegetables, you need to ensure that your garden is pollinated efficiently. Pollination is essential, especially for the growth and reproduction of most flowering plants. This spring, you can enhance the pollination process in your garden by following a few simple steps. This blog post will guide you in preparing a garden for pollination this spring.
Choose the Right Plants:
Select the right plants for your garden to increase the chances of successful pollination. Some plants require cross-pollination, while others are self-pollinating. You want to pick the plants that attract pollinators, such as bees, hummingbirds, or butterflies. Some top pollinator-friendly plants include sunflowers, lavender, zinnia, cosmos, and herbs like basil and thyme. Be sure to choose plants native to your region for optimal success.
Provide Water and Shelter:
Pollinators need water and shelter to thrive in your garden. You can set up a small pond or birdbath and add some pebbles for butterflies to rest on. You can also create a shelter by placing rocks or bricks in a sunny spot or hanging a mason bee house. These simple additions will encourage pollinators to make your garden their home.
Eliminate Pesticides:
Pesticides can harm beneficial insects and pollinators. If you choose to use any pesticide, ensure it is safe for pollinators. A better alternative is to create a natural ecosystem where beneficial insects feed on pests that harm your garden. This will ease your reliance on harsh chemicals and provide a healthy environment for pollinators.
Plant Flowers Early:
Planting flowers earlier in the season will provide abundant blooms for pollinators to feed on. This promotes a healthy population for the entire season. You can also choose the right time of day to plant flowers. Pollinators are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. Planting during these periods improves pollinators’ chances of noticing the flowers.
Encourage Diversity:
Having a diversity of plant species in your garden is essential for attracting different types of pollinators. You can also add different plant heights and colors to your garden to appeal to a more extensive range of pollinators. Different pollinators have different preferences, and creating a diverse environment provides a home for all species.
A pollinator-friendly garden is not only beneficial to the environment but also allows you to grow healthy and thriving plants. Following the steps outlined in this blog, you can easily prep your garden for pollination this spring. Create a natural ecosystem that provides the essentials pollinators need, and you will have a flourishing garden that enhances your outdoor space. Remember, our furry and winged friends play a vital role in our ecosystem, and ensuring a pollinator-friendly garden is one way to protect and care for them.
Leaves falling from trees and covering the ground is a common sight this time of year. But what many people don’t know is that those leaves can be good for your grass!
Leaves act as natural mulch, helping retain moisture in the soil and preventing weeds from growing. They also break down over time, providing valuable nutrients to your lawn. So next fall, consider leaving some on your property for a healthier yard instead of raking up all those leaves. Here’s why you should think twice before raking and disposing of your lawn’s fallen leaves.
- Leaves act as natural mulch, helping retain moisture in the soil and preventing weeds from growing.
- Fallen leaves provide valuable nutrients to your lawn as they break down over time.
- Raking and disposing of fallen leaves removes these benefits from your lawn.
- Leaving some leaves on your lawn can save you time and effort in the long run, as it reduces the need for additional fertilizers or weed control methods.
- It’s also better for the environment, as fewer yard waste materials will end up in landfills. So next fall, consider letting some of those leaves stay on your lawn for a healthier yard.
Letting some of your fallen leaves stay on the lawn can save time and effort and benefit the environment. It also provides valuable nutrients and helps with moisture retention and weed control. So consider skipping the rake and leaving those leaves for a healthier yard.
As fall starts creeping in, the weather can be unpredictable. One day it might be hot and sunny, and the next, you wake up to a frost warning. If you’re not prepared, your plants could suffer severe damage – even death! Here are some tips for protecting your plants from early frost damage.
Bring Them Inside at Night
One way to protect your plants from early frost damage is to bring them indoors. If you have potted plants, move them inside to a sunny spot. Houseplants will also benefit from being moved indoors during periods of cold weather.
Cover Them Up
Another way to safeguard your plants is to cover them with a cloth or tarp. Be sure to secure the fabric, so it doesn’t blow away in the wind. You can also use lightbulbs to generate heat, which will help keep your plants warm.
Keep on Watering
Finally, make sure you water your plants regularly. Dry soil is more susceptible to cold damage than moist soil. By keeping your plants hydrated, you’ll help them withstand colder temperatures. This will help them fight the cold weather and prevent them from drying out.
Following these tips can help your plants survive the first few weeks of fall. Then, with some preparation, you can enjoy the autumn season without worry!
As the weather starts to cool down and the days grow shorter, you may consider putting your lawn care efforts on hold until spring. However, fall is an ideal time to seed your lawn. The cooler temperatures and increased moisture help grass seeds germinate quickly and establish a deep, healthy root system. With some preparation, you can have a lush, green lawn come spring.
Here are a few reasons to consider planting grass seed at the beginning of fall:
1. The cooler temperatures are easier on the grass seeds. As a result, they won’t dry out as quickly and won’t be subject to the intense heat of summer.
2. The increased moisture in the fall helps grass seeds germinate quickly. They may even grow faster than they would in the spring.
3. The long days in the fall give the grass seeds more time to germinate. As a result, they’ll have a head start on the grass seed in the spring.
4. The cooler temperatures of fall help the grass seeds establish a deep, healthy root system. This is important for the long-term health of your lawn.
5. You’ll have a head start on your spring lawn care. By seeding in the fall, you’ll be ahead of the game come spring. As a result, Fall seeding will better establish your lawn, and you’ll have less work.
Contact a lawn care professional for help if you’re considering seeding your lawn this fall. They can advise you on the best type of grass seed for your climate and lawn and help you prepare your property for planting. Then, with some planning and effort, you can have a beautiful, green lawn come spring.
Weeds are one of the most common problems that homeowners face when it comes to their lawns. Weeds can not only make your lawn look unkempt, but they can also choke out your grass and other plants, competing for nutrients and moisture.
There are several things that you can do to prevent weeds from taking over your lawn. Here are a few tips:
1. Use herbicides
Herbicides can be effective at killing weeds, but you need to be careful about which ones you use. Some herbicides can also kill your grass, so it’s important to read the labels carefully and follow the directions.
2. Pull them by hand
If you have a small number of weeds, you may be able to pull them by hand. Be sure to get the entire root so that the weed doesn’t grow back.
3. Cover them with mulch or landscape fabric
Mulch and landscape fabric can help prevent sunlight from reaching the weed seeds, which will prevent them from germinating.
4. Keep your lawn healthy
A healthy lawn is less likely to be invaded by weeds. Be sure to mow regularly, water deeply, and fertilize according to the needs of your grass type.
5. Reseed bare spots
Bare spots in your lawn are prime real estate for weeds. Be sure to reseed these areas so that your grass has a chance to fill in.
By following these tips, you can help prevent weeds from taking over your lawn.
April showers bring May flowers, but unfortunatley, June and July bring the heat. It’s not uncommon to have spells of dry seasons that last weeks in Minnesota. But for many homeowners, their lawns may be suffering. Here are some tips to follow to make sure your lawn stays healthy through the droughts.
Irrigate Your Lawn Regularly
Watering deeply and less frequently encourages deeper roots, which helps the grass withstand dry periods better. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and keep the foliage from staying wet overnight, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Mow High
Keeping your grass taller shades the roots and helps retain moisture. Cut it no shorter than 2-1/2 inches; 3 inches is even better. And don’t scalp the lawn! Removing more than one-third of the leaf blade stresses the grass and makes it more susceptible to drought, disease, and insect problems.
Use Sharp Blades
A dull blade rips rather than cuts the grass, which creates jagged edges that are more vulnerable to disease. Sharpen or replace the blade every 10 to 12 mowing sessions.
Properly Fertilize
Applying fertilizer before drought sets in helps grass better withstand dry conditions. Be sure to use a fertilizer that contains slow-release nitrogen. And don’t overdo it! Too much fertilizer can make the grass more susceptible to drought stress.
Aerate Your Lawn
Aerating helps improve water and nutrient uptake by grassroots, as well as reduce compaction. Core aeration also reduces thatch buildup. Do it in early fall or late spring, when the grass is actively growing.
Use Mulch Around Trees and Shrubs
Mulching with wood chips or shredded leaves helps conserve moisture and keeps roots cooler in summer. Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip line (the edge of the branches) of trees and shrubs. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent collar rot.
Be Wise with Watering
Don’t let the water run off your lawn; it’s a waste of water and money. Instead, water slowly and deeply so that the roots have time to absorb the moisture. And don’t water in the heat of the day; evaporation will be high and much of the water will simply evaporate.
Have Patience
Lawns will go dormant during periods of drought stress. They may turn brown, but they’ll green up again when conditions improve. Don’t be tempted to overwater in an attempt to keep them green; this will only make things worse in the long run by encouraging shallow roots and making the grass more susceptible to disease.
While it is true that heavy rain can wreak havoc on your garden, the damage caused can be avoided by taking some simple steps. Here are a few beneficial tips to keep in mind when heavy rains are coming:
Look for Cracks
Inspect your garden for any possible cracks or openings in your soil or mulch layer. If you spot any, fill them with soil or mulch to prevent water from seeping into the ground.
Watch Out for Puddles Forming
Keep an eye out for any puddles in your garden, as standing water can damage your plants and lead to mold growth on leaves. Be sure to cover up any puddles with a tarp or move them out of the way.
Create a Drainage System
If possible, try to create a makeshift drainage system in your garden using things like bricks or rocks. This will help divert water away from your plants and reduce the chances of them being damaged.
Take extra care of any young or delicate plants in your garden during heavy rains. Consider moving them to a sheltered location if possible, or covering them up with a tarp if you cannot.
Plant Near Shrubs and Trees
If you have any vegetable or flower gardens, be sure to check that they are not located near any structures or trees. These can both act as funnel points for water and lead to erosion in your garden.
With these simple tips, you should be able to protect your garden from heavy rains without much trouble. While there is no guarantee that your garden will be completely unaffected by these weather events, following this advice should greatly reduce the risk of damage.