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.
If you have been noticing that your landscape is not looking as great as it once did, then it may be time to consider repairing it. There are many reasons why you should repair your landscape, and some of those reasons include:
Improving the Curb Appeal of Your Home
One of the main reasons why you should consider repairing your landscape is because it can help to improve the curb appeal of your home. If you have a well-maintained and attractive landscape, then it will make your home look more appealing from the outside, which could potentially increase its value. Homes with lush backyards, that feature many amenities and architecture will have a much higher curb appeal.
Making Your Landscape More Functional
Repairing your landscape can make it more functional. If you have a lot of dead space in your landscape or if there are areas that are difficult to use, then repairing your landscape can help to make those areas more functional and usable. For instance, you might be able to add a garden or transform a dead space into a fire pit or a patio.
Preventing Future Problems
Another reason why you should consider repairing your landscape is that it can help to prevent future problems. The biggest benefit of landscape repair and enhancement is that it helps with drainage and waterproofing. This helps your home’s structural foundation.
Saving Money
Repairing your landscape can save you money in the long run. If you have a landscape that needs repair, then it will likely cost you more money to maintain it over time. However, if you repair your landscape now, then you can avoid having to spend that extra money down the road.
These are just a few of the many reasons why you should consider repairing your landscape. If you have been noticing that your landscape is looking dull and uninspiring, it may be time for a facelift. Consider professional landscape design, repair and enhancement services. By doing so, you can avoid having to deal with future problems, save money, and improve the curb appeal of your home.
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.
Did you know that there are many benefits to planting native Minnesota plants in your yard? Some of these benefits include improving pollination, creating a natural habitat for local wildlife, and reducing the need for watering and fertilizing. Here’s why you should consider adding native Minnesotan plants to your yard.
Improve Pollination
One of the biggest benefits of planting native plants is that they improve pollination. Many native plants have long flowering seasons, and they provide food and habitat for bees and other pollinators. This helps to ensure that plants produce fruit and vegetables, and it also helps to support the local ecosystem.
Provides Habitats for local fauna
Another benefit of using native plants is that they provide a natural habitat for local wildlife. For example, Minnesota’s native trees and shrubs offer shelter and food for birds, rabbits, and other small animals. This can help to reduce the need for supplemental feeding or shelter in your yard.
Reduce watering and fertilizing
Finally, planting native plants can help to reduce the need for watering and fertilizing. This is because many native plants are well adapted to the climate and soil of Minnesota, and they don’t require as much care as non-native plants. By using native plants in your yard, you can save time and money on gardening chores.
So, if you’re looking for ways to make your yard more sustainable, consider planting native Minnesota plants. Not only will you be helping the environment, but you’ll also enjoy beautiful and healthy plants that require little maintenance.
As the snow begins to melt and the temperatures start to rise, it’s time to start thinking about how you want your yard to look this spring. If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out these Minnesota landscaping tips:
1. Add color with flowers and plants. There are a variety of flowers and plants that can add color to your yard in the springtime. Try tulips, daffodils, crocuses, or grape hyacinths for a pop of color.
2. Add some trees or shrubs. If you’re looking for some shade or privacy, adding trees or shrubs can be a great way to do that. Choose plants that are native to Minnesota for the best results.
3. Freshen up your yard with a new coat of paint. If your fence or deck is looking a little worse for wear, give it a fresh coat of paint to brighten things up.
4. Add some accessories. A few well-placed accessories can enhance your yard. Try a garden bench, birdfeeder, or wind chime to add some personality.
5. Keep things tidy. It’s important to keep your yard clean and well-maintained, even in the springtime. Make sure you rake up any leaves or debris, trim the grass, and weed the flower beds.
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have a beautiful yard this spring!
As winter calms down, many homeowners are anticipating an exhaustive list of lawn chores for the early spring months. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to ensure your lawn is ready for the upcoming spring season. And the best part is, it’s very straightforward! Here’s what you should tackle as soon as the snow begins to melt.
Remove Debris
Begin by removing any debris on the lawn. This might include fallen leaves, branches, and other yard waste. Rake up any remaining leaves, twigs, or other yard waste that was leftover from late fall or early winter to prevent them from smothering the grass and promoting weed growth.
Control Potential Weed Growth
Next, apply a pre-emergent weed control product to your lawn. This will help to prevent any pesky weeds from popping up later in the season. Follow the instructions on the product carefully to avoid harming your grass.
Look for Dead Patches
If you notice any dead patches of grass, now is the time to repair them. Use a grass seed mixture that matches your current lawn type to fill in the patches. Be sure to water the repaired areas regularly to help them take root.
Rake One More Time
Give your lawn a good Spring cleaning by raking it one more time. This will help to remove any leftover debris and ensure that your grass is getting plenty of air and sunlight.
Start-Up the Lawnmower
Raise the mower blades to their highest setting and cut the grass nice and short. Doing this will help the grass to stay healthy and strong all season long.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your lawn is in great shape for the spring and summer months ahead.