Gardening doesn’t have to end this time of year
So you thought the gardening year was over now that leaves have fallen, days are short and nights are cold? Only if you want it to be. "There's always something...
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Snow-melting and de-icing products like rock salt are harmful to trees, plants. Here’s why — and one alternative.
As you get ready for winter snows, think carefully about using de-icing chemicals such as salt. The chemicals used to melt snow and ice help make walking safe, but they...
How to clean up your garden before winter — but still leave behind the stuff plants want
It's cleanup time in the garden, but that doesn't mean you need to whisk away every leaf and cut back every stem down to the bare soil. "Some garden cleanup...
How to choose the best semi-evergreen ground cover for Midwest yards
Many Midwestern homes have areas planted with ground covers. These low-growing, often vigorously spreading plants are generally easier to maintain than grass, but they are not carefree. For example, it's...
Small sprouts around tree trunks, known as suckers, can be a sign of stress. Here’s what to do.
When we think of a tree, we usually picture a single big trunk that divides into branches overhead. Yet sometimes trees may sprout small stems sprouting from the base of...
Those post-Halloween pumpkins are perfect for composting. Here’s tips on getting started.
With a bounty of leaves falling from the trees, autumn is the perfect time to start making compost. "It's a powerful, free, totally natural way to improve conditions for your...
Fall’s end is the perfect time to take gardening notes to help with planning come spring
Before the last leaves swirl away, take a break from raking to make some notes about this year's garden. "Remembering what happened and what you did this year is important...
Protect young trees and shrubs from hungry deer, rabbits and other winter diners
While the weather is still mild enough to work outside, think about the hard times ahead — for animals. In winter, when the supply of fresh grass and leaves is...
Free mulch, compost just waiting to be swept up in your backyard
Everybody loves a freebie: bobblehead doll giveaways at White Sox games, the candy jar on a co-worker's desk, buy-one-get-one-free shoe sales. At this time of year, gardeners get a freebie...
Autumn is a good time to spread mulch around trees, shrubs. Here’s how to do it right.
Fall is an excellent time to spread mulch over the roots of trees, shrubs and perennials. "It will benefit plants at any time of the year," said Julie Janoski, Plant...