Tim Johnson – Page 16

Is it OK to mow fallen leaves? The answers to all your fall lawn questions.

October 28, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

Is it OK to just mow leaves on the lawn throughout the fall season? I am trying to save some time this fall. — Janel Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Grove Leaves have...

Leaving the seedheads of coneflowers and other perennials up for winter provides important food sources for goldfinches and other birds.

Rough-looking perennials? Here’s what to do.

October 22, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

A few of the perennials in my garden borders are starting to look a bit rough. I was wondering if I should cut them back now or wait until later...

The best stage to purchase a garden mum is when the buds are just showing some color.

Mumma Mia! Mums provide a splash of color to your fall garden

October 14, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I am interested in adding some late-season color to my garden and would like some tips on how to grow the mums I have been seeing in garden centers. Is...

When should I move my peonies?

October 8, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

We have several well-established, healthy peonies in the way of an addition to our house and need to move them soon to be ready when the contractors are ready to...

Grubs may be present in a lawn with holes such as these.

How to handle lawn grub infestation

September 30, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I have noticed sporadic holes being dug in a section of my yard and a neighbor suggested that I have grubs in the lawn. Is this something to worry about?...

Break the cycle of bacterial wilt in your garden

September 24, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

What is happening with my cucumbers? Is there something that I can do for them? — Jane Mergenthaler, Glendale Heights The cucumbers in the photo appear to have bacterial wilt,...

Newly planted trees protected by fencing

How do I protect my trees from bucks?

September 16, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

Some of my friends had minor damage from deer rubs to the trunks of a couple of their maple trees last fall. Should I be worried about this happening in...

Black-eyed Susan with dark splotches on leaves.

Air circulation could help treat Septoria leaf spot

September 10, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I noticed some dark splotches on some of the leaves of my black-eyed Susans. Some, but not all, have galls on them. I've been pulling off the affected leaves when...

An odd-looking mass at the base of my tree.

Slime mold not toxic despite its disgusting look

September 3, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I found this odd-looking mass at the base of my tree in the village parkway. Is there something wrong with my tree? — Emily Mathis, Highwood There is nothing wrong...

Low-maintence impatiens may still need saving from downy mildew

August 27, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

My impatiens just crashed — they rather quickly turned yellow and lost all their leaves. I thought impatiens were supposed to be easy to grow. What can I do to...

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