KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – UP AND DOWN WITH THIS SPRING WEATHER

KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – UP AND DOWN WITH THIS SPRING WEATHER

The weather this spring has really been strange. In March we had two weeks of hot weather which put everything in hyper drive. Every tree and flowering bush started to explode. This wreaked havoc with those of us with allergies. It has been a trying season all around.

In the lawn and garden we had different challenges. The quick warm up started grass growing so fast that crab grass preventer was rendered useless. Pre-emergents are really the only thing that can help with crabgrass. Unfortunately there was no time as the warm up was too quick. So all we can do is spot treat and just use a regular fertilizer for the grass. Make sure to water as we have not yet had our usual heavy spring rains. Make sure all downspouts and drains around the house are clear in preparation for when we do get the rain. Keep the grass trimmed and cut. Even if you don’t cut that much grass it keeps it healthier when it’s all even and mowed no shorter than three inches.

Prepare the garden soil. Augment with manure. Mix in lightly and pull all weeds. Lay down a thin layer of mulch to discourage weed growth. Plan how you will plant your vegetables this growing season. Take into account how much sun each needs. Tomatoes need a lot. Cukes and peppers not so much.

Plant some flowers. They will make the landscape beautiful and colorful. It will get you through the cool weather now. It seems around here it is either 50° or 80° with nothing in between.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO