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Eviction notice for weeds
Dear G&G: I'm really starting to resent the weeds that make themselves at home on my lawn. How do I get rid of them?
Dear Hassled Host: Pull up the welcome mat by using the right herbicide to control unwanted guests. There are two kinds of weeds— narrowleaf and broadleaf. Here’s how to show them the door.
When the forsythia blooms in your neighborhood, control narrowleaf weeds—such as crabgrass—with a preemergence control that stops the seeds from germinating. The timing is critical as this can only be done in early spring. Wait too long and nothing will work but pulling them out by hand.
Kick out broadleaf weeds—such as dandelions—with a postemergence herbicide. Apply it when the weeds are actively growing. Many formulations of fertilizer contain a broadleaf control so that you can feed your family lawn as you evict troublemakers.
Dear G&G: We don't always have enough rainfall where I live, and my vegetables get thirsty. Is there anything I can do?
Dear Parched Pal: First, plant cool-season vegetables as early in spring as possible, since that's when soil has the most moisture. This is a good time to plant lettuce, beets, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, peas, spinach and onions.
Second, plant wide rows so the leaves shade the soil. Use a mulch to trap moisture—dried grass clippings, wood chips, or bark. Remove weeds so they don't compete with your plants for water. And remember: All vegetables need water during the flowering stage to yield maximum crops, so be sure to run the hose out and give them a good soaking.
Dear G&G: When I finish mowing, I just run the mower into the garage. Is there anything I should be doing differently?
Dear Quick Finish: Whoa there! Here's a checklist to help you prolong the life of your mower and protect your lawn. Let the engine cool before you put it away. It's also a good idea to clean off the top side of the deck and engine cooling fins with a whisk broom after it cools down. Also take a peek under the mower deck—is there a build-up of dried grass? If so, scrape off the crud so the mower blade will turn more efficiently and relieve stress on the engine. And while you're there, check the blade for sharpness. A dull cutting blade shreds grass, so the tips turn brown. The shreds are entryways for disease organisms. In addition, check the oil and plan to change it after 25 hours of use. When you've done all that, you can park it in a cool, dry place.
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