Gardening

The key to a thick, green lawn is frequent mowing, which will keep the grass growing strong and also keep out weeds. Good, sharp blades on the lawnmower will cut grass faster and cleaner than dull blades. Also, dull blades rough up the grass, making it more vulnerable to disease. … [Read more...] about Maintain your mower and mow frequently

Fancy irrigation systems and sprinklers are expensive and unnecessary in most cases. The most efficient way to irrigate is to take a walk around the garden with the hose to water the plants. Water early in the morning or after the sun goes down, to avoid evaporation that occurs … [Read more...] about Water the garden by hand for big savings

Water both the lawn and plants deeply, but infrequently, to encourage deep root growth and save on the water bill. Watering plants and the lawn every day not only wastes water, but it also encourages roots to stay shallow, because they are expecting water tomorrow. Water deeply … [Read more...] about Water deeply, but infrequently

A standard soil test - which can be done by a local cooperative extension service or with a home test kit you send off to a lab - will reveal the soil's pH, salts, nutrient and organic matter content and texture. It will also identify what nutrients that are needed, and in what … [Read more...] about Test the soil before feeding and planting