Beth Botts – Page 26 –

Snow-melting and de-icing products like rock salt are harmful to trees, plants. Here’s why — and one alternative.

December 4, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

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

November 27, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

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

November 20, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

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.

November 15, 2021 at 9:50 a.m.

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.

November 7, 2021 at 4:00 a.m.

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

October 30, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

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

October 24, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

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

October 19, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

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.

October 9, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

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...

Don’t neglect autumn watering as trees, plants prepare for winter and grow underground

October 3, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

It can be easy to forget about watering the garden in the fall. But in fact, plants still need your help. In any autumn, plants have to store up a...

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