Planting a new tree for Arbor Day? Here’s how to do it right
Friday is Arbor Day in Illinois, a day often marked by planting trees. If you're planning to plant a tree at any time of the year, take care to do...
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Warm spring days, sporadic rain mean gardens might need extra watering in April
April showers bring May flowers, right? Don't count on it. "Gardeners should be ready to water their plants now, if it's necessary," said Sharon Yiesla, plant knowledge specialist at The...
Picking the right tree or shrub for your garden can be tricky. Here are tips to keep in mind.
Would you like to add a tree or shrub to your garden? You could just go to the garden center and buy whatever they have for sale, but you'll make...
How to choose the right plants for your garden this spring
When a plant catches your eye in a garden center or nursery, what's the first thing you should do? "Read the label," said Julie Janoski, Plant Clinic manager at The...
Diversity is key in any garden or tree planning, encouraging more species to visit and lessening impact of decimating ills
As you research the trees or shrubs you might plant this spring, keep one important idea in mind: diversity. "It's always better, in the garden and in the neighborhood, to...
Soil tests are important for new gardens and big changes to your yard. Here’s what you need to know.
The start of the gardening season, before you start buying plants and digging holes, is a good time for an important checkup: a soil test. "The chemistry of your soil...
Spring is here, and weeds are already sprouting. Here’s how to get a head start on weeding to lessen the spread.
It's spring, and that means it's time to start weeding. "Weeds are among the first green things we see in the garden," said Sharon Yiesla, plant knowledge specialist at The...
12 dos and don’ts for early spring gardening
You may be extra eager to get outside and start gardening this spring — just be careful which tasks you start with, according to Sharon Yiesla, plant knowledge specialist at...
Impatient for spring blooms? Branches of early-budding trees can be forced into flowering inside
In a few weeks, the first flowers will appear on trees and shrubs, and spring will be here for sure. Can't wait that long? Try forcing branches into bloom to...
Sick of all the snow this winter? There’s one big benefit: It’s great at protecting your garden.
People who have had to shovel this winter's heavy snow may be glad to see it melt. But from your garden plants' perspective, it's been a good thing. "Winters with...