Tim Johnson – Page 18

There are two types of garlic: hard-neck and soft-neck.

Garlic is an easy and delicious crop for home gardeners

July 1, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I have a particular fondness for garlic in my cooking so I planted some last fall. I'd like advice on when I can use it. — Beverly Stevenson, Round Lake...

No-Spill gas cans have an easy-to-use thumb button to pour the gas, which makes them ideal for small equipment and reduces the chance of spilling fuel.

Photo credit: / Tim Johnson/ Chicago Botanic Garden
- Original Credit: Chicago Botanic Garden

To safely operate gas-powered lawn equipment, start with No-Spill gas cans

June 25, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

My teenager is going to start helping us maintain the garden and I want to give him advice on safely operating gas-powered equipment. — Joe Rosen, Elmwood Park Most home...

The stump-grinding process will leave a mound of chips mixed with soil that will need to be removed and replaced with topsoil.

How to handle dead tree removal in your yard

June 17, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I have two medium-sized shade trees located in my backyard planting beds that have died this spring and need to be removed. What do I need to consider before having...

If you are watering with a sprinkler, check that all the plants are getting adequate water by monitoring the soil and spot checking the plants' root balls.

What’s the best way to irrigate new plants?

June 10, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I installed a new garden last year and I am wondering if I should start watering the plants installed last spring. My contractor installed some more plants in early April...

Maintaining your lawn at a taller height will encourage a stronger root system.

Prep your lawn for summer with these mowing tips

June 4, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I just purchased my first home and now will start mowing my lawn. I need some advice on best practices. —Javier Alvarez, Highwood An easy way to improve the quality...

Signs of winter injury include golden or brown needles and foliage that has developed a yellowish or off-green color.

How to know if you can revive thinning, off-color plants

May 28, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I noticed that three of my boxwood shrubs are looking thinner than normal with browning foliage. Some of my yews have a yellow cast to the leaves. This seems to...

Grow vegetables in raised beds surrounded by chicken wire to keep dogs from disturbing them.

Fido and your garden can be friendly with some precaution

May 20, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I plan to adopt two small dogs and would like some advice on how to garden in my fenced backyard where they will be able to run about. — Kelly...

Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria) is a vigorous, invasive perennial with green foliage and white flowers.

Invasive goutweed competes for attention in your garden, but you can fight back

May 13, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

A gardening friend told me that I have a weed called goutweed in my garden. Now that I have looked closer at the beds, it is spreading throughout my shaded...

There are many different mowers to consider buying to use for your lawn.

Mulching mowers work well for the low-maintenance lawn

May 7, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I just bought a new home after living in an apartment for many years and would like some advice on how to pick a good mower for a mid-sized, low-maintenance...

If in doubt as to whether there are utility lines present, err on the side of calling to have the utilities located for your property.

Avoid damaging utility lines when digging up your garden

April 29, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I think there are phone and cable television lines buried underneath my new house. I see where the lines enter the house in the back. How can I avoid damaging...

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