Mid to late summer often brings a surge of weeds that can quickly overtake your carefully tended garden. Identifying and managing these weeds is crucial to maintaining a healthy and productive garden. Here are some common culprits to watch out for: 1. Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) Crabgrass is an annual weed that thrives in the warm, sunny days of summer. It germinates in spring but becomes more noticeable as it matures in mid to late summer. Its wide, blue-green blades and sprawling growth habit can quickly smother your lawn and garden beds. Hand-pulling before it seeds and applying a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring can help manage this persistent invader. 2. Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) (pictured) Bindweed is a perennial vine that...
Roses, with their enchanting beauty and delightful fragrance, have captivated gardeners for centuries. For those in the Midwest, growing these elegant blooms can be particularly rewarding, given the region's unique climate and soil conditions. While the task might seem daunting to some, with a bit of knowledge and careful planning, anyone can nurture a thriving rose garden. Choosing the Right Roses Climate Considerations: The Midwest experiences a wide range of temperatures, from hot, humid summers to harsh, cold winters. It's crucial to choose rose varieties that can withstand these conditions. Hardy varieties, such as the Rugosa, Explorer, and Buck roses, are excellent choices for the region. Disease Resistance: Roses can be prone to diseases like black spot, powdery mildew, and rust. Selecting...
Gardening in the Midwest presents unique challenges and opportunities. The region's climate, with its hot summers, cold winters, and varying precipitation, requires careful selection and management of plants to ensure a beautiful and thriving perennial garden. Here are some tips to help you create and maintain a perennial garden that will flourish in the Midwest. 1. Choose the Right Perennials Native Plants Opting for native plants can be highly beneficial. They are adapted to the local climate and soil, require less maintenance, and support local wildlife. Some excellent native perennials for the Midwest include: Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Known for its striking purple petals and resilience. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Bright yellow flowers that bloom from late summer to fall....
This is not a drill! It is happening, people: the emergence of periodical cicadas. These fascinating insects, known for their loud chorus and unique life cycle, can have a noticeable impact on your garden. If you’re a gardener, you might be wondering how these insects will affect your plants and what steps you can take to protect your green oasis.Understanding Cicadas and Their Life CyclePeriodical cicadas spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on the sap from tree roots. When they emerge, it’s in massive numbers, primarily to mate. The emergence usually lasts about 4-6 weeks, during which the adult cicadas are highly active. While their presence can be overwhelming, it’s important to remember that they play a...
