MSU Extension Gardening in Michigan

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  Nostoc: The mysterious green jelly on your lawn

  Published on November 14, 2023
  An organism older than the dinosaurs could be living in your lawn! Nostoc is not easy to control. Cyanobacteria have been around for about 3.5 billion years and have survived conditions ranging from volcanoes to the Ice Age.

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  Soil testing through MSU Extension

  Published on August 30, 2023
  MSU Extension home lawn and garden and commercial soil tests provide access to personalized fertilizer recommendations for thousands of Michigan residents every year.

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  Why test soil in the fall?

  Published on August 28, 2023
  Compared to spring, fall is an ideal time for soil testing. Here’s why.

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  Diagnostic Academy recently held in the Upper Peninsula

  Published on August 23, 2023
  Extension Master Gardeners and others learn more about diagnostics and assisting the public with plant and insect concerns.

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  Lawn turf update - July 6, 2023

  Published on July 6, 2023
  Lawns have recovered following the dry conditions the last couple months but now many diseases are appearing.

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  Equip yourself for dry weather: Tools and techniques to soften the slap of drought in your garden

  Published on June 26, 2023
  To minimize the impact of drought in your landscape and garden, it is crucial to employ the right tools and techniques. Planning ahead and implementing simple practices can soften the blow of drought and help your garden thrive.

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  Drought conditions begin to impact Michigan landscapes

  Published on June 21, 2023
  Watch for common signs of drought stress on landscape plants.

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  Pain in the grass: Bermudagrass

  Published on June 8, 2023
  Tackling bermudagrass in a residential lawn can be daunting. Learn more about the biology and management strategies.

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  Pain in the grass: Tall fescue

  Published on May 23, 2023
  Not all weedy grasses are crabgrass. Tall fescue is one of the top grassy weed complaints received by MSU Extension and MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics each year.

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  Tips to toss the moss from your lawn

  Published on May 10, 2023
  Frustrated with moss in your lawn? Understand why and then consider a range of management options.

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  Lawn turf update - May 4, 2023

  Published on May 4, 2023
  Lawns have been slow growing this spring with the unusually cold and wet weather but the forecasted warmup by the end of the week will have lawns and weeds springing to life.

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  Spring lawn care tips for shoreline homeowners

  Published on April 21, 2023
  Healthy lawns can help slow and filter surface runoff; it is also important to understand turf maintenance can affect water quality, especially fertilizer and pesticide applications.

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  Avoid herbicide misuse at home, things to know before you buy

  Published on April 11, 2023
  A little herbicide homework can increase efficacy, safety and cost savings.

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  Will my turf recover from recent flooding?

  Published on April 10, 2023
  Recent rainfall events caused flooding on golf courses, lawns and other turf areas. Depending on how long the turf was submerged and whether soil deposition occurred will determine whether turf survives.

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  Timing crabgrass preemergence applications in spring

  Published on April 5, 2023
  When is the correct time to apply crabgrass preemergence herbicides in the spring?

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  Fall yard and garden cleanup tips

  Published on November 3, 2022
  Use these fall yard and garden cleanup tips for more success next year.

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  Controlling yellow nutsedge in turfgrass

  Published on June 29, 2022
  Yellow nutsedge is appearing in turfgrass. This article describes nutsedge and presents control options for homeowners and professional applicators.

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  Crabgrass control during a hot summer

  Published on June 29, 2022
  Crabgrass has been enjoying the high temperatures in Michigan by invading turfgrass areas.

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  Broadleaf helleborine: A weedy orchid invading lawns and flowerbeds

  Published on June 24, 2022
  Updated methods for combating broadleaf helleborine.

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  Tree seedlings are infesting lawns

  Published on May 26, 2022
  This spring a prolific crop of maple tree seedlings are sprouting up in lawns across the state.