MSU Extension Gardening in Michigan

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  Cold temperatures extend application timing for crabgrass preemergence herbicides

  Published on April 16, 2020
  Cold soil temperatures should extend timing for crabgrass preemergence herbicide applications.

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  Reduced maintenance on athletic fields and lawns due to novel coronavirus

  Published on March 30, 2020
  Turfgrass management considerations for athletic fields and home lawns during the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order.

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  Fertilizer basics for the smart gardener

  Published on January 15, 2020
  Fertilizers can be applied to enhance growth in plants that exhibit a deficiency or require higher nutrient levels for success.

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  MSU Extension’s Lawn and Garden Hotline continues to assist callers

  Published on October 15, 2019
  Available now Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. EST, statewide responder teams answer calls.

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  September fertilization and rust on turf

  Published on September 12, 2019
  Stretches of dry and hot weather this summer resulted in some lawns being stressed and slow to recover. Fertilizer applications in September will ensure the turf maintains density and competes with pests such as weeds and rust.

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  Tips for seeding lawns in September

  Published on September 12, 2019
  September is the ideal time for seeding turfgrass in Michigan.

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  Got weeds? Remove them before they set seed.

  Published on September 11, 2019
  Ways to conquer those unwanted or unknown plants from invading your gardens or yards

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  How to protect pollinators in urban landscapes and gardens

  Published on July 11, 2019
  A new 2019 update is now available for the most complete guide to protecting pollinators while gardening, growing flowers or managing trees, shrubs or turfgrass in urban areas.

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  Pesky broadleaf weeds flowering in turf

  Published on June 27, 2019
  White clover, black medic and oxalis are all flowering in lawns and other turf now.

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  Pinkish-red strands in grass could be red thread

  Published on June 26, 2019
  Red thread is often associated with under-fertilized turf and one of the simplest recommendations to alleviate disease pressure is to fertilize.

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  Got lawn and garden questions? Contact MSU Extension’s free hotline.

  Published on May 16, 2019
  MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture staff and specially trained Extension Master Gardeners are available during the day, Monday through Friday to assist with your gardening questions.

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  To bag or not to bag?

  Published on October 31, 2018
  If you start early, you can avoid all the work and time of raking, bagging and hauling leaves from your lawn.

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  Is my lawn dead?

  Published on August 14, 2018
  July was hot and dry and unirrigated lawns were dormant. Following recent rains, many are wondering whether or not their lawns are dead and need reseeding.

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  Wet spring conditions create challenging turfgrass conditions

  Published on May 24, 2018
  Warm temperatures and excessive rainfall have turfgrass growth surging.

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  Tips for reseeding lawns in spring

  Published on April 20, 2018
  Spots of your lawn may need reseeding this spring.

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  Hot, dry weather impacts fall turfgrass management

  Published on October 3, 2017
  Weed, disease and insect control and fertilizer applications are all being affected by the hot, dry weather in September.

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  Garden smarter with Michigan State University Extension programs

  Published on August 14, 2017
  If you haven’t heard of Michigan State University Extension’s Smart Gardening initiative, its goal is to promote earth friendly and sustainable practices that will save gardeners time, effort and money.

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  Do grub control products work?

  Published on May 31, 2017
  When to apply grub control products, how reliable they are and why some people are confused about whether they work.

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  Healthy lawns are more resilient to grubs, drought and other stressors

  Published on May 24, 2017
  Use these Smart Gardening practices to have a healthy lawn that is more resilient to potential turf problems.

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  European crane flies observed around lawns and homes in southern Michigan

  Published on May 22, 2017
  European crane fly adults have been observed during the last three to four weeks. Here are some tips to prevent turf damage.