MSU Extension Gardening in Michigan

• Two easy tips for avoiding grub damage in your yard

  Published on June 27, 2013
  July is the best time to treat for European chafer grubs in home lawns, or you can avoid this problem by irrigating more and raising the mowing height.

• Turf and lawn tips during wet, cool weather

  Published on June 13, 2013
  Cool, wet weather has impacted turf growth, fertilizer applications and turf health.

• When grass produces seedheads

  Published on May 30, 2013
  Seedheads in lawns are a natural process that can’t be avoided, but keeping your mower blade sharp and applying fertilizer will keep the lawn healthy and looking good.

• Dandelions painting turf and lawns yellow

  Published on May 9, 2013
  Another annual rite of spring is upon us: dandelions. The best time to control will be at the puff ball stage.

• Watch for European crane fly damage in Grand Rapids, Mich., and Detroit area

  Published on May 2, 2013
  Watch for European crane fly damage to lawns and golf courses in May. To be better prepared, here are pictures of European crane fly larvae, adults and turf damage.

• Quackgrass now appearing in turf

  Published on May 2, 2013
  Quackgrass infestations in lawns and other turf areas stand out this time of year due to accelerated top growth.

• Dead patches in lawns or golf course roughs may be from grubs

  Published on April 25, 2013
  Watch for dead patches in lawns that grow larger over the next three weeks. Learn how to prevent grub and skunk problems in the future.

• Preemergence herbicide applications for crabgrass control

  Published on April 12, 2013
  Spring has been very slow to arrive, but models indicate many areas of central and southern Michigan may soon be in the optimum application window for preemergence herbicides.

• Reduce lawn and garden damage caused by moles, skunks and raccoons

  Published on March 12, 2013
  What you can do to discourage pests such as moles, skunks and raccoons from digging up your yard and garden.

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  Smart soils: What you can do to reduce phosphorus

  Published on February 22, 2013
  Phosphorus helps vegetable plants and flowers produce blooms and fruit abundantly.

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  Smart watering for lawns: Don’t let the lawn squeeze you dry

  Published on February 22, 2013
  One of the areas in the home landscape that can use a tremendous amount of water is the lawn.

• Who’s that digging in my yard: Skunks, raccoons or moles?

  Published on February 13, 2013
  Gain a better idea of which critter is digging up your yard or garden by the damage they cause.

• Mow high for weed and grub control

  Published on February 8, 2013
  Mow at the highest setting on your lawnmower to promote deep roots, avoid grub damage and crowd out weeds.

• Use rye this fall to put your garden to bed for the winter

  Published on October 22, 2012
  Rye as a cover crop has numerous benefits for overwintering your garden.

• Late season lawn seeding

  Published on September 24, 2012
  Lawns may have taken a beating from the summer drought, but it’s not too late for a little first aid for the grass blades.

• Failure to water-in insecticides after application may result in poor grub control

  Published on September 21, 2012
  Lawn care company asks question about lack of grub control at some sites. Failure to water-in insecticides may be the problem.

• Timing for fall fertilization and rust on turf

  Published on September 7, 2012
  Following a stressful summer, lawns will benefit from a timely fertilizer application in the fall and may help turfgrass out-grow rust infestations.

• Turfgrass establishment following a hot, dry summer

  Published on August 22, 2012
  Following the summer of 2012, many turfgrass areas and lawns may need to be over-seeded to fill in damaged or dead areas.

• Equip yourself for dry weather: Tools and techniques to soften the slap of drought

  Published on August 2, 2012
  Here’s how basic gardening tools will help you get your garden through this dry spell.

• What is evapotranspiration and why it matters

  Published on July 25, 2012
  Under drought conditions, plants may not be able to extract water fast enough to keep up with evapotranspiration.