MSU Extension Gardening in Michigan

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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.

• 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.

• Cicada killer wasps are no cause for concern

  Published on July 13, 2012
  Despite their large size and fierce appearance, it is easy to get along with cicada killers.

• Does a dormant lawn need to be treated for grubs?

  Published on July 12, 2012
  Home lawns are the most susceptible to grub damage under dry conditions. If you have seen turf damage caused by grubs in the last two years, plan on applying an insecticide for grubs before August 1.

• Tough time for trees: Heat, drought, and storms take their toll

  Published on July 9, 2012
  Our record-breaking heat wave coupled with widespread severe thunderstorms made this a rough week for trees in Lower Michigan and surrounding areas.

• Proper fertilization: Take key step with square footage calculator

  Published on July 5, 2012
  Online calculator conveniently determines the exact area of lawn or garden, saving you money and protecting the environment from over-fertilization.

• Insect pests now appearing in turf

  Published on June 28, 2012
  A lot of webworm moths are being observed now, but it may be chinch bugs that are damaging home lawns. Japanese beetles are out as well, and they are hungry.

• White clover and black medic infesting turf

  Published on May 17, 2012
  White clover and black medic are both currently flowering in lawns and other turf.

• Fungi in lawns getting interesting

  Published on May 10, 2012
  The rainfall over the last couple of weeks has resulted in some interesting sightings in lawns.

• Protect Michigan water resources and grow healthy lawns with "Go Green" tip sheet

  Published on May 3, 2012
  Updated lawn care tip sheet reflects recent changes to the Michigan Fertilizer Law regarding lawn fertilizer and its application.

• At-home soil-test kit makes lawn and garden maintenance simple and effective

  Published on April 30, 2012
  Michigan State University (MSU) Extension home lawn and garden soil test mailer and soil test website give home gardeners the tools they need to grow healthy plants, protect the environment and save money.

• Freeze injury on turf

  Published on April 11, 2012
  Yes, your lawn can freeze. Recent low nighttime temperatures below 30°F have resulted in freeze injury on turf.