Free mulch, compost just waiting to be swept up in your backyardAs autumn leaves fall from trees, sweep them up and shred them for use as mulch in your garden or as compost. October 19, 2021
Trees and shrubs like witch hazel prone to leaf scorch if not watered enoughThe dry weather is continuing into fall so watering continues to be important for trees and shrubs like witch hazel.October 11, 2021
Here are easy-to-grow plants for beds near driveways, streetsWith road salt frequently used during Midwest winters, plants like gro-low sumac are good options for garden beds near driveways and streets. October 10, 2021
Autumn is a good time to spread mulch around trees, shrubs. Here’s how to do it right.As gardening season slows, spreading mulch around trees, shrubs and perennials is a good task for fall. But there are common mistakes to avoid. October 09, 2021
Don’t neglect autumn watering as trees, plants prepare for winter and grow undergroundChicago and Midwest gardens and lawns went through a dry summer, so watering is important this fall so roots can grow and plants are ready for winter. October 03, 2021
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease common on peonies, other plants. Here’s what to do about it.Powdery mildew looks like white mold on the leaves of plants such as peonies. While it's not curable, there are ways to help present it in your garden. October 02, 2021
Stressed, browning plants and trees could be suffering from lack of water during dry summerPlants and trees in home gardens likely suffered from dry conditions this summer, prompting some to brown or lose leaves earlier than normal. September 26, 2021
Autumn color forecast: What this year’s dry summer means for fall leaf colorAutumn leaf color depends on weather over the year, and a dry summer in Illinois and the Midwest means trees will likely be less colorful this year. September 25, 2021
What it means when plants are rated immune, resistant or susceptible to diseasesPlant labels will list resistance, immunity or susceptibility to disease or pests, but knowing what that means matters for your garden selections. September 19, 2021
New sod turning brown? Check watering habits during hot, dry end of summerNew sod will turn an off-green color and start to brown if it isn't getting enough water after being installed. Here's how often you should water it. September 18, 2021
Dogwood, tupelo, ironwood: Meet the best native trees for Chicago-area yards, with biodiversity in mindMidwest yards need biodiversity, and trees like padoga dogwood and tupelo are good options for homes in the Chicago area. September 14, 2021
American pokeweed: The strange, tall perennial weed with berries birds loveAmerican pokeweed can grow up to 10 feet high and has green leaves, red stems and dark berries that birds eat, spreading the weed to your garden. September 11, 2021
Watering new hydrangeas requires extra attention during stressful summer weather for gardensDuring a summer with both dry and rainy spells, it's tricky to know how much water new plants like hydrangeas need, but proper watering is important. September 05, 2021
Sumac’s burst of autumnal red is inviting, but picking the right species is vital to success in your gardenNative sumac is not poisonous, and its vivid red hue makes it appealing to add to gardens. Picking the right cultivar or species is vital to making it work for you. September 04, 2021
A first-time homeowner’s guide to gas-powered lawnmowers, leaf blowers and weed wackersSafely filling a lawn mower with gasoline is important to avoid harm or danger while maintaining your lawn and garden. August 29, 2021
There’s still time to plant trees and shrubs before winter. Here’s how to do it right.Late summer and early fall are good times to plant or transplant a tree or shrub, giving it enough time to establish roots before winter. August 28, 2021
Emerald ash borer isn’t going away, so keep treating trees with insecticides for protectionThe invasive emerald ash borer remains active in Illinois, despite losing half the state's ash trees. Insecticides should still be used for ash trees. August 22, 2021
Pale, stunted annuals could be sign containers aren’t getting enough fertilizer, leaving plants hungryIf drainage and the correct growing medium aren't an issue, yellowing annuals likely need fertilizer to avoid stunted growth and fading foliage. August 21, 2021
Oriental beetles look similar to Japanese counterpart, but there’s a key differenceOriental beetles are beige and black, distinguishing them from iridescent copper-and-green Japanese beetles in your garden. Treat them differently. August 15, 2021
10 do’s and don’ts for watering your garden during hot, dry August weatherKnowing when to water your garden and lawn and how much water plants will need is important during hot, dry August weather in Chicago and Illinois. August 14, 2021