… the late summer. The first line of defense against crabgrass is to minimize the opportunities for it to proliferate by maintaining a healthy lawn through appropriate mowing, fertilization, … early May in northern Illinois. Several synthetic pre-emergence herbicides are commonly used for crabgrass control. These are available to homeowners either as standalone granular products, … apply a synthetic pre-emergent herbicide, be careful to use a product that is clearly labeled for use on newly seeded lawns. Do not apply pre-emergent herbicides before the temperature of the …
Type: Plant Info
… not able to migrate north as quickly as the ice melted because many of the animals responsible for pollinating and transporting seeds or plant parts had become extinct. Members of the genus Amsonia are commonly known as bluestars for the abundant small blue flowers borne in clusters at the stem tips in late spring or early … and more than 3,5000 individual plants. A number of these varieties have been evaluated for their performance in our region; Plant Evaluation Notes can be found on the Garden's website. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… it produces large, fragrant, showy white or orchid colored flowers during Chicago winters. For gardeners of a certain age, this was the favorite flower for high school dates. Difficult but not impossible to be grown by homeowners, the following … cool in fall bring plants indoors and place under full sun spectrum grow lights on a timer set for approximately 12 hours in a basement or other area where temperatures are cool but well above …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… days with a liquid 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 mix. The fertilizer is necessary to replenish the bulb for a new season’s flower display. In fall, before the Chicago area’s average frost date of October 15, bring the bulb inside for its resting period. If leaves have yellowed, remove them from the bulb. If they are still … the flower stalk begins to grow, thus assuring straight growth. Flowering azaleas will bloom for months in a bright window when provided with even moisture, occasional misting, and quick …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. Can you suggest a remedy for African violets that don't bloom as often as they should? A. Many African violets will cut … not being met: bright light, warm and humid air with no drafts. If you have had these plants for some time, perhaps it is time to repot them. Although they do prefer to be slightly …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. I was away on vacation for several weeks and my houseplants were seriously overwatered. How can I tell if they have … of time the roots were waterlogged and how much of the entire root mass was affected. To check for damage, remove each plant from its pot and check the condition of the roots. Healthy roots …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. Please advise on the correct time and procedure for dividing iris. A. If you want to divide bearded iris, do so after it flowers, but before … clump with a sharp shovel and then separating the clump into as many sections as you want. For an established clump, this might require a pruning saw. Replant the sections in full sun at …
Type: Plant Info
… Q: Is there anything I should do now to prepare my roses for winter? A: Discontinue the fertilization of roses by the first week of August, approximately. Without supplemental fertilization, the plants will begin to shut down for the summer and will begin the process of storing nutrients to best survive the harshness of …
Type: Plant Info
… systems during the summer or school year? Please join the Windy City Harvest Youth Farm staff for our annual facilitator training. We will discuss incorporating standards for social and emotional learning, giving feedback to students, and common challenges faced in …
Type: Item Detail
… Q. Do you have any gardening gift ideas for Father’s Day? A. Unusual gift ideas are sometimes especially hard for the men in our lives. How about celebrating Father’s Day with a rare opportunity to canoe on …
Type: Plant Info
