by Lou Cerami

The best time of day to water is in the early morning. Less water evaporates if lawns are watered when temperatures are cool. Early morning watering for 20 minutes helps keep the lawn properlt irrigated while minimizing the chance for disease. Late afternoon and evening watering also reduces evaporation losses if winds are calm, but tends to encourage disease because the grass stays moist all night. Many of the fungus diseases that affect grass develop during these times.Midday watering is more convenient for many people and does not harm the lawn. However, more water is lost to evaporation. In most situations sprinklers are the most effective way to water lawns. Sprinkler spray patterns should overlap 80-100% depending on the type of sprinkler system that is installed. Whatever system you have installed, the convenience and consistency in watering your lawn can’t be beat.

by Lou Cerami

» Horticultural oils are usually highly refined petroleum oils combined with an
    emulsifying agent. Some plant-derived oils also are used.

» Certain oils, diluted with water and applied as sprays, can be effective
    controls of many plant pests.

» Do not use oils on certain sensitive plants. Plants under drought
    stress may have increased risk of injury.

    Oils remain an important tool to manage certain pest problems that include scales, aphids, and mites on fruit trees. Oils can control some plant diseases, such as powdery mildew. Oils used to protect plants have been called by many names, but perhaps horticultural oils best describes them. Oils have different effects on pest insects. The most important is that they block the air holes (spiracles) through which insects breathe, causing them to die from asphyxiation.

Provided by Master Garden Products

What is lawn aeration?
Lawn aeration involves the removal of small soil plugs or cores out of the lawn. Although hand aerators are available, most aeration is done mechanically with a machine having hollow tines or spoons mounted on a disk or drum. Known as a core aerator, it extracts 1/2 to 3/4 inch diameter cores of soil and deposits them on your lawn. Aeration holes are typically 1-6 inches deep and 2-6 inches apart. Other types of aerators push solid spikes or tines into the soil without removing a plug (spiking). These are not as effective because they can contribute to compaction. Core aeration is a recommended lawn care practice on compacted, heavily used turf and to control thatch buildup. What will aeration do for my lawn? As lawns age or sustain heavy use from play, sports activities, pets, vehicle traffic and parking, soil compaction can result. Soil compacting forces are most severe in poorly drained or wet sites. Compaction greatly reduces the pore space within the soil that would normally hold air. Roots require oxygen to grow and absorb nutrients and water. Compaction reduces total pore space and the amount of air within the soil. It has a negative impact on nutrient uptake and water infiltration, in addition to being a physical barrier to root growth. This results in poor top growth and lawn deterioration. Core aeration can benefit your lawn by:

»Increasing the activity of soil microorganisms that decompose thatch.

»Increasing water, nutrient and oxygen movement into the soil.

»Improving rooting.

»Enhancing infiltration of rainfall or irrigation.

»Helping prevent fertilizer and pesticide run-off from overly compacted areas.

by Lou Cerami

Annuals are plants that grow and bloom for one season. Annuals are the "color stars" of the Garden. Plant them where you want easy-care flowers to bloom all summer long. Some of them -- like marigolds -- grow, bloom and go to seed all in one season. Others -- like geraniums -- are really perennials that just aren't hardy enough to survive the winters. By learning a little about different flowers, you'll find that some flowers, like petunias, tolerate cool conditions better than others. Some flowers, like pansies, even survive frost. Some pansies can be planted in the fall to achieve color all fall, winter and spring. Others -- like vinca -- are heat lovers only. The plants you choose depend largely on the soil that you have in your yard and effect you wish to create. In a very sunny, dry spot, concentrate on native plants, heat-tolerant plants. Hardy plants, sedums, and hens and chicks are good, low-maintenance ground covers that provide year-round color in sunny, dry locations. If you want to add visual interest and contrast, while maintaining a natural feel, consider a few native plants such as buckwheat or prickly pear cactus. If your area is shady or in an area that gets a fair amount of water, a more traditional alpine Garden may be appropriate. Compact perennials, such as rock cress, jasmine, saxifrage and basket-of-gold can create a spectacular show in the beginning of the springtime season. The rest of the year, their foliage creates a beautiful tapestry effect. This may be the serene feel you have been looking for in your garden. There are an enormous number of blooming plants you can select in the summer and fall that your rock Garden can be a showy feature in these two months. Finally, if you plant perennials among rocks in the shade of your yard, you can achieve wonderfully natural effects. By combining ferns, hostas, bleeding hearts, and various lilies, you can bring the serenity of a botanical garden right to your home