KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – END OF SEASON LAWN AND GARDEN
Now is a good time to add seed to the lawn. Make sure you always add topsoil when you seed. It will really help the seed to germinate and grow. Grass always does better in cooler weather. We've sure had that so far. Water the seed lightly every day until the seed germinates. Water the new grass thoroughly every other day for a few weeks. Continue to water the rest of the lawn weekly as usual. Let the grass grow longer between cuttings during the warmer weather.
My annuals in pots and such around the house and garden are getting to look a little spent. The mums that I've been seeing around town are looking fantastic!! They have all colors and styles to choose from. I've even seen them in hanging pots. Mums will look beautiful well into the fall. They tolerate cool temps and it pretty much takes a hard frost to harm them. If they are close to the house they can last even longer.
By this time we should have snipped the growing ends on all the veggie plants. This will put more plant energy into the fruits already forming. Cukes and peppers are cool weather plants. These I let go as long as possible.
Good time, also, to check those gutters. I know I always nag about this, but it is always important before the leaves start falling. Then check them again after all the leaves are off the trees.
Check all outside drains to be prepared for heavy fall rains. No more fertilizer needed in the garden. A winterizer lawn feeding is OK but not necessary. If you are going to trim bushes, trees and perennials do so now. Any new growth will have time to get hardy before the hard freeze.
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
