Become a “smart gardener!”
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Be a Smart Gardener
Gardeners aim to grow good produce or nurture lovely lawns and landscaping. “Smart gardeners” obtain those goals with earth-friendly techniques that can save money. Here you will find resources to become a smart gardener. Our advice is based on science performed at Michigan State University or other land grant universities.
Simple ways to start smart gardening
Smart lawns
- Mow at the highest setting to promote deep roots, avoid grub damage and crowd out weeds.
- Mulch leaves and grass clippings into the lawn to recycle nutrients.
- Tipsheets: Mow high, mulch leaves, and smart watering
Smart plants
- Select native or well-adapted plants, trees and shrubs to simplify meeting the plant’s needs.
- Tipsheets: Native plants, lakefront plants, and trees and shrubs
Smart soils
- Don’t guess, soil test to ensure an effective balance of nutrients.
- Tipsheets: Soil test, fertilizer basics, and reducing phosphorus
Internet gardening programs
View Creatures, Plagues & Apocalyptic Problems to learn about insects, diseases and environmental vegetable problems. Please make sure to evaluate the class. Master Gardeners receive 1 continuing education credit for each 1 hour of a presentation viewed.
Search for MSUE Home Gardening News past articles at MSUE Home Gardening.
MSUE Home Gardening News
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Accessing growing degree days with Enviro-weather
Understanding and using accumulated growing degree days can help you know when to expect pests. This is one of the services Enviro-weather offers Michigan growers.
Posted on May 23, 2013 12:42pm by Beth Bishop
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What are those dead grass tips in my lawn?
Some turfgrass was injured as a result of freezing temperatures last week, but the injury is only temporary. Dead grass tips may be from frost, a dull mower blade or chemicals.
Posted on May 23, 2013 11:42am by Kevin Frank
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Phytotoxicity: When an application appears to do more harm than good
Growers and gardeners can prevent phytotoxicity with these precautions.
Posted on May 23, 2013 9:55am by Jan Byrne
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Fertilizing established perennial gardens – feed ‘em and weep
Smart gardeners know that heavy fertilization of perennial garden plants leads to flopping over half-way through the season.
Posted on May 17, 2013 8:51am by Rebecca Finneran
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Mosquito season is here
Plenty of snow over the winter and ample spring rains has provided plenty of standing water for developing mosquito larvae.
Posted on May 16, 2013 2:12pm by Howard Russell
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