2012 will be the year that some growers begin planting much earlier than normal. There are reports coming out that some people have begun the planting process in parts of the Midwest. Check out this video about early corn planting. It offers some tips on spring planting. Here is my take on the subject: Soil…
Dethatching and Aerating Your Lawn
The big debate this time of year is should I dethatch my lawn this spring or should I aerate my lawn. Dethatching consists of getting rid of the layer of dead grass that has accumulated above the surface of the ground. Sometimes this layer can be so thick that it can prevent water from penetrating…
Growing Potatoes
Today, I looked closely at my Master Garden Calender and it states the following for March 22, 2012 “Start planting potatoes now into April if weather permits. Avoid planting in muddy soil” Are you familiar with planting potatoes? I really like this video demonstration. Doug Smiddy Plant with cut side down and eyes facing up! …
Mercury found in products that lighten skin
This month a story out of the San Francisco Bay area suggests that several skin products may contain mercury. The following article, “Mercury laden skin creams sought in Bay Area” takes a closer look at this issue and sites a 2010 case where a 39-year old woman was found to have more than 100 times…
Compost Troubleshooting
Are you trying to start a compost process at your home and running into some issues. I saw this article, ”Troubleshooting your compost” and wish an article like this would have been around when I had issues getting started with ta compost bin. Your Compost is Taking Too Long Compost needs to reach temperatures around 150…
Applying a crabgrass preventer in March
Last week I talked about applying grass seed for your lawn.. Well, maybe I spoke a bit premature, especially in light of yesterday’s post on community gardens and the map of the soil temperatures. These warmer temperatures in March have really brought to light a number of items that we might need to look at…
Community Gardens – Spring Preparation
Community Gardens are really becoming the norm in many areas and cities across our country. It really is exciting to see how these projects come together and involve kids, adults and local organizations. Check out this story from Benton County, Indiana. It really shows how community gardens in one area are helping to bring people…
Calories on Menus
Restaurants, everywhere are listing their calorie information on their menus. As a consumer, always be aware of the size of the portions along with the calories displayed on the menus. This really is the key. At Midwest Laboratories, we test food packages sold in restaurants and the numbers can be staggering at times. Most of…
Warm Spring Temps and Allergies
This week, in this part of the country we are expecting temperatures in the mid 70′s. With the extremely mild winter and above average temperatures, many people may want to think about the spring allergy season. Last week, I was in Tennessee and noticed flowers and trees in full bloom. This spring’s allergy season could…
Scotts Snap Lawncare Fertilizer System
Have you seen this new spreader from Scotts? I just happened to see a commercial over the weekend for this product. I think it could have some real value for homeowners. It is a very easy system to use with respect to your lawn. Watch the video and let me know what you think of…
