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Install a Bird House

By Linda Cottin |
Early spring is the perfect time to install a bird house.   Giving a little thought to the type of bird house being installed will increase the chances of attracting birds to nest. Step 1:  Decide what type of birds to attract.   Blue birds, wrens, chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, swallows… Read More

Start Seeds Indoors

By Linda Cottin |
Get a jump on spring by starting garden seeds indoors.  Step 1:  Choose the right crops to start inside.   Cool weather crops including broccoli, cauliflower and kale are great, as are leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers and onions.  Root crops such as potatoes, turnips, beets, radishes and carrots are… Read More

Planting Native Grasses

By Linda Cottin |
Whether it is to replace an existing lawn or to create intrigue within a section of any yard, planting native grass is an easy way to add low maintenance beauty to any patch of land. Step 1: Little bluestem, side oats grama, and Virginia wild rye are all… Read More

Control Garden Pests Naturally

By Linda Cottin |
There are many ways to control pesky garden insects.  Here are a few ways that are good for you and good for the environment. Step 1:  Spray insecticidal soap on vegetation to control aphids, chiggers, flea beetles, mites, white flies and more. Purchase pre-made or mix up your… Read More

Hay vs. Straw

By Linda Cottin |
Farmers and ranchers know the difference between hay and straw, but the average homeowner often confuses the two.  Both are available in homeowner sized bales, typically rectangular in shape, and both can be used for many home and garden projects.  Understanding the differences and benefits of each will help… Read More

Crabgrass Prevention vs. Spring Seeding

By Linda Cottin |
To seed or not to seed, that is the question.  Spring is a great time to over seed an existing lawn.  Sunshine is abundant in those normally shady spots and springtime rains assure an adequate supply of moisture.  Spring is also the only time that crabgrass can be controlled… Read More

Melt Weeds Away

By Linda Cottin |
Using a propane flame torch to wilt away weeds is a great alternative to herbicides or other traditional weeding methods.  Proper use of a flame torch is safe and easy for gardeners and farmers alike. Step 1:  Choose a day when there are no burn notices in effect… Read More

Fall Seeding

By Linda Cottin |
Once the heat of the summer has left and the cool crispness of early fall is just around the corner, it is time to consider resurrecting that dry and damaged lawn.  Reseeding a lawn in the fall allows the grass to set roots over the winter, sprout vivaciously in… Read More

Control Bag Worms

By Linda Cottin |
Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis, commonly known as bagworms, will quickly destroy evergreens and shrubs when left untreated.  Bagworms are small caterpillars that feed off needles and leaves, stripping plants of their foliage and causing trees and shrubs to die.  Bagworms are easily identifiable by the 1” -2” spindle shaped sack they… Read More

Mitigate Carpenter Bee Damage

By Linda Cottin |
Carpenter bees are harmless creatures, except for their habit of boring half inch wide tunnels into exposed wood on homes and other structures. Carpenter bees look like bumblebees, but with shiny, black bottoms. They are most active in April and May when they emerge from overwintering to mate and… Read More