Toads are incredibly beneficial for your garden, acting as natural pest control by eating hundreds of insects daily. Myths like “toads cause warts” are false. Unless you’re dealing with a rare invasive species, keeping toads around is one of the easiest, low-effort ways to protect your plants naturally. Introduction You’re out watering your garden and...
Mulch is more than just a finishing touch for your flower beds — it’s a hardworking, year-round ally in maintaining a healthy, resilient garden. No matter the season, mulch plays an essential role in protecting your plants, conditioning your soil, and reducing the time and effort you spend on maintenance. Here’s how mulch benefits your...
New grass needs consistent moisture to establish strong roots—usually 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, spread out over several sessions. Early morning watering is best, and using a sprinkler system helps ensure even coverage. Watch for signs of over- or under-watering like yellowing or dry patches, and adjust accordingly. The Colin Can Help...
If you’ve ever walked into your basement during a heavy rain and heard silence where a sump pump should be humming, you know the feeling. It’s panic. It’s frustration. And it’s the beginning of a race against water damage. As someone who’s helped more than a few homeowners deal with flooded basements, I’ve put together...
Evergreen Privacy and Structure That Lasts All Year Arborvitae (Thuja spp.) are some of the hardest-working shrubs in Northeast Ohio landscapes. Fast-growing, low-maintenance, and evergreen, they’re ideal for privacy screens, windbreaks, and formal borders. But to keep them dense and healthy, they need proper spacing, watering, and occasional trimming. 🛒 Choosing the Right Arborvitae Several...
June is still a viable time to reseed or patch bare spots, especially in early to mid-month. But act quickly—once summer heat sets in, seed struggles to germinate without daily watering. For best results, use the right seed blend and water consistently. Is It Too Late to Reseed or Patch Bare Spots in June? Introduction...
In most cases, you should leave grass clippings on the lawn in June. Mulching clippings returns nutrients to the soil, helps retain moisture, and supports a healthy lawn—especially during hot summer months. The exception? If the grass is wet, diseased, or overly long. Should You Leave Grass Clippings or Bag Them in June? Introduction As...
Choosing the right mulch for your flower beds isn’t just about looks — it affects soil health, plant performance, and long-term maintenance. While dyed mulch and natural mulch may look similar on the surface, they serve different purposes and have distinct pros and cons. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences so you...
Deadheading — trimming off spent flowers — helps your garden look clean, keeps bulbs and perennials healthy, and sometimes even sparks a second bloom.In Cleveland’s spring climate, regular deadheading also reduces mold, deters pests, and preps plants for strong summer growth. Let’s break down which spring flowers benefit most, how to deadhead each, and when...
To prepare your lawn for July’s scorching heat, mow high, water deeply, and feed smartly. These proactive steps in late June and early July can help your lawn stay green, thick, and resilient through summer stress. How to Prep Your Lawn for July Heat Before It’s Too Late Introduction As June fades into July, Northeast...