10 Yard Tasks to Tackle in August Before Fall Catches You Off Guard
August in Northeast Ohio brings warm days, cooler nights, and that sneaky feeling summer’s about to slip away. It’s easy to get distracted by back-to-school chaos or late vacations — but your yard still needs attention. In fact, August is the perfect time to get...
What is Pressure Treated Wood?
Pressure treated wood is lumber that has been infused with chemical preservatives to protect it from rot, insects, and decay — especially in outdoor or high-moisture environments. It lasts significantly longer than untreated wood and plays a vital role in modern construction, landscaping, and outdoor...
Can You Plant Under a Blue Spruce or Other Evergreen Tree?
Planting under evergreen trees like blue spruce is tricky due to dense shade, shallow roots, and needle drop that acidifies the soil. To succeed, choose shade-tolerant, shallow-rooted plants and improve the soil with compost and regular watering. Can You Plant Under a Blue Spruce or Other...
Lily of the Valley
The Complete Guide to Lily of the Valley A fragrant groundcover that thrives in shady, difficult spaces 🌱 Quick Overview Botanical name: Convallaria majalis Common name: Lily of the Valley Type: Perennial groundcover Zones: USDA 3–8 Light needs: Part to full shade Soil: Rich, moist, well-draining, slightly...
Pachysandra
🌱 Quick Overview Botanical name: Pachysandra terminalis Common names: Japanese Spurge, Carpet Box Type: Evergreen groundcover Zones: USDA 4–9 Light needs: Full to part shade Soil: Moist, well-draining, slightly acidic Growth habit: Spreading mat via underground rhizomes Mature height: 6–10 inches Life Cycle of Pachysandra Pachysandra is...
How to Protect Your Garden Beds from Summer Heat Stress
To protect garden beds from summer heat stress, focus on deep watering, smart mulching, partial shade, and heat-tolerant plants. These practical strategies keep vegetables, herbs, and flowers thriving even during Northeast Ohio's hottest months. How to Protect Your Garden Beds from Summer Heat Stress Northeast Ohio summers...
What is Crabgrass?
Crabgrass is a fast-growing, heat-loving annual weed that thrives in thin, compacted, or poorly maintained lawns. It germinates in spring, spreads aggressively in summer, and drops thousands of seeds before dying in fall. The best defense is healthy turf, timely mowing, and targeted pre- and...
What Weeds to Watch Out for in July (And How to Stop Them)
In July, weeds grow aggressively thanks to heat, sun, and rain. Spotting and treating invaders like crabgrass, nutsedge, and creeping Charlie now can prevent them from taking over your lawn or garden. The key is timely ID, targeted removal, and ongoing prevention. What Weeds to Watch...
Why Mulching in July Might Be the Smartest Thing You Do All Summer
Adding mulch in July helps lock in soil moisture, smother weeds, and protect plant roots from intense summer heat. It’s a smart mid-season move that improves garden health now and sets you up for an easier fall. Why Mulching in July Might Be the Smartest Thing...
How do I know if I need more mulch?
If your mulch is faded, patchy, under 2 inches deep, or no longer holding moisture and blocking weeds, it’s time to refresh. A quick inspection of color, depth, and performance gives you everything you need to know. How Do I Know If I Need More Mulch? Your...