In the early spring dead leaves and litter should be removed from the lawn in the spring using either a broom or a light rake. Do not use a heavy steel rake. Aeration and liming, if necessary, may also be done at this time.

Dead spots in the lawn should be raked with a steel rake to loosen the soil. Re-seed and then tamp level with the back of a shovel to firm the seed into the soil.

An application of a turf fertilizer before active spring growth begins will provide a good start for the grass, and this can then be maintained by subsequent applications over the season. Fertilizers containing “slow release” nitrogen will nourish the grass for 1 to 2 months or longer following application.

After excess moisture has disappeared, the lawn should be rolled to press back any turf which was heaved by winter frost.

In late spring when the grass has reached a height of 2-1/4″ to 3″, it should be mowed. Mowing too early in the spring tends to be hard on the grass. Grass should not be cut closer than 1-1/4″. If weeds such as dandelions, plantain, etc. are present, spray with an approved weed-killer. Late spring, when the weeds are actively growing is the best time to apply, the recommended rate on the label. When applying and chemicals and especially weed killers, care should be taken not to allow spray drift to contact ornamental shrubs, flowers or vegetables.

If “Weed-N-Feed” is used, broad-leaf weeds are killed and the lawn is fertilized in one operation, saving time and assuring that bare patches where weeds were are filled in by rich turf.

During the summer, the grass should be cut at frequent intervals in order to maintain a height of 1-1/2 to 2 inches. The frequency of mowing will depend to a great extent on the weather, and the amount of sprinkler irrigation received.

During periods of rapid growth, it may be necessary to mow the lawn twice a week for best results. If the lawn is mowed frequently enough, the clippings will be short and will not require removal.

Water when the grass first shows signs of suffering from drought. Leave the lawn sprinkler in each position for an hour before moving, to soak the water well down to the root-zone.

For quick stimulation of “worn out” looking lawns in mid-season, apply a water-soluble fertilizer and plenty of water.

During the summer, the following pests may appear and you should ready you lawn sprayers:

1. White Grubs – This pest lives in the soil and feeds on the grass roots causing dead patches to appear in the lawn.

2. Earthworms – Small mounds of earth may appear on the lawn surface, being thrown there by earthworms traveling underneath.

3. Ants – Ants may become troublesome and annoying and may also build ant hills in the lawn.

The fall is an ideal time to treat the lawn for weeds which have invaded the grass during the summer. Fall treatment eliminates dandelion flowers from the lawn next spring. If clover as well as other weeds are to be eliminated.

There is much more to explore on the subject of lawn sprayers. You’re only a click away – http://www.zone10.com/pest-sprayer.html.

Most patio owners are looking for ways to make their patios look better. One of the ways to do that is to work on the garden around the patio instead of the patio itself. Even if you have a great looking patio, it won’t stand out like it should if the garden around it looks awful.

Your patio can be a normal looking patio if the plants, flowers, and hedges surrounding it look spectacular. By working on your backyard and making sure it looks great, you will also be making your patio look better as well. This way, you don’t have to spend a lot on your patio but just put in the time and care to the garden around it.

This summer you will be glad if you take the time now to think of ways you can make your patio area more pleasing to the eye. This does not necessarily mean that you have to spend a lot of money redoing your whole patio. Often, by carefully planning the garden area around your patio, you can make your whole patio environment much more enticing. By carefully blending your patio and the garden around it you can make it look like they are meant to fit together.

Many homes that come with a patio, have a plain slab of concrete. While this is sufficient for some, those who have a nice big yard and live in a place where they are going to use their patio a lot for entertaining, will most likely be interested in trying to find some better patio ideas. Anyone can have that slab of concrete for a patio but if you have a carefully thought out garden and patio combination, it will enhance your whole house and even raise it’s value.

People who use their patio a lot want to make it as accommodating as possible and a fun place to hang out. This means you need to be creative in the furniture you use and how you arrange the surroundings. The more work you do around the patio with plants and trees will ultimately enhance the look and feel of the patio. Look in garden and home improvement magazines for all sorts of ideas for your patio remodel.

I have many more ideas such as concrete patio ideas on my website. Please visit me at Patio Ideas for more great patio information.

A growing number of folks find the inexpensive and easy assembly of portable garden greenhouses to be appealing. However before you decide to buy or build a starter greenhouse, it’s important that you take a look at your available space and your budget before you visit the store. These two important factors can help you make the right decision regarding the type of greenhouse to be constructed or purchased. Heating and ventilation needs and water supply have to also be taken into consideration. After you do this preliminary planning, you can then decide the type of greenhouse that will fit your needs.

You need to decide if you want your greenhouse to stand by itself, or to be built onto another structure. With an attached greenhouse, you can enter directly from inside your house; a free standing greenhouse may be less convenient, since you need to exit the house in order to get to it. Or you might opt for an indoor greenhouse if you have space constraints, or if it gets too cold in the wintertime in your region.

The classic barn style greenhouse is the most popular style, although there are many others out there. Quite a few new greenhouse gardeners are turning to portable greenhouses due to their cost and maintenance. However if you are truly serious about getting into greenhouse gardening you must put some thought into making a permanent greenhouse structure. There are several alternatives available to the expensive glass greenhouses you see on TV and in advertising. You will find that most of the pre-fabricated greenhouses are constructed of an aluminum frame and polycarbonate panels.

Building the biggest greenhouse you can afford and that will fit into the space you have available is the recommendation of those who love to garden in their greenhouse. A large number of people find it necessary to build an addition to a small greenhouse, which can be an expensive undertaking. Many folks overlook large greenhouses since they do not think they will be able to fill them. However a more common problem that many people face is the need to do away with excess plants when there is no more room for them because their small greenhouse is just too small.

You will need to make certain that the plants you select for your garden greenhouse suit your level of gardening knowledge. If you don’t put in the effort to care for them continuously, you’ll just wind up throwing away any work you do manage to get done. Another thing to remember when erecting a greenhouse is that it’s important to enquire as to which bylaws may pertain to your area, so that you do not have any unpleasant surprises.

Greenhouses are easy to build and maintain, and are available in an assortment of sizes and materials to suit every home and budget. You can even get an indoor greenhouse if you don’t have a backyard. Learn more at Garden Greenhouses.

As much as we enjoy lying in the sun and getting a tan, we hate getting painful sun burn, unsightly brown spots and worse still skin cancer. The best protection that we can give our family and friends is in the form of a shield; shield so powerful that it blocks all those nasty radiation waves and guarantees you a lovely afternoon by the pool side. Umbrellas are these shields and apart from their protective features they can make an ordinary patio look like a million dollars. An assortment of colors, textures and fabrics transform dreary, dull backyards into chic and divine premises fit for royalty.

Once you decided that you are going to get an umbrella for your back yard, you must first get the concept ready. What is it that you wish your patio umbrella would do for your back yard? A vibrant coloured umbrella could add enliven a soft back yard. Choosing a softer coloured umbrella could add to the serenity to your soft back yard and having a versatile looking umbrella can make it easy for you to place it anywhere in your back yard. Whatever the designs maybe, always remember to choose one that is strong and stiff as well as made from durable and fade resistant material. Other aspects you might want to consider is that the ability to be adjusted to various lengths, compact and easy to store. With all the points that you have to consider in buying the perfect patio umbrella, lets not forget the real purpose of purchasing this umbrella and it is really no pint in buying something that does not suit the intended need.

The Offset The famous offset umbrella comprises of a canopy; usually stretching up to 15 feet, poles that gives support on the sides. The umbrella can also slant to different angles and can also be shrunken and rotated 360. This canopy is designed in such a way that it shades more space therefore; it is quite popularly used for green gardens, wooden decks and bare patios. Currently, most prefers designs that are tailor-made to suit the table’s shape. For instance, a patio with ample greens and beautiful lawn can be complimented with olive green umbrella with dark wooden post.

The Market, the Gazebo Market umbrellas are suitable for tables that already have the whole in the middle of them. There is an array of designs, color and textures that can be used to create a contrasting and luring table. If you have a Hawaiian styled back yard introduce a tiki styled umbrella made from wood, aluminum, or brass and thatched straw or rayon. Although the versatility is less compared to the offset, the market is lighter and easier to handle. The gazebo can be interpreted as a child of the offset. This offset descendant is the cheap route to owning your own gazebo. Set in the middle of a plush, thriving lawn with its mosquito net drapes keeping blood thirsty mosquitoes and queer insects away from your family and friends, this canopy is a world-class favorite. By day, it transforms into a regular side posted offset canopy with the drapes folded up. Various colors can spice up the overall look of your garden.

Apart from the usual suspects there are other versions of umbrellas that are both unique and interesting. Take the wall mounted umbrella for example, this shady canopy can be rotated and extended. Alternatively opt for umbrellas that suit the theme or style of your backyard. If you have an Oriental wonderland then have an Asian influenced umbrella or opt for a bright beach colored parasol with all your desired features. Increase the comfort in your backyard, purchase an umbrella!

All homes come to a term of improvement one way or another. With this, you will need expert home improvement advice and Rene Lacape is the person that you need. Check his website so you can learn more from him.

Here are 5 Half-Hardy annuals which are easily grown and an be started or sown outdoors during May.

Antirrhinum (Snapdragon)

Universal favorites for bedding display or for cutting. Gorgeous flowers are freely produced for several months. Be sure that you pinch out the growing point when the plants are about 3 inches high. This will encourage a bushy habit. Sow seed late in the summer in cold frames if you want blossoms when no one else has them. Winter them over in the frames and set into the garden as soon as the soil can be worked. Grow creeping varieties for the rockery, dwarf varieties (1 ft.) for bedding and tall varieties (3 ft.) for display. Set the tall ones in borders. Group them in clumps.

Aster

Asters commence to bloom about the middle of August. Grow them in beds and in borders and there let them flourish until the first frost. They are easily raised from seed. They can be started under glass or they can be sown in the open about the middle of May. Read about them online or in seed catalogs and thank the plant breeders for the many types now available. Be sure that you try a few Dwarf Asters and those with full crested blossoms. Asters prefer a rich soil. They must not be grown crowded. Dwarf sorts should be spaced at least 10 inches each way. Tall varieties (2 ft.) space 18″ inches apart.

PANSY

If early blossoms are required start the seed late in January under glass. Grow on in cold frames and set into the garden towards the end of March. Pansies do well in cool weather and like a little shade. Pick blossoms often. Do not let them run to seed. The more you pick the longer they will bloom.

Start seed also in a cold frame in August. Winter over in frames and set into the garden early in spring. Old plants should be cut back to within 1-1/2 inches of the crown. Do this at the end of the season. The plants will produce new growth from the crowns and flower another year.

PETUNIA

It actually is preferable to start Petunias under glass. Grow them for display in borders, in beds, in window boxes and in pots. For color throughout the summer in large rockeries, they are wonderfully well adapted. If you love butterfly bush plant you can actually induce the bushy habit. Just don’t forget to pinch out the growing point when the plants as in butterfly bushes.

Zinnia

Being native of Mexico Zinnias thrive on heat, Give them a rich deep soil and water as needed. Varieties are many and all are interesting and easy to grow. You can have compact dwarf double Zinnias with quilled and twisted petals, Zinnias with giant double flattened blossoms or with double deeply developed blossoms. Some kinds are two toned whilst others are tipped with color contrast. They all have a place in the garden from the giants down to the tiny double baby sorts. If you want to grow extra big blossoms feed the plants judiciously and remove all the blossoms but a few. Don’t forget that you can sow the seed in the open during late May or you can start seed under glass for earlier flowers.

Thomas Fryd frequently contributes to http://www.plant-care.com. This time he is ready with something on butterfly bush plant that can roll back all the confusion