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Get your corn gluten down this weekend

By Mike McGrath

The BEST source says it’s time to kick back your crabgrass

Madhuri from Chantilly writes: “Crabgrass has been my main lawn concern for many years now. I know you recommend using corn gluten meal as a crabgrass-preventing pre-emergent just as the ground temperature reaches 55 degrees. Are we there yet?”

It’s not the temperature at ground level that determines the optimum time to apply a pre-emergent herbicide, Madhiri

Tools to protect decks, fruit trees, young plants and grass

By Mike McGrath
Carpenter bees: You can keep your deck and enjoy their pollinating powers Bill in Indian Head writes: “Do you have any tips on deterring wood-boring bees? They’re doing a number on my wood-frame front porch and are elusive when I try to spray them or swat them down with a broom.” Carpenter bees don’t sting and are hugely effective pollinators, so please stop trying to kill them. Instead, pick up some blocks of untreated pine, cedar or other soft wood. Drill 1-inch to 2-inch deep starter holes into them with a 5/8-inch drill bit and then hang these “nesting boxes” in nearby areas facing south or east.
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