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8 important tips for growing a tree from seed

Growing a tree from a tiny seed takes careful attention and research. Here are tips for how to help your tree flourish.

August 13, 2022

What’s in your soil can greatly impact whether garden plans thrive

A soil's pH factor — how acidic or alkaline it is — can help garden plants flourish, or pose challenges to their survival. Here's a guide to figuring out what your soil is like.

August 07, 2022

Holes in the ground could be sign of cicada killer wasps — but that’s not necessarily a bad thing

Cicada killer wasps actually benefit gardens, and can generally be left alone if you see the wasp or its burrowing holes in the ground.

August 06, 2022

Considering summer fertilizer for your garden? Proceed carefully, or risk doing more harm than good.

Not all garden plants and trees need fertilizer in the summer, and adding the chemicals can do more harm than good, risking dried-out plant roots and chemical damage.

Plant a garden all summer, but pay attention to watering

Check the soil at the base of your plants to see how much moisture is present to guide you in determining whether to water.

Monarch butterflies are in trouble. Here’s how you can help.

What can home gardeners do to support the monarch butterfly?

Tree roots exposed? Here’s what to do.

Exposed tree roots should not be removed or cut, because they're vital for the tree. Instead, gardeners and homeowners can try other remedies, like covering roots in mulch.

Why grass struggles under trees, and what to plant there instead

Grass prefers full sun to flourish, so planting it under shady trees can lead to problems. A mix of shade-tolerant plants and shrubs will work much better.

Plants damaged by Japanese beetles attract even more beetles

Japanese beetles feed on the leaf tissue between the veins, which results in a skeletonized leaf.

Area under trees too shady to grow grass; try a ground cover that tolerates dry shade

You may be able to reduce the size of the bare ground by seeding grass along the edge of the bed where there will be more sun.

How to treat leaf scorch amid record-breaking summer heat

Record-breaking summer heat means garden plants are at risk for leaf scorch. Here's how to treat it.

How to treat hydrangea leaftier infestations causing rolled-up leaves

Hydrangea leaftier are insects that roll themselves into curled-up hydrangea leaves in summer. Here's how to treat them.

Why pink bigleaf hydrangeas might not bloom in summer

Pink bigleaf hydrangeas don't bloom in summer if they experience severe cold weather in the winter, because their buds grow on old wood.

Viburnum leaf beetle is a relatively new pest to Chicagoland gardens. Here’s how to treat an infestation.

Arrowwood viburnums are especially susceptible to viburnum leaf beetles. Pruning infected branches won't be enough — insecticides are needed to eradicate the pest.

How to grow plants in containers for patios, outdoor spaces

For gardeners hoping to add plants in containers to outdoor spaces like patios, here are expert tips for how to get started.

During extreme heat, these tips help your garden, trees survive

June's record-breaking heat in the Chicago area means your garden needs extra water, plus other measures to protect plants for high temperatures.

Flowering bulbs don’t require much maintenance

They will generally perform best in a location that is moist in spring and fall, and dry in summer.

Spongy moth caterpillars are a serious threat to oaks and other trees in Chicago area

Illinois Department of Agriculture is using planes to apply a treatment called SPLAT in parts of Cook, DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties.

How to choose the right mulch for your garden, trees and plants

Shredded wood, dyed mulch, leaves and wood chips are popular choices for mulch in gardens and around trees, but choosing the right one will help your plants thrive.

Expert tips for growing tomatoes in your garden

Choosing whether you want determinate tomato plants, how far apart to plant them, and other tips to help your tomatoes flourish.

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