Summer 2006 - What a difference!

For the most part, this summer is a totally different gardening summer than last year.  By this time in 2005, we were in the midst of a serious drought which resulted in dormant lawns, stressed trees and shurbs and wilted vegetable and flower gardens across the Midwest. 

This year it's different.  Begining with some serious wet weather late in the winter and through the spring, we are now in a much more favorable growing season.  Homeowners should still monitor rainfall to make sure that lawns are receiving about 1" of rain/irrigation per week.  Trees and shrubs may require some additional watering, but not to the same degree as last year. 

Because of the abundance of water this year, insects and diseases will be more normal, with a wider variety of buzzing visitors including wasps, yellowjackets and mosquitoes enjoying the wetter weather as well. 

Look for signs of moisture enhanced diseases such as powdery mildew and blackspot on your shrubs and flowers, especially as the weather warms up. 

Continued rainfall will be very helpful when establishing or re-establishing turf areas this fall.  Look for more information on this project later in the year. 

Until next post, enjoy your yard and garden and enjoy the rain when it comes. 

This year it's different.  Begining with some serious wet weather late in the winter and through the spring, we are now in a much more favorable growing season.  Homeowners should still monitor rainfall to make sure that lawns are receiving about 1" of rain/irrigation per week.  Trees and shrubs may require some additional watering, but not to the same degree as last year. 

Because of the abundance of water this year, insects and diseases will be more normal, with a wider variety of buzzing visitors including wasps, yellowjackets and mosquitoes enjoying the wetter weather as well. 

Look for signs of moisture enhanced diseases such as powdery mildew and blackspot on your shrubs and flowers, especially as the weather warms up. 

Continued rainfall will be very helpful when establishing or re-establishing turf areas this fall.  Look for more information on this project later in the year. 

Until next post, enjoy your yard and garden and enjoy the rain when it comes.