Lawn Mowers: An Early Season Safety Checklist
Check the blade. "It should be straight, sharp and free of nicks," Garthe says. "Dull blades tear rather than cut the grass. Badly bent blades are a hazard not only because they can cause vibration and ensuing ... [... more]
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For Everything There Is A Season...
Control broadleaf weeds in late summer and fall (liquid herbicides) ... [... more]
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Lady Bug, Lady Bug, Fly Away Home!
Asian lady beetles originally were released in 1978 and 1981, but over-wintering adults of the species first were observed in Pennsylvania in 1993. "Recent population increases probably did not result from those ... [... more]
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Stop Crabgrass Before It Takes Over Your Lawn
Landschoot recommends the following general periods for successful crabgrass herbicide applications in Pennsylvania: Southeastern Pennsylvania: March 15 to April 15. Northern tier and high-altitude counties: April 20 ... [... more]
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Christmas Blooms: No Peeking At The Poinsettias
Between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., set the poinsettia in a warm, sunny window. Soon you will see leaves and flower buds forming. "Poinsettias are sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and improper watering or light ... [... more]
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A Real "Trill:" Designing A Landscape To Attract Birds
Fruiting plants. Snyder points out that small trees and shrubs are excellent sources of low- to mid-canopy cover. Plants that provide food in summer months include serviceberry, dogwood, elderberry and common ... [... more]
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Don't Top That Tree
Two free Penn State publications, "Pruning Ornamental Plants" and "A Guide for Selecting Shade and Flowering Trees for Pennsylvania Landscapes," provide additional information about choosing and maintaining trees and ... [... more]
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With Correct Headwear, Farmers Have It Made In The Shade
To prevent skin cancer, farmers should use sunscreen regularly. Murphy suggests using a product with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15, which will block 94 percent of the ultraviolet B rays most likely to ... [... more]
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Transplanting Trees
Q: We transplanted two white flowering dogwood trees about one week ago. Now the leaves are droopy, turning yellowish/brown, and seem to be dying. Is this normal transplanting trauma, or have I done something wrong? ... [... more]
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How To Maintain And Care For Backyard Ponds And Water ...
Professionals also say pond owners should change the water about 10 percent per week, although Martin says it might be easier to change 40 percent of the water every month. "If you are on a municipal water system, ... [... more]
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Phloem -- Philosophically Speaking
Despite Mr. Rickett's thorough explanation, I needed a little more visual edification and logged on to the Botanical Society of America website, www.images.botony.org/bsa. This site includes hundreds of botanical ... [... more]
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Wild Mushrooms: Pickers Should Bring An Expert Along
Morechella esculenta. The morel, which resembles a pine cone or Christmas tree-shaped sponge on a stalk, is commonly found in the spring in wooded areas. Stewart credits the wild mushroom renaissance in part to ... [... more]
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