As an alternative of energy raking your garden this spring, strive these finest mowing practices

“I’ve been getting conflicting recommendation on energy raking my garden within the spring and amassing grass clippings after I mow the garden all through the rising season. Are you able to please give me your standpoint on these upkeep points?”

— Amy Brill, Park Ridge

Generally, I don’t suggest energy raking a garden until there’s extreme thatch buildup to take away. Thatch is a layer of residing plant materials and natural matter that builds up between the residing turf grass above and the basis system and soil under. As soon as this layer will get thicker than a ½-inch, it could possibly create points with the efficiency and upkeep of your garden.

Core aerating your garden on an annual foundation will assist stop and proper the extreme formation of thatch and is my most popular upkeep strategy versus energy raking in most conditions. It’s too late in my thoughts to energy rake now, as most lawns have began actively rising. The moist and chilly spring delayed a whole lot of gardening work.

Correct mowing practices can have a big effect on the well being and look of your garden. I favor to chop at a peak of three to three ½ inches. The grass will develop a deeper root system and be higher in a position to stand up to stress when the climate will get hotter and drier. The taller grass can even assist discourage weeds.

It’s OK to chop at a shorter peak within the early season, when rising circumstances are usually splendid for bluegrass. Reducing at a decrease peak in early spring permits you to neaten up your garden as it’s beginning to develop and earlier than it broadly passes the 3-inch peak mark. I reduce at 2 to 2 ½ inches for the final reduce of the yr in late fall.

Use a mulching mower to recycle the clippings again into the garden and save your self time in bagging and disposing of the clippings. The mulching mowers don’t work properly in tall, moist grass, so if the garden will get away from you, you have to to chop a narrower strip of grass every cross and stroll slower to keep away from clogging and stalling the mower.

It’s best to keep away from leaving clumps of grass on the garden, so it’s possible you’ll must mow twice or rake some to interrupt up any remaining clumps of grass. I proceed utilizing a mulching mower in fall because the leaves fall and don’t bag them. My yard has a number of massive oak timber, so there are a whole lot of leaves to mow over within the fall. You must cowl the grass with shredded leaves to keep away from smothering the garden over winter. After I end mowing within the fall, you may see small items of leaves on the bottom, however the grass will not be lined.

For extra plant recommendation, contact the Plant Data Service on the Chicago Botanic Backyard at plantinfo@chicagobotanic.org. Tim Johnson is senior director of horticulture on the Chicago Botanic Backyard.