It finally seems like we have rounded the corner and spring is in full swing! Now that the sun is shining and the temps are higher, you may be thinking more and more about your lawn and garden this year. While we are experts in real estate and not so much lawn maintenance, we turned to an incredible resource, the University of Minnesota Extension for some great tips and how-to’s for your lawn, landscaping, and garden. Plus, a well maintained yard will only help boost your home’s value!
What can I plant to have a more pollinator-friendly yard?
There are a few ways to accomplish this! You can turn sections of your lawn from turfgrass to a bee lawn, or you can incorporate more pollinator friendly plants into your landscaping. What’s a bee lawn you may ask? Essentially it’s a lawn that has flowers mixed in with the typical turfgrass. You can learn more about bee lawns and what types of plants to use here.
Another option would be to consider including pollinator friendly plants in your landscape design. Plants like rose bushes, lilacs, and honeysuckle will help attract pollinator friends like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds!
When is the best time to plant grass seed?
Answers to this question seem to consistently vary but lucky for us the U of M Extension has compiled an all-in-one resource for all things lawn! Check out the comprehensive lawn care calendar here. Spoiler alert, the Master Gardeners say the best time to plant your grass seed is early August to late September (May to early June is also an acceptable time - just not the best time).
How do I start the process of planning out a landscape design for my yard?
Have no fear, the U of M Master Gardeners have you covered! They’ve compiled a short video series that covers the five considerations of sustainable landscape design - seriously, they’re great videos and make the design process seem less overwhelming. If the process still seems too much to tackle and you’d like to hire out a professional, you can check out a list of local firms online via the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association.
Have a specific question about your lawn or garden? You can always ask a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener!
We are so fortunate to have access to such incredible resources and information via the U of M Extension right at our fingertips! We hope you feel empowered to tackle whatever lawn or landscaping projects you have on the docket this year - we know we sure are!
