I would like to test my soil to pinpoint a specific way to maintain and provide growth to our lawn. Who would I need to contact and what is process for doing that?

My wife and I have the typical 1/3 acre lawn in Richfield and we want to turn it into a bee lawn. The lawn is currently healthy, but a little stressed from last years lack of rain. I plan to aerate the lawn, then thatch it to remove any dead grass, then mow it down to 1 inch or so. Can you recommend a good source for a bee lawn mixture? I will rent a re-seeder and sow the bee mixture into the sod. I got an estimate from a local lawn care company and they would cut it short, lay down a thin layer of cardboard, bring in topsoil to put over the top, then sow the bee lawn seeds. Too time consuming and expensive. I want to start it this spring. When is a good time to sow the seeds? And finally, how much seed per square foot? Thank you, Mike Supple Richfield<personal data hidden> <personal data hidden>

Hello! We recently dug a shallow pond ( 5-10' at the deepest) to assist with some drainage issues on our property. I noticed ducks have been landing and inspecting the pond which led to me wanting to add some aquatic plants to the edges to encourage the local wildlife to stay/visit. In addition, to "clean up" the pond as it is very silty at the moment. However I am not familiar with aquatic plants that can survive Alaskan winters nor do I want to plant anything that is invasive. Cattails seem to pop up often in my research but I would like to plant a variety. Lastly, how do I source these plants?

How do I get a mailer for sending in a soil sample ? Can I get more than one ? I would like 3 if possible .

Every late summer my lawn gets powdery mildew with last summer being really bad, the worst I've seen. My lawn is smalI, about 1600 sq feet. I don't over water or over fertilize. I have a small dog, no kids but I do spend quite a bit of time out there. I've just had the 3 large ash trees trimmed so will have more light this year. I plan to reseed some areas. What would you suggest? What do you like for fertilizer for a lawn like mine? Thank you

Hi, I live in central Ohio region. These “weeds” (?) are in abundance in my lawn this Spring. I have lived in my home for 38 years and have never had these in my lawn.

Can you tell what they are and how I can get rid of them?

Thank you!!!

Ron Roush

I have a lot of saplings coming out in the past few years. I was told they are ash, but not sure. Are these truly ash saplings?

I am looking for the above publication, from Sept. 2012. I would like to purchase a copy but have searched (and searched !) your website to find it and I cannot. The inside of the cover says that it is a Mich. State Univ. Extension publication.

Hello! We have a very aggressive weed in our lawn. The weed has a slight geranium look to it although it is flat and spread out. Could I text you a photo of this weed? Thank You!

I found a recipe for pickled Brussels sprouts that I want to make sure I am able to water bath can.:

Ingredients:

1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

2 cups white vinegar

1 cup water

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon kosher salt

2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns

1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

Directions:

In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Blanch the Brussels sprouts for about 3 minutes, then drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again.

In a separate pot, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve.

Add garlic, mustard seeds, peppercorns, and chili flakes to the vinegar mixture and simmer for 5 minutes.

Pack the blanched Brussels sprouts into sterilized jars, then pour the hot pickling liquid over them, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.

Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 48 hours before consuming to enhance the flavors.