July 20, 2019 - Issue #418

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10 frequently asked questions about lawns. Lean about cool-season and warm-season grasses; the best time of year to seed a new lawn; fertilizer for lawns and more!

Fava, or broad beans, are not well known in America, but if you go "across the pond", the English and Europeans love them. But favas had a rocky start. Back in ancient Greek times, Pythagoras warned to "avoid all favas". It seems certain people in the southern Mediterranean region have a genetic tendency to get sick from eating fresh fava beans, a syndrome called favism.

Many gardeners would love to grow apples, pears, peaches, and other tree fruits in their yard, but don't have the room or climate to accommodate them. While there are many dwarf tree fruit varieties on the market, sometimes even these trees are too large for a small yard. Plus, if you live in a cold winter or cool summer climate, some fruits just won't grow and mature well for you. Learn how to accommodate in this article.

Exactly which USDA hardiness zone are you in? Well, it depends. Use our zone map and article to help.

The Crepe Myrtle is a fast-growing, small to medium-sized deciduous tree that produces large, colorful flowers over a long period from midsummer to fall. The foliage is attractive in fall and the textured bark provides winter interest. Another common name is southern lilac. It is typically cultivated as a multi-trunked flowering tree grown throughout the warmer climates of the world.

The appeal of toxic herbicides is powerful when you're faced with a garden rapidly dominated by fast-growing weeds.