Ask the Experts

Question: No mow May, is this something you recommend?

Answer: I am receiving increasing questions about the concept of a no-mow May. For those not in the loop, no-mow May is simply not mowing during the month, so flowering plants in the lawn can bloom and provide pollen and nectar for early-season pollinators.

While the concept is good, and I support pollinator health, I am not sure I can jump on the no-mow May bandwagon in our climate. May is the period of active turf growth. Skipping mowing will result in the thinning of the lawn and once mown, will leave a very stemmy and open appearance to the lawn.

The lawn provides many benefits as a ground cover. If that cover thins out, one of the results is soil erosion, which can move the soil into our local streams and lakes. This causes problems and creates another issue.

The best option for those considering a no-mow May concept is to evaluate the amount of turf really needed. Then reduce the amount of lawn, replacing it with native trees, shrubs, perennials, and other plants which support beneficial insects year-round, not just during the month of May.

Treating Wind Damaged Trees

Question: On one of the windy spring days, a limb broke out of the tree. Do I need to do anything else where it broke off?

Answer: You were not alone, as the wind damaged trees. The good news is that it sounds like your branch fell to the ground. What is hazardous is when a broken branch does not fall but hangs in the tree. So-called hangers are extremely dangerous as we never know when they might fall.

The recommendation is you should make a clean, smooth cut instead of leaving a jagged broken limb. A smooth cut will speed up the healing process and reduce the chance of rot and decay. Be sure to make a proper cut. Don’t leave a long stub or cut too close to the connecting branch. This is called a flush cut. Leaving a stub allows for rot, and a flush cut increases the size of the wound. Cut at the branch collar. This is an area of raised bark-like growth, which is chock full of cambium tissues, and an area of the tree where new bark forms to seal off the wound. This cut will help increase the life of the tree.

Question: I heard through the grapevine that you have a new vegetable gardening book for local gardeners. Where can I get this book? I started gardening during the pandemic and need to learn more.

Answer: You are probably referring to the newly revised Kansas Garden Guide. This is the best resource for local gardeners as it covers everything you need to know to be successful in the vegetable gar- den. The guide contains information on soils, fertilization, timing, spacing, and details on each growing crop.

At over 200 pages, you have options. Simply search Kansas Garden Guide, and it will pop up in your search. You can download and save or print off your own copy for free. A printed copy can be purchased through the K-State Extension bookstore, but it is pricy, around $40. The best part about the Kansas Garden Guide is the factbased research-based information. It doesn’t have the misinformation found on the internet. So-called recommendations often found on social media are often a waste of time, energy, and money.

Squirrels Digging In Containers

Question: I am about ready to give up on planting patio containers. It is so frustrating! No sooner than I plant, the squirrels move in and dig up all my work. Do you have any tips to help keep the squirrels from digging into my containers?

Answer: Cute and often fun to watch, squirrels can be destructive beasts. While there is no silver bullet, try some of these options. Wrap the container with chicken wire. The wire cage will create a barrier and reduce the digging. This is not the most attractive option. Wooden popsicle sticks can be stuck randomly in the open areas of the container. The sticks will reduce the open space and reduce digging. As the plants grow, they will canopy over the sticks, and they will disappear.

Sweet gum balls may have a use after all. Cover the pot’s soil with a layer or two of the spiny balls. This will create a barrier covering the exposed soil. The sweet gum balls are dark with a natural look and will act like a mulch layer. Lastly, the repellent products are rarely effective against digging. If others have suggestions, let me know.