outdoors

A P R IL G A R D E N E R

YARD GOODS

KOMBI SHOVEL

The sharp, angled teeth of the Kombi

Shovel cut through roots with ease,

making it much simpler to dig a new

bed, plant a tree, or move a rosebush.

$

40

- $

80

; millsmix.com

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NATURAL GARDENS

GREEN

G R A S S

Corn gluten meal, a by-

product of corn milling, is a

natural herbicide that you

can use as a crabgrass

preventer in lawns. The key

to success, as with all weed

preventers, is timing. Apply

corn gluten products shortly

before weed seeds sprout. In

most areas, that’s when

forsythia blooms begin to

drop. As a bonus, corn gluten

also feeds your lawn. Follow

all package instructions.

For buyer’s information see

page 232.

Improve soil by topdressing garden beds

with a layer of

2-3

inches of compost. The

compost will also act as a mulch. Work

compost into the planting hole when

adding perennials and shrubs.

Plant a colorful annual vine to create a bit

of shade or to disguise an unattractive

fence. April’s warm weather will encourage

quick growth and you’ll have blooms until

frost. Plant hyacinth bean vine, cypress

vine,

Thunbergia, above,

or morning glory.

Continue to pay close attention to any

shrubs, trees, and perennials that were

planted last fall. Plants that are not

completely established may need a little

extra water, even if most of your yard is

watered on a regular schedule.

1l 8 APRIL2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS

PHOTOS: (GRASS) KRITSADA; (SHOVEL) PETE KRUMHARDT; (COMPOST) MARTY BALDWIN; (VINE) ED GOHLICH; (WATERING) ANDY LYONS