Today we begin a weekly garden question and answer session with the experts at the University of Maryland Extention.
Do you have garden questions? Send them to the University of Maryland Extension Home and Garden Information Center. Click on the tab "Send a question" on the left.
Q: My lawn is a mess of crabgrass and burned up spots. When do I reseed: fall or spring?
A: This summer was brutal on lawns, even the drought and disease tolerant tall fescue well adapted to Maryland. If your lawn is more than 50 percent weeds, we recommend starting over so you don’t waste money and time on a lost cause. Early fall is the very best time to reseed because your young seedlings will have three seasons to establish roots before they are hit by a Maryland summer. Beginning in late August, kill your existing weeds and turf by tilling it under or, when temperatures are below 90 degrees, spray your lawn with a glyphosate herbicide. Rake perennial weeds and debris out of tilled soil. After seeding, be sure to keep seeds moist until they germinate. Spring is the second best time to seed, but young seedlings may not make it through a tough summer. We have two publications on lawn renovation on our website: www.hgic.umd.edu.
Q: Stinkbugs are already congregating on my house--but not my neighbors’ houses! They were between a window frame and a spot light. I had a terrible time with them inside last winter. Help!
A: The brown marmorated stinkbug that overwinters indoors is probably attracted to your outdoor light. Outdoor lights that are left on all night attract many other pests, too. Keep all outdoor light turned off unless necessary. To prevent stinkbugs from overwintering in your home this autumn, caulk and weatherstrip your doors, windows, any crevices, cracks, or where utilities enter your home.