Certified Green Industry Professional Advice

The frost-free date in the Kalamazoo area is May 10. Watch out - there is a 10% change that frost will occur after that, though! The ideal soil temperature for planting vegetable seeds and plants is between 65 and 75 degrees. Planting them in warm soil will most likely prevent them from rotting.

Birds need 3 things for survival - food, water and shelter. It is best to keep feeders out year 'round so they know where to come for their food source. Ideally, bird feeders should be near an evergreen or shrub for shelter and have a bird bath or other source of water nearby.

Mid to late April is the best time. Crabgrass germinates when soil temperatures are between 60 & 70 degrees, usually when the forsythia are in full bloom. Don't put it on too early - the preventer will break down and lose it's potency before the crabgrass seeds germinate.

Grass seed may be planted anytime you can keep it watered. Spring and fall are ideal