Garden Tips

Spring Bulbs

WASHINGTON - Shop now for spring bulbs at mass merchandizers and garden centers for a wide selection of fresh bulbs. Plant daffodils and early season specialty bulbs such as snowdrops and crocuses can be planted in September and October. But plant hybrid tulips, which prefer cooler soil to initiate root growth, now into November. Store tulips in the refrigerator, not the freezer, and make a note to plant them around Halloween.

Lawn Renovation

WASHINGTON - Lawn renovation season extends to mid-October. The ground should be well soaked before aerating, dethatching or undertaking any other lawn preparation. In the absence of heavy rain, lay an inch or two of water two or three days before starting a lawn project.

Adrian Higgins blogs about vegetable gardening Mondays at www.washingtonpost.com/allwecaneat.

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Winter weeds

Winter weeds are germinating in garden beds and should be tackled before they get established. Use a sharp hoe to quickly clear large areas of weed seedlings without resorting to herbicides. Lay a two-inch layer of mulch to prevent new seeds from emerging.