内容摘要：Summer is right around the corner, which means you’re likely putting some R&R on your calendar. This week, writer Amelia Edelman wrote about why you should

Summer is right around the corner, which means you’re likely putting some R&R on your calendar. This week, writer Amelia Edelman wrote about why you should

"These trees release a chemical that is damaging to most vegetables," Chastain explains.Do you want your eggplant with a side of exhaust? Probably not. And your veggies don't want to grow surrounded by runoff from vehicles that could contain harmful chemicals, either from the automobile itself or the materials that are used on the roads, like salt during icy winter months.

"Not only are you asking for someone to squash your squash, the pollutants from cars or runoff can damage the nutrients in your soil or keep your plants choked with dirt and grime," Chastain says.Part of the beauty ofis that you can completely control the soil and the environment, which is particularly important if the soil might be contaminated.

If there's any risk of something in the soil that might stunt growth or damage the plants, it's best not to plant directly in the ground. Or, at the very least, test the soil first."This might be where paint, oil, or something else toxic was dumped," Chastain says. "If you have an old barn or outbuilding and want to plant near that area, test the soil or look for signs the area was used for toxic chemicals before planting."

Rural areas often have septic tanks, and those can cause major issues for growing vegetables or any plants.

"If you aren't sure where your septic tank is, look for a patch of land where grass just won't grow, or call a specialist to locate it for you," Chastain advises. "There is a reason grass won't grow over a septic tank, at least not well."in Richmond, Virginia, shares expert tips on how to reuse your clippings so they don’t just head to the waste pile but, instead find a second purpose adding nutrients and aiding in the overall health of your lawn.

Allowing your grass clippings to remain on your lawn has benefits that go far beyond time savings. The trimmings left behind can provide free nutrients and get your grass growing in the right direction—full and lush with blades for days. “Grass clippings are a great source of free fertilizer for your lawn,” says Licklider. “They break down very quickly in Southern climates and add nutrients and organic matter back to the soil.” This process can benefit overall turf health, reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, and aid in moisture retention.Utilizing your grass clippings will require certain considerations like mow height and frequency that should be based on your grass type. Licklider says a general rule for mow height is to use a higher cut for cool-season grasses like fescue and opt for a shorter cut for warm-season grasses like Bermuda and zoysia.

“If you think you can’t leave [grass clippings on your lawn] because it leaves large clumps on the cut grass, then you aren’t mowing your lawn frequently enough,” he says. Licklider advises only trimming off the top 15% to 30% of the grass blades. This amount should be small enough to easily fall down to the soil. “If you’re seeing large hay clumps when you cut, you’re probably waiting too long between cuts and taking off closer to 50% or more of the plant,” he says. Licklider warns this can not only stress the grass, but the large clumps also have the potential to smother the grass below.“The overall name of the game, regardless of grass type, is sharp mower blades,” he adds. “They will mulch the clipping better as you cut and create a cleaner cut of grass itself, which is better for the grass.”