Gardeners aim to grow good produce or nurture lovely lawns and landscaping. “Smart gardeners” obtain those goals with earth-friendly techniques that can save money. Our advice is based on science performed at Michigan State University or other land grant universities.
Don't forget to check out our Smart Gardening resources, which includes tip sheets and informational videos.
- Mow at the highest setting to promote deep roots, avoid grub damage and crowd out weeds.
- Mulch leaves and grass clippings into lawn to recycle nutrients.
- Learn how to have a smart lawn.
- Select well-adapted or native plants, trees and shrubs to simplify meeting the plant’s needs.
- Learn how to select smart flowers and trees/shrubs.
- Don’t guess, soil test to ensure an effective balance of nutrients.
- Learn how to test and build smart soils.
- Select the right vegetables for your location. Sunlight, water and good soil are essential for growing good vegetables.
- Learn how to plant a smart vegetable garden.
Smart gardening to protect pollinators
- Watch a webinar on smart gardening for bees from MSU entomologist Rufus Isaacs.
- Read an article on how to protect bees in your yard and garden from MSU entomologist Dave Smitley.
May 26, 2016 | Terry Gibb | Lawn area makes up a large part of the land surface in communities. Proper maintenance and management of these areas can protect water quality.
May 25, 2016 | Michelle Walk | Treat your booth as your storefront.
May 25, 2016 | Michelle Walk | Food safety considerations in preparing to sell at a farmers market.
May 23, 2016 | Kristine Hahn | Improve your local food system and your personal health by growing your own vegetables in a well-planned garden that will provide fresh produce, exercise and enjoyment all season long.
May 23, 2016 | Michelle Walk | Options for utilizing your school garden during summer months.
May 20, 2016 | Kristine Hahn | Find out where plant, how to plant, and how to manage your garden to grow fresh, nutritious and delicious food all season long.
May 19, 2016 | Dixie Sandborn | As gardening season approaches, theme gardens are an easy way to get kids gardening while learning about plant science and how to grow and cook food.
May 19, 2016 | Kevin Frank | Now is when seedheads push through turfgrass, orange and yellow hawkweed flowers and slime mold covers turf blades.
May 19, 2016 | Heidi Wollaeger | Garden center retailers should encourage consumers to break the botanical boundaries and combine annuals, perennials and foliage plants for some eye-catching containers.
May 17, 2016 | Gretchen Voyle | Garden tomatoes thrive in warm weather, eight or more hours of full sunlight and warm soil.
Find an Expert
Jun 4, 2016 – Jun 9, 2016 | June 4 - 15406 Watercress Way, Cassopolis, MI 49031 June 9 - 2300 N. Benton Center Rd, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Jun 14, 2016 – Jun 14, 2016 | Royal Cafe, 701 E Main Street, Centreville, MI 49032
Jun 14, 2016 | 300 East 1st Street, Flint, MI 48502
Jun 17, 2016 – Jun 18, 2016 | MSU Extension - Kent County, 775 Ball NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Jun 19, 2016 | MSU Horticulture Gardens, 1066 Bogue St, East Lansing, MI 48824
Jun 21, 2016 | Clare County MSU Extension office, 225 W. Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625
Jun 21, 2016 | The Beer Grotto, 500 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI, 48912