This is interesting, the United States Department of Agriculture has updated their Plant Hardiness Zone Map for the first time since 1990. Unlike years past, the government agency will not be sending out posters instead making the online map interactive and downloadable. Perhaps a sign of shrinking budgets the site helpfully explains that "state, regional, and national images of the map can be downloaded and printed in a variety of sizes and resolutions." In other words, make your own poster.

Also interesting is the fact that the zones have been adjusted to reflect the warmer temperatures of the past 20 odd years. Entire states have shifted into different zones, reaffirming what many who live there already know - plants that historically could never thrive in certain zones, can and have for some time.

While it's easy to jump on the climate change train, and certainly that is a part of it, the USDA is quick to point out that the changes are also partially due to technological advancements in data gathering and more accurate weather data. Environmentalists will probably see the change as old news as the new USDA map is now similar to the changes made by the Arbor Day Foundation six years ago.

Read more:

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

New federal map for what to plant reflects warming

Cool interactive map from The Washington Post

Sometimes it seems like it takes forever for seed to germinate, and sometimes it almost does. Often the true length of germination isn't noticed because seed blends often include perennial ryegrass which is notoriously quick to sprout. Perennial ryegrass is used as a "nurse" grass, providing shade and protection to developing seeds of other grass species.

While perennial ryegrass can germinate in as little as five days, it can take Kentucky bluegrass anywhere from 14-30 days. That's a whole month!

Optimum germination conditions are in the spring and fall when temperatures are high enough to encourage growth but low enough to retain moisture. Seed sown in the summer often dries out in the mid-day sun resulting in poor germination rates. Be sure to prepare the seed bed properly and maintain adequate soil moisture for best results.

Read more:

Germination Rates of Common Lawn Grasses

How to Prepare Soil for Seed or Sod

Lawn mowers are entrenched in the fabric of our lives, as ubiquitous as the automobile or even lawns themselves. Lawn mowers instantly conjure up images of weekend chores and the smell of fresh cut grass. Lawn mower styles run the gamut from the aging motorized beasts of yesteryear, to modern zero turn mowers, or the classic, pollution free reel mower.

If you're shopping for a mower, thinking about upgrading, or just fantasizing about that riding mower with the cup holders. If you're looking for information on lawn mower upkeep and maintenance or looking for greener lawn mower options. Check out this collection of articles.

Even if you think a collection of lawn mower articles cannot help you in any way, I implore you, read the article about lawn mower safety. Then read it again and think twice before letting a child anywhere near a running lawn mower.

Read more:

All About Lawn Mowers

photo © Ian Waldie/Getty Images

This is it! This is the summer you're going to get your lawn in shape. No need to hire a lawn care company, no need to spend thousands of dollars. It's time to recruit a few friends or family members and knock off one or two of those projects you've been meaning to attend to.

Start planning now. What will it be? Aerating? That should be done once a year, even every few years is acceptable so what are you waiting for? Overseeding? Topdressing? Why not do all three in one fell swoop? Your lawn will love you for it.

Lawn too big? Downsize! Need a new lawn? Start over with sod. It's easy. Quit putting off the lawn care projects before they start piling up. Whether it's improving the value of your home or ensuring a healthy soil, lawn care projects are not insurmountable obstacles. Do it!

Read The Article

5 Easy DIY Lawn Care Projects