Rob Harris

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Garden Guides uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the ever-evolving conversations surrounding gardening and landscaping, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert insight and tutorials from our talented team.

As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.

Stories By Rob Harris

  • Produce
    Produce By Rob Harris November 4th, 2022

    How To Repel Deer Using Dried Blood Meal

    How to Repel Deer Using Dried Blood Meal. Deer tend to sneak into your garden during the dead of night and munch away happily on the results of your hard work: your flowers or vegetables. Keeping deer out of your garden can be challenging in part because of their height -- their noses aren't close to the ground like rabbits, for example -- and ability to jump obstacles. Blood meal provides a temporary organic repellant that also feeds your plants.

    By Rob Harris November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Rob Harris November 4th, 2022

    How To Tell If Your Pine Tree Is Overwatered

    How to Tell if Your Pine Tree Is Overwatered. Pine trees (Pinus spp.) are evergreens, which means they don't drop all their needles unless something's really wrong. Overwatering causes more damage to pines than droughts, because the needle-like pine leaves protect against water loss. Pines are adapted to dry soils; too much water can kill the tree. Newly planted pines are most at risk, but older pines can suffer if they sit in low-lying areas where storm runoff or sprinkler water pools. To keep your new pine tree healthy, watch for overwatering signs.

    By Rob Harris November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Rob Harris November 4th, 2022

    Is Dirt Leftover From Stump Grinding In My Yard Good To Plant In?

    Is Dirt Leftover From Stump Grinding in My Yard Good to Plant In?. When you must cut down a tree, the stump left behind can be an eyesore in your yard. Grinding the stump reduces it to sawdust, and you can often grind it down to a few inches below ground level. The sawdust changes the composition of the soil, so the area won't be ideal for immediate planting. Taking a few extra steps to clean up and refurbish the soil gets it ready for planting faster.

    By Rob Harris November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Grass Seed
    Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Rob Harris November 4th, 2022

    When Can I Plant Grass Seed After Crabgrass Killer?

    When Can I Plant Grass Seed After Crabgrass Killer?. Crabgrass killer doesn't always differentiate between a germinating crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) seed and a lawn grass seed. That can add a timing element to your seeding process -- you might need to work in extra time so the crabgrass preventer doesn't keep your grass seed from growing. Not all crabgrass killers work the same way, and they don't all have waiting times.

    By Rob Harris November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Rob Harris November 3rd, 2022

    The Effects Of Microwaved Water On Plants

    The Effects of Microwaved Water on Plants. Rumors abound on how safe microwave oven use is, including whether it's harmful to use water heated in a microwave oven. Some people say this water isn't even safe for plants. These rumors are false, however. Regardless of whether it's heated on an electric stove, gas stove, over a campfire or in a microwave oven, water is safe to drink and to use on plants -- after it cools, of course.

    By Rob Harris November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Rob Harris November 3rd, 2022

    When Can I Put Lime On My Yard?

    When Can I Put Lime on My Yard?. Lime isn't something every lawn needs, so test the soil before deciding whether your grass needs a lime boost. Lime changes the soil's pH level, or acidity. When your soil isn't at an optimum pH for the grass, adding lime might help, but it can also hurt your lawn if the pH is already in the proper range. When you decide your lawn needs some lime, apply it anytime during the growing season.

    By Rob Harris November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Structures
    Structures By Rob Harris September 6th, 2022

    Should Polymeric Sand Be Used For Clay Brick Pavers?

    Should Polymeric Sand Be Used for Clay Brick Pavers?. Clay brick pavers are surprisingly strong and less porous than a typical brick. These typically retain the gray-brown color of the clay used to make the bricks, and they're fired at such a high temperature that the bricks don't usually fade. The clay brick pavers' production process also makes them work well with a variety of installation options, including polymeric sand.

    By Rob Harris September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Structures
    Structures By Rob Harris September 6th, 2022

    What Types Of Pavers For A Shaded Area?

    What Types of Pavers for a Shaded Area?. Garden pathways help guide you through shaded areas of your yard to pleasant sitting areas, fountains or other focal points. These pathways add texture, color and character to your garden by using pavers to tie the paths in with your existing landscaping. Placing pavers in the shade requires slightly different consideration than installing them in sunlight areas.

    By Rob Harris September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Rob Harris September 6th, 2022

    How Long After Fertilizing Should I Apply Lime?

    How Long After Fertilizing Should I Apply Lime?. Keeping your lawn green and healthy takes maintenance, including applying fertilizer and lime periodically. When you apply both products depends on what your soil needs. In many cases, it's safe to apply both on the same day, but sometimes it's best to stagger the applications. Pick a day when your kids aren't playing outside to apply both products to make sure they don't accidentally ingest any of the chemicals.

    By Rob Harris September 6th, 2022 Read More