Small lawns with little thatch can be easily aerated by walking over them wearing a pair of spiked shoes. The least expensive type of aerator is a spiked pole, which you push into ground. However, most effective type of lawn aerator is a core aerator. If you have large areas of turf, this is type of aerator that will do best job. In addition, core aerators can be purchased to attach to most riding mowers and lawn tractors.

The disadvantage of core aeration is that it does leave plugs of earth scattered about your lawn. However, plugs can be removed, broken up, or will quickly decompose under heavy spring rainfalls.

Linda is a leading author of Lawnmower Guides All about Lawnmowers and Lanwcare

Linda is a leading author of Lawnmower Guides All about Lawnmowers and Lawncare

Grow a spaghetti garden. Plant herbs such as basil, oregano, rosemary, and parsley. My kids love to snip fresh herbs. They stuff their pockets full of scented “spaghetti” herbs.

Share your garden with butterflies and hummingbirds. Zinnias, Verbena, and Cosmos are butterfly favorites. Hummingbirds love nectar from Nasturtium and Lantana, and Hollyhocks.

Children love to pick up bugs and worms. Poke holes in top of an old jar. Add some dirt and a few, new found specimens. Be sure to release critters back into nature after a few hours.

Arm your kids with cameras to take photos throughout summer. They will enjoy remembering fruits of their labor. And, pictures will help your budding gardener plan for next year.

Happy planting. And, don’t forget to pick a few bouquets for mom.

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