hAerate, dethatch soil with spray-on product

May 11, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

A spray-on product promises to aerate and dethatch your soil without mechanical means and condition it at the same time.

LazyMan Liquid Gold contains polyelectrolytes and takes advantage of their opposing positive and negative electrical charges to loosen soil, allowing air, water and nutrients to enter more easily. It also contains microbes to feed on the dead plant material that creates thatch, as well as soil conditioners consisting of kelp, humic acids and mycorrhizae.

The product is available only at www.outsidepride.com. Prices range from $34.99 for a quart to $299.99 for 5 gallons.

New guide offers help to gardeners in Ohio

Ohio presents its own challenges to vegetable gardeners, notably the unpredictable weather and the different soil types.

James A. Fizzell took those challenges into consideration in writing “Guide to Ohio Vegetable Gardening.”

Fizzell, a horticulture expert who is now a consultant to plant professionals, has written a comprehensive guide to growing a variety of vegetables, herbs and fruits.

The book tells when, where and how to plant each crop, how to care for the plants and how to harvest them.

“Guide to Ohio Vegetable Gardening” is published by Cool Springs Press and sells for $12.95 in softcover.

Got an ugly yard? This contest is for you

Finally, it pays to have an ugly yard.

In fact, having one of the four ugliest lawns in the United States can win homeowners professional help, tools and cash.

Running now through June 30, homeowners can nominate their yard or a neighbor’s in a Briggs Stratton-sponsored ugly yard contest.

To enter, submit videos on YouTube. Find rules and directions for submitting at www.myuglyyard.com.

The ugly yards will be posted on the Web site, and viewers across the country will vote on which are the four ugliest.

In July, winners will receive a consultation from Trey Rogers, a turf grass specialist.

They’ll also win $1,000 and two pieces of new outdoor power equipment.