Mow more frequently in spring as grass grows

Use a mulching mower that leaves the grass clippings on the lawn. This means less work for you and it recycles those extra nutrients into your lawn. Regardless of which mower you choose, mow more frequently during spring to accommodate rapid grass growth.

Mulching mowers, in particular, do not work well in tall, wet grass. Rake out any wet clumps of grass that remain on the lawn.

Keep the blades of your mower sharpened for a better cut. A good general rule to follow is to sharpen them after every eight hours of use.

Mow grass at 2½ to 3 inches in height, and frequently enough so that not more than one-third of the total height is cut each time. I mow my lawn at 3 inches. Most lawns are cut too short, which adds stress to the lawn. Maintaining lawns at a taller height promotes a strong root system and helps choke out weeds. In hot weather, short lawns can turn brown more quickly and can allow weeds to move in.

• Many garden beds have irregular edges. Beds will look better and be easier to mow along if they have smooth flowing curves. Use a pliable garden hose or rope to lay out your new bed line. All clumps of grass should be removed from the bed and any clods of soil should be broken up and spread around. Avoid the "volcano effect" around trees, caused by piling soil and mulch up around the trunk, which ends up looking like a volcano.

• Be sure to hand pull garlic mustard that is flowering or setting seed now in your garden. This is an invasive biennial weed that is common in home gardens and a problem in native woodlands.

A biennial plant completes its life cycle in two years. Garlic mustard sends up a rosette of leaves in the first year and a taller plant with white flowers in its second year. It is best to dispose of the plant in your garbage, as most home compost piles will not generate enough heat to kill the seeds of this plant.

• Tim Johnson is director of horticulture at Chicago Botanic Garden, chicagobotanic.org.