How to encourage fuller, more plentiful, flowering plants

Pinch fall-blooming plants, such as chrysanthemums and hardy asters, to control their size and increase production of flowers. Pinching will induce side branching, producing bushier, stockier plants.

Make the first pinch when the plants reach 6 to 8 inches in height by removing approximately 1 inch from the tip of each shoot. When the resulting lateral branches reach 6 inches, pinch them as well. These plants should not be pinched later than July 4 in the Chicago area, as flower buds are formed around this time and late pinching can delay or prevent flowering.

• Practice integrated pest management in your garden to reduce the need to use pesticides. Begin by choosing the proper plant for your site and using good planting practices, such as amending the soil with compost and planting at the proper depth.

When possible, select plants that are resistant to common diseases and give them the appropriate care to minimize problems. Monitor all plants carefully for insects and diseases.

If trouble arises, identify the problem and use the least toxic control measure when damage is not tolerable. Timing is also important; apply controls when pests and disease are most susceptible.

Never spray just because you see insects, as some of them might be beneficial or harmless. When you use an insecticide, you kill the good insects along with the bad ones.

• When using power equipment such as a weed whip in the garden, wear protective glasses and earplugs. The plastic line can kick up debris that could injure your eyes or sting your legs if you are wearing shorts.

The line can also injure the bark of trees and strip paint off fences. Some equipment can be loud, making ear protection especially important if you are using it for an extended period.

I use earmuffs when mowing the lawn and whenever I use a leaf blower.

• Mowing is one way to control weeds in a large, natural prairie area that is being established in your garden. Native plants typically develop their roots, not their foliage or flowers, as they are getting established in their early years. This gives weeds the opportunity to gain a foothold and choke out the native plants.

Mow weedy areas now at a high height to cut back the weeds and keep them from choking out the native plants. In small areas, weed by hand.

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