Gardeners are staying busy during the summer months maintaining and preparing their gardens for harvest. With little to no precipitation in many areas in Central Illinois, new tactics might have to be employed for many. Kathi Knope is one of the Master Gardeners and practices what she preaches every day in her own garden.

Kathi Knope explains all the maintenance that can be completed during the summer months and how to create the best environment for the success of your garden.

Japanese beetles are an invasive species that can harm all plant life. Knope says that she has come across some of the destructive pests this year. Clearing all insects from your garden is not optimal for the health of your plants, there are insects, like ladybugs, that benefit the flowering plants. Native plants are what keep ecosystems healthy. Invasive plants tend to sprout faster and with fewer roots in the soil. Knope explains that she will be focusing on native plants in her own garden.

Using organic soils and gardening products will lead to a healthier garden. Harmful, weed-killing substances will often do more damage to the native plants and beneficial insects.

For tips on proper gardening and all the information you need to develop your green thumb, visit, https://extension.illinois.edu/cjmm/master-gardeners.

Kathi Knope appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.