Answers To What You're Wondering.
Seasonal gardening questions, pest puzzles, market schedules, propane fills, store hours, we hear them often, so we put the answers all in one place.
Topic One
For grass seed, the soil temperature is more important than the air temperature. For most of our cool-season grasses (like Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue), you need the soil to be a consistent 50°F to 55°F. In a typical Illinois spring, we usually hit this window between late March and mid-April.
We can't predict the future, but in our region of Illinois, the average last frost date is May 4th. That means it could be earlier or later, but to err on the side of caution, we recommend planting outdoors no earlier than May 4th.
Pruning in late March, before the sap starts flowing and buds swell, allows the tree to put all its spring energy into the branches you actually want to keep. Before you get creative with the shape, scan the tree for the 3 D's and remove them immediately:
For a more detailed guide, check out our blog on Spring Fruit Tree Pruning in DuPage County.
You'll see our shelves overflowing with green starting in mid-April. Check our social media for updates on new products as they come in.
Lettuce, kale, and radishes for veggie plants, along with cyclamen, tulips, and pansies for blooming plants.
We sell a lovely variety of ornamental trees as well as fruit trees throughout the season.
Topic Two
Here's how we remember it: orioles arrive at the end of April and hummingbirds shortly after. If you're waiting until you see the birds before you put your feeders out, you'll miss them. Try to have them out by mid-April.
If a bird eats it, we sell it. From millet to nyjer, safflower to peanuts, we not only carry it all but get it weekly, guaranteeing its freshness to keep your birds happy and full.
They're probably fungus gnats. Spring is one of two major times of the year when their activity is especially noticeable because the ground is thawing and they love hiding in leaf litter. The other major time is in the fall when they try to escape the cold by migrating into our houses.
Whether it's bugs, bunnies, or anything else, we have what you need to keep them at bay. Stop in and we'll match the right solution to the culprit.
There are two strategies with squirrels: fight them or learn to live with them. We have what you need to pick your strategy.
Topic Three
The doors for The Market swing open in mid-July and stay open seven days a week for the rest of the summer and beyond.
The last day of The Market is October 31st. When the weather gets too cold for the produce stands, we have to pack it in for the year.
Everything in our market either comes from Illinois or Michigan. It's locally grown by independent farmers, a quality you can taste. To learn more about the vendors we work with, visit our Market page.
Sweet corn usually hits our shelves around the middle of July and continues until late September. Peaches are on the same timeline as the sweet corn.
Topic Four
Yes we do. We'll fill anything from a 5-pound tank to an RV.
If you're looking to just top off your tank, we offer filling by the pound.
No. These tanks are made to hold 20 pounds of propane. With that amount in it, the tank is still only at 75% capacity to allow for natural expansion.
We do not. If you're looking to recycle a tank, we recommend reaching out to your local fire department, village office, or town hall, they should be able to point you to recycle days.
Topic Five
We do. We pride ourselves on having a very large selection of natural and organic products that are safe for pets, children, and our environment.
Summer hours: Monday – Thursday 9am – 6pm; Friday – Saturday 9am – 6pm; Sunday 11am – 4pm.
Winter hours (mid-December – mid-March): Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm; Sunday 11am – 4pm.
Market hours: Monday – Saturday 10:30am – 5pm; Sunday 12pm – 4pm.
We're open year-round. In addition to our plant selection, we're also a feed and supply store, so when your chickens need food or your propane tanks need to be filled in the winter, we'll be here.
Didn't Find Your Answer?
Give us a call, send an email, or stop by the shop. Our team has been answering questions like these (and stranger ones) since 2003.
1N583 S Gary Avenue, Carol Stream, IL 60188, open year-round, with the same friendly faces since 2003.
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1n583 S Gary Avenue, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188
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