Flash floods are also known as pluvial floods. These occur when extreme precipitation causes a flood independent of a body of water. This can happen anywhere, including in urban areas when the drainage system or dam is overwhelmed. 

The tiny plastic thing placed in the middle of a pizza box is called a “box tent”.

Moles can be pesky, but they also have some redeeming qualities. They eat many soil pests, including grubs, termites, and slugs. They also aerate the soil, allowing deeper air and water penetration into the soil.

Mulch peonies each spring with 2-3 inches of material to control weeds.

The U.S. Army established Fort Benjamin Harrison in Lawrence Township in 1904. During WWI, the Fort was used for officer training camps and to train engineering specialists. Spring is a good time to hike Fort Ben’s nature trails, take a horseback ride, pack a lunch to eat around the lake, or enjoy a learning experience at the visitors’ center.

A group of zebras is called a “dazzle”.

Dig and divide hardy perennials flowers, especially ones that bloom in the fall, such as mums and sedum.
It’s important to sterilize plant pots. Over time, garden pots can accumulate mold, salt deposits, and pests that may harm your new plants.

The “Easter Bunny” who visits children on Easter morning was an invention of German Protestants. The “Oster Hase” or “Easter Hare” brought eggs and sweets to “good children”.
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The 3-hour gardening rule advises avoiding gardening between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. during the summer to prevent sunburn, dehydration, and sunstroke. It also benefits plants by reducing stress as midday is the least ideal time to water.

The pruning of trees should be completed before new growth occurs. Trees should not be pruned while the new leaves are growing. 

Plant the following seeds and set outdoors by early to mid-March: beets, carrots, collards, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard greens, onions, potatoes, parsley, radishes, and spinach (following seed packet instructions). 

Equinoxes are the only two times of year when the Sun rises due east and sets due west for all of us on Earth! 

Just before new growth begins, mow lawns a half inch lower than normal to remove old, dead leaf tissue. This only needs to be done once before raising the mower height back to the usual setting for the remainder of the season.

The name "Indiana" stands for Land of the Indians—but in reality, fewer than 8,000 Native Americans reside in the state today.

Start your tomato seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost to ensure strong transplants for the growing season.

St. Patrick’s Day is also called St. Paddy’s Day, not St. Patty’s Day. This is because the name Patrick is “Padraig” in the Irish language.

Rhinoceros horns are made from protein called “keratin”, the same substance that fingernails and hair are made of.

In 1930 presliced Wonder Bread hit the grocery shelves throughout the U.S.
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Watch the lawn as the snow recedes for snow mold. This turf disease is possible under snow or matted leaves. Rake the infected area to help dry it out.