Question
my first question is what do I do with my dried up marigolds and daisies before winter? my second question is brown matted areas on my lawn. how do I get nice green grass there again. I also have a large mole problem it's costing me a fortune. thank you for any help or advice you can give me. Linda V

Answer
Hi Linda;
The brown matted areas could be brown patch fungus, but it sounds more like thatch.
Thatch occurs when the roots come to the surface to get water, die out and remain on top of the soil, trapping grass cuttings and other ebris, until it builds up a waterproof pad that water cannot penetrate, so everything under it dies.
To get rid of it, dethatch, Get a garden rake, not  yard broom, but one of the ones with a straight row of heavy tines across it, and rip out that pad, or till it up.
A deep watering program will prevent that in future, because if you water deeply, to a depth of at least 6 inches and then water when they top 2 or 3 inches of soil are dry. Then soak it to that deoth again.
It helps protect against heat, cold and drought damage, and prevents thatch.
When the top 3 or so inches of soil are dry, there is still a little moisture down where the roots are.
The grass will not show any stress.
I water only once a week until out temperatures reach 100+, then I wiill go out and water if the soil is dry 4 or 5 inches down.
If it is thatch, once it is cleared away so water can penetrate, the problem is solved.
For the moles;
Sprinkle cayenne pepper down the holes. Every time they make a hole, sprinkle cayenne down there. It irritates their noses and soon they will give up and move out of your yard.
Charlotte