Q. I have an old hydrangea that was given to me by my late grandmother, and I would love to have a few more just like it, but I don’t know its name. Can I collect seeds from this plant? — David Holiday, Terre Haute, Ind. A. Depending on which type of hydrangea it is, likely the best way to make sure you get more just like it is to take stem cuttings in early…Read more about Question and Answer[Read More]
There’s no better way to celebrate Arbor Day than to add beauty and value to your home landscape with a new tree. Trees can also provide shade and wind protection for many years to come, if given the proper start. The last Friday in April is both the national and the Indiana Arbor Day, so you have some time to plan. The first step should be thoughtful selection of an appropriate plant to match the…Read more about Celebrate Arbor Day, April 29[Read More]
Gardening in raised beds can be just the answer for would-be gardeners, who would love to grow their own vegetables and flowers, but lack the space or physical ability for a traditional garden. However, recent controversy regarding chemical wood preservation treatments has left many gardeners wondering about the safety of treated lumber. Many gardeners have made use of treated lumber in their raised beds, fences, benches, gazebos and other landscape structures. Up until about 2003,…Read more about Treated Lumber and Alternatives in the Garden[Read More]
Gardening in raised beds can be just the answer for would-be gardeners, who would love to grow their own vegetables and flowers, but lack the space or physical ability for a traditional garden. However, recent controversy regarding chemical wood preservation treatments has left many gardeners wondering about the safety of treated lumber. Many gardeners have made use of treated lumber in their raised beds, fences, benches, gazebos and other landscape structures. Up until about 2003,…Read more about Treated Lumber and Alternatives in the Garden[Read More]
Q. We just moved into our new home in a wooded area. In 2003, I planted over 80 wild violet plants along our drive (you see them everywhere in the spring). I just love them. Well, so did the deer. I guess they thought I set up a buffet line for them. They ate them down to the heart. Then, I planted hostas, which they thought were tasty, too, I later learned. So what can…Read more about Deer-Resistant Plants, Wildlife-Friendly Landscaping, Bulb Planting, and Brussels Sprout Tips[Read More]
Gardeners are often quick to blame insects or infectious disease when their plants develop leaf spots. But, in many cases — especially with houseplants — those spots may be due to environment and cultural practices. House plants that experience extremes in soil moisture often develop spots on their leaves, called “oedema” (sometimes spelled “edema”). The spots may first appear as a blister or raised spot, particularly on the undersides of leaves, but may occur on…Read more about Leaf Spots Not Always From Pests[Read More]
Being creative when choosing containers for your houseplants can add to the decor of a room, but make sure the pot is appropriate for the plant. Almost any container can be used for potting plants, as long as drainage of excess water is provided. Water and mineral nutrients are primarily taken into the plant through the roots. For most plant species, roots must have some oxygen in order to grow and function. If the soil…Read more about Pots to Plant In[Read More]
Q. As with most folks, we lost branches off trees, due to the ice storm. Is there anything we are supposed to apply to the area where the branch broke off to help the tree heal? — John Habermann A. Do not treat the wounds with any paint or sealant. Research shows moisture is trapped under the sealant, leading to increased rot and decay. Cleanly cut off the broken limbs and let the plant form…Read more about Question and Answer[Read More]
If you’re itching to get outdoors and work on your garden, now’s a good time to survey your landscape and decide what needs pruning. But keep in mind that not all plants need to be trimmed. Landscape plants should be pruned to maintain or reduce their size, to remove undesirable growth, to remove dead or damaged branches, and to rejuvenate older plants to produce more vigorous foliage, flowers and fruits. In some cases, pruning is…Read more about Late Winter Recommended for Pruning Chores[Read More]
The mild weather that rang in the New Year has gardeners itching to get out their trowels, but we know this mild weather can’t last. Which makes this a perfect time to plan the spring garden! Each season, plant breeders tempt us with new, better, healthier and unique new spins on familiar crops. Here’s a look at what’s new for vegetable gardeners in 2005. Bean ‘Fortex’ is a large, 6-11 inch long French type stringless…Read more about New Garden Vegetable Cultivars for 2005[Read More]