Rosie Lerner
August “In The Grow”
Q. I have some yucca that has turned yellow and has little black bugs on it. What can I do? It starts out green, then turns in the middle of summer. – Grace Griffin, Memphis, Ind. A. The yucca plant bug is a small blue-black bug with a reddish head. The adults and nymphs hurt the leaves by sucking the plant sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and stippled. Treat with insecticidal soap, horticultural […]
July “In The Grow”
Q. We have a big problem with bagworms. Last year they destroyed two decorative pine trees in our landscaping and they love our plum trees also. I cannot begin to count how many of their cocoons are left in our landscaping. What can I put on my trees and other plants to keep them from making their home too close to mine? Also, what time of the year should I take care of this problem?- […]
June “In The Grow”
Q. Each year, my vine crops are affected by the larva of the Squash Vine Borer. I have tried powder pesticides, but find that I have to apply them almost daily due to early dew and frequent spring rains. I would like to cover the plants with a fabric instead. Can you tell me what type of fabric to use, what weeks out of the year to apply it and when it is safe to […]
May “In The Grow”
Q. I purchased some tulip and iris bulbs on clearance in late November and never got to plant them in the fall. They were in an unheated barn over the winter, and I planted them March 1. Do you think any growth will appear this year or, if not, next year, or are the bulbs dead? – Linda M. Laud A. When we gardeners get to the garden center, we become eternal optimists. We’re just […]
April “In The Grow”
Q. I bought five new rose bushes last spring and planted them in front of my front porch. The area had been well mulched, and the usual clay soil was greatly broken up several years ago when junipers were planted there. The junipers became diseased and died in many places, so we took them out. We thought we shouldn’t plant anything there right away, so we left the area undisturbed for a year. I planted […]
March “In The Grow”
Q. My ornamental grasses are still in place in my yard. They looked nice all winter. When and how do I cut them back? When do I divide them? –Fleet Walker, Nashville, Ind. A. Ornamental grasses can be cut back any time from fall to spring, but I like to leave them in place over the winter. They bring motion and texture to the garden when they’re desperately needed! By late winter, heavy snows and […]