Rosie Lerner

rosie@purdue.edu

716 articles by this author

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Still Time To Plant Spring Flowering Bulbs This Fall

There’s still time to get those spring-flowering bulbs in the ground yet this fall. Though generally it is recommended to get the bulbs planted by early October to give them enough time to root before winter, it is better to plant now rather than try to store the bulbs over winter. As long as the soil temperatures are above 40 degrees F., the bulbs should continue their root development. Most garden centers still have a…Read more about Still Time To Plant Spring Flowering Bulbs This Fall[Read More]

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October “In The Grow”

Q. We’re novices to gardening but would like to grow statice and eucalyptus. We have lots of room for the plants. Our soil type is clayish. We live in Rising Sun, Ind. (Ohio County). When and how do we prepare the soil, location (sunny or shade), herbicides, pesticides, food (type and frequency of application), soil additives, etc.? Sheldon Boatright, Rising Sun, Ind. A. There is no way to give an accurate recommendation without having the…Read more about October “In The Grow”[Read More]

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Pumpkins May Need a Temporary Home

It seems that pumpkins often mature much earlier than we would like, and this year is probably even earlier than usual. The extremely warm growing season has brought the pumpkins on in a hurry. And unfortunately, the dry weather might contribute to an early end for the pumpkin plants, unless you’re able to irrigate on a regular basis. The conditions needed to store pumpkins until Halloween are pretty hard to find this time of year….Read more about Pumpkins May Need a Temporary Home[Read More]

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Bringing Houseplants Back Indoors

Many houseplants thrive during the long, bright summer days, especially when properly moved outdoors. But these plants may have some trouble adjusting to indoor conditions when colder weather strikes. Many of our common indoor plants are native to the tropical or subtropical climates and cannot tolerate cold temperatures. Houseplants should be brought back inside before the outdoor temperature drops to 55 F. If days are warm but night temperatures are cold, you might consider bringing…Read more about Bringing Houseplants Back Indoors[Read More]

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September “In The Grow”

Q. Several years ago, we were in Michigan to attend a national REMC convention and, somewhere along the way, I bought a ‘Caveman’s Club’ gourd. It grows up to a foot in length and has a bumpy round part with a long neck. It is somewhat, but not exactly, like the dipper gourd. I ordered seeds of an ornamental mixed variety, but there wasn’t any seed like I wanted. As I remember, the seed’s shape…Read more about September “In The Grow”[Read More]

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The Fall Vegetable Garden

Fall is an excellent time to grow many vegetable crops in Indiana when the gardener can take advantage of cooler temperatures and more plentiful moisture. Many spring-planted crops, such as radishes, lettuce and spinach, tend to bolt (produce seed) and become bitter in response to long, hot summer days. Fall gardening helps extend your gardening season so that you can continue to harvest produce after earlier crops have faded. Some vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower…Read more about The Fall Vegetable Garden[Read More]

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Coneflowers for Late Season Color

If your perennials are looking a bit peaked this time of year, coneflowers may be just what the plant doctor ordered! The name coneflower actually refers to several different species of plants, but all have a similar type of flower structure. The flowers are in clusters that form a “head,” just like a sunflower or daisy type flower. Each of what appears to be a petal is actually an entire flower. Purple coneflower, known botanically…Read more about Coneflowers for Late Season Color[Read More]

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August “In The Grow”

Q. We have moles all over our yard. I’ve tried mole beans, match heads, even moth Balls. Nothing works. We can’t walk in our yard without sinking down into a tunnel. Linda Bridges, Columbus, Ind. A. Moles eat earthworms, beetle grubs, ants and other animals that live in the soil. They generally do not eat,bulbs or the roots of plants. Still, the runways can damage our garden plants by exposing the roots to air and…Read more about August “In The Grow”[Read More]

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Gardeners – Start Your Sprinklers

Hot and dry may be just fine for picnics, ball games, and other outdoor activities. But for gardeners, hot and dry means its time to drag out the hoses and sprinklers. Most gardeners are accustomed to watering flower beds and vegetable gardens. These plants require approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week to maintain healthy flowers, foliage, roots, and fruits. In times of drought, established plants may tolerate 10-14 days between waterings…Read more about Gardeners – Start Your Sprinklers[Read More]

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July “In The Grow”

Q: I would like to plant a red rose bush this year, but I don’t know where to start. There is lots of red clay at my house, yet I figure a few bags of topsoil will take care of that problem. When should I plant them? — Ray Padgett, via e-mail. A: Bare-root roses must be planted in the spring, but container-grown roses can be planted any time during the growing season. Dig the…Read more about July “In The Grow”[Read More]

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