Q. I have two hydrangeas. One is a small bush (Annabelle) about 6 years old. It is on the south side of the house but is in deep shade in summer due to large trees growing south and east of it. The other is a climbing hydrangea on the east side and is in the sun in the morning. The climber grows luxuriantly. The bush isn’t really that happy. Neither has ever bloomed. I have…Read more about Question and Answer[Read More]
Indiana gardeners may be used to the ups and downs of spring weather, but spring 2007 has been an unwelcome roller coaster ride! First, March’s unseasonably warm weather pushed many plants to break dormancy earlier than “normal.” Then, these plants were caught out in Old Man Winter’s last gasp when unseasonably low temperatures — down to the low- to mid-20s — fell across the state. Temperatures continued to drop below freezing for at least seven…Read more about Spring Puts the Freeze on Gardens[Read More]
Q. I have some spearmint growing now. I can tell when I mow over it, but I don’t know what it looks like. I would like to grow more but don’t how to go about it. A. All of the culinary mints have square stems and opposite leaves, with spearmint, in particular, having elongated-ovate leaves with coarsely toothed margins. Although many seed catalogs may offer seed packets, the best spearmint selections are of Mentha x piperita and can only…Read more about Question and Answer[Read More]
Q. I purchased many unusual gourds from a local vegetable stand. How is the best way to dry them? How do I save the seeds for next year? A. First, let me address the issue that, due to potential cross-pollination with other compatible plants, saving seed from gourds is rather unpredictable. The offspring may include some plants that will produce similar to the parent gourd, but, then again, you can get some really diverse results!…Read more about Question and Answer[Read More]
Q. Could you please tell me what I can do for my concord grapes? When they start ripening, they rot, or something like that. A. I’d place my bets on a fungal disease called “black rot.” There are some grape cultivars that are resistant to grape rot, but, unfortunately, ‘ Concord ‘ is highly susceptible. According to Purdue Plant Pathology publication BP-36 “Grape Black Rot” http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-36.html , this is one of the most common and serious diseases…Read more about Question and Answer[Read More]
Q. Concerning the question about deer and other wild animals eating plants, bushes, and young tree growth, etc.: We were told (and experienced) to tie (a particular brand of deodorant) soap to all trees and bushes to keep deer from eating our landscaping. It works for us. We have seen as many as 40 head in our area in Steuben County. They are here! And before, we tried everything. A. Your soapy landscape plants are…Read more about Question and Answer[Read More]
Q. I would like to cover several parts of my yard with shredded bark mulch. My concern is we have some wood roaches in this area, and I do not want to attract them to my yard. We have had some in the house in the past and still get one or two occasionally. This is not a problem, but I’m afraid if we put down mulch this may be a big problem. What are your thoughts…Read more about Question and Answer[Read More]
Q. I have had Japanese beetles in my yard for the past several years — and each year the infestation increases. This year, they are really profuse — everything in the garden is under attack! If I bump a branch when mowing, I am showered by them. I have about one acre surrounded by farmland. This year it is corn; but I see no sign of infestation on the corn stalks. I have been shaking…Read more about Question and Answer[Read More]
Q. Do tomato hornworms turn into a pretty butterfly? I won’t feel so bad squishing them if they don’t. Also, I had some moonflower plants (the poisonous kind that are related to the wild variety, which grow in pig/cow pastures). Anyway, I had some kind of green hornworm eat every leaf off every plant. How can a hornworm eat a poisonous plant and not die? — Linda W., Plymouth , Ind. A. Tomato and tobacco…Read more about Question and Answer[Read More]
Q. I have several peonies that are 80-plus years old located in an old farmstead. I would like to transplant them to a more suitable area. What would be the best way to transplant them? What do I need to do as far as fertilizer and water needs after the plants are moved. — Rich Unger, Terre Haute, Ind. A. Peonies are incredibly tough plants! Select a location for the transplants where they’ll have good…Read more about Question and Answer[Read More]