Although some folks may be sad to see fall coming a bit early this year, many gardeners are looking forward to harvesting their sweet potato treasures. Sweet potatoes are warm-season plants that are very sensitive to cold temperatures. The tuberous roots should be harvested by the time frost kills the vines or soon thereafter. Sweet potato roots continue to grow until frost kills the vines. Roots can be left in the ground for a short […]
Q. What do I focus on now in my flower gardens? Should I be pruning things before winter? Do I need to clean up the perennials and maybe put down some mulch? What do I do to get a couple of rose bushes ready for winter? – Mike Wadsworth West Lafayette, Ind. A. Autumn frosts will soon take their toll on the garden. Head outside with a pair of pruners and begin cutting perennials off […]
Q. I have a weed in my garden that I can’t get rid of. It lies close to the ground and spreads. It has small green leaves that are thick and feel like rubber. Is there anything you can tell me to help me get rid of it? Thank you. – Sheila Denton, via e-mail A. It could be a number of weeds but sounds most like purslane. Purslane thrives in hot, dry weather. The […]
Pin oak trees can be a beautiful asset to the landscape. Their pyramidal form, pendulous lower branches and reddish or bronze fall color are striking. Unfortunately, most pin oaks planted in the Midwest are plagued by a yellowing of the leaves known as chlorosis. Other landscape plants are also susceptible to chlorosis, including rhododendrons, river birch, holly and sweet gum. Chlorosis gets its name from the lack of chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for healthy plants’ […]
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 […]
This summer’s heat wave is bringing the vegetable garden to maturity a bit earlier than usual in some areas. So many of our typical fall-harvested items may be ready sooner than you’re expecting. Winter squash is so named because it is harvested in the mature stage, when flavor is rich and the rind is tough, making it suitable for winter storage. Summer squash is harvested in the immature stage, when the rind is still […]
The strawberry harvest may be over, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to forget the plants. Post-harvest care is an important part of keeping your patch healthy and productive. With yearly renovation, strawberry plants can remain productive for 10 years or longer. Ideally, you should renovate the strawberry bed immediately following the last harvest. The work can still be done now, though it would be best to finish up before the end of July. […]
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?- […]
It has been quite a year for Indiana gardeners already, and it has only just begun! We’ve had just about the whole range of possible weather from drought to flood and late frost to blazing heat. Recent cold weather has frustrated many vegetable gardeners. Plants such as tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, cucumbers and melons must be successfully pollinated in order to produce their fruit. Extreme temperatures, below 55 F or above 90 F, will dramatically […]
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 […]