Because spring is the time for new growth, most people think of planting trees and shrubs then. But cool temperatures and adequate rainfall make fall a good time to plant as well. The soil may be warmer and less damp than in the spring, and you may have more time to get the job done in fall. Fall-planted stock does demand extra attention. Plants may not have enough time to establish a good root system…Read more about Fall Ideal for Planting Trees[Read More]
Q. Three years ago, I transplanted a couple of peony bushes, which were nice and green, from a neighbor’s yard. Last year, they were green in the spring but the leaves started turning dark brown, some black, with no blooms. This year was the same, except they had a few blooms before turning brown and black. Why is this happening, and what can I do to save them? – Jane Clary, Rockport, Ind. A. Peonies…Read more about October “In The Grow”[Read More]
Many trees can be grown from seed that is collected in your own backyard, but you should be prepared for what lies ahead. Plants may not come true from seed, so don’t be too disappointed if the new plants are not what you expected. In addition, many woody plant seeds require special treatment before they can germinate and grow new plants. Many of our modern ornamental and fruit trees must be propagated by means other…Read more about Growing Trees from Seed[Read More]
Q. My rhubarb has some type of bug. It’s planted at the edge of my garden. It’s not as hearty as it was in the past, and now it has brown spots. – Phyllis Clark A. Crown rot can cause brown, sunken, water-soaked spots on the base of the leaf stalks. Leaves yellow, and stalks collapse and die. The disease thrives in waterlogged, heavy soils and attacks the crown and base of the stems. In…Read more about September “In The Grow”[Read More]
Q. I was given a large hibiscus plant as a house-warming gift. Several months ago, the leaves started turning brown, and I found tiny, white, flying bugs on both sides of the leaves. I bought a pesticide that was labeled for hibiscus and control of whitefly and mealybugs. I am on my second can of the spray, but the plant has not improved. What can I use? -Elois Goerz A. Whiteflies are common pests of…Read more about August “In The Grow”[Read More]
Are your posies looking peaked? Anemones anemic? Daisys in the doldrums? These are the dog days of summer and though our temperatures haven’t been all that stressful, most areas have had substantially more rainfall than usual for this time of year. While, for the most part, the moisture has been helpful, heavy rains can wash away much of the available nitrogen, making it unavailable for plant uptake. A bit of supplemental fertilizer, applied alongside the…Read more about Prescription for Pooped Posies[Read More]
Q. I have magic lilies that have not bloomed for two or three years. The foliage comes up in the spring, but there are no blooms in the summer. Do I need to move the bulbs? If so, when? – Marian Fouts, Walkerton, Ind. A. When bulbs (including daffodils) get crowded, they will cease flowering. If you have a thick mass of magic lilies (Lycoris &emdash; also called surprise lilies, naked ladies and resurrection lilies),…Read more about July “In The Grow”[Read More]
Q. I am wondering what kind of tree, besides a willow, likes moist areas. I have an area in our yard that does not drain well and was hoping to solve the problem by using a tree. I can’t use a willow, due to my neighbor not really wanting one. He is worried about the roots. Thanks! – John D. A. Plants may take up some of the water and could reduce the excess moisture…Read more about June “In The Grow”[Read More]
Q. Can you make some suggestions as to what I can plant in soggy soil? Since this part of my yard is the property line, I’m looking for some type of tree and/or tall shrubbery to create a privacy fence. – Joyce Haney A. If space is not an issue, you could consider clump river birch. You would be able to see through them in the winter, but the peeling bark would give nice winter…Read more about May 2000[Read More]
Q. I have two gooseberry bushes that never bloom so, therefore, never produce fruit. They are 8-10 years old and in full sun. Do you have to have male and female bushes to produce fruit? If not, what could be wrong? – Judy Bates, Bloomington, Ind. A. Gooseberries are generally self-fruitful. You are facing another problem since your plants don’t bloom at all. Try pruning out all branches that are more than 3 years old…Read more about April “In The Grow”[Read More]