Indiana Yard and Garden – Purdue Consumer Horticulture A Purdue Extension Service for Home Gardeners

Category: Plants

Prune, Propagate Raspberries For Tidy Garden, Better Crop

It’s time to sharpen up the pruners and head to the raspberry patch for a bit of midsummer gardening. Raspberries grow long stems (canes) that are biennial, meaning they produce foliage the first year, flowers and then fruit the second year. The second-year canes then die after the fruit is harvested. The specific pruning technique for raspberries depends on which type you’re raising. Summer-bearing red and yellow raspberries should be pruned to remove all old…Read more about Prune, Propagate Raspberries For Tidy Garden, Better Crop[Read More]

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Tomato Troubles Don’t Bother Most Gardeners

Despite the endless list of potential problems, tomatoes continue to be the most popular plant in Midwestern vegetable gardens. Many tomato problems are related to environmental factors such as temperature and moisture, rather than insects or disease. The good news is that these environmental problems are not infectious, meaning they don’t spread to other fruits and plants. The most common tomato affliction is known as blossom-end rot, so named for the black, leathery scar that…Read more about Tomato Troubles Don’t Bother Most Gardeners[Read More]

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August 1997

Q: Could you please tell me why my hollyhock’s leaves turn pale green around the bottom of the stalks, then yellow, then brown and drop off? The same thing happens on my geranium leaves, and the flowers die and wilt in the middle of the clusters. My rhododendron leaves turn yellow and curl together with spots on the leaves, and they drop off also. — Kay Nickless, Clay City, Ind. A: Yellowing leaves can indicate…Read more about August 1997[Read More]

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It’s Time to Renovate the Strawberry Patch

The strawberry harvest may be over, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to forget the strawberry patch. 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. Begin renovating the strawberry bed immediately following the last harvest. Mow or trim off the leaves near the base of the plant, being careful not to injure the crown. Removing this foliage…Read more about It’s Time to Renovate the Strawberry Patch[Read More]

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July 1997

Q. I have this smoketree that is about 10 years old. It will get to the seedy stage, but then it won’t completely bloom out. There might be two or three that will completely bloom out. Do I need more than one tree? Is there such a thing as a male and a female? Please help me get that tree to bloom. — Shirley Sitek, Knox, Ind. A. Smokebush has a rather ineffective flower, but…Read more about July 1997[Read More]

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June 1997

Q. I’m having trouble with my tall phlox plants. They are covered with white powder each summer and are smaller than they used to be. The flowers are fewer and smaller, too. Should I spray them with something? &emdash; Jane Small, Fort Wayne, Ind. A. Several factors contribute to vigorous blooming of old-fashioned phlox (Phlox paniculata). The white powder is powdery mildew, and phlox and lilacs are especially susceptible to this fungus. Appropriate fungicides will…Read more about June 1997[Read More]

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May 1997

Q. It looks like moss. It is killing out the grass and taking over my lawn. It started in the shade but keeps spreading. Can you tell me what it is, and what to do about it? – Janice Alward, Kingman, Ind. A. “It” is probably moss, but you could take a sample to your county Extension office to be sure. Moss takes over when conditions aren’t suitable for turf. Infestations are associated with low…Read more about May 1997[Read More]

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April 1997

Q. I enjoy your gardening Q&A and would like to get your opinion about growing okra. Our okra grew OK, but after it bloomed, most of the blooms rotted and fell off. The wife and I like okra, and we’ll appreciate any help you can give us. – Charlie Campbell, Griffin, Ind. A. Okra is a real southern belle, requiring hot temperatures to perform well. Last summer was cool and gray in the early months…Read more about April 1997[Read More]

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March 1997

Q: For the last two years, in the fall, we have had an invasion of ladybugs. They covered the south and west sides of our house. It’s now winter, and we still have ladybugs flying around inside our home. I don’t want to use insecticides, as ladybugs are beneficial, but when there are so many they become a nuisance. Any suggestions or ideas to help us would be greatly appreciated. – Susan Healton, Kokomo, Ind….Read more about March 1997[Read More]

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Perennials Offer Ever-changing Garden Views

One of the most exciting and challenging things about a perennial flower display is that the star of the show is always changing. Because most perennial flower species tend to have a limited season of bloom, it takes a little extra effort to be sure there is always something of interest throughout the season. Many gardeners find it useful to plan their garden on paper first, then amend the plan over time. You might start…Read more about Perennials Offer Ever-changing Garden Views[Read More]

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Page last modified: June 29, 2017

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