Some people refer to it as a dormant spray, others (myself included) call it a cleanup spray; still others call it a preventive spray. They all are talking about the “kick off” spray to start your spring garden. One expression actually means something totally different from the other two. A strictly DORMANT spray must be […]
Archives for February 2009
Berry Fruits for the Midwest
Red Raspberries fresh from the garden? Home made blackberry jam? Blueberry muffins? Gooseberry pie? All of these sound tempting, exciting and very challenging to the amateur fruit grower. In our enthusiastic imaginations we can see them flourishing in our gardens. We anticipate the end products with mouth watering joy. This winter as we are study […]
Groundcovers and Vines for Northern States
A list of groundcovers and vines for the cold Northern States: BEARBERRY—One of the best ground covers for dry, difficult situations, this low plant, which is known scientifically as Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi is ideal for steep slopes. It grows in sun or partial shade and prefers a dry sandy soil somewhat on the acid side. Its […]
Vines and Groundcovers for the Northwest
Here are some good vines and ground covers for you to use if you live in the Northwest! BEARBERRY – A low dense mat like broad-leaved evergreen thrives in sun or shade and prefers a sandy soil. It is a native plant and may be collected from the wild; however, nursery-grown plants establish more easily. […]
Evergreens Vines and Ground Covers
Experienced gardeners use vines and ground covers abundantly. There is no special magic involved once you know what plants are available and how they fit into the scheme of things. By way of definition, low plants that carpet the soil are called ground covers and while it may seem almost too elementary to mention, vines […]
Pruning Shasta Daisies and Replanting
Question – I have several large clumps of Shasta daisies in my garden in Alabama. When is the best time to separate and replant them? Answer – Late fall is really the best time to separate Shasta daisies, not only in Alabama but all through the South; but it is also possible to do it […]
Mulch on Rhododendrons
Question – Is there a possibility of applying too much mulch on rhododendrons? Answer – In the sandy areas of the West, where the soil is so lacking in humus (organic material), no one has ever been known to use too much mulch on rhododendrons.
Pruning Grapes – The Ornamental Type
Q – What is the recommended method of pruning ornamental grapes grown on an arbor or need they be pruned at all? R. S., Kansas. Grapes grown on an arbor for ornamental purposes should be pruned and as a result of this pruning should produce better grapes and longer ornamental canes. For ornamental purposes prune […]
Caladium Bulbs Storing Fancy Leaved Varieties
Question – Last winter my fancy leaved caladiums rotted while in storage. What can I do to prevent this? Answer – I lost some of my caladiums last winter also, due, I think, to improper drying of the tubers before they were stored. Therefore I’d recommend that you cure the tubers in the sun for […]
Pruning Flowering Shrubs in New Orleans
Question – When should flowering shrubs be pruned in New Orleans? Answer – Around New Orleans, along the Gulf Coast and across Florida you may prune abelia, althea, buddleia, oleander, Parkinsonia, vitex and flowering-willows in late January or the first week in February. In areas farther north postpone the work until next month.