Question: My neighbor’s water-lilies bloom throughout the summer, but mine bloom for only a short time in early summer. Why? Answer: Your neighbor’s plants are very probably tropical varieties that have a long blooming season, while yours are hardy and have a very, very short season of bloom. The tropicals, which are killed by winter […]
Archives for June 2009
Air-Layering
Air-layering – A propagation technique which lets you reduce the height of a plant that’s grown too tall. Basically, you partially sever the trunk, wrap with damp sphagnum moss until roots form, then remove the upper segment and put it in a new pot. New growth should eventually sprout from the lower or remaining plant […]
Rotted Wood Humus
Question: I now use leafmold in my mixture and would like to know what proportion of rotted wood humus to use in the potting mixture of African violets. MN, Kan Answer: Rotted wood humus would take the place of leafmold in the potting mixture for African violets or you could use half leafmold and half […]
Aerial Root
Aerial root – A root that grows out from the stem and extracts moisture from the air as differentiated from those that grow in water or soil. Ivies and other vining plants typically have aerial roots, in addition to those roots growing in Living Stones.
Garden Composting
Question: Can you tell me how the method of organic gardening which eliminates the compost pile and applies the material directly to the soil works? DH, Neb Answer: The method is to dig a trench 6 to 8 inches deep, kitchen waste in it in a continuous layer and cover it immediately with soil. lt […]
Watercress Culture
Question: I have a spring-fed stream and would like to grow watercress. Will it grow in Massachusetts, where can I get some, and how is it planted? GR, Mass Answer: Watercress grows well in Massachusetts and is easy to grow under conditions you mention. Buy a bunch in the market or collect it from the […]
Grafting Tree Peonies
Question: Where can I get information on grafting tree peonies? FG, OR Answer: I believe you can get the information you desire on grafting tree peonies from the American Peony Society… search the web for contact information.
Flowering Crab Apple
Question: Tell me, will the Almey Flowering Crab, planted where it would get the morning sun for two hours and full evening sun, live and thrive in the suburbs of Philadelphia? When is the best time to plant it? AB, PA Answer: I would expect any one of this fine group of flowering trees to […]
Covering The Roots Of Big trees
Question: In grading around our new house, it will be necessary to cover the roots of a big tree with 2 feet of soil. Will this kill the tree? Answer: Whether this would be safe depends on the tree involved. Some tap rooted trees like walnuts might tolerate this very well, but shallow-rooted species like […]
Asparagus Plumosus Seed
Question: We would like to make a study of Asparagus plumosus seed. What books or magazines would you suggest? AS, FL Answer: I do not know of any publications on the subject and suggest that you get in touch with your State Extension Service in Gainesville for information on raising Asparagus plumosus.