Archives for September 2009

[ad#promo-content-atf-200-left] Question: Is a fall application of fertilizer practical? Answer: Yes. Fall applications of fertilizer, except nitrate forms of nitrogen such as ammonium nitrate and sodium nitrate which are completely soluble and will be lost, are practical, especially on clay soils where the nutrients will be held on the clay particles. However, on very sandy […]

[ad#promo-content-atf-200-left] Question: What is the best way to protect chrysanthemums for the winter? Answer: There is no one perfect way, for each winter the weather is different. It is safest to lift a clump or two of each variety and winter them over in a cold-frame. In spring, divisions or cuttings can be made. Another […]

[ad#promo-content-atf-200-left] Question: My grapes failed to set much fruit this year. Have you any helpful suggestions? Answer: You didn’t mention whether these were established vines or newly planted ones. If they’re old ones, excessive pruning of two-year wood might be responsible. Also, are the vines getting enough sun? Try to recall the weather conditions this […]

Question: What is the best soil for blueberries? Answer: Blueberries like an acid soil and plenty of moisture. They respond quickly to a high-nitrogen fertilizer applied in spring and early summer. Make sure plants have plenty of water during dry periods.

[ad#promo-content-atf-200-left] Question: Is coral-vine or queen’s wreath hardy? If not, how can I protect the vine for the winter? Answer: Freezes may kill the top of the vine. but if you mulch it well with straw it will grow strong next spring.

Question: Around several of my flower beds I have an edging of alternanthera which I like very much. Is there any way I can propagate this plant for use next year or must I buy new plants each spring? Answer: Pot up a few stock plants just before frost and place them where they will […]

Question: Can hemlock be propagated by layering? Answer: Yes. This is how it’s done: Bend a branch of the tree down to earth. Cut a notch on the underside of the branch 1 foot from the tip. Then bury the notched portion 2 inches deep in a spot that has been filled with moist peat-moss. […]

Question: How can one tell the difference between Colorado blue and green spruces? Is there any way besides the color? Will aluminum sulfate change a green spruce to blue? LM, Wisconsin. Answer: The Colorado spruce, Picea pungens, when grown from seeds produces all graduations of color from green to blue. Only a few will be […]

Question: We have several large tree stumps in our yard that cause a constant rise of unsightly toadstools. What can we do to stop these? Will we have to remove the trunks? E.F., Ohio. Answer: The toadstools are a saprophytic fungi that live on the dead remains of other plants, in this case the tree […]

Question: Should the underground roots of dahlias, tuberoses and cannas be taken up, divided and stored indoors at this time? At what temperature should they be kept, and how moist should they be? SB., Minnesota. Answer: Dahlia tubers should be dug in October after the first frost, and stored, without dividing the clumps, in boxes […]