Mock oranges have been grown and loved in European gardens since the Middle Ages, and it is probable that they were among the first of the old favorites to be brought to this country. In addition to very pleasing wild species, the list of kinds available today includes many lovely selections from hybrids, particularly those […]
Archives for June 2009
Gerberas From Seed
Question: How can I raise gerberas from seed? AG, Chattanooga, Tenn. Answer: Gerbera seeds are likely to be uncertain in germination. Sow in a mixture of equal parts loam, leafmold and sand. Barely cover the seed. After sown, cover with a piece of glass and shade from sun. Keep in a temperature of about 60-65 […]
Aphids On Chrysamthemums
Question: What can be done during the growing season to keep closely clustered little bugs away from my chrysanthemus at blooming time? VP, Ohio. Answer: As a rule aphids do not show up on chrysanthemums until late in summer but keep a sharp eye on the plants and spray with any contact insecticide (such as […]
Neglected Bulbs
Question: May tulip and daffodil bulbs not planted last fall still be saved so that they flower this spring? JP, Watertown, NY Answer: It is doubtful if your tulip and daffodil bulbs are worth keeping. But, if they are still plump, you might plant them outside as soon as possible. This is done not for […]
Greenhouse Clean Up Chores
Have you cast a really critical eye around your greenhouse lately? Empty pots, dirty pots, cracked pots, and plants on their way out rear their ugly heads like a basket of snakes. How about the snatches of seeds in tattered and rolled up envelopes? Will you ever use them? During the winter I always manage […]
Tuberous Begonias
Question: My tuberous begonias planted on the north side of the house failed to flower. Why? Answer: They probably did not receive enough sun. Tuberous begonias need at least some filtered sunshine to bloom. They will thrive where they receive morning sun until about 9:00 A.M., filtered sun until 4:00 or 5:00 pm, and direct […]
Fertilizer and Begonias
Question: Would fertilizers, which have a burning effect when applied too closely to leaves and stems, have any harmful effect if placed very close to bulbs just starting to sprout in early spring? Will full sun cause flower buds of tuberous begonias to fall before opening? EC, Chicago, IL Answer: As long as the fertilizer […]
Dividing Iris Clumps
Question: ls June a good time to divide iris, or should I wait until fall? RG, California Answer: In a cool coastal spot, such as the Los Angeles area, June is a good time to divide large iris clumps. New roots will start to form soon after the old flowers fade. In some of the […]
How To Use Ground Corn Cobs?
Question: I can get ground corn cobs free. Would you advise putting some of these on the ground around the rose bushes? If so, about how thick? Are cobs better to use than saw dust? WS, Michigan. Answer: Ground corn cobs are an excellent soil conditioner and mulch. They are, I think, superior to sawdust, […]
Planting Tomatoes And Beans
Question: Our tomatoes and beans make excellent growth for a short time in the season, then turn brown and curl up their toes. The roots have bulges in them. Our soil is a sandy loam. What can we do? QC, Kansas. Answer: Organisms of root rot form lesions or cankers on the root system of […]
