Knowledge Vault - 13/38

Dried Fragrant Leaves or Flowers

[ad#promo-content-atf-200-left] Question: Could you tell me the names of some plants for our garden with fragrant leaves or flowers that can be dried and that will retain their fragrance? I’d like to use them to make packets for storage trunks and boxes. NO., Missouri. Answer: Many fragrant flowers do not retain their fragrance long enough […]

What is Plant Pruning?

[ad#promo-content-atf-200-left] Pruning – Cutting back a plant for stronger, fuller growth. More drastic than pinching back.

What is Pinching Back?

[ad#promo-content-atf-200-left] Pinching back – To pinch off growth at tips of plants to encourage side growth to make a plant bushier.

Flowering Crape Myrtles

Question: I have several crape myrtles which do not bloom. Could you give me information about flowering crape myrtle? HO., Oklahoma. Answer: Crape myrtle is a most satisfactory blooming plant wherever it is hardy. In your state the crape myrtle should bloom freely if given proper growing conditions. First they should be planted where they […]

What is Photosynthesis?

[ad#promo-content-atf-200-left] Photosynthesis – The action of light on the chlorophyll in plants that results in the plant making food.

What is Phototropic?

[ad#promo-content-atf-200-left] Phototropic – Describes a plant’s natural tendency to grow toward its light source. Well-rounded plants should be rotated every few days or they’ll begin to lean.

Small Shasta Daisies

Question: I have several shasta daisies which I grew from seeds. Their blossoms have always remained about the size of a door knob, although they are supposed to flower at about three plus to better than four inches in size. Would you suggest soil and feeding as well as a growing condition that might increase […]

Over-Watering Plants #1 Killer

[ad#promo-content-atf-200-left] Over-watering – Perhaps the number one killer of soil-grown plants. All too often you don’t realize they’re getting too much moisture until roots begin to rot.

What is Overfeeding?

[ad#promo-content-atf-200-left] Overfeeding – Perhaps the number two enemy of soil-grown plants. Too much fertilizer and the victim dies from excess fertilizer salts which “burn off” functioning roots.

Cutting Scarlet Love Apples

[ad#promo-content-atf-200-left] Question: At what time are scarlet love apples (Solanum integrifolium) cut and how are they dried for winter? M.J.H., Nebraska. Answer: Harvest Solanum integrifolium, scarlet love apple, before they are fully ripe, as soon as they have colored completely. Wrap each separately in paper and store in a cool dry place.