| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| geranium pest | 11/17/2009 |
Q: My geranium leaves have holes in them and no longer bloom. They usually bloom almost continually ...
A: I have been getting a lot of inquiries to damage being done to plant tissue, with no sign of the ...
|
| strawberries | 10/9/2009 |
Q: I live in Kansas and have some strawberries planted in plastic tubs. This is the first winter I've ...
A: after the first couple of light frosts, and you notice the plants are somewhat dormant and are ...
|
| mushrooms in container pots | 10/1/2009 |
Q: these are in a bed room away from every thing and i have no idea how they came to be in here in the ...
A: I am not sure of that, but as long as the container is sterilized from them then it shouldn't enter ...
|
| dahlia's in my whiskey barrels | 9/27/2009 |
Q: alb, new mex... not really winter yet, but I want to winterize the dahlias in my barrels, which did ...
A: rather then me trying to explain the "best" way to winterize these tubers, I am going to give you a ...
|
| fig propagation | 9/20/2009 |
Q: I'm wanting to take some cuttings from my neighbors' fig tree. I understand they should be stored ...
A: You just need to take a hardwood cutting, with or without fruit, (that is academic), you will not ...
|
| fig propagation | 9/20/2009 |
Q: I'm wanting to take some cuttings from my neighbors' fig tree. I understand they should be stored ...
A: Buzz, It is Fall now, so if you want to root a cutting, by all means go for it!...a hardwood cutting ...
|
| Escargot Begonia Rex Problem | 8/31/2009 |
Q: I bought an Escargot Begonia Rex about 2 months ago from a Brooklyn nursery, and transplanted it to ...
A: it sounds like you may have an infestation of "White Fly", have you noticed any cotton looking ...
|
| Madagascar Jasmine | 8/25/2009 |
Q: I have purchased three of four of these over the last couple of years and have had everyone of them ...
A: ok, first problem is they come in "nursery containers" which are containers meant for temporary use ...
|
| geranium pests | 8/25/2009 |
Q: I live in Mallorca, so we have hot summers. I have geraniums in pots in my yard, but have been ...
A: it sounds like White Fly, but I would need to see them to be sure, the problem here is that whatever ...
|
| Brown Turkey Fig in a pot with yellow leaves. | 8/23/2009 |
Q: Last year I acquired a small brown turkey fig from a local garden shop. I did get a small amount of ...
A: Figs need at least 8 hours of Sunlight to thrive and when first planted need to be kept moist in a ...
|
| Madagascar Jasmine | 8/23/2009 |
Q: I have purchased three of four of these over the last couple of years and have had everyone of them ...
A: like any other plant problem, I really need details on soil type, container type and size, watering ...
|
| Dry Figs - Premature Drop | 8/18/2009 |
Q: I am searching the web to get a definitive answer a problem with my fig tree. The tree I have is a ...
A: ....Yes, lack of proper irrigation will manifest itself in many ways, one primary result is dry ...
|
| Dry Figs - Premature Drop | 8/18/2009 |
Q: I am searching the web to get a definitive answer a problem with my fig tree. The tree I have is a ...
A: the only abnormality I can see that would cause your Fig to shed it fruit prematurely would be not ...
|
| avocado tree | 8/14/2009 |
Q: I have grown a 4 foot avocado tree from a seed.I need to know how to prune it as right now it has ...
A: let it go without any pruning until it really gets large, right now you just want to keep it healthy ...
|
| Hydranga Tree | 8/2/2009 |
Q: Recently i had a Hydranga Tree added to my yard. It gets full sun. I noticed that a few leaves ...
A: ...Try administering a Fungidcide (Daconil is a good one...), it may be a Fungal problem and Daconil ...
|
| Hydranga Tree | 8/1/2009 |
Q: Recently i had a Hydranga Tree added to my yard. It gets full sun. I noticed that a few leaves ...
A: It will get upwards of 8 feet when mature, and is very easy to care for, the yellowing leaves could ...
|
| Anthurium plants | 7/30/2009 |
Q: Kia orana. My name is Taiti from Rarotonga, Cook Islands in the South Pacific. I have potted my ...
A: their requirements are pretty basic, high humidity, damp medium at all times and a steady indirect ...
|
| Cherry Tomatoes Not Forming | 7/26/2009 |
Q: I have a large potted cherry tomato plant on my patio and it's flowering beautifully, but the ...
A: from the image you sent me, I am thinking it isn't getting enough Sun, but Tomatoes should still ...
|
| Jasmine plant | 7/18/2009 |
Q: I bought a beautiful jasmine plant in June and put it on my balcony where it gets morning sun every ...
A: Its inadvisable to keep a contained plant "Moist" you are just asking for root rot (albeit there are ...
|
| Norfolk Island Pine - Transplant into self-watering container | 7/15/2009 |
Q: I have a Norfolk pine that needs repotting. I purchased a self-watering planter, but am wondering if ...
A: I wouldn't use it, I prefer to water my plants as needed, and many don't need as much as others, ...
|
| tomatoes that are split | 7/14/2009 |
Q: I have tomatoes in planters I have several semi ripe tomatoes,they are all split does that mean I ...
A: what is happening is they are drying out extremely fast because of the high temperatures, and when ...
|
| Non-producing peach trees | 7/10/2009 |
Q: Three years ago, I bought 2 dwarf red haven peach trees from Lowes or Home Depot or the like. The ...
A: Many times this happens with all types of fruit trees, one year there will be a bumper crop, the ...
|
| Dwarf Lilacs in Containers | 6/22/2009 |
Q: I know you have already said that lilacs are not container plants but I live in an apartment. My ...
A: There is a small one called "Dwarf Korean Lilac one" that can allegedly be put in a container, ...
|
| brown turkey fig | 6/21/2009 |
Q: I just received a brown turkey fig for Fathers day. The plant is about three feet high in a five ...
A: I would leave it in its container (and eventual larger one..) that way you can move it out of harms ...
|
| Patio (Dwarf) Peach Tree | 6/20/2009 |
Q: I have a patio peach tree that I bought about 3 years ago at Lowes and planted in the ground, the ...
A: you didn't mention where you live, but there are Peach trees that are of the "southern" variety that ...
|
| MADAGASCAR JASMINE VINE | 6/19/2009 |
Q: I recently potted (clay pot with potting soil) a Madagascar Jasmine vine and it is on my patio with ...
A: from what you describe, it sounds like it could indeed be too much water, but in a clay pot, it is ...
|
| geraniums | 6/17/2009 |
Q: I have purchased two large hanging baskets full of geraniums; very full, lots of blooms, nice ...
A: Yes, it is a fungal problem, usually brought on by wet foliiage going into the cooler evening; there ...
|
| mushy Bonanza peaches | 6/15/2009 |
Q: I have a Bonanza peach tree that is about 8 years old. Sometimes the peaches are wonderful, but ...
A: check your "Mushy" Peaches closely, they may be infested with the Carribean Fruit Fly larvae; I too ...
|
| Dwarf Peach Tree Issues | 6/15/2009 |
Q: Last year I purchased dwarf peach tree, not sure of the variety. I live in Nanaimo B.C. Canada, ...
A: it seems to be stressed, and rightly so, overwintering it under the eves most assuredly was the ...
|
| yellowing leaves on salvia | 6/11/2009 |
Q: I have 3 contianers of mixed annuals with a Salvia Mystic Spires in each. The salvias in the 22 inch ...
A: different annuals need different amounts of irrigation, it sounds like your Salvia may be receiving ...
|
| worms | 6/11/2009 |
Q: Yesterday when I watered in the a.m. my plants looked fine. When I came home at night I checked ...
A: Squash is susceptible to the Pickle worm, I suspect that might be what is afflicting your lettuce ...
|
| Container gardening in a north-east wrap around balcony in Northern Virginia | 6/8/2009 |
Q: What kind of flowering plants as well as green shrubs are best to plant on a balcony, one side ...
A: thats a pretty broad spectrum question, for the varieties are endless, any of the perennials or ...
|
| Blueberries in container | 6/3/2009 |
Q: I'm in my third year of trying to grow a Sunshine Blue blueberry bush in a container in Zone 9 ...
A: Blueberries need a very acidic soil, and more importantly, it needs to be maintained at this low ...
|
| Bugs on Tomato Plants | 5/24/2009 |
Q: I live in NYC and have a rather large terrace so I decided to buy several large containers to grow ...
A: its either mites or aphids, but either way, the soap should do the trick, but in the future if you ...
|
| bonfire dwarf peach tree | 5/23/2009 |
Q: I have 2 patio peach trees that I planted in the ground 2 years ago. They did fine the first year ...
A: These types of questions are the toughest to answer, for without actually seeing the tree, it is ...
|
| patio tomatoes | 5/22/2009 |
Q: Our patio tomatoes started off great, but now the leaves are starting to turn yellow and we haven't ...
A: Tomatoes will not form if the temps exceed 90 degrees, this could be the problem; the yellowing ...
|
| Catnip 'Garden' | 5/20/2009 |
Q: Nick! I'm living in an apartment with no balcony right now. I would like to grow a couple catnip ...
A: I grow it for my cats all the time (and even put some out for a couple of feral cats I sort of ...
|
| Indoor to Outdoor Brown Turkey Fig Tree | 5/14/2009 |
Q: I was given a turkey fig tree that is potted. I live in Vancouver BC and winters often have below ...
A: ....sure!..and then take one of the smaller branchs you prune off and put it in a container of ...
|
| Indoor to Outdoor Brown Turkey Fig Tree | 5/14/2009 |
Q: I was given a turkey fig tree that is potted. I live in Vancouver BC and winters often have below ...
A: You are absolutely right to know enough not to shock it, and bring it out in one step; it needs to ...
|
| growing impatiens indoors | 5/9/2009 |
Q: We have a beautiful impatiens plant indoors that is putting out lots of lovely blossoms. However, ...
A: Impatiens need to be pinched back constantly to keep them full, otherwise they are prone to ...
|
| matilija poppies | 5/9/2009 |
Q: I have a matilija poppy that is in a 3 gallon container. At it's tallest it is about 2 feet high. ...
A: that would be tantamount to trying to raise an elephant in a shed....the roots system is going to be ...
|
| potted plants | 5/8/2009 |
Q: Im currently growing a variety of different plants that have shed several leaves on lower branches. ...
A: it sounds like they need to be changed out into larger containers and a new soil base; if you pop ...
|
| gardenia | 5/7/2009 |
Q: I live in florida and have a gardenia in a large pot in my back yard. the buds turn brown and fall ...
A: its either getting too much water or the PH level is off, (5.0-6.0)..Florida soil tends to be in the ...
|
| fig tree growth | 5/2/2009 |
Q: I recently found a wild tennessee mountain fig tree in the woods(3 trees actually). I brought one ...
A: when you disrupt a trees root system, it is an automatic setback on its timetable; the trees in the ...
|
| North facing window boxes | 4/29/2009 |
Q: I have all north facing window boxes and for the past several years have been planting impatients. ...
A: ....very important point, good for you!....people tend to put way too many specimens in a small ...
|
| Climate Zone for container planting | 4/29/2009 |
Q: I asked a question yesterday about suggestions for my 42" terracotta bowl which gets all day sun and ...
A: Ok Cindy, got a handle on it now, a great beginning would be "trailing Lantana", it has a cascading ...
|
| Climate Zone for container planting | 4/28/2009 |
Q: I asked a question yesterday about suggestions for my 42" terracotta bowl which gets all day sun and ...
A: Ok thats a big container, so your choices are pretty extensive, so I am going to ask you for one ...
|
| North facing window boxes | 4/28/2009 |
Q: I have all north facing window boxes and for the past several years have been planting impatients. ...
A: The North window doesn't preclude it getting sun, unless it is shadowed by trees or another ...
|
| North facing window boxes | 4/28/2009 |
Q: I have all north facing window boxes and for the past several years have been planting impatients. ...
A: Inpatients are fine for a North window, for they like a shadier area , but they need to be pinched ...
|
| what to plant at the pool | 4/27/2009 |
Q: I live in western Pennsylvania and my boss asked me to get some plants for the planters around the ...
A: 10.5 inch deep container will be fine for just about any of the annuals that grow well in Penn.; I ...
|
| Bonanza Patio Peach tree and Bees | 4/25/2009 |
Q: I just bought one of these and plan on planting it in my backyard. While doing research i stumble ...
A: ..Plant it where it will get morning sun and afternoon shade for about a year, then if need be, it ...
|
| Bonanza Peach Tree care | 4/25/2009 |
Q: I live in Southern Arizona, South of Tucson and have just purchased and planted in a large pot a ...
A: Take the peaches off first thing, this youngster needs to put all its energy into development at ...
|
| Bonanza Patio Peach tree and Bees | 4/25/2009 |
Q: I just bought one of these and plan on planting it in my backyard. While doing research i stumble ...
A: yes it will attract bees, but only when it is in bloom, which lasts about a month, and then they are ...
|
| Haworthia Attenuata Plant Problems? | 4/23/2009 |
Q: I purchased a haworthia attenuata plant from the store and I'm really not sure how to take care of ...
A: Here is the cardinal rule on growing your succulent, if you remember or do nothing else, "water only ...
|
| self watering container plants | 4/20/2009 |
Q: How can I create self watering features on regular pots/containers that I have for both indoors and ...
A: there are all kinds of devices for sale that will place just the amount of water a plant uses at its ...
|
| containers | 4/19/2009 |
Q: i have a brick mail box with a container on each side and want to now what is the best flower or ...
A: ....then instead of moving them when the temps fall, just cover them to protect them from the cold; ...
|
| containers | 4/19/2009 |
Q: i have a brick mail box with a container on each side and want to now what is the best flower or ...
A: its funny you ask that, for I just put two beautiful dwarf Oleanders next to mine, they will do fine ...
|
| re-potting avocado tree | 4/9/2009 |
Q: I have become quite attached to my two foot tall avocado tree that I grew from a pit. Well I decided ...
A: It sounds like your baby is going through severe transplant shock; when you transplanted it you ...
|
| Soil for container tomato plants | 4/9/2009 |
Q: I just acquired two very nice homemade wooden box containers, 5' in lenght, 10" deep and 20 1/4 " ...
A: I am a little concerned to the dept of the wooden containers, 10 inches doesn't allow much room for ...
|
| growing lettuce in containers | 4/5/2009 |
Q: I have read that I need to do successive plantings of lettuce seeds in order to harvest all summer. ...
A: albeit Lettuce doesn't have a very extensive root system, it is unwise to plant new seeds right next ...
|
| vertical grow towers | 4/4/2009 |
Q: I have just purchased 12 pots, each of which have 6 planting ports (think "giant daisy shape"), ...
A: These containers are meant for smaller root systems, I wouldn't be thinking of putting Tomatoes or ...
|
| planting season | 3/29/2009 |
Q: I live outside of Ft Myers & want to plant veggies in containers. I was an avid gardener in MA, but ...
A: I will do what I can from this end, but I really encourage new gardeners to Florida to contact their ...
|
| Plants for Hanging Baskets | 3/26/2009 |
Q: I'm wondering what is the best very low maintenance plant for a hanging basket? I've had pansies ...
A: most annuals that would be appropriate for a hanging basket are terminal, they will give you color ...
|
| Growing Catnip | 3/24/2009 |
Q: I plan on growing 3-5 catnip plants in my house in our sun room...I just can't find anything ...
A: spread the seeds in any container that you can cover with a freezer bag or plastic food bag of some ...
|
| soil for a container fig tree | 3/23/2009 |
Q: I purchased a small potted fig tree last year and would like to transplant it to a slightly larger ...
A: Figs are easy to grow as long as they get plenty of sunlight and are adequately irrigated, they do ...
|
| Growing tomatoes on a covered apartment patio in central CA | 3/8/2009 |
Q: What is the best tomatoe (preferably grape,cherry or pear) to grow on a lower apartment patio that ...
A: your situation is made to order for the "Patio hybrid bush tomato" (several companies supply ...
|
| growing lilacs in a container | 3/7/2009 |
Q: I would like to know what kind of mixture I would need to grow my lilac in a container and what size ...
A: I must be honest with you, Lilacs are not a container plant, they grow upwards of 5-6 feet, which ...
|
| gardenias in window boxes | 3/3/2009 |
Q: I have fed them muracid and put orchid bark on the top to retain moisture. The plants are doing ...
A: be careful when planting in window boxes, for they have limited space for root development; many ...
|
| Norfork Pine | 3/3/2009 |
Q: I have had three Norfork Pines for about three years, they have done pretty good so far, but I'm ...
A: many indoor plants, especially those that are semi tropical or tropical by nature, require a humid ...
|
| corn planting | 2/18/2009 |
Q: how deep do i plant corn i want to plant them in cantiner
A: about an inch deep, but you need to plant quite a few plants to ensure pollination, which is done by ...
|
| Euonymus j. 'Green Spire' | 2/16/2009 |
Q: Can this plant be successfully grown as a patio plant in a container?
A: yes, it is well suited to many conditions, and a container grown specimen will do just fine if it is ...
|
| Meyers lemon & Sweet Lime | 1/14/2009 |
Q: I read with interest your exchange with Sherry. I live in Southern California and have two stunted ...
A: actually Citrus does much better in the ground then in a container; a container is usually only ...
|
| Tomatoes | 1/2/2009 |
Q: I guess I'll just change how I attempted it last year and add your advice to it. B U T, I DO have ...
A: and this one I have know compunction about going on record with....in my humble opinion, you can't ...
|
| Patio Peach | 12/11/2008 |
Q: When do you prune and how. How much do you prune. Ours is planted in ground rather that potted.
A: How old is it and how long have you had it? Pruning any fruit tree is important if they have been in ...
|
| ficus tree | 12/8/2008 |
Q: Like the lemon tree problem...we have a ficus tree in our living room that is well over 14 feet tall ...
A: )..try pruning it back to a size where you can handle it and bring it outside to really go over it ...
|
| escargot begonia | 12/8/2008 |
Q: Help! I got an escargot begonia about 6 months ago. I am having a very tough time with it. The ...
A: ...the only way to get rid of mites is to take away their food source or treat it so, when the feed ...
|
| ficus tree | 12/7/2008 |
Q: Like the lemon tree problem...we have a ficus tree in our living room that is well over 14 feet tall ...
A: you can but the sticky secretions (of the small insect feeding) will remain even though the insects ...
|
| escargot begonia | 12/7/2008 |
Q: Help! I got an escargot begonia about 6 months ago. I am having a very tough time with it. The ...
A: it could be a number of reasons why this Begonia is failing on you, it is more often or not a water ...
|
| daphne | 12/3/2008 |
Q: I have a Daphne in 6" container. I keep it outside all year round. I am in zone 8. I noticed ...
A: it sounds like too much water, they are (contrary to popular belief) suceptible to root rot from too ...
|
| Norfolk Pines | 11/30/2008 |
Q: I received a beautiful Norfolk pine plant for Thanksgiving. I have other plants, but, this is my ...
A: if you can separate them, that is fine, because it will get much larger and each little will tree ...
|
| protection of plants in the winter | 11/20/2008 |
Q: Here in the San Francisco Bay area we get nighttime temps in the low 30's for several days and so ...
A: The key here is to cover them allowing air between the cover and the plant itself; it is vital that ...
|
| sticky substance on leaves | 11/13/2008 |
Q: I have a lemon tree in a pot in my sunroom. In the summer I put it on the patio. since bringing ...
A: Jim, you have mites, aphids or scale feeding on your tree, and that substance you see is the ...
|
| improved meyer lemon bush | 11/11/2008 |
Q: We just bought a meyer lemon bush in a 12" pot in Austin, Tx. It has small blooms on it and is ...
A: Nurseries like to promote bloom and often even small fruit on their trees, it gives the buyer a ...
|
| peace lillies | 11/10/2008 |
Q: I have 2 very large peace lily plants - each in large 18" pots (they started as small decorative ...
A: it sounds like they contracted a fungal problem, try spraying them with a Copper Fungicide, this ...
|
| potted topiaries in winter | 11/10/2008 |
Q: We have two potted topiaries outside our front door. We live in Milwaukee Wisconsin and last year ...
A: you say topiaries, but this could be any type of plant, topiary is the manner in which you shape a ...
|
| Container garden: beet leaves with rice like eggs | 10/23/2008 |
Q: My beet plant seems to have tiny white rice like eggs growing on the underside of the plant leaves. ...
A: these are catepilla eggs, the beet is still fine to eat, but you will need to erradicate these eggs ...
|
| Re-Potting Jasmine | 10/21/2008 |
Q: I have a Jasmine plant that has intertwined it's vines beautifully around its trellis. I need to ...
A: from the looks of it, it just needs to be supplemented with more soil; with a trowel, dig down the ...
|
| Bonfire Dwarf Flowering Peach | 10/19/2008 |
Q: I bought a Bonfire Dwarf Flowering Peach tree for a shady patio. I can only place it in a large ...
A: any container plant should be brought in during a winter in such a cold climate zone, it can't be ...
|
| Container Grown Meyer Lemon Tree | 10/3/2008 |
Q: My Meyer Lemon Tree is about 3 years old and grows in a large plastic pot. The first year I ...
A: that picture shows me a tree that is extremely stressed, it needs a larger container and a care ...
|
| 1 year old Laurel (bay leaf) | 9/24/2008 |
Q: How do I care for this herb in upstate NY
A: the bay leaf likes a more shadier area (morning sun) and likes to be kept more on the damp side, not ...
|
| vegetable garden in October | 9/18/2008 |
Q: I live in Southwest Florida and would like to try a container vegetable garden for the first time. ...
A: I am in in SW Florida also, so I can advise you really well on this, for I too grow all my Veggies ...
|
| growing climbing roses from containers | 9/12/2008 |
Q: I would be very happy if you could help me with choosing the plants for my terrace. I live in house ...
A: Roses will do fine in this condition, but you must assure that the containers are mulched over so ...
|
| peaches | 8/29/2008 |
Q: Im haveing the same pro with my peaches, we bought this house and there is peaches already planted ...
A: The Citrus are not getting pollinated properly, that is the problem there, but without knowing the ...
|
| peaches | 8/28/2008 |
Q: Im haveing the same pro with my peaches, we bought this house and there is peaches already planted ...
A: are they in containers? the orange tree getting nickel size fruit is a pollination problem, what ...
|
| systemic 2 or 3 in one | 8/9/2008 |
Q: I live in the big bend are of Fla.hot & humid.Most all my planting is in containers.Mealybugs, ...
A: I really don't know why they put that on the warning label; I use Bayer rose and flower systemic in ...
|
| Kadota Fig in NJ - Container to Soil Bed | 8/8/2008 |
Q: I have always wanted to grow fig trees and have been reading voraciously. Have 2 3-yr. old kadota ...
A: the yellowing leaves is more then likely Rust Fungus, a bane of Figs, albeit mostly in the south ...
|
| corylines | 8/3/2008 |
Q: If my 6 year old cordylines are leggy but have beautiful growth on the top 2 feet, is there anyway ...
A: not really, this is their normal growth pattern, what I usually do is top them, and stick the cut ...
|
| bonfire patio peach | 8/2/2008 |
Q: I bought a dwarf bonfire patio peach tree and planted it in the ground. To my surprise, this tree ...
A: its a miracle of nature that takes time, many trees/plants that have vivid color in the final leaf ...
|
| Azalia's | 8/1/2008 |
Q: I have 2 Azalia's I purchased. I live in zone 4 in Wisconsin. I was wondering can I put them in ...
A: Audrey, I would pot them up, because most Azaleas are only hardy to zone 5. Wait until the first ...
|
| myer lemon | 7/19/2008 |
Q: I live in Sacramento, Calif. I have a Myer lemon tree in a container right now standing on the south ...
A: Make sure they get a good watering once a week, and if the flowers were pollinated, the petals fall ...
|
| myer lemon | 7/18/2008 |
Q: I live in Sacramento, Calif. I have a Myer lemon tree in a container right now standing on the south ...
A: .....Citrus are very susceptible to root rot, if standing water is allowed to saturate their root ...
|
| myer lemon | 7/18/2008 |
Q: I live in Sacramento, Calif. I have a Myer lemon tree in a container right now standing on the south ...
A: They both can take the heat, they are also very compatible and will cross pollinate, giving you a ...
|
| 'compact' dirt | 7/17/2008 |
Q: A couple weeks ago, you advised me about a tomato with Blossom- End rot. I have since removed the ...
A: tomatoes like a lot of water, so don't worry about giving it too much, worry more about them wilting ...
|
| insecitcides | 7/11/2008 |
Q: Which insecticide would be safe to use on a balacony poted plant that is little more than slightly ...
A: that would be a Horticultural Oil (not a dormant oil)...one choice is Organocide, but there are ...
|
| Tomato fertilizer | 7/6/2008 |
Q: I've never grown much of anything in my life, but this year I bought 2 small pots (approx 18" ...
A: ok, first of all, you don't have to worry about eating the fertilizer contents from your vegetables, ...
|
| Container plants | 7/3/2008 |
Q: Something very small and in large numbers, is eating the roots of my plants in my container gardens. ...
A: I am not sure what type of insect it might be, but I am sure that you are going to have to change ...
|
| container grown hydrangea | 6/28/2008 |
Q: I live on the Wisconsin Illinois border. I was given a hydrangea growing in a very large container ...
A: build an enclosure, chicken wire or something that will allow you to fill it with leaves (best ...
|
| vegetables dying? | 6/25/2008 |
Q: S)and i recently planted cucumbers,watermelon,corn,tomatoes,canteloup,pumpkin,and carrots in small ...
A: plants in containers dry out much faster then in the ground, and in that kind of heat its almost ...
|
| cordyline | 6/21/2008 |
Q: My 6-7 year old cordyline's leaves have turned yellow dowm the central spine and most of the ...
A: Colin, you may be forced to take drastic measures and cut it back severely and let it regenerate new ...
|
| ants in wooden barrel container | 6/18/2008 |
Q: I have a large wooden barrel container - about 2.5 feet high and about 3 feet in diameter,the kind ...
A: they are carpenter ants, and when you dug the nest up you probably dispatched it, they will ...
|
| watermelon in wading pool | 6/9/2008 |
Q: I am growing vegetables and some melons in 3 foot round wading pools. My local co-op told me to ...
A: If they are newly rooted, then I would try to shift the whole hill, albeit very carefully, so as not ...
|
| watermelon in wading pool | 6/9/2008 |
Q: I am growing vegetables and some melons in 3 foot round wading pools. My local co-op told me to ...
A: Woe be it for me to question a Co-Op, but I would limit it to 3 hills placed in a triangle, and of ...
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| Fast-growing food in containers | 6/8/2008 |
Q: my name is also Nick. I'd like to buy some seeds so that I can quickly and easily grow some food in ...
A: bush beans and pole beans grow real fast and for the space they take up, provide a surprising crop, ...
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| Avacado Tree in Container | 6/5/2008 |
Q: I would like to get a Haas avacado tree and live in Ca. by STockton. I can't find a dwarf or ...
A: not really the right tree for a container, they just grow too big and would only stress out if you ...
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| Pampas- cortaderia pumila | 5/31/2008 |
Q: We have a very small garden but plenty of room for pots etc. Can cortaderia pumila be grown in a ...
A: it could be, but eventually it would begin to stress and become insightly, it needs to have a great ...
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| transplanting | 5/27/2008 |
Q: this is a tricky one. I have a lovely virginia creeper that has been gradually growing up over the ...
A: the problem is if the whiskey barrel is rotted out, then the roots have probably permeated the ...
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| Brown Turkey Fig Tree | 5/26/2008 |
Q: I just purchased a brown turkey fig tree and planted it in a container. (zone 5 Chicago area) it ...
A: Figs need to be sprayed to prevent "Rust fungus", this turns the leaves brown and they eventually ...
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| Bayer Systemic Insecticide OK for Flowers? | 5/23/2008 |
Q: I have several night-blooming primroses that the bugs just love. I've tried spraying them, but I ...
A: I would prefer the Bayer "All in one rose and flower" systemic, albeit I have never used the one you ...
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| Ferns browning leaves | 5/22/2008 |
Q: this may sound like a stupid question, but I just purchased a large. beautiful fern which is potted ...
A: when you say you purchased it, did it come in a nursery container (usually green or black)? or was ...
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| zone 8 | 5/21/2008 |
Q: I live in northern calif and have a small patio, what are good potted plants to have? Thank you. ...
A: Inpatients are nice except they need to be in a shady area with lots of water, daisies (there are ...
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| patio peach tree | 5/19/2008 |
Q: We have a peach tree in a pot on the patio. We have followed the leaflet which came with the tree, ...
A: no problem, thats what I am here for, Mulch is usually derived from Cypress, Pine, Eucalyptis or any ...
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| patio peach tree | 5/19/2008 |
Q: We have a peach tree in a pot on the patio. We have followed the leaflet which came with the tree, ...
A: Ron, Your clay pot has drainage holes I am assuming, that is fine, but you need to line the bottom ...
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| Container Fig Tree | 5/14/2008 |
Q: I placed fig in my basement over winter, but it started to bud so I moved it to outside shed. It ...
A: it seems it was coming out of dormancy and when you moved it you upset its sequence; let it be and ...
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| Potting Soil | 5/12/2008 |
Q: I am planting a vegetable container garden and just purchased some potting soil. As I look at it, ...
A: no it will be fine, there are different quality potting mixes, but they all can be used for ...
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| Can shorter flowers be used to support taller ones in windowbox | 5/8/2008 |
Q: Last year I grew lisianthus (about 12" tall) in individual pots in a windowbox & needed to stake ...
A: you can grow them in any type of container you want providing you give them ample root space; I ...
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| potting soil vs. garden soil | 5/7/2008 |
Q: Do I really need to use potting soil for my potted caladiums and guara over garden soil? I just ...
A: that is a very good question! the truth is, potting soil is more refined then top soil, or garden ...
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| help | 5/7/2008 |
Q: I bought a Oriental Lilly from Walmart last week for 50 cents.Now I do not know what to do with ...
A: Chelle, it grows from a bulb, and after flowering, its foliage will eventually die back to the ...
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| Can shorter flowers be used to support taller ones in windowbox | 5/7/2008 |
Q: Last year I grew lisianthus (about 12" tall) in individual pots in a windowbox & needed to stake ...
A: many people make he mistake of overcrowding a container, not realizing that under the surface is a ...
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| Hanging containers as a screen | 5/3/2008 |
Q: I have a large east facing picture window in my living room that heats up from the sun every summer ...
A: I would start with any of the philodendron varieties, morning sun is perfect for them; then maybe ...
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| ABOVE GROUND GARDEN | 4/24/2008 |
Q: I HAVE REALLY ROCKY LAND AND WOULD LIKE TO GROW A GARDEN. IF I BUILT A 6' X 20' BOX AND PLANTED THE ...
A: I don't blame you, and the answer is absolutely! put a raised garden in, about 12 inches deep by the ...
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| mushroom problem | 4/23/2008 |
Q: with tomatoes, strawberries, and cucumbers. I just realized that under the strawberry leaves is a ...
A: mushrooms develop from spores and thrive in a moist environment; it seems the soil conditions under ...
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| Lilacs | 4/21/2008 |
Q: Can you grow Lilacs in a container , if I have a large pot or a 1/2 whiskey barrel ?
A: Hey Mike! Kinda tough, they are a bit to big for even the largest of containers; there are dwarf ...
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| tomato | 4/2/2008 |
Q: The only sun left in my backyard is on my deck. I want to grow tomatoes so I thought I would do it ...
A: the best for containers are called "Husky cherries", but they are just oversized cherry tomatoes, if ...
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| balcony flowers | 3/31/2008 |
Q: I live one mile from the ocean in a 15th floor south exposure condo in south Florida. I would like ...
A: Omar, I would put in some lavender weeping Lantana, they are a wonderful container flower that ...
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| Diffenbachia root rot | 3/11/2008 |
Q: I have had my diffenbachia for several months. I had surgery the 1st of Jan. and others were ...
A: sorry to hear about this:(...lets see if we can't turn things for you, first you don't want it in ...
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| shamrock plants | 3/1/2008 |
Q: I bought some shamrock bulbs (regnelli white) a few months ago and planted each one in a 3 inch pot. ...
A: the rule of thumb is about 5 of them in a 10 inch pot together (albeit you didn't mention how many ...
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| Star Pine | 2/25/2008 |
Q: I have a Star Pine in a container. It is outgrowing the mud room that it is in. Will it serve out ...
A: pines like an acid soil base, so I would test the soil where you want to plant it, to make sure the ...
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| Myer's lemon tree | 2/25/2008 |
Q: I received a Meyers lemon tree for Christmas 2 years ago. I planted it outside (in Florida) now it ...
A: .....and you planted it at the same level that it was in the pot? and you didn't add anything to the ...
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