Container Gardens/Questions Answered by Expert nick mccann
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Avacado plant | 12/1/2011 |
| Q: We grew a avocado plant from the pit. The plant is in a container and it is about 4 inches high. ... A: ....try cutting it back an inch, this may stimulate new and stronger growth; once it has set a crown ... | |
| Chicago Fig tree | 12/1/2011 |
| Q: Nick, You helped me out in July 2011. My fig tree is now about 1 foot tall with several healthy ... A: Julia, I am going to change my advice slightly here, for I just realized that we are dealing with a ... | |
| Chicago Fig tree | 11/30/2011 |
| Q: Nick, You helped me out in July 2011. My fig tree is now about 1 foot tall with several healthy ... A: leave it on the balcony, after all the leaves have been shed, wrap the container with a heavy ... | |
| Avacado plant | 11/30/2011 |
| Q: We grew a avocado plant from the pit. The plant is in a container and it is about 4 inches high. ... A: you may have potted it up too soon, but without more info, like how long it grew in water before the ... | |
| winter and the potted fig tree | 11/10/2011 |
| Q: We have a potted fruit bearing fig tree we bought in May of 2011. It grew rapidly on our small patio ... A: It will naturally go dormant as the temps drop, but below 15 degrees will freeze, so take measures ... | |
| fountain grass | 8/31/2011 |
| Q: I have purple fountan grass in urns on either side of my steps. I planted them about two months ago, ... A: without seeing them and having a detailed account of your planting procedure, it is difficult to ... | |
| Yellowing leaves on Fig tree | 8/13/2011 |
| Q: Hey I have a brown turkey Fig I just bought, about 3.5 ft tall that i transplanted to a slightly ... A: Its more then likely just reacting to the transplant, Many plants go through what is known as ... | |
| Pomegranate | 8/4/2011 |
| Q: Can I grow a pomegranate in a container or even in the ground in northeast ohio? A: They need a tropical location to be grown outdoors in the groound, you can however grow them in a ... | |
| brown spots on tomatoes | 7/28/2011 |
| Q: I have patio tomatoes in pots. They only get the a.m. sun. Last year and this year some of them ... A: that is an affliction called Blossom end rot, essentially it is a Calcium deficiency in the soil ... | |
| House plants | 7/19/2011 |
| Q: I have so many questions! I hope you dont mind because I am fairly new to all of this. I will start ... A: ...I suspect that the problem is in the soil base that they are in, it could be hard packed to the ... | |
| peach fruit that does not ripen | 7/17/2011 |
| Q: I have a beautiful peach tree in the back of the house. It is 18 feet high with 4 large branches. ... A: first and foremost, you need to cull out about 75 percent of them,,and let the remaining ripen, ... | |
| Fig Tree in Container | 7/9/2011 |
| Q: Nick, I just got a Hardy Chicago Fig via mail in tiny container (about 3" in diameter). The tree ... A: ,You will want to move it into a container about 6 inches across (for now..) and then you will be ... | |
| Potted Fig tree | 5/23/2011 |
| Q: I have had an Italian Everbearing Fig tree in a container for 3 years. It has always been giving me ... A: Be patient, as long as the cambium layer is still green and the branches are still rubbery then it ... | |
| Fig trees not recovering from winter | 5/4/2011 |
| Q: I planted 2 fig trees last spring in a very sunny spot, they were about 3 feet tall at the time. ... A: The fact that there is any new growth at all is paramount in importance, it means the roots are ... | |
| Gardenias | 4/28/2011 |
| Q: I would like to know how to grow gardenias in container. I have heard that it's a hard plant to ... A: they like an acidic soil base, so mix about one third of the contents Peat Moss and fertilize once a ... | |
| container gardening | 3/27/2011 |
| Q: I am new to gardening and have started growing a cauliflower plant and cilantro in containers since ... A: what you are seeing is indeed an insect, its called "Scale" and it is sucking the juices from your ... | |
| sky pencil holleys | 2/24/2011 |
| Q: I have 2 sky pencil holleys in large containers, I live in zone 6, and the holleys got bent from the ... A: hard to tell without seeing the plant, but most will show cold stress from the ground level up,,and ... | |
| evergreen in container | 8/27/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know if I can plant an evergreen in a container and put it outdoors. My miracle ... A: ok, I found the perfect site for you,, google "growing conifers in containers",,,then click on the ... | |
| evergreen in container | 8/27/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know if I can plant an evergreen in a container and put it outdoors. My miracle ... A: if I give you the right answer will you put in a good word with our Lord?....lol....deal?...ok...of ... | |
| Mme. Galen Trumpet Vine | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: Can Trumpet vines be planted in window boxes? I live in an apartment and would like to grow the ... A: It will "exist" in a window box, but will be stressed and probably won't flower; this vine needs ... | |
| Meyer Lemon Pollination | 7/27/2010 |
| Q: My Meyer Lemon is three years old in a pot on my patio in Atlanta. This Spring it had four blossoms ... A: Meyers are self fruiting, meaning they do not need a cross pollinator; I suspect the problem is ... | |
| Potted peppers | 7/19/2010 |
| Q: I am growing red bell peppers in window boxes on my porch. They seem to be doing great at first ... A: it sounds like they are stunted, given the premature ripening; the containers you have them in are ... | |
| venus flytraps | 7/13/2010 |
| Q: I wanted to put my Venus flytraps in a terrarium, but read that is not a good idea. I now have them ... A: I would envelop the container with some type of mesh or wire, almost like a pool cage type ... | |
| watermellons | 7/9/2010 |
| Q: can you grow a watermellon plant in a large container A: Sure! the root system isn't that extensive on melon plants, but if you don't have room to let it run ... | |
| Avocado Plant | 7/2/2010 |
| Q: I have two avocado plants growing from seeds. One is about six months old and the other is around ... A: they are tropical, so they need to be brought in before the first frost, but move them in gradually, ... | |
| growing tomatoes in containers | 4/27/2010 |
| Q: This is the beginning of tomato growing season here. My main question is the potting mixture I ... A: The key to success with tomatoes in containers, is keeping the soil evenly moist without quick ... | |
| Japanese Maple | 4/24/2010 |
| Q: I have many seedlings that have taken root around my house. They have come from a Japanese Maple ... A: Once they have several leaves on them they are ready for transplant, the key here however is how you ... | |
| information on potted foliage for decks | 4/20/2010 |
| Q: Where can I go to find information about which plants do well in shaded areas and how best to plant ... A: I don't know your climate zone, but if you look up your local "Cooperative Extension Service" and ... | |
| dahlias | 4/13/2010 |
| Q: i planted dahlias in a container last year and was very successful. i was told they are hardy and ... A: lift them and see what condition they are in, they should have sent out growth by now; when you lift ... | |
| Container garden in front of house | 4/13/2010 |
| Q: I would like to plant some bushes right in front of my house, but the former owner told us that the ... A: your options are really limitless, any of the mentioned bushes would do fine, but keep in mind, if ... | |
| Hot afternoon sun | 4/11/2010 |
| Q: I have two whiskey barrels that get full sun, especially the hot, central Alabama sun. I am having ... A: I would research "Crown of thorns", there is a variety that has larger flowers then the standard ... | |
| hydrangea | 3/31/2010 |
| Q: I'm not very good with keeping house plants alive. So i was wondering if you could tell me know to ... A: keep it properly irrigated, watering it so the soil stays on the damp side, but not wet is a good ... | |
| Brown Fig tress | 3/25/2010 |
| Q: Noticed that you live in Charlotte County, Florida just as I do also. Do you know where I may ... A: I did see small ones (2 feet tall) at either the Port Charlotte Home Depot or Lowes (I am in them so ... | |
| perserving raised garden wood | 3/18/2010 |
| Q: what is the best thing to coat the outside of the garden frame with to keep it from rotting.it needs ... A: I wouldn't use anything that would preserve it, like paint, or stain, for it always has the danger ... | |
| brown turkey fig | 3/17/2010 |
| Q: I purchased a seven foot brown turkey fig tree last fall that has one central stem (trunk) with ... A: let it be for now, there should be an emergence of more leaves lower on the stem eventually; when ... | |
| Meyer Lemon bushes in containers | 1/13/2010 |
| Q: I have 2 Meyer lemon bushes in containers. I purchased them in August of 2009. One was purchased ... A: ....leave it be for now, taking the fruit off was imperative, but now it needs to rejuvenate itself, ... | |
| Meyer Lemon bushes in containers | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: I have 2 Meyer lemon bushes in containers. I purchased them in August of 2009. One was purchased ... A: Ok, first of all whenever you purchase a young Citrus tree from a nursery, they will always have ... | |
| container-grown grapes | 1/8/2010 |
| Q: I was considering growing a table/juice grape on an arbor attached to the wall of my south-facing ... A: A plant will put its sources into survival first, and if growing conditions are not optimum, then ... | |
| Steer Manure On Fruit Trees | 12/14/2009 |
| Q: I Have A Couple Of Fruit Trees That I Wanted To Put On Bigger Pots And My Question Was Can I Mix In ... A: I wouldn't put it in a container, for it will eventually begin to cause the soil to compact in the ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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, ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
nick mccann
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can give concise answers on growing plants in containers instead of the ground, why and how to plant them and how to maintain them.
Experience
Master Gardner in Charlotte County Florida,,with 10 years experience.
Organizations
Master Gardner Association of Charlotte County, Florida
Education/Credentials
Associates Degree
Past/Present Clients
I am currently also an expert in the Tropical Plant dept.
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