AboutJames L. Crowder Expertise I can answer questions about soils, soil amendments, drainage and proper planting. I have extensive background in homeowner labeled pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) and their proper use. I can also answer questions about the growing requirements of specific plants
Experience I have 37 years experience in the lawn and garden business split fairly evenly between the retail nursery business and wholesale distribution of consumer lawn and garden products. From 1990 to 2000 I co-hosted a weekly call-in talk radio program in Memphis, TN.
Organizations Garden Writers Association
Horticultural Board of the Mid South Fair
Publications Green Thumb Magazine - out of print
Education/Credentials 37 years of learning everday.
Awards and Honors Past president of the Memphis Horticultural Society.
Past president of the Memphis Bonsai Society.
Memphis Horticultural Society 2008 Horticultural Excellence Award
Question Good morning James. I live in the Los Angeles area & the soil in my yard is
clay. We dug large holes & mixed in good soil & peat moss before planting.
I have several gardenias in my yard & the foliage on a few of them has
started to turn yellow this year. They're full of unopened buds & the plants
are full of leaves but they're lime colored. I've heard coffee/espresso
grounds boost acidity which is good for this type of plant. Please advise.
Thank you,
Lisa
Answer Hi Lisa, Before you adjust the pH, you should have it tested. Most garden centers will do that quickly and for free, or you can buy inexpensive test kits. Test the original soil, not the improved soil. Since you'll probably be going to your garden center, take a sample of the plant with you. Nutrient, water and insect issues could all be at the root cause of poor color, so with your soil sample and foliage in hand, your nurseryman can give you a correct diagnosis. Water is quite often the issue with gardenias. I strongly suggest you go to an independent garden center, not a chain store. Your local nurseryman is familiar with the local soil and problems you'll have. He sees them everyday. I'm not saying you won't find a qualified person in a chain store, but they are few and far between. Jim
