| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| mushrooms in mulch | 11/20/2009 |
Q: All of a sudden I have these strange looking mushrooms coming out of my mulch. They look like white ...
A: Pets don't normally bother them because the smell is so much more intense to them. Most of the ...
|
| white bead-like structures in soil | 11/16/2009 |
Q: I have small (approx. 0.5 - 0.75 mm) white bead-like structures that are spreading in the soil of my ...
A: Quite often soil fungi form a ball of Mycelium (roots). Usually this is associated with periods of ...
|
| mold on soil | 11/11/2009 |
Q: I am purchasing a mobile home and upon inspection we noticed a 10 foot diameter area of white mold ...
A: I'd loosen the soil surface and spray the area with a 20% bleach/80% water solution. If the area ...
|
| tree's | 11/6/2009 |
Q: What type of tree's grow best in Memphis soil
A: Easy to grow shade trees include: oak, maple, birch, bald cypress, elm, ginkgo, tulip poplar, dawn ...
|
| sow grass | 11/5/2009 |
Q: When is it to late to sow grass in Tennessee
A: Unless we get an unusually early cold spell, I consider the absolute last date to plant fescue in ...
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| Mushrooms in a soil | 11/4/2009 |
Q: When I water my plant these mushrooms always grow in a soil.This problem started few month ago.Could ...
A: They are stinkhorn mushrooms. They're not harming anything. The grow where there is decomposing ...
|
| Shredded leaves | 11/1/2009 |
Q: Crowder, Very soon, thanks to Mother Nature and my leaf shredder, I will have a large amount of ...
A: Use them in the garden. There may be some slight change in pH, but you should be monitoring you pH ...
|
| drainage behind a new retaining wall | 10/30/2009 |
Q: Last year, we installed a retaining wall to correct some erosion issues in our back yard. We ...
A: Re-grading may indeed solve your problem if the gravel hasn't filled up with soil. You did not say, ...
|
| White & Green mold under surface of outdoor soil | 10/13/2009 |
Q: Moved to Arizona in December. Have created several flower beds and planted a couple pygmy palms ...
A: When building flower beds, you do not want to remove or replace soil or add a different textured ...
|
| Grading | 10/12/2009 |
Q: I'm wanting to buy a home that reported "The driveway has settled 2 inches away from the house; ...
A: There's not much I can tell you without a visual inspection. I'd want to talk to the home inspector ...
|
| FUNGUS | 10/6/2009 |
Q: There is a thick white mushroom-cap like textured fungus spreading/growing around the base of my ...
A: The cap part you see is just the reproductive structure, most of the fungus is underground. These ...
|
| Soil preferences for perennials | 10/1/2009 |
Q: I've recently taken an interest in attempting a perennial garden & have been doing a lot of reading. ...
A: Perennials that like excellent drainage, never grow where it is wet and perennials that naturally ...
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| Soil Test Levels and Results | 9/26/2009 |
Q: I'm in the Midwest, and need recommendations as to when, what, and how to correct my soil test ...
A: I choose a soil amendment based on the soil to be improved. If it's clay, I want a mostly a coarse ...
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| Soil Test Levels and Results | 9/25/2009 |
Q: I'm in the Midwest, and need recommendations as to when, what, and how to correct my soil test ...
A: When it gets a little cooler, I'd lift and divide the perennials that are doing well. Then I'd cover ...
|
| SOD IS DYING.... AGAIN! | 9/21/2009 |
Q: Well, I thought this was going to be a breeze.. but no way!! I just got a dog.. I live in a mobile ...
A: Your soil has compacted and soured under the plastic put down for the pavers. You will need to till ...
|
| New Lawn | 9/18/2009 |
Q: I want to start a new lawn, i have 1000 sq ft of empty space, the soil is hard and there are no ...
A: your plan is good...except for the top soil thing. Apply the top soil before the second tilling and ...
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| Soil Fungus | 9/17/2009 |
Q: Suddenly this summer the soil in my flower bed is covered with what, I think, is a fungus. It is ...
A: It is a fungus and spraying with the correct fungicide will help. Most of these slime molds don't ...
|
| Fall fertilizer | 9/15/2009 |
Q: James, I live in the norther prarie region, zone 2. When is the proper time to apply fall ...
A: Nitrate nitrogen is quickly available to plants in cold or warm soil. You can apply it anytime. ...
|
| oily sand | 9/14/2009 |
Q: Recently I have transplanted moonbeams and some rose of sharon trees. My problem is the only source ...
A: When you plant, mix at least 1/3 ground pine bark with your soil. We want to incorporate some coarse ...
|
| Soil test report & new sod project | 9/9/2009 |
Q: We had new sod put in 2 years ago and it never took. Bare, bald looking, no amount of further ...
A: Your pH is fine, I would check it every year and keep it in the 6.2 to 6.8 range, but I don't see a ...
|
| too much acid killing hydrangea | 9/6/2009 |
Q: Help -- I went gaga trying to get blue Hydrangea blooms by pouring leftover coffee and tea juice ...
A: The coffee and tea are not the culprits. A week is not enough time for a plant to show any effects ...
|
| Sandy Soil Repels Water | 9/5/2009 |
Q: I live in coastal NC with very sand soil in my yard. I was planting sod recently and when I applied ...
A: Most often this is caused by dust and very small soil particles that coat water droplets. Once the ...
|
| Planting Redwood trees | 9/4/2009 |
Q: I am getting ready to plant redwood trees in my back yord. I dug the holes and was planning on ...
A: Do not remove the existing soil. Loosen it and mix 1/3 new soil or organic matter with your soil ...
|
| garden soil | 9/3/2009 |
Q: I have a 1st year vegetable garden near a walnut tree. My tomatoes started rotting before they were ...
A: Your neighbor is right. Walnut trees contain a substance called juglone. It is secreted by the ...
|
| water pipe | 9/2/2009 |
Q: I have attached a photo of the hill behind our house. As you can see, the water from the pipe ...
A: I'd use flex pipe. Attach it to your pipe with a clamp and cover the whole thing with soil. You ...
|
| Herbicide Sprayed on Apple Tree Branches | 9/2/2009 |
Q: I have a neighbor who is none to nice. He has severely oversprayed his property fence line with ...
A: One of the first statements on a pesticide label is "It is a violation of Federal Law to use this ...
|
| soil fungus | 9/1/2009 |
Q: parts of my lawn are are dying when i took up some samples the soil smells like mushrooms please ...
A: I don't know which fungicides are approved for use where you live. In the United States, I'd use ...
|
| container soil | 8/30/2009 |
Q: Every year we have a reasonable number of hanging baskets and clay pots of all sizes and I seem to ...
A: As a retailer and grower, I like Fafard soils. They perform well for me. Fafard Container Mix is ...
|
| Can a drainage ditch effect the flow of a natural spring? | 8/26/2009 |
Q: Can a new drainage ditch effect the flow of an underground spring? I have a large rain water pipe ...
A: Yes it could, but there are a lot of variables here that probably only an on site engineer can ...
|
| Crab Grass | 8/26/2009 |
Q: At the beginning of July we had new top soil and sod put in. Since the install I have been under ...
A: Crabgrass seed is everywhere. You can fill a container with potting soil and if there is any ...
|
| Soil fungus | 8/24/2009 |
Q: We have black eyed Susans in each corner of our garden. In one corner especially, the leaves on the ...
A: It sounds like Botrytis. It is a fungal problem, but you may not be using the right product. Look ...
|
| soil | 8/24/2009 |
Q: I live in Wyoming and my back yard is six ft deep in a sandy soil that almost repels water. I have ...
A: I'd use a turf type, fine bladed fescue. There are dozens of varieties available. Go to your ...
|
| soil | 8/23/2009 |
Q: I've been reading our answers to soil problems, and hope you can help me here - soil's soil, no ...
A: There is a "world" (no pun intended) of difference between soil types. Most importantly are the pH ...
|
| Soil Issues | 8/22/2009 |
Q: I recently moved to a house in Oakland, CA that has a yard. The house itself was redone in the past ...
A: Only a comprehensive soil analysis would reveal any toxins in the soil. It would be a costly test ...
|
| using recycled paper as planters | 8/20/2009 |
Q: im not sure if your the one to ask, but recently i have been coming up with different ways to ...
A: I see no problem with it. Generally, the ink is considered not hazardous to the environment. Make ...
|
| garden lime and pickling lime | 8/19/2009 |
Q: Is the garden lime (powder type) the same as pickling lime?
A: It is not the same. Hydrated or pickling lime changes the pH rapidly and generally is only used in ...
|
| Potting Soil | 8/16/2009 |
Q: I have 4 Fittonias, (2 combo Pileas-Moon Valley & Purple Waffle) in each pot, a Purple Passion, and ...
A: Look at the soil they are currently in. Try to match that soil. If it's a peat moss based soil ...
|
| soil | 8/13/2009 |
Q: I cannot find a reason for my crepe myrtles not blooming. I tested my pH and it read between 5.5 & ...
A: The pH is perfect. Crapes bloom based on the photo period. As soon as the plant gets enough hours ...
|
| araucaria | 8/9/2009 |
Q: I have one specie of ARAUCARIA in a pot for 6 years, suddenly the tips are brown, loosing slowly its ...
A: You can repot it now. Your new container should be no more than 2" wider than the one you have. ...
|
| garden soil | 8/7/2009 |
Q: I have a flower garden that has good top soil (store bought) and some humus in it. Last year my ...
A: I suspect the layer of loose top soil is holding too much water in the winter causing crown rot. ...
|
| Planting pine trees | 8/5/2009 |
Q: At the base of our hill 15 feet high we want to plant pine trees, about 1 inch in diameter. Water is ...
A: My first choice would be the loblolly pine, Pinus taeda. It grows in floodplain and adjacent to ...
|
| Topsoil | 7/30/2009 |
Q: I just recently expanded and leveled our front and back yard (slight grade away from the house). I ...
A: To grow a really good turf, try to avoid layers. Loose soil on top of clay holds too much water in ...
|
| Extremely hard ground | 7/25/2009 |
Q: The ground in our yard is extremely hard. It is difficult to get anything to grow there well. I ...
A: It needs to be tilled. Rent, borrow or buy a heavy duty rear tine tiller. It won't be easy work. ...
|
| sick evergreens | 7/23/2009 |
Q: I live in a very sandy area and recently, last 3 months, planted evergreen are starting to turn a ...
A: First, check them for spider mites. Take a piece of typing paper out to the plants and slap the ...
|
| soil prob | 7/22/2009 |
Q: I love growing flowers but they don't look as good as I would like. I think it's the soil. Today, I ...
A: Any organic matter incorporated into the soil is good. Be careful not to over improve it. If you ...
|
| improving soil | 7/19/2009 |
Q: (1) How does one add organic material (manure etc) to a flower bed when the bed is covered with ...
A: You can't add coarse organic material without removing the mulch and working it in. You can, ...
|
| Soil for Hydrangeas | 7/19/2009 |
Q: I recently planted a hydrangea. Although it has no blooms on it yet, I am curious to know if I need ...
A: Chances are good it has a time released fertilizer in the soil mix. Most growers use them. There ...
|
| Fertilizer recommendation for lemon | 7/18/2009 |
Q: My lemons do not grow well. I do not know fertilizer doses necessary for lemon tree. My garden is ...
A: Greetings, Citrus are heavy feeders. Your fertilizer should be tailored to your needs and without a ...
|
| Lime Useage | 7/16/2009 |
Q: I have heard that spreading lime on your lawn will assist in growth as well as color. If so, when is ...
A: It's important to keep the pH around 6.5 for good turf production. Too low or too high makes many ...
|
| Soil fungus | 7/14/2009 |
Q: I have a terrible soil fungus problem in my potted houseplants. I get the common fungus that grows ...
A: the "little white things" sound like sclerotia. It's a hardened bundle of fungal mycelium (roots) ...
|
| plants that replenish soil nutrients? | 7/9/2009 |
Q: i'm an avid gardener, and i made myself a large garden that usually provides abundant food and the ...
A: Your plants may be stunted from the rain and never recovered. There are a number of plants like ...
|
| Large area of backyard to muddy for many months of the year we can't use it!!! | 7/8/2009 |
Q: We have a large 6 x 6 metre shed in our backyard and as a result it shades most of the grassed area ...
A: I think ground cover is your best option. The location is not good for grass. I'd lay landscape ...
|
| grass seems to be dying despite watering schedule | 7/8/2009 |
Q: I live in Southern Oregon and have somewhat of a clay soil base below my lawn. I also have part of ...
A: You didn't tell me what kind of grass you have. If it's a cool season grass like fescue, bluegrass, ...
|
| Killing weeds through river rock | 7/7/2009 |
Q: My sister has river rock surrounding her pool and back deck. Just spent three days pulling weeds. Do ...
A: Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide you can spray over the rock and kill anything there. If ...
|
| new soil won't absorb water | 7/5/2009 |
Q: We just enlarged a planter (for bamboo) with castle wall blocks. Since my local landscaper was out ...
A: Here are a couple of options... 1. Till coarse bark into the top 4-6" of soil. I'd add about 2" on ...
|
| Soil killing my flowers | 6/29/2009 |
Q: I think my soil is killing my flowers in one of my garden beds. How much soil should I remove in ...
A: soil doesn't kill plants. They may die from toxins in the soil, fungal diseases, insects, improper ...
|
| soil around my rhubarb | 6/18/2009 |
Q: I've been told the soil my rhubarb has too much nitrogen and that's why my plants won't turn red. ...
A: Fertilize with a zero nitrogen fertilizer, if you need to fertilize at all. Use commercial ...
|
| grading | 6/14/2009 |
Q: I have dampness in my basement and looking to solve it with grading. I am having difficulty finding ...
A: Grading can be tricky. You need to be real sure where the water is now going to go. Getting it off ...
|
| grading | 6/14/2009 |
Q: I have dampness in my basement and looking to solve it with grading. I am having difficulty finding ...
A: If you are using clay to divert surface water, then pure clay or a clay/soil blend should work. ...
|
| silver soil bugs | 6/13/2009 |
Q: except all of a sudden there are these lil tiny tiny sliver/gray bugs all through out the soil. I ...
A: You can drench the soil with pyrethrum, an organic insecticide, to get rid of them. Mix it at label ...
|
| Chemical smell in garden soil. | 6/13/2009 |
Q: When I purchased my home, about seven years ago, I created a series of three circular raised beds of ...
A: If the stump is still green, it will rob the surrounding soil of nitrogen as it decomposes. You'll ...
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| Gardenia Fertilizer | 6/12/2009 |
Q: Good morning James. I live in the Los Angeles area & the soil in my yard is clay. We dug large ...
A: Before you adjust the pH, you should have it tested. Most garden centers will do that quickly and ...
|
| mothballs | 6/12/2009 |
Q: I use mothballs around the outside edge of my garden. How far away should I place it so that it ...
A: I'd stay a foot away from your garden. However, I've never seen mothballs labeled for garden use, ...
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| RE: Red Clay | 6/10/2009 |
Q: James, We are building a new home here in South Carolina. Our soil is a beautiful sandy and brown ...
A: The clay may have been a necessity to be able to pour a slab and driveway. Clay is not bad. It ...
|
| red tips | 6/9/2009 |
Q: I live in the Piney Woods of Southeast Texas and I am trying to grow red tips. However, the leaves ...
A: Your nursery is wise. They're in the rose family and get a nasty leaf spot disease. They are a very ...
|
| How to identify grub damage | 6/9/2009 |
Q: I'm not sure if you can assist with this, but I am guessing my issue has something to do with soil, ...
A: Usually an infected plant is not worth the cost of saving it, unless it has some sentimental value. ...
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| How to identify grub damage | 6/8/2009 |
Q: I'm not sure if you can assist with this, but I am guessing my issue has something to do with soil, ...
A: I don't think it's grub damage. Dig out a square foot of soil. If you find 15 or more grubs in that ...
|
| Planting Grass in Rock Filled Soil | 5/30/2009 |
Q: I have an area of land approximately 12,000 sq feet that was recently cleared of brush, etc. ...
A: I'd want a minimum of 8". The soil needs to be the same type soil you have, except without the ...
|
| raised planting bed | 5/29/2009 |
Q: I would like to build a raised planting bed around an existing red maple tree. Will it hurt the ...
A: Depends...on the size of the tree. On a mature tree, adding a 3'-6' wide bed will not hurt the tree. ...
|
| st. augustine too high??? | 5/28/2009 |
Q: I keep my st. aug (raleigh) cut at the highest level my mower will cut. I have been fighting gray ...
A: Worry about weeds later. You can always get them out. You want to encourage tillering, the side ...
|
| soil around a dead oak | 5/28/2009 |
Q: The soil seemed wonderful and easy to till, sandy and loamy and initially all the vegetable plants ...
A: the soil may be deficient, but it would have little to do with the oak. Oaks however, tend to grow ...
|
| st. augustine too high??? | 5/27/2009 |
Q: I keep my st. aug (raleigh) cut at the highest level my mower will cut. I have been fighting gray ...
A: I'm not that concerned about the height, although taller grass dries slower than short grass. Bag ...
|
| What is this weird tubular thing? | 5/27/2009 |
Q: I came out to my garden one morning and found this soft, weird tubular thing pushing up out of the ...
A: It's a mushroom, probably a dog stinkhorn. They are slimy and smelly. The part you see is just the ...
|
| Soil for typical christmas tree | 5/27/2009 |
Q: I have a small christmas tree in a pot, which needs repotting into a larger one, what kind of soil ...
A: It's possible. Many plants are field grown and then dug and potted. But plants used as Christmas ...
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| moisture | 5/26/2009 |
Q: Rest assured this is not a homework question. If you think the question is so Fundamental, I do not ...
A: I volunteer my time to answer questions for people who have problems. You don't have a problem. You ...
|
| ground cover | 5/24/2009 |
Q: I live in northern california.I have what I think is vinca minor growing on a slope doing great in ...
A: Euonymus coloratus looks similar and likes the sun. It can be semi-evergreen in some climates. ...
|
| dog urine spots on lawn | 5/24/2009 |
Q: We have bare spots on the lawn of our rental property from the former tenets dogs....how should I ...
A: First check your pH. It should be around 6.5 and add lime if it's too low, sulphur if it's too high. ...
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| soil issues | 5/16/2009 |
Q: my husband has been working really hard on our lawn. and now we have a flea problem. we were told to ...
A: Hydrated lime is not labeled as an insecticide so I don't know why anyone would suggest it. It may ...
|
| iron is soil killing grass & plants | 5/15/2009 |
Q: Savannah GA. Just found out that my yard has iron in the soil that was brought in at time of ...
A: Lime is the cheapest and best fix, but you still need more. Apply another 40 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. ...
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| soil issues | 5/14/2009 |
Q: my husband has been working really hard on our lawn. and now we have a flea problem. we were told to ...
A: Hydrated lime changes the pH rapidly. If he used 40-50 lbs per 1000 square feet or less, just water ...
|
| Blob on my sets!!!! | 5/12/2009 |
Q: Reently I planted some onion sets. They are doing well except one a.m. while inspecting, found some ...
A: You have to be very careful with soap and oil sprays on veggies. It is very easy to fry the foliage. ...
|
| browning of cedars | 5/11/2009 |
Q: My area of the country is renowned for granite outcroppings. Indeed, our cellar floor is bedrock ...
A: Check you pH. Junipers and true cedars should be fine in the 5.5 to 6.5 range. Adjust the pH to ...
|
| Soil for typical christmas tree | 5/10/2009 |
Q: I have a small christmas tree in a pot, which needs repotting into a larger one, what kind of soil ...
A: Take a look at the soil in the container. You want to match the soil type it is currently growing ...
|
| Blob on my sets!!!! | 5/8/2009 |
Q: Reently I planted some onion sets. They are doing well except one a.m. while inspecting, found some ...
A: It sounds like neck rot, a fungal disease. It's usually associated with too much nitrogen, so be ...
|
| Soil & my corn crop | 5/5/2009 |
Q: I live in Cent. Texas where soil is sandy. I have had good luck with hybrid sweet corn in the past ...
A: A light dose of a high nitrogen fertilizer when it's past the 3-leaf stage will really make it jump. ...
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| Acidic soil under pines vs oaks | 5/5/2009 |
Q: It is my understanding that the fallen needles (leaves) of a pine tree are in the pH range of 6.2 ...
A: It's not as simple as it sounds. The pH of the foliage is dependant on the pH of the soil and the ...
|
| Potting | 5/3/2009 |
Q: I have several large pots (whiskey barrels, etc.). Is it o.k. to keep the soil in from year to ...
A: I replace the soil in my containers every other year. At the beginning of the second year, I add in ...
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| Otto Luykin laurels | 5/2/2009 |
Q: I had 5 of these laurels, planted in Fall 08. Zone 6, clay, alkaline soil in my area. This Spring, ...
A: I would expect some leaf drop of the oldest, internal leaves as the new growth emerges. If the new ...
|
| Treating Cat Contaminated Soil | 4/30/2009 |
Q: I have read many of your solutions pertaining to treating cat contaminated soil, the use of hydrated ...
A: I don't think spraying will work. Five lbs. in a gallon of water poured over a small area may work, ...
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| could it be clay soil that's killing my trees and plants | 4/30/2009 |
Q: Crowder, I live in Davenport, IA (52807) in a relatively new subdivision, the front yard (north ...
A: Lift the plant and keep the roots wrapped in wet newspaper if you can't plant immediately, but try ...
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| iron is soil killing grass & plants | 4/29/2009 |
Q: Savannah GA. Just found out that my yard has iron in the soil that was brought in at time of ...
A: Your pH should be 6.5 for centipede. If it's below that, then lime is called for, but no one can ...
|
| grass covered bank well established | 4/29/2009 |
Q: I have allergies to grass and trees and since my wife died I have to mow the grass. I did hire a guy ...
A: If you want groundcover, spray the grass with glyphosate and then cover the entire bank with ...
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| could it be clay soil that's killing my trees and plants | 4/28/2009 |
Q: Crowder, I live in Davenport, IA (52807) in a relatively new subdivision, the front yard (north ...
A: Clay doesn't kill plants, people do. Heavy clay soil drains slowly. Plants native to your area ...
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| Pyramid Cedars | 4/27/2009 |
Q: I have two Pyramid Cedars about 3 feet tall that my girlfriend planted 2 years ago. She lives in ...
A: Most cedars will not re-sprout from old wood. Internal browning is a normal process. The oldest ...
|
| Garden Worms - Lumbricus terrestris UK | 4/27/2009 |
Q: My uncle called tonight regarding his neighbours patio and his lawm garden next door. His neighbour ...
A: Often they are driven to the surface because of excessive rainfall. Salt may damage surrounding ...
|
| St Augustine grass freeze problems | 4/16/2009 |
Q: I live in NE FL and have St Augustine grass. This winter was harsh in NE FL. The grass greened up ...
A: If it's freeze damage, I'd suggest very, very light frequent doses of nitrogen and frequent mowing ...
|
| Newly planted Live oak trees | 4/14/2009 |
Q: We just recently planted 16 live oak trees about 10-15 feet tall girth is about 3-4 inches. I have ...
A: It's possible the rootball was damaged in planting or it could be a water issue. Too much or too ...
|
| Bare spots, dogs, and full sun | 4/12/2009 |
Q: I have 4 dogs that spend a lot of time in my fenced backyard. I also have intense heat in the ...
A: You can't grow grass. Soil compaction from the weight of the dogs will slowly kill it. Plus, pH is ...
|
| barn lime vs. ag lime | 4/8/2009 |
Q: i recently limed a food plot on our property ,as i grabbed a bag i noticed it said 'BARN LIME' on ...
A: Without seeing the label, I'm not 100% sure, but I suspect "barn lime" is hydrated lime. It's used ...
|
| Soil pH | 4/7/2009 |
Q: Why does a change in soil pH often make nutrients unavailable to plant roots?
A: pH is basically the potential Hydrogen ion availability in the soil. The lower the pH, the more ...
|
| bare spots | 4/5/2009 |
Q: my lawn is only 3 yrs old (new home) and i am having problems with bare spots/ thin spots in my lawn ...
A: Bare spots can be caused by a number of reasons. Soil compaction, root competition from trees, ...
|
| Potted Plants | 4/1/2009 |
Q: I have tries to grow some stimmy plants in pots. I fertilize a mixture of soil & potting soil, in ...
A: Hard to tell what the problem is. Every type of plant has different needs. Some need full sun, ...
|
| Flower Beds | 4/1/2009 |
Q: What is the difference between top soil and garden soil? Which soil would be better for our flower ...
A: In nature, top soil is on top, garden soil is under it. If you're buying it, the definition isn't ...
|
| dolomitic lime | 3/30/2009 |
Q: I was looking for dolomitic lime for my garden, I was sold hydrated lime, is hydrated lime the same ...
A: It is not the same thing. Hydrated lime is used for pickling, whitewash and for controlling odors. ...
|
| Large rocky, weedy, backyard | 3/29/2009 |
Q: I've moved into a house that has a very large, very uneven (rocky-like)backyard in the Central ...
A: Glyphosate is very safe. Keep children and animals off until it dries. It is approved for use in ...
|
| Large rocky, weedy, backyard | 3/27/2009 |
Q: I've moved into a house that has a very large, very uneven (rocky-like)backyard in the Central ...
A: Since you have mostly weeds, I'd spray it with glyphosate to kill all the weeds. Wait a couple of ...
|
| Some sort of disease in my soil | 3/25/2009 |
Q: In one of my garden beds when I dig it up there is a lot of white stuff which smells a bit like ...
A: I suspect it is a fungus. The "mushroom" you see is just the reproductive structure. Most of the ...
|
| Blue Hydrangeas - Time it takes to change | 3/23/2009 |
Q: I am adding aluminum sulfate to my hydrangea bed (around plant drip lines) to change color to blue. ...
A: I've seen them change within a couple of weeks, but I think you need to add more. I'd add 1 to 2 ...
|
| Fungus in soil | 3/23/2009 |
Q: What is the best way to treat/eradicate white (bright white, colour of white paint - it does not ...
A: Many fungi that grow on decomposing matter in your soil are not harmful to your plant, but some are. ...
|
| cat urine in garden | 3/22/2009 |
Q: Read your hydrated lime solution to the cat urine smell in the garden. I would like to know if the ...
A: When dry, it can irritate mucous membranes, once watered, it's not a problem. Continued use on a ...
|
| clay soil | 3/17/2009 |
Q: I have tilled up a large area of my yard but the clay still remains in large chunks. Is there ...
A: The only way I know to break it up without tilling repeatedly is to drag a piece of chain link fence ...
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| Hill needs to be fixed or graded | 3/17/2009 |
Q: I live in Orlando Florida. I have a hillside by our pool, I am trying to head off a potential ...
A: I'd add soil. Build your first wall at the fence about 18" high. Add soil until it is level. ...
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| Hill needs to be fixed or graded | 3/16/2009 |
Q: I live in Orlando Florida. I have a hillside by our pool, I am trying to head off a potential ...
A: I can't tell much from your picture. If it was my property, I'd terrace the hill with 3 short ...
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| garden soil | 3/16/2009 |
Q: We have just moved to new home and the previous owners and a large dog pen in the back yard. This ...
A: You can buy inexpensive test kits or meters at most garden centers. Many independent garden centers ...
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| lawn drainage | 3/16/2009 |
Q: It was built 4 or 5 years ago and my lawn doesn't drain well. When digging in the flower beds ...
A: Clay is not bad, it just packs down and drains slowly. Yards should be sloped to drain surface ...
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| Red Tip Photinia -- Nitrogen or Iron deficiency | 3/16/2009 |
Q: I live in the high desert - Cottonwood area, 3500 ft elevation, of Arizona. I have several red tip ...
A: Check your pH. It should be between 5.5 - 6. If the pH is out of line, many nutrients that are ...
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| Worms from Cat Feces in Soil | 3/13/2009 |
Q: I have read through all the Q&A's about cat feces and soil but haven't found this one yet. My yard ...
A: I don't think they are from the cat feces but without a positive identification, I can't be sure. ...
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| hot onions | 3/10/2009 |
Q: My onions always are to hot to eat is it my soil if so what to do.
A: Hard, packed soil can cause onions to have more intense flavor. Onions with the highest water ...
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| crimson bottlebrush | 3/8/2009 |
Q: I have a hedge of crimson bottlebrush and some of them die. I have replanted and some and they tend ...
A: Without seeing them, hard to tell. But since you said you are not there is the summer, it's ...
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| soil amendments | 3/7/2009 |
Q: The flowers on the north side of my house do not flourish as they should. We have a large pine tree ...
A: Loosen the soil thoroughly and work in compost or finely ground pine bark. Each annual should have ...
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| tree stumps and grass | 2/28/2009 |
Q: I lost forty white pines trees do to storms in northern ky. I had the stumps grind down to a few ...
A: I'd sow annual ryegrass over the area first. It's cheap, comes up in a few days and can be ...
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| alkaline to acidic | 2/27/2009 |
Q: I'm in San Antonio, TX, where the soil is mostly alkaline. It is underlain by a layer of chalk or ...
A: I would first check your pH. The maple should do well with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Mix the humus ...
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| soil recipe for new bed | 2/27/2009 |
Q: I am putting down plastic sheeting covered with 8" of topsoil, using railroad ties as borders 4' x ...
A: Blood meal is a nitrogen fertilizer, lime raises your pH. Without a soil test, it's impossible to ...
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| Proper soil drainage? | 2/24/2009 |
Q: Crowder. I have purchased my first home and look forward to landscaping with spring. I have been ...
A: Dig a hole about 12" deep and wide. Fill it with water. If the water is gone in under an hour, you ...
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| lemon tree | 2/23/2009 |
Q: Have a eureka lemon tree for about 2 years and have had difficulty keeping leaves on the tree. ...
A: Citrus need lots of fertilizer, water and full sun (minimum of 8 hours). When they drop foliage, ...
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| Soil and front lawn | 2/23/2009 |
Q: Our front lawn is predominantly clay and the grass regardless never seems to get very thick. ...
A: There isn't a grass that will live under the constant traffic of a large dog. Along fencerows, ...
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| White resdue on soil | 2/22/2009 |
Q: I recently repotted a cactus plant and it has been slowly dying and i have noticed the soil has ...
A: Fungus grows on decomposing organic mattter. It may have nothing to do with your cactus dying. I ...
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| potting soil | 2/14/2009 |
Q: we want to produce potting soil.We can locally source compost made out of sawdust,leaves and grass ...
A: The key word is "quality" potting soil. A quality soil is blended based on need. Particle size, ...
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| Bugs in soil | 2/14/2009 |
Q: I have read that there are more living things in a handful of healthy soil than there are people on ...
A: A gram of soil, depending on the fertility, can have from 1 milllion to 650 million bacteria. ...
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| Landscaping soil expert needed | 2/11/2009 |
Q: Subject: Landscaper and soils expert needed in Houston February 11, 2009 Dear Mr. Crowder: How ...
A: McCann, I don't think I can help you. I run a small business and would not be available for travel. ...
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| ash and soil | 2/6/2009 |
Q: ash from a solid fuel burning stove has for some time been dumped on land where I would like to ...
A: As long as the ashes are from firewood, no treated lumber or artificial fireplace logs, a light ...
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| Soil Test | 2/1/2009 |
Q: I sent a soil sample to the University of New Hampshire for testing. I was wondering if you could ...
A: Their recommendations are clear and correct. Cost? Don't know. It depends on where you live. I'd ...
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| soil smell | 1/24/2009 |
Q: In a commrcial indoor planting, we have an floor where the plants, all in separate pots, smell ...
A: When you add water to dry plants, the smell returns. That indicates the soil is the problem and ...
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| fugus | 1/24/2009 |
Q: A sort of dangerous white fungus has spread on the floor of my house.Please suggest effective ...
A: If you have been told by an expert that it is dangerous, then you should follow their recommendation ...
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| soil | 1/24/2009 |
Q: i'm planning a new vegetable garden on a piece of ground that we previously didn't use for growing ...
A: it will depend on which weed killer you used. If it was glyphosate, no problem. Trimec should be ...
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| soil smell | 1/23/2009 |
Q: In a commrcial indoor planting, we have an floor where the plants, all in separate pots, smell ...
A: Odor from soil/mulch is usually associated with water standing in the bottom of a container after ...
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| soil and pasta | 1/23/2009 |
Q: I acquired about 30 pounds of dry pasta that had bugs in it. Can I incorporate this into my compost ...
A: You can add it to your compost pile. Turn it often and when it's composted, you can use the compost ...
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| hard soil | 1/19/2009 |
Q: my front yard will not take seed. it is so hard it cant catch hold and grow . can i use lime to ...
A: You may need lime, but it will not loosen your soil. There is no quick and easy fix. You'll need ...
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| backyard lawn destoyed by dog waste | 1/18/2009 |
Q: Jim, First, Thank you for your time, hours, you spend answering our questions. In this 3/2007 ...
A: Yes, it will speed up decay, but in cold weather, it will be slower than in warm weather. The heat ...
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| Madagascar Palm | 1/17/2009 |
Q: I have a madagascar plam root bound in a pot about 2' tall I live in Sarasota Florida the sand is ...
A: I think it would be fine to plant it in your yard. It should grow well in your soil. If you choose ...
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| biodegradable packing peanuts | 1/8/2009 |
Q: Can I grind up these and use them on the lawn or garden as a herbicide like the corn gluten?
A: I don't know. You should contact the manufacturer of the packing peanuts to see what's in them. ...
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| Soil compaction | 1/7/2009 |
Q: We're trying to put in a Virginia native garden in the city of Charlottesville over a plot where an ...
A: I'd rent a power auger and bore down 4 feet to get an accurate vies of the soil layers. I suspect ...
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| nematodes | 1/6/2009 |
Q: how do I get rid of nematodes in my garden?, and could you give me some names of resistant plants to ...
A: Your local independent garden center should have, or be able to get, chiton for you. It is made ...
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| drainage problem | 1/3/2009 |
Q: I have attempted to attached two photos which depict a drainage problem we have on the hill behind ...
A: You don't need an irrigation system, but you will need to apply water to get anything started. A ...
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| rocky soil | 1/3/2009 |
Q: Ironite was recommended by the guy who aerated my lawn this past fall. Due to the Very rocky soil ...
A: I grew up near Charlotte and we owned property on the Rocky River in Cabarrus Co. at one time. I ...
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| drainage problem | 1/2/2009 |
Q: I have attempted to attached two photos which depict a drainage problem we have on the hill behind ...
A: The soil needs to have some clay in it to be able to pack it down. Bagged top soil will wash with ...
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| drainage problem | 12/31/2008 |
Q: I have attempted to attached two photos which depict a drainage problem we have on the hill behind ...
A: I would shorten the drain pipe back to where it is completely underground, then attach flexible ...
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| Myoporum/Oleander | 12/31/2008 |
Q: We removed a very mature hedge of myoporum (trunks 4-5 inches)by cutting to the ground. We then ...
A: Myoporum is toxic to animals, but I've never seen any reference to the toxins inhibiting plant ...
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| compost | 12/22/2008 |
Q: I have a large quantity of Pine saw dust,50 cubic yards, from some logging I did two years ago. ...
A: If it's been exposed to the weather and not "hot" when you dig into the pile, then it's fine to use ...
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| Moldy soil & improper pots? | 11/29/2008 |
Q: I made some very absorbent, unglazed ceramic vases in Japan out of Red Mino clay. If I fill them ...
A: With a material that porous, I think a glaze is the only way to prevent mold from growing on the ...
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| Drainage Issues | 11/23/2008 |
Q: We have a big problem and are not sure where to go for help. During the fall, winter and spring ...
A: A good landscape/drainage contractor is where I would start. There may be some plumbing issues ...
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| voles or moles? | 11/22/2008 |
Q: Our drainfield area was reseeded after we purchased our home. The grass grew nicely but in just a ...
A: could be moles. Their digging lifts the grass which allows the roots to dry out. Normally, a ...
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| New home | 11/16/2008 |
Q: The excavation of my new house is completed and now I am left with about a half acre of graded dirt. ...
A: Where you live will determine the type grass and proper time for sowing seed. Southern turf grasses ...
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| making topsoil better | 11/14/2008 |
Q: I own an earth moving company and I have used all my good topsoil that I got off my property and I ...
A: the most important thing to add is organic matter. Leaves, grass clippings, finely ground bark, ...
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| Lime | 11/12/2008 |
Q: .. I have a large bag of lime that I purchased several years ago and presume that I had a specific ...
A: You may not need to add lime to your garden, only a pH test would tell. But 40 lbs. added to 1000 ...
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| identification of pest problem in soil | 11/11/2008 |
Q: We have noticed that much of our yard (which is sandy soil)looks like it is covered in tiny ant ...
A: There are a number of soil tunneling insects, beetle larvae, etc. and I still wouldn't rule out ...
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| Stinky dirt | 11/2/2008 |
Q: I recently bought a house that had been a rental for many years. Most of the people were, bluntly, ...
A: Look for a bag of Hydrated Lime. Follow the instructions and dust the area with it. It does an ...
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| Moss on Soil | 10/30/2008 |
Q: Moss on soil of plant brought in from outdoors for the winter. How do I kill the moss with out ...
A: Moving it indoors may kill it. Light and humidity will be lower, so it may die on it's own. You ...
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| soil fungus | 10/26/2008 |
Q: Crowder, I have several trees in various locations on my two acre lot that were planted up to four ...
A: I've got a problem with that diagnosis also. The first thing I'd suspect would be improper ...
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| Blue Point Juniper | 10/26/2008 |
Q: I planted two bp junipers on each side of entry sidewalk. One is doing really well the other seems ...
A: If they haven't been planted long, I think you've got a water problem or possibly spider mites. ...
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| What type of soil for garden? | 10/22/2008 |
Q: ..My husband was nice enough to put in 3 raised beds that are approximately 10' x 12'. They are ...
A: You are right, it's a soil problem...you didn't use any! Manure is a soil conditioner, not a soil. ...
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| Replacing pond with lawn | 10/21/2008 |
Q: I recently purchased a house with a 15ft x 4ft pond in the back garden. Because we have a small ...
A: I'd spread 3-4 inches of compost, grass clippings or leaves over the area and till it into the top 6 ...
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| soil types | 10/21/2008 |
Q: I live in Brownsville, Texas and there is mostly clay soil. We added topsoil a few years ago and ...
A: the correct thing to do when renovating a lawn is spread your soil and then till it into the ...
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| burning bushes | 10/20/2008 |
Q: What type of soil will help burning bushes grow and become deep red? I have three two are still ...
A: They aren't very picky about soil. In fact, the sale of them is banned in a number of states ...
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| Acidic soil for Gardenias | 10/10/2008 |
Q: I have 7 gardenias that were in South Carolina red clay, after finding out that doesn't work I ...
A: Yes it could. The top of the rootball should be at least 1" above your soil line. In times of ...
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| Lawn & Garden Lime | 10/9/2008 |
Q: I live in central Florida. I have a 50 lb. bag of lawn and garden lime which I bought several years ...
A: Lime should only be applied if needed. Most independent garden centers will usually check your pH ...
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| Acidic soil for Gardenias | 10/8/2008 |
Q: I have 7 gardenias that were in South Carolina red clay, after finding out that doesn't work I ...
A: A pH of 5.5 is ideal, 7 is too high. Use a little aluminum or iron sulfate to lower it. Clay is ...
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| Hydrated lime | 10/5/2008 |
Q: Can hydrated lime be used in a dog pen to control odor? Is exposure to hydrated lime harmful to ...
A: Hydrated lime is labeled for use around stables and dog pens for odor control. After application, ...
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| Fungus infection in soil. | 9/28/2008 |
Q: An area in my garden border has produced some large toadstools. Digging around them the soil shows ...
A: Your two plants may have died from a root disease, but I don't think the mushrooms are associated ...
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| Clay Soil | 9/27/2008 |
Q: I have been reading your answers in relation to clay soil and planting in these conditions. I have ...
A: For your trees and shrubs, just site preparation when you plant is fine. To establish a healthy ...
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| Strawberries | 9/26/2008 |
Q: Crowder thank you in advance for your help.For the past 3 years my strawberries have died 8-10 weeks ...
A: Here in Tennessee, the state university will test your soil for just a couple dollars per sample. ...
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| Massangeana Cane (corn plant) | 9/12/2008 |
Q: My name is Hannah Nguyen. MY husband bought a massangeana plant before chrismast. It was really ...
A: You are correct about the pot size. It should not have been re-potted. They are very susceptible ...
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| white matter on soil | 9/12/2008 |
Q: Every year my raised flower beds start having a white substance on top of the soil. I am not sure ...
A: It sounds like a fungus from your description and it's probably harmless to your plants. Cultivating ...
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| Spikes Dracaena and peace lilies | 9/11/2008 |
Q: The spikes plant was a gift. When I rec'd it the roots were coming out of the bottom of the pot so ...
A: Most tropical plants perform better when they are root bound. Mostly, because they drink up water ...
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| pine cone mulch | 9/10/2008 |
Q: I have an abundant supply of pine cones and am shredding them into mulch. I am not sure what the PH ...
A: I'd use it to plant with and as a mulch. It may, over time, lower your pH, but you should be ...
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| slimy red tubular fungus 1-3 inches.... | 9/10/2008 |
Q: I live in SE Pennsylvania, and I have several red, slimy, tubular fungus/mushrooms growing in my ...
A: There is a late summer mushroom know as "witches cap" that is red with a yellow stalk. The timing ...
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| Excessive alkali in well water | 9/9/2008 |
Q: Here I am again from rural Reno, NV. Bought a soils test kit and found that I have a very high ...
A: I think you should first fix the water. If you keep adding the water, you can't fix the problem. ...
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| adding soil | 9/9/2008 |
Q: I have a well-established lawn on one side of my house, but unfortunately, I need to add about 2-3 ...
A: Your choice depends on the type grass. Fescue, blugrass and other cool season grasses, probably ...
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| Soil drainage problem | 9/9/2008 |
Q: I dug a hole to put a shrub in. I noticed that it was extremely dry and hard compared to the rest ...
A: Dig your hole very wide, about 3 times the width of the root ball, but no deeper than the rootball. ...
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| soil mixture for out door pots for growing reeper vegetables | 9/3/2008 |
Q: I am making a terrace garden. The volume of each pot is about 100 liters.I have used ordinary soil ...
A: Adding coarse rock or gravel to your soil mix will speed drainage and filling the pot 1/3 to 1/2 ...
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| Fungus and fungus gnats in Miracle Gro Potting Mix | 9/2/2008 |
Q: This year I purchased Miracle Gro Potting Mix for the first time. This soil was used for my front ...
A: Mold/fungus/mushrooms are likely wherever there is decomposing organic matter and moisture. Fungus ...
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| Fixing my terrible lawn!!! | 9/2/2008 |
Q: My name is Will and I live just outside city limits in a town that is inbetween the deciduous ...
A: You can use these products anytime the temperature is above 40 degrees and below 85 degrees. ...
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| Fixing my terrible lawn!!! | 9/2/2008 |
Q: My name is Will and I live just outside city limits in a town that is inbetween the deciduous ...
A: All the weeds you mentioned are considered "broadleaf weeds" and can be easily killed with any ...
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| planting in soil that has cat feces/urine in it | 9/1/2008 |
Q: I live in the city with a small backyard and garden which is shady due to the other buildings ...
A: Test the soil pH. It probably is acidic. You can loosen the soil, add lime (how much depends on ...
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| Stunted plants in rural Reno, NV | 9/1/2008 |
Q: Have had an ongoing problem with stunted plants, in containers, a small garden patch, and my entire ...
A: It's not likely anything in the water but ask your neighbors if they have the same problem. If so, ...
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| lawn | 8/18/2008 |
Q: Have a lawn that is mostly just patches of grass and weeds. Tried planting grass seed in the bare ...
A: You need to determine why the patches are bare. Is it from soil compaction or shade? Adding soil ...
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| mold growing inside the bag of purchased house plant potting soil | 8/15/2008 |
Q: I recently purchased a name brand of potting soil to do my indoor potting and re-potting. The soil ...
A: I certainly would not use the soil for indoor plants. Most fungus that grow on soil do not hurt the ...
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| Soil | 8/14/2008 |
Q: I have a 300 year old Oak tree (approx) in my garden and I've heard about soil re-conditioning. Can ...
A: Sims, Around an existing tree in good health, I would add liquid or granular humates and liquid ...
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| Plastic Soil | 8/6/2008 |
Q: I recently purchased a new home and have had a number of drainage issues. One landscaper mentioned ...
A: I'm afraid I'm not much help. I haven't a clue what he means by plastic soil. I thought maybe I'd ...
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| Why will my garden plants not grow? | 8/6/2008 |
Q: We moved into our new house last year and this spring I planted a few pepper plants, tomato plants ...
A: only add lime if you need to. Have your soil tested and then adjust the pH if necessary. A little ...
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| clayey soil | 8/5/2008 |
Q: i want to start a vegetable garden but the soil is very clayey, how do i improve it?
A: Till the garden to loosen the soil. Then add a couple of inches of leaves, grass clippings, ...
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| soil erosion | 8/4/2008 |
Q: We live in TX. We bought a house which was built in 1997. After we moved in i noticed in one day ...
A: Use the same type soil that is in the bed, not bagged soil. If it's clay, use clay. Continue to ...
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| Bare spots | 8/4/2008 |
Q: Mr. Crowder; I hope you can help me, I appreciate you volunteering for this service. I live in ...
A: New homes usually have several lawn issues. Soil compaction from construction equipment, buried ...
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| Nematodes | 8/3/2008 |
Q: I think I found the problem to the stunting and eventual decimation of my ginger plants---NEMATODES. ...
A: Microscopic examination might tell you for sure and some types, like root-knot nematodes, may be ...
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| astibes | 8/3/2008 |
Q: I have about twenty astibes that I divided two years ago. I've had them for five years. Although I ...
A: Astilbes like moist but well drained soil. By mid July, mine look pretty bad from the heat, so I ...
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| Dog Urine on Maple Tree | 7/24/2008 |
Q: I live in Atlanta, GA and have an approximately 5 year old maple tree that has been damaged by male ...
A: It's best to just monitor the split. Don't cover it with anything and no pruning paint. If there ...
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| plant poisoning? | 7/23/2008 |
Q: I have a row of Rose of Sharons planted along my fence. They were little twigs when they started ...
A: Without sending off soil and tissue samples to be tested, you can't know if it was intentional or ...
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| clay soil | 7/21/2008 |
Q: I don't know anything about plants. I just know that I want some in front of my house. There was a ...
A: Most plants will not tolerate standing water. You'll need to elevate the bed to help drainage. You ...
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| mulch tilled into clay soil | 7/21/2008 |
Q: read your article on mulch and nitrogen. 3 years ago I established new beds, and was advised – and ...
A: the mulch should be done. The chlorosis could be from the soil staying too wet. Water locks up iron ...
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| mulch tilled into clay soil | 7/20/2008 |
Q: read your article on mulch and nitrogen. 3 years ago I established new beds, and was advised – and ...
A: decomposition is complete now. You'll need to add nitrogen in a well balanced fertilizer every ...
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| Dog Urine on Maple Tree | 7/19/2008 |
Q: I live in Atlanta, GA and have an approximately 5 year old maple tree that has been damaged by male ...
A: I don't think the dogs had anything to do with what's happening to your tree. The roots are well ...
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| fertilizer | 7/17/2008 |
Q: last year i was using naturize fertilizer time release granules and my small garden produce lots of ...
A: Regular water soluble Miracle Gro is not a timed released fertilizer. It's good, it's quick, but ...
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| soil for my area | 7/15/2008 |
Q: I have decided to start a flower garden and vegetable garden and plant shrubs. Now, in digging the ...
A: I'd choose none of the above. Go to your garden center and look for a finely ground pine bark. ...
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| Can mushrooms harm vegatable garden & ant control | 7/15/2008 |
Q: I have several raised vegetable garden plots and I am continually pulling small tannish brown ...
A: Mushrooms are not harming your garden, just don't eat them. Ants aren't normally a problem, but a ...
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| Inoculaid | 7/14/2008 |
Q: Tell me what you think about the product Inoculaid.
A: I was not familiar with the product. I did a little research on the Internet and this I can tell ...
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| Dying grass on drain field | 7/13/2008 |
Q: What would be the most likely causes for dying grass directly over the individual drain legs of my ...
A: If the ground is wet there, I suspect either root rot/fungal problems or a toxin that has been added ...
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| Black walnut trees | 7/12/2008 |
Q: We removed a black walnut tree 8 years ago. I was wondering if the toxins would be out of the soil ...
A: Juglone is known to be released for several years as the roots begin to decay. It does not move ...
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| Organic Soil | 7/10/2008 |
Q: I'm building an extensive raised bed vegetable garden in Palm Desert, CA. Can you recommend how to ...
A: The type soil you use should be blended to best suit the plants you intend to grow. "Organic" soil ...
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| Maple Tree Issue | 7/8/2008 |
Q: I have a maple tree about 9" in circumfrence (fire maple?). Anyway, every year about this time the ...
A: Physiological leaf scorch is caused by water evaporating from the leaves faster than it can be ...
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| Red Tip Photinia | 7/7/2008 |
Q: I live in So Cal, low desert/inland Temecula/Riverside. I have a hedge of photinia's around our ...
A: It sounds like they are drowning from your description. Check you pH, make sure it is in the 5-6 ...
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| Rock Hillside Walkway | 7/4/2008 |
Q: My husband has created a rock stairway leading down the side of our hillside, my questions is, "Is ...
A: If you use builder's (sharp) sand, it will pack and you'll get very little wash. You may need to ...
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| I think my soil is too acidic | 7/4/2008 |
Q: I was hoping you could please help me. I have two balcony containers with ivy, begonias, and ...
A: Since you think soil is the problem, then that's the first and immediate thing we should change. ...
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| PH lower | 7/3/2008 |
Q: BEEN TRYING TOO GROW CeNTERPede ph 7.3 i over seeded with a seeder and at the same time applied ...
A: I'm not familiar enough with Tifblair to answer your question. Contact: Larry Johnson General Farm ...
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| Soil wetness | 7/1/2008 |
Q: I have two flower beds along my east fence and south fence that are constantly wet. I incorporated ...
A: Your best option now is to plant a few things that like water to help dry up the bed. Check with ...
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| I don't know what to plant! | 6/29/2008 |
Q: We bought our house at the end of last summer and have spent the year so far updating the house ...
A: Take pictures of your place and then go visit your local independent garden centers. Visit several ...
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| Draining | 6/27/2008 |
Q: After a long construction around my house, the soil is very compact and hard. My landscaper has ...
A: If it's fungal, you'll need to treat it with a fungicide before it will grow back or you re-seed. ...
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| HELP NOTHING WILL GROW! | 6/27/2008 |
Q: We have been experiencing severe drought seasons the last 2 years I've lived in North Carolina. I ...
A: With water restrictions, there's just not much you can do but switch to extremely drought tolerant ...
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| Slime Mold Powder | 6/27/2008 |
Q: In response to: Question Same problem in MA as man in TN 7/5/07. I sprayed the yellow mound with my ...
A: the spores (powder) could aggravate your allergies so I'd wear a dust mask if you have outdoor ...
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| Ants and more Ants and bugs | 6/26/2008 |
Q: I think you can answer this simple question. I live in Port St. Lucie, Fl and as you know red ants ...
A: I see no problem blending two products and applying them together as long as you are following label ...
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| soil issue? grass dying | 6/26/2008 |
Q: We have replanted 350 sq ft of sod 5 times now. The first time we rototilled and added different ...
A: It's very possible it's fungal. You didn't say what kind of grass it is or anything about the ...
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| Burnt Lawn | 6/25/2008 |
Q: not sure if you are the right person, but here goes. In March I applied a weed and feed (Menard's ...
A: Weed and feed products should be applied to wet grass so it sticks to the foliage. Then we prefer ...
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| White colored fungus(?) under crabapple tree | 6/25/2008 |
Q: We've noticed this under our crabapple tree and also that plants we put in under that tree do not do ...
A: There may be other reasons that plants die under the crabapple, but since the fungus is there, ...
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| Insecticide / Garden Dying | 6/25/2008 |
Q: I used "Origins" multi-purpose insect control on several plants in my garden. I came home after work ...
A: I'm not familiar with "Origins" and a quick search of the Internet did not help. Usually wilting ...
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| white stuff (maybe mold) growing on soil | 6/23/2008 |
Q: I have some white stuff growing on the soil outside in one area of my yard. It was there last year ...
A: It is a fungus. The majority of it is underground, what you see is mostly the reproductive ...
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| rust colored mushrooms? | 6/22/2008 |
Q: I live in so. Texas and in one part of a shady lawn and void of grass there are two 4" high objects ...
A: It is a mushroom, the orange dust coming out... billions of spores. Spraying with a lawn approved ...
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| plant red tips | 6/20/2008 |
Q: When is the best time to plant red tips?
A: Fall is the best time to plant. You'll get good root development before the stress of the next ...
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| dog poop in veggie garden | 6/20/2008 |
Q: Last week, I planted cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, and sweet peppers in a small section of ...
A: I'd leave the garden where it is and not worry about it. You might check your pH to make sure it's ...
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| Erosion Control | 6/19/2008 |
Q: We are having our house built and are presently in the foundation stage. In order to accommodate ...
A: I'm not a big fan of mass planting junipers. They get spider mites and bagworms and they are a pain ...
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| cat urine killing my petunias | 6/19/2008 |
Q: There are many cats in my neighborhood, none of which are mine that are coming into my wire fenced ...
A: Have your pH checked. It may be acidic from the urine and it can be raised with lime. It may not ...
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| Sod tray for a roof deck? | 6/19/2008 |
Q: I'm interested in installing a patch of grass on a roof deck. I don't know much about this stuff, ...
A: Not a dumb idea, but a few things to consider... The size. Will your deck support the weight when ...
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| Yellow/orange/tan mold-like substance | 6/18/2008 |
Q: I was wondering if you have ever come across areas of soft yellow/tan mold-like substances. We have ...
A: It's a slime mold. It grows on decomposing wood mulch and is quite common. It doesn't hurt anything ...
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| Soil mold?? | 6/13/2008 |
Q: I have lived in my house for 9 years and have had problems for the last 2 years with bald patches on ...
A: Grass is difficult to grow under trees. Grasses are sun loving plants. You don't see them when you ...
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| soil | 6/13/2008 |
Q: Bought top soil I mixed it with compost, we had allot of rain after putting seed in and now its hard ...
A: If you mixed compost with the top soil, the soil should be fine. The surface may appear hard, but ...
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| appropriate vegetation killer | 6/12/2008 |
Q: I have recently moved into a newly built property and the garden is an absolute jungle. I've ...
A: Glyphosate would be my choice. Sold under the name Round-Up and available cheaper under various ...
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| Lawn care with shale | 6/11/2008 |
Q: My home and lawn on built completely on shale. The lawn consists of the sod, a sprinkling of sandy ...
A: In soil that shallow, you don't have much option but to shorten the time and increase the frequency. ...
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| Sewage Lines in back yard | 6/11/2008 |
Q: why would these line that run from septic tank grass turn brown. most yards are a darker green ...
A: two reasons I know of. One, some septic additives (root killers) etc. may be toxic to the grass. ...
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| smell from the soil | 6/10/2008 |
Q: I have 4 different plants in the same area- Goldfish plant, Mother-in law Tongue plant,Jade and ...
A: It's probably just from fungus that is growing in the soil. I suspect it will not hurt your plants, ...
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| garden soil | 6/9/2008 |
Q: While preparing a shrub bed in an existing garden of weeds, I came across an area about 2x2 that had ...
A: I suspect it's something from contruction of the home. Check the pH. If it's OK, then I'd sow a ...
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| Two different grases | 6/6/2008 |
Q: We had our house built (near Raleigh, NC) two years ago. The contractor was nice enough to sod the ...
A: You are right, both have their advantages. You just need to make a choice of which you want the ...
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| Corkscrew Willow Salt Water Damaged by Neighbor | 6/5/2008 |
Q: I have a corkscrew willow tree that I moved last year. It seemed to be doing well and then I noticed ...
A: I think one application of gypsum should be enough. Continue to water it thoroughly to help flush ...
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| growing grass on hard clay soil | 6/4/2008 |
Q: James, We have a acre lot where we just built a home, grass,weeds, are all pretty much gone from the ...
A: You want to avoid layers of different textured soil. You just need to loosen the clay from the ...
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| Lawn over hard clay soil | 6/3/2008 |
Q: James, my question is two fold. Can i spray liquified sheetrock over the lawn, and can I make a ...
A: I would not apply sheetrock to a lawn. If you need to adjust your pH, use lime. In heavy clay ...
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| dead grass over septic | 6/3/2008 |
Q: a round patch of grass dies each year right over our septic tank (which was emptied but not ...
A: Two possibilities. It may be fungal. Go see your local nurseryman for a broad spectrum soil ...
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| Planting or pairing alternating seasonal crops for quality in a chemically balanced soil ???? | 5/30/2008 |
Q: What crop is best planted prior season to yield quality watermelon crop? We want to plant ...
A: Without running soil tests, your best source of information will be your county agent. He'll be ...
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| Pesticides | 5/29/2008 |
Q: We believe our grass is full of pests (for sure we know it is full of spiders, as we woke up in one ...
A: You'll need to see your vet about treatment for outdoor allergies to grass and the like. The ...
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| mold in new sod | 5/28/2008 |
Q: I was given about 25 rolls of sod from a landscaping site that has some mold in it. How can I get ...
A: I'd rake out the dead tissue and then spray with a good fungicide. Check with your local ...
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| worms in soil | 5/24/2008 |
Q: i bought a songs of india plant about 2-3 weeks ago & it was in a pretty big ,cheap quality platic ...
A: Go to your local garden center and let them recommend an insecticide to kill the soil insects. The ...
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| Creating a planting area | 5/22/2008 |
Q: James, I've been reading over the internet that I can creat an area for planting in an area where ...
A: I'd avoid layers of soil. I think Pachysandra would need a minimum of 6-8" of soil. A better ...
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| acid soil under lawson pine hedge | 5/21/2008 |
Q: I think I may have made a grave era. 9 months ago i had removed, a quite large and old lawson pine ...
A: I'd use a little hydrated lime (per label instructions) and get the pH up as quickly as possible. ...
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| female urin on grass causes brown spots | 5/17/2008 |
Q: what is the best solution to eliminate this problem. I was told to use lime. TIA Lloyd Drew
A: Lime will help raise the pH, but the grass is browned by the urine. Unless you can stop the dog ...
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| clumpy soil | 5/15/2008 |
Q: I tilled my garden a couple weeks ago and it was real clumpy so I figured it was to moist and let it ...
A: Soil should not be tilled if it sticks to a shovel or the tines of your tiller. After the next ...
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| Memphis weeds | 5/14/2008 |
Q: I live in Southaven and have a fair lawn of bermuda; however crabgrass and other broadleaf weeds ...
A: Bonide has a new product (Weed Beater Plus - Crabgrass and Broadleaf Weed Killer) that will control ...
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| mossy residue on soil | 5/12/2008 |
Q: I have a large area in front of some mature pines where I'd like to plant some annuals. The soil is ...
A: Moss is an indicator of compacted soil and sometimes, but not always, acidic soil. Check your pH, ...
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| White leaves on Deutzia - pH problem? | 5/11/2008 |
Q: Maybe you can help me with the unusual appearance my deutzia has taken this spring. I have been ...
A: David, After you get the results from your pH test and adjust it accordingly, I'd trim a few inches ...
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| White leaves on Deutzia - pH problem? | 5/11/2008 |
Q: Maybe you can help me with the unusual appearance my deutzia has taken this spring. I have been ...
A: Iron deficiency is my guess, but more likely from water than pH. Has it been unusually wet lately ...
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| high salt content | 5/10/2008 |
Q: in my veg gard i had my soil tested & its a 18. partly because of the water coming through the house ...
A: Can't help you with the rabbit manure question, you'd have to send it off and have it analyzed or ...
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| Cat urine in the garden | 5/7/2008 |
Q: Our neighbors cats run wild through the neighborhood and urinate and defecate in our flower garden ...
A: You'll probably need to add lime. How much will depend on a soil test. Your local garden center ...
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| planting under pine trees | 5/6/2008 |
Q: i have 7 pine trees that line one side of my drive way, they belong to my neighbor and i just bought ...
A: The location sounds fine. Rhodies like shady, well drained, acidic soil. Check your pH, I suspect ...
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| Preparing a flower bed | 5/6/2008 |
Q: We just moved to a new house and removed the large, overgrown, shrubs that were planted out front. ...
A: I'd add another 2 inches of organic matter (preferably finely ground pink bark) and then till the ...
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| nullifying weed killer | 5/6/2008 |
Q: Help im desperate! I have used weed killer on my garden in error. At approximately four hours after ...
A: You didn't say what herbicide you used. If it was glyphosate, the plants you sprayed are dead, but ...
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| problem soil | 5/5/2008 |
Q: In fall of 2006 we cut down poplar trees and made a garden spot, but when I planted last year my ...
A: You need to loosen the soil and incorporate some organic matter. You could use leaves, grass ...
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| Two Questions | 5/4/2008 |
Q: 1. What is the PURPOSE of turf aeration? Is it to facilitate the entry of rainwater, or of air, or ...
A: Alan, I would not aerate more than once a year. The repeated damage to feeder roots may stress the ...
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| Two Questions | 5/4/2008 |
Q: 1. What is the PURPOSE of turf aeration? Is it to facilitate the entry of rainwater, or of air, or ...
A: It does improve water and air movement, but soil often becomes compacted due to foot traffic or ...
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| moss | 4/29/2008 |
Q: I live in the Portland Ore area,. in the country surrounded by fir trees. In the past several years ...
A: I would not remove it, I'd till it into the soil. Moss grows well in compacted soil with little air ...
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| Erosion | 4/27/2008 |
Q: I live in Wisconsin. We have a small creek that runs across the grass through the backyards of the ...
A: I'd start with your public works department. Storm water runoff probably falls under their ...
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| Erosion | 4/27/2008 |
Q: I live in Wisconsin. We have a small creek that runs across the grass through the backyards of the ...
A: I'm going to assume you want to fix the problem and are willing to spend money to do it instead of ...
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| soil will not absorb water | 4/26/2008 |
Q: I have recently started a little home garden in the back of my house (I live in Southeastern ...
A: I would add more compost, chopped leaves or fine bark to build your soil height and improve ...
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| Preparing to lay sod over a previous tree area | 4/24/2008 |
Q: As of yesterday, I had three stumps grinded down to about 12 inches below the original surface and ...
A: Your plan is good. You'll probably need to add extra nitrogen for this season because the ...
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| Clay / Grass. | 4/22/2008 |
Q: I live in TN and my yard is full of red clay bare spots. I have tried adding topsoil and tilling in, ...
A: Lime should be added only after you've had your pH checked. It should be 6 - 6.5 for good turf ...
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| worms | 4/21/2008 |
Q: My in-laws moved in for a few months with a dog, turns out the dog had round worms and others. I ...
A: I'm afraid I'm not going to be much help. NY has very strict pesticide laws, so you'll need to go ...
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| Dead Grass over my Septic Bed | 4/20/2008 |
Q: We laid sod down over our septic bed 3 summers ago. Last summer we had very hot and dry conditions ...
A: From what you've said, I must assume the grass just died from lack of water. I don't think it has ...
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| Fungus in soil | 4/20/2008 |
Q: I've tried to grow impatiens and vinca in my flower beds but each time I plant them they die within ...
A: It sounds like fungus. First, go see your local independent garden center. He'll sell you the ...
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| lime | 4/19/2008 |
Q: How and when of applying lime? Not pellets,the powder.I have a broadcaster do I just fill it and go? ...
A: It doesn't matter when, just the sooner you do it, the quicker your results. I would not use ...
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| Yard was top dressed with *gravel* | 4/18/2008 |
Q: My wife and I moved into a house October 07. It was brand new, with new sod etc. I got a load of ...
A: What they did was wrong. I suspect the builder told the guys to "go fill in the holes" in your yard ...
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| Amending the soil | 4/18/2008 |
Q: we live in Southeastern Ontario, Canada in a rural area. We have 2 long gardens up our path that I ...
A: If perennials are performing well, then there is no need to do anything other than site preparation ...
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| Dying Pine Tree | 4/14/2008 |
Q: I have had one pine tree die and another is on its way. I have noticed that my neighbors pine trees ...
A: My first suspicion is some type of borer, possibly turpentine or pine beetles. Look for pine holes ...
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| Lawn Soil | 4/11/2008 |
Q: I have a Tifton Bermuda lawn in Alabama. It is very "spongy", that it, my feet and lawnmower wheels ...
A: You're right, it's just the soil type. When the soil becomes saturated, it flows under the weight ...
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| compost | 4/9/2008 |
Q: What is a leaf/grass compost mix I can use that has a low amount of nutrients?
A: Dried or composted leaves have very little nutritional value, it's mostly texture. Compost your ...
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| fixing up a pre-existing raised bed | 4/8/2008 |
Q: i just moved into a new house with a muddy, weed-y raised bed in my backyard. I would like to plant ...
A: It needs to dry before you work with it. Then, add 2 inches of organic matter (leaves, finely ...
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| Topsoil | 4/8/2008 |
Q: How do I know if its nessessary to add topsoil to my vegatable garden bed?
A: Most bagged "topsoil" is a blend of composted bark or peat and a little sand. You can add this to ...
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| planting vegi's in planters with soil or mix | 4/8/2008 |
Q: we are in the military so we can get up and move at anytime. last year i planted veggies' in ...
A: Any well drained soil/container mix should do fine. The key to growing good container veggies is ...
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| grading issue | 4/8/2008 |
Q: My name is Heather Anderson. I have just purchased my first home in January and I'm having an ...
A: In most cases, it would be the builders responsibility to correct drainage problems that might cause ...
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| Protect tree trunk from raised bed | 4/7/2008 |
Q: I am planning to build a raised bed in a circle around a 20-year-old maple tree. It will be about 14 ...
A: Yes, you do not want soil, mulch or anything to come in contact with the trunk. You set yourself up ...
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| madagascar palms | 4/5/2008 |
Q: i live in phx, az. need i say more? i have a very little madagascar in a very small pot. i would ...
A: Any well drained potting soil should work. Take a look at the soil it's in. It's always best to try ...
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| gardening in sandstone | 4/4/2008 |
Q: Can you grow plants in fine sandstone? What do you add to make it better. ANSWER: Hi Maria, I'm not ...
A: Maria, If you are growing native plants to this type soil, you should not need soil additives. They ...
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| I tilled wet soil! help! | 4/4/2008 |
Q: I'm a first time home owner and gardener. I was excited to get started with gardening this year and ...
A: Don't panic. Wait until the soil is dry and till it again. It would also be a good time to add ...
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| dead spot in yard? | 4/3/2008 |
Q: I planted 20 red tip photinas in a row, spaced about 3 ft apart, about 3 1/2 years ago. The row is ...
A: Photinias are very susceptible to a leaf spot disease. If the foliage turns black, you'll need to ...
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| soil issues | 4/2/2008 |
Q: My husband and I moved into our new home last May and the only veggie that I got planted was ...
A: I'm not sure what it is either. To ease your concern, I'd first take a sample to your local county ...
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| mud | 4/1/2008 |
Q: The yard in front of my side door is red, slippery mud. What do I add and in what proportions to ...
A: I'd add 40-50% organic matter (leaves, grass clippings, finely ground pine bark, a little composted ...
|
| Seeding after grub damage | 4/1/2008 |
Q: I live in Nazareth PA. My lawn was destroyed by grubs last summer. My question is what step should ...
A: I'd be comfortable applying imidicloprid in late April to early May for season long grub control. ...
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| WET YARD | 3/31/2008 |
Q: I recently fenced in my 200 X 75 foot yard. I have two levels. The lower level is very wet. I ...
A: check with your local nurseryman to see if these are hardy in your area. Trees...willow, birch, bald ...
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| erosion | 3/29/2008 |
Q: We live in the county with no official water control except what we as homeowners think is ...
A: Without seeing this, it's hard to give you a good answer. You may be right, the ditch may be the ...
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| i am making a garden box to grow vegtables | 3/27/2008 |
Q: should i use top soil or garden soil ?
A: Probably a blend of both would be best. Most bagged topsoil is made from composted bark, but little ...
|
| centipede type worms in a house plants soil | 3/25/2008 |
Q: what are these type of worms and why are they in the soil, also should i get rid of them?
A: Centipedes like to live in moist soil with decomposing organic matter which is rich in food for ...
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| Moss on grass | 3/20/2008 |
Q: I live in Virginia and am having a problem with a large amount of moss growing where grass should be ...
A: Moss grows when grass dies. Soil compaction is the main problem, but water competition from the ...
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| very rocky soil - very high P | 3/15/2008 |
Q: I'm growing alot of tomatoes approx 250 plants. The land is at a high elevation has a slight incline ...
A: Possibly the rock or possibly the area has been blindly fertilized through the years with a ...
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| Growing grass in Tennessee | 3/14/2008 |
Q: I've just moved to TN about 2 years ago. I can't get grass to grow in my backyard. There is a large ...
A: Growing grass under trees is difficult. You never see grass growing in the forest, you never see ...
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| mold on soil | 3/14/2008 |
Q: i could really use some help... on monday i started my garden in the trays that provide the dirt ...
A: The vast majority of soil fungus are not detrimental to plants, so unless the plants appear to be ...
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| Old farmers way to improve clay soil | 3/7/2008 |
Q: I'm sending this to you because I'm 65 and have been gardening for 40 years, TX, FL, NY, NJ, Sydney ...
A: Apparently you still misunderstand. I was comparing the effects of root action on the soil, not ...
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| Potato improves clay soil faster than any other organic methods | 3/6/2008 |
Q: I was going to tell you something about the ASSUMTIONS you made about my advice AND my gardening ...
A: You apparently misunderstood. I was complimenting you on your idea and just pointing out that most ...
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| Old farmers way to improve clay soil | 3/5/2008 |
Q: I'm sending this to you because I'm 65 and have been gardening for 40 years, TX, FL, NY, NJ, Sydney ...
A: You are right. Nature's way of breaking up the soil is with roots. I never pull out my annuals. I ...
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| Mulch and erosion | 3/4/2008 |
Q: James, This question is really a two-parter. Moved into a new hoem recently, and am encountering ...
A: If the soil is loose fill from grading at construction, then there is a real potential for erosion ...
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| soil is clay | 3/3/2008 |
Q: I just purchase a house that was on an acre with just pine tree they remove all the pine and the ...
A: clay is good. It has good water and nutrient retention. However, clay particles are so small, they ...
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| Mud | 2/26/2008 |
Q: I recently added lots of 'topsoil' to my backyard. Underneath the topsoil is clay soil. The problem ...
A: Emily, the answer is still the same. Your hardpan is probably compacted clay which needs to be ...
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| Mud | 2/25/2008 |
Q: I recently added lots of 'topsoil' to my backyard. Underneath the topsoil is clay soil. The problem ...
A: your best option is to till the new "topsoil" into the real topsoil, the clay. I would not add ...
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| soil? | 2/25/2008 |
Q: I have 2 flowers from last year, a tulip and a daffodil, this year both grow again in their ...
A: Both tulips and daffodils need dormancy (chilling) to re-bloom. If the bulbs were firm when you ...
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| muddy, enclosed, dark back yard | 2/24/2008 |
Q: My very small, fenced in(with a wooden high fence) back yard to my condo(in Southern CA) is a mess. ...
A: Probably not. Grasses are sun loving plants. A few will survive with some shade, but you also have ...
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| garden soil | 2/19/2008 |
Q: Is it true that ash from your fireplace is good for garden soil and if so why. ANSWER: Hi Michael, ...
A: You can't tell without a soil test. You can buy very inexpensive test kits at most garden centers or ...
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| soil | 2/15/2008 |
Q: I`m looking for a soil recipe ( bone meal, bloodmeal etc.) for getting my old soil back to normal ...
A: Without a soil test, you can't know what nutrients to add or in what amounts. Focus first on the ...
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| plant growth problems | 2/14/2008 |
Q: I moved into my house about 4 years ago and at that time had the yard professionally landscaped. ...
A: Check them carefully. Often people think the plants are getting the same light when in fact they ...
|
| fungus | 2/12/2008 |
Q: I start my tomato plants from seed every year in small peat boxes.This season for the first time, ...
A: Many soil fungi are not detrimental to plants. They grow on decomposing organic matter in the soil. ...
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| plant growth problems | 2/9/2008 |
Q: I moved into my house about 4 years ago and at that time had the yard professionally landscaped. ...
A: I think lack of sun is your problem. Ginger and sedges are all sun loving plants. They will ...
|
| suffering gardenia | 2/2/2008 |
Q: My friend has this gardenia 1 year. It looks good until now, but there are how it looks today... ...
A: Sorry, can't upload your picture. pH should be 5.5. Gardenias need 6 plus hours of direct sun. ...
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| Naturize Plant Fertilizer | 1/24/2008 |
Q: I've heard that the Naturize patent has been sold. Does anyone know if this wonderful product will ...
A: Nancy, Like you, I find no further information on Naturize. In my opinion, Bio-tone Plus is indeed a ...
|
| lawn flooding | 1/23/2008 |
Q: James, I have an outside, screened in area in the back yard. When the major rain storms come and ...
A: You can't make your ground absorb water any faster during heavy rains. Your sump holes help in ...
|
| Erosion control | 1/14/2008 |
Q: Mr. Crowder, I recently dug a pond approximately 1/4 acre and 12' deep which is five sided. Sides ...
A: Two choices. Laying rock flat from the water surface to 3/4 of the way up the hill will channel the ...
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| NATURIZE Fertilizer | 1/10/2008 |
Q: Crowder, Do you know anything about a fertilizer called NATURIZE I liked it. I first used it around ...
A: Naturize is made in Jacksonville, FL and I had not heard of the product before now. I did find a ...
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| soil and early thaw question | 1/9/2008 |
Q: I'm dont know where you are, but where i am right now (north of toronto, canada) we are having ...
A: Plants native to your area have evolved with those conditions. Introduced non-native plants may not ...
|
| sand | 1/6/2008 |
Q: i have put sand down in my yard to bring the land level up i have had a small section down for about ...
A: I would rent/borrow a tiller and till the sand into the soil. Deep sand on top of soil will likely ...
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| H20 to replace potting soil | 11/30/2007 |
Q: I was wondering, is it ok to have house plants growing in vases, the roots sumerged in water instead ...
A: Most house plants will not survive long term in water. But a few plants like philodendrons and ...
|
| hard soil | 11/28/2007 |
Q: I just purchased a Pygmy Date Palm, where I want to plant it the ground is very hard (using a pitch ...
A: It should be fine. Dig your hole 2-3 times wider and just a little deeper than the plant's ...
|
| Drainage | 11/12/2007 |
Q: My yard is made up of clay type soil. I have dug a trench, installed corrugated drainage, wrapped it ...
A: I would rather have not added drains until after you added soil and then blended it with your ...
|
| Foul odor in water logged soil | 11/9/2007 |
Q: I just recently began a landscape project and have come across some issues which I hope you can ...
A: If the soil is 18" or so deep, don't worry about it. The surface soil is the most important. You ...
|
| silty loam | 11/8/2007 |
Q: I wish to increase the infiltration rate of a soil to around 1"-2" per hour to sustain a rain ...
A: If there isn't a layer of clay somewhere below 12" AND it's not raining faster than the absorption ...
|
| Soil: CEC | 11/4/2007 |
Q: What is Cation Exchange Capacity, and how does CEC affect overall health of a plant?
A: here's a simple explanation as it pertains to soils. Many plant foods (Nitrogen, Etc.) are ...
|
| 36"deep cracks appear in yard | 11/2/2007 |
Q: Denver,CO 5000sqft treeless backyard facing South. Hot sun all day, Yard was literally woody ...
A: I think you can eliminate the tree. When trees die and roots decompose, you see some slight ...
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| Beads or Eggs in Soil - I know I shouldn't panic, but... | 10/22/2007 |
Q: Jim, I know you told Brian not to panic, but I'm there already. I'm working on my 2nd Dracaena ...
A: drainage is your biggest problem. Draceana are very likely to rot if water is left in a saucer ...
|
| cat feces | 10/14/2007 |
Q: how do i keep the cats from dropping and burying feces in my gardens and new grass seed. i have pit ...
A: There are several good repellent sprays on the market, check with your local independent garden ...
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| Wet soil | 10/14/2007 |
Q: I have one area of my yard that stays wet most of the time. Are there any plants or grasses I could ...
A: Yes there are. You might check with you local nurseryman about hardiness in your area but these are ...
|
| Grading the soil around the house | 10/8/2007 |
Q: My basement is a little moist, and I was advised to grade the soil around the house so rainwater ...
A: You should exactly the same type soil you have now. It's going to be the cheapest soil available ...
|
| brown patch | 10/8/2007 |
Q: My lawn is 2 years old and has several large areas that "flare up" every winter. I am trying ...
A: Brown patch is difficult to control using only organic solutions. Mow frequently and always bag, ...
|
| Growing grass over old garden area | 10/8/2007 |
Q: I have 2 vegetable garden plots in my backyard. They measure 10 ft. x 25 ft. approx. Were there ...
A: First spray the area with glyphosate. It's a non- selective herbicide that will kill anything ...
|
| Beads/Eggs in soil | 10/7/2007 |
Q: I have many potted plants that seem to have a lot of yellow or green "beads" in the soil. My friend ...
A: Don't panic, it's fertilizer. Growers use a timed release fertilizer that looks like little round ...
|
| curling leaf on yucca | 10/7/2007 |
Q: i have a yucca..and love it..however over the past month or so i have noticed that the leaves are ...
A: I suspect you are correct. Curling leaves usually indicates a water inconsistency. Yuccas should ...
|
| Hard Soil | 10/6/2007 |
Q: I live in Corona, CA and my back yard soil is very hard. A friend think I might have clay and ...
A: All gypsum is not exactly the same, but the difference doesn't matter. I'd only use gypsum in clay ...
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| science fair- sand quality | 10/5/2007 |
Q: i was thinking of doing sand quality tests for my science fair- if children's play sand was really ...
A: I do not know of any way for you to analyze samples. I would suggest you call each manufacturer ...
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| soil mixture components for a largr planting bed | 10/2/2007 |
Q: I am going to make a perenial and shrub bed in front of my living room window. It is surrounded by ...
A: you're going to be using composted manure either way. If the pig manure is not already decomposed, ...
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| My soil is giving me a headache ! | 10/1/2007 |
Q: Arizona. Yes, soil is bad (desert) and weather is hot most of the year. I have been spending a ...
A: Every plant has different needs. Slight variations in planting depth, wind, sunlight, leaf count, ...
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| rapitest ph meter | 9/13/2007 |
Q: The device is a probe one sticks in the ground and one can then read the ph in a window. problem is ...
A: I've had one for years and years and they are fairly accurate. I've checked the results with a ...
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| Help with yard soil | 9/11/2007 |
Q: James: We moved into a new home in Central North Carolina recently. The subdivision is three years ...
A: If there's little or no grass, I'd till it instead of aerating. The deeper you can loosen the soil, ...
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| My damn jade, the oldest of the bunch, is drooping like crazy | 9/10/2007 |
Q: I have a wonderful Ming Aralia, which was, until about a week or so ago, quite healthy. I admit that ...
A: a "weeping" jade plant is usually caused from a watering problem. Too little or too much can result ...
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| Excessive weedgrowth | 9/10/2007 |
Q: I wish to convert a weed & brush infested area into a hard weed free surface. I wish to hack down ...
A: I would spray the vegetation first with glyphosate herbicide. That should give you 100% kill on ...
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| sand amendment | 9/8/2007 |
Q: James I live in western Canada,Zone 2.Soil is clay and pretty hard. My lawn does OK even though I ...
A: Adding an inch or so to your garden and tilling it into the top 8" - 10" of soil would be OK, but ...
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| non-flowering hydrangeas and pruning | 9/8/2007 |
Q: I transplanted one old hydrangea and two newer ones right next to each other on the east-side of the ...
A: Most hydrangeas bloom on old wood. Only in the last few years have we had varieties that also ...
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| crabgrass lawn/nutgrass lawn | 9/7/2007 |
Q: I am working on my lawn for nutgrass problem and my daughters for crabgrass. On daughter's sprayed ...
A: Crabgrass is dead with the first frost, nutgrass is dormant, so I wouldn't worry about spraying. ...
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| Ming Aralia suddenly dying, perhaps wet feet, dense soil? | 9/5/2007 |
Q: I have a wonderful Ming Aralia, which was, until about a week or so ago, quite healthy. I admit that ...
A: I would not bury it deeper, but I would wrap peat moss around the lower trunk as if you were air ...
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| Problem Sopt on Northern Side of the Garden | 9/4/2007 |
Q: There is a problem spot on the Northern side in our Kansas City (midwest US) garden. Every single ...
A: Here's a list of potential causes... 1. Sunlight - Azaleas are shade lovers, the other plants are ...
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| Potting Soil for Madagascar Palm | 9/3/2007 |
Q: Can you please tell me if I should use regular potting soil when transplanting a Madagascar Palm, or ...
A: If the plant has been doing well, then try to match the soil it's already planted in. If it's bark ...
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| rocks in soil | 9/3/2007 |
Q: I just moved to No. Virginia and am starting to plant shrubs and trees. The soil is clay and some ...
A: I don't think it's necessary to remove the rock. In clay soil, rock provides a pathway for roots to ...
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| Dirt | 9/2/2007 |
Q: I have a 30' x 40' pavilion that I use about twice a year for picnics. I don't want to go to the ...
A: If it were mine, I'd cover the floor with landscape fabric so no weeds would come up and then cover ...
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| Hydrangeas | 9/1/2007 |
Q: Does the soil acidity affect the color of the flower?
A: Yes, with many varieties it does. Very acidic soils cause flowers to be blue or purple. As the pH ...
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| Ming Aralia suddenly dying, perhaps wet feet, dense soil? | 9/1/2007 |
Q: I have a wonderful Ming Aralia, which was, until about a week or so ago, quite healthy. I admit that ...
A: You are right about them not liking wet feet. Once the damage is done, the best results come from ...
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| pesticides in soil | 8/30/2007 |
Q: If there is weed killer or pesticides in the soil is it safe to plant ornamental shrubs? Or does the ...
A: I'm only concerned if it's herbicides. You can plant almost immediately after some herbicides, but ...
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| snowball bushes | 8/26/2007 |
Q: when and how do you transplant a snowball bush?
A: Wait until you've had a frost, or the the plant has lost it's leaves for winter. On an old ...
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| Cane Yucca Root Rot? | 8/25/2007 |
Q: I have 4 cane yuccas that came together in the same pot from Home Depot. One large, 2 medium, 1 ...
A: .Hi Brennan, You may have a couple of issues so let's start at the top. 1. There is no such thing ...
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| foul odor and white mold | 8/18/2007 |
Q: I recently transplanted my tomato plant to a bigger pot and then went away on vacation. I think my ...
A: You may have more than one problem. If the container is draining properly and you control the ...
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| Taking soil samples for analysis | 8/15/2007 |
Q: Our condo assoc.has many recent dead lawns.We get many divergent opinions(cinch bugs,nematodes) as ...
A: Take your samples from the surface to about 4" deep. I'd take samples from healthy sod, dead sod ...
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| Hydregeas | 8/15/2007 |
Q: I live in Chicago, Ill and have some hydregeas growing in my garden. They are not flowering very ...
A: Until recently all hydrangeas bloomed on old wood, so a warm spell followed by a frost in the early ...
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| rocky soil | 8/15/2007 |
Q: I live northwest of Surprise AZ. Some of my desert trees are doing well and some are not. I have ...
A: your best solution is to consult your local nurseryman about plants that tolerate poorly drained ...
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| soil fungus/mold | 8/13/2007 |
Q: Same problem in MA as man in TN 7/5/07. I sprayed the yellow mound with my hose last week & the ...
A: it's a slime mold. It's harmless to your plants. Just blast it apart with your water hose as soon as ...
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| Soil & Moss | 8/12/2007 |
Q: I live in Los Angeles, and am finding that the soil in my flower beds get a sort of mossy grass-like ...
A: Moss usually grows where the soil is moist, somewhat shaded, compacted and slightly acidic. It's ...
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| Soil Preparation | 8/11/2007 |
Q: We live in northest PA. My plot is now a weed infested lawn. I want to plant an organic vegetable ...
A: vegetables need 8-10 hours of direct sun. A few may survive in less, but production is poor. Which ...
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| sandy soil | 8/11/2007 |
Q: What will grow in sandy soil? It's dry and it seems like there is no.....majic in it.
A: Just about anything if...you give it enough food and water. Mix some organic matter with the sand ...
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| Soil Preparation | 8/10/2007 |
Q: We live in northest PA. My plot is now a weed infested lawn. I want to plant an organic vegetable ...
A: There's no easy way to deal with the hedge and roots. Cut them down and dig them out. Once done, ...
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| Soil | 8/7/2007 |
Q: I planted some crotons in sandy soil, typical FL soil now they are dying. What happened?? I added ...
A: Crotons are very susceptible to rootrot and I suspect that's the cause but without seeing it, I ...
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| Preparing clay for flower/shrub bed | 8/6/2007 |
Q: I removed a large area of grass in my backyard in preparation for planting a 'garden in the round' ...
A: You can plant this fall without any problem. First check you pH to see if it needs adjusting. For ...
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| amend subsoil | 7/30/2007 |
Q: After having numerous tree stumps removed I am left with lovely subsoil in my side yard. While at a ...
A: Container grown plants can be planted whenever the ground is not frozen or too wet. Since there ...
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| Tree Roots | 7/26/2007 |
Q: I recently purchased a home. The back yard seems to have had a one time a number of tree's. The ...
A: Tree roots extend well beyond the drip line of the tree. The average distance is about 2.5 times ...
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| Bringing in Topsoil on top of brown clay | 7/24/2007 |
Q: I was curious if it would be worth the money to bring in topsoil for my land. I have have about 1 ...
A: I'm not familiar with the product you've mentioned, but I suspect it's sodium laureth sulfate (or a ...
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| Bringing in Topsoil on top of brown clay | 7/24/2007 |
Q: I was curious if it would be worth the money to bring in topsoil for my land. I have have about 1 ...
A: I don't think it's necessary. I'd rent a core aerator to loosen your existing soil. This gadget, ...
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| creating well draining soil in a raised bed | 7/22/2007 |
Q: I am going to construct a raised bed for perennials. Before deciding how high I want to make the ...
A: If the bed is small, look for construction sites near your home. If you ask, many builders will let ...
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| creating well draining soil in a raised bed | 7/17/2007 |
Q: I am going to construct a raised bed for perennials. Before deciding how high I want to make the ...
A: The vast majority of roots are in the top 4" of soil, so I'd add 8-10" of soil. This should be fine ...
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| soil | 7/15/2007 |
Q: We have a hill that is approximately 2000 sq ft. by 15 ft tall. It is a mixture of clay and sandy ...
A: Dig a hole about 12" deep and fill it full of water. How long does it take to be absorbed into the ...
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| Help Me Improve My Soil Issue | 7/14/2007 |
Q: I think my front lawn have the worse soil in my subdivison.I don't understand why my lawn is so dry ...
A: Poor turf performance can be caused by a number of factors: Soil compaction, nutrient deficiency or ...
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| Garden Soil | 7/13/2007 |
Q: I am a first time gardener. My husband and I built a 4X8 garden box and filled it with topsoil. I ...
A: Farmers till every year, sometimes twice. The same thing happens to them that happens to you. The ...
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| potatoe problem | 7/11/2007 |
Q: we have had extremely wet weather on lifting my early and second early potatoes they are covered in ...
A: from your description, I'd say it's not fungal, just a physiological condition related to excessive ...
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| Mushroom fungi growing on potted plant soil | 7/10/2007 |
Q: I recently moved a giant split leaf Philodendron outdoors, into a dappled shade garden. Last week I ...
A: The part you see is just the reproductive structures. Most of the fungus plant is in the soil and ...
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| Soil compaction | 7/8/2007 |
Q: I want to loosen my lawn soil and improve the drainage and worm activity.The first four to six ...
A: Odd as this may sound, the clay is not the problem. The problem is the 4-6 inches of top soil on ...
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| soil fungus/mold | 7/5/2007 |
Q: we are getting a "yellow" slime over the landscaping rocks and near recently planted bushes in the ...
A: I've had several questions like your's recently. It's a slime mold. It's more of a nuisance than ...
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| plants will not grow in this area | 7/4/2007 |
Q: We have an area on one side of our house that will not let us grow anything. We planted Japanese ...
A: The plastic is the problem. Rake out the rock and remove the plastic. Your soil will probably be ...
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| soil | 7/3/2007 |
Q: how does texture of the soil affect the moisture content of the soil?also what is the effect of ...
A: Coarse soil can hold more water during wet periods because of the space between the particles, but ...
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| Honeybees and outdoor flea control | 7/2/2007 |
Q: We have a very small enclosed yard in Southern California that is infested with fleas. I recently ...
A: Make a trip to your local garden center and look for a product with an organic oil that is labeled ...
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| Clay soil question | 7/1/2007 |
Q: I have noticed when I mow our lawn the soil is very hard. I have heard we have "Clay Soil" here on ...
A: If the quality of your turf is acceptable, then why bother? Aerating, incorporating organic matter ...
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| Recently Planted Trees | 6/28/2007 |
Q: I live in Southern California, and have recently planted 10 carolina trees along the side of my ...
A: Internal yellow foliage is usually a sign of a lack of water, which oddly enough can be caused by ...
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| acid soil what to plant | 6/26/2007 |
Q: I have a black walnut tree and need some advice on what is best to plant under and around it. I ...
A: it's not the acidity, it's a toxin called juglone that is produced by the tree. The toxin is in ...
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| Soil | 6/26/2007 |
Q: Crowder, I hope you can help us with a very scary problem we have with a piece of land we have just ...
A: What you do will depend on your plans for the property. If building a home is the goal, you may need ...
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| dying plants | 6/23/2007 |
Q: I have several annual flower beds and all do fine except one. For the past few years any annuals I ...
A: If it's toxins (herbicides, etc) only a soil analysis will confirm that, but usually it's fungal and ...
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| Soil mold | 6/22/2007 |
Q: I have written you before about this issue and tried the things you told me to do but nothing has ...
A: Consan is a sterilizer, it cleans up the problem but doesn't stop it from coming back. If you soil ...
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| Flower beds after landscape rock removal | 6/17/2007 |
Q: After 12 years we've removed the landscape rock and cloth from the flower/shrub beds. The soil is ...
A: To improve the soil, I'd spread a mixture of finely ground pine bark and compost or manure over the ...
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| Worms in acid soils? | 6/17/2007 |
Q: The soil of my land is of old volcanic origin, in some places rather reddish brown, in others just ...
A: The only thing that stands out to me in your comments is the statement "it can get quite dry". ...
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| ph levels | 6/16/2007 |
Q: HOW ARE YOU? I WANTED TO KNOW , IF MY SOIL PH LEVELS ARE BETWEEN 6.3-6.8, WILL WATERING WITH MY TAP ...
A: Alkaline water will raise the pH some. How much depends on your soil type and how much water it ...
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| erosion control & soil health | 6/16/2007 |
Q: Help! My backyard is at the top of a city hill & is eroding into my neighbors yards. It is a very ...
A: Planting more trees,shrubs and groundcovers are your best solution. Which ones and where may be ...
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| falling hill | 6/12/2007 |
Q: I've been reading your advice on dealing w/clay, my question is we have a large hill behind our home ...
A: Amy, Can I get a little more information? How tall is the hill? Can you give me a guess on the ...
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| How much soil will I need? | 6/11/2007 |
Q: Could you tell me how much soil I will need? I have 2 raised beds that are 4x4ft in size and 8" ...
A: If the beds were empty, each smaller one would need just over 10.5 cubic feet of soil. The larger ...
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| Amount of soil needed | 6/9/2007 |
Q: I'm building a flower bed in front of my house and would like to know how many 40lbs bags of top ...
A: Figuring the volume is easy, you need 119 cubic feet or 4.4 cubic yards of soil. The problem lies ...
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| drainage | 6/6/2007 |
Q: Our yard is slightly lower than our neighbors. We have a black wrought iron fence with a flower bed ...
A: I'd dig a trench along the fence and use the soil to build a mound on your side of the trench. Then ...
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| grass in clay soil | 6/4/2007 |
Q: Yikes! I just read your answer to Debbie about grass not growing in low areas with clay soil. You ...
A: The best solution would be to rent a sod cutter, remove the sod, till the soil mix into the clay, ...
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| Humic acid | 6/1/2007 |
Q: Mr Crowder, I am passionate about growing a beautiful lawn, but strugle with it right around late ...
A: Humates will indeed help. They help microbial activity, plus turn the soil surface black which ...
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| My vegetable garden is dying | 5/31/2007 |
Q: I planted my vegetable garden and put some limestone granduales around the plants, 3 days later ...
A: If the correct type of lime is used according to label instructions, it can't kill your plants. If ...
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| bed renovation | 5/31/2007 |
Q: I have a large overgrown bed (60’x9’) next to a farmhouse that I would like to renovate, but my ...
A: Mix the glyphosate according to label directions. Paint brushes work great for tight areas, sponge ...
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| My plants are all stunted...why? | 5/30/2007 |
Q: I just found this site, how wonderful of you to do this! Thank you. I moved to an area 2 years ago ...
A: I think you've found the problem. We want to add some nitrogen, but not too much. Beautiful tomato ...
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| removal of motor oil from soil | 5/28/2007 |
Q: we planted two trees in same location, were dying, moved and lived...we dug 6 x 6' squre and a ...
A: The best way to remove the oil is exactly what you did - remove and replace the soil. Replace the ...
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| heavy soil. | 5/28/2007 |
Q: What is the easiest/best way to lighten heavy soil? ours has some clay below, but the useable part ...
A: When it's dry enough to work, spread 6" of organic matter on top and till it into the top 8" - 10" ...
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| bed renovation | 5/27/2007 |
Q: I have a large overgrown bed (60’x9’) next to a farmhouse that I would like to renovate, but my ...
A: The easiest way to kill everything there without harming the peonies is to wick apply glyphosate. ...
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| My plants are all stunted...why? | 5/27/2007 |
Q: I just found this site, how wonderful of you to do this! Thank you. I moved to an area 2 years ago ...
A: Unfortunately, in reading about your problem, nothing just jumps out at me as a cause. So let's ...
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| lilacs not flowering | 5/26/2007 |
Q: i have lilacs that are about 5 yrs old. when i planted them they were flowering they have not since ...
A: High phosphorous fertilizer like 0-45-0 will help encourage flowers. I'd like to apply it late ...
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| getting rid of weed | 5/24/2007 |
Q: I have recently bought a house and the lawn is full of weed. i have thought of ploughing and ...
A: If there is very little desirable grass, then I would spray and kill off everything with glyphosate. ...
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| Soil Fungus | 5/23/2007 |
Q: I live in the south and have one particular flower bed that sports the most unusual fungus from time ...
A: they are called slime molds and they come in lots of colors...pink, white, gray, but yellow is my ...
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| amending issues | 5/23/2007 |
Q: i would like to know if it is possible to make a raised bed for tomatoes,broccoli, and herbs without ...
A: Yes, you can use "organic" soil. You will have to water more and very carefully monitor your water ...
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| clay soil / planting a Chuck Hayes gardenia | 5/21/2007 |
Q: My husband dug a hole deeper and twice as wide as the pot the gardenia is in. The soil is clay & ...
A: In clay soils, I dig the hole no deeper than the container and usually not as deep but 2-3 times as ...
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| soil issues | 5/20/2007 |
Q: We have a small flower bed on our patio. On this bed we have rose's patio tree and several ...
A: The first thing to rule out is a light problem. Roses need 6-8 hours or more of direct sunlight to ...
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| Soil wont absorb water | 5/20/2007 |
Q: We recently bought a house in Northern Nevada, and the soil in our backyard will not absorb water! ...
A: Here's what I'd do...contact a bulk supplier of soils and mulch. They should have leafmold, fine ...
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| Soil/plants | 5/18/2007 |
Q: what plants grow best in clay and is it better to plant more mature plants
A: I guess you have clay! So do I and I could not be happier about it. Clay is not a limiting factor ...
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| well draining soil | 5/18/2007 |
Q: I want to make a perenial bed and I want the soil to be well draining.What ingredients would you ...
A: On top of your existing soil I'd put 2-3" of finely ground pine bark, 1/2" to 1" of composted manure ...
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| Difference between top soil and garden mix | 5/17/2007 |
Q: I'm trying to regrow my lawn. I dug up all the grass and lost some soil. I'm planning to replenish ...
A: I don't know what their topsoil or garden mix is made from, but I'd choose the coarser of the two. ...
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| Amending soil | 5/17/2007 |
Q: Unfortunately, I have soil that is mostly "fill" and not "topsoil" in my backyard. It is mostly ...
A: Same thing. The term "food" is excepted better by organic gardeners than "fertilizer". Espoma ...
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| Amending soil | 5/17/2007 |
Q: Unfortunately, I have soil that is mostly "fill" and not "topsoil" in my backyard. It is mostly ...
A: Fortunately you have clay! Clay is good! It's what you want to start with for most plants. ...
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| organic topsoil | 5/17/2007 |
Q: I intend to buy some organic topsoil. If I buy too much, can I save it for next year and future ...
A: I'm a little curious about the "organic topsoil". Did the seller make it? From what? Soil is made ...
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| Planting Garden where there used to be a Cedar Hedge | 5/15/2007 |
Q: We took down a large cedar hedge, and we would like to plant a garden in its place. We could not ...
A: Check you pH. It should be 6.5 for most flowers or a vegetable garden. Once you have a reading, ...
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| Ant Infestation in Yard | 5/14/2007 |
Q: Good day, I'm not sure if this is a lawn question or a soil question. I have numerous ant hills in ...
A: Your soil has nothing to do with the ants, you just have ants. You couldn't possibly trap all of ...
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| Grass | 5/13/2007 |
Q: I hope you can help or point me in the right direction. Hello. I live In Colorado Zone 5. I have ...
A: It sounds to me like it's drying out. Areas around concrete that absorb heat would dry first and ...
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| Brambles, Rushes and Nettles Chaos | 5/11/2007 |
Q: How can I effectively get rid of brambles,nettles, and rushes that are smothering an old stone ...
A: If there are no desirables in the ditch, spray the entire area with glyphosate. Sold under the ...
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| unknown growth | 5/10/2007 |
Q: I live in the DFW area and recently we had much rain. A foamy white/pinkish growth has emerged in ...
A: they're called slime molds. Quite common on decomposing mulch, rotting stumps, etc. Really cool ...
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| propiconazole | 5/9/2007 |
Q: its me again sorry to bother you,im struggling to find a fungicide.aparently propiconozle was banned ...
A: Sorry, but I'm not familiar with products registered for use where you are. You should find a local ...
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| soil nutrition for specific plants | 5/7/2007 |
Q: First of all I appriciate you volunteering your time to read my question! Ok here's my question... I ...
A: It may need a little work but you should be able to grow whatever you like. Lilies like a richer, ...
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| Leveling Pool Site | 5/7/2007 |
Q: We're preparing a dirt site for a pool. Moved a lot of dirt to fill in a pit to get it fairly ...
A: It should work, just a bit messy to work with. I might suggest that you do the rest of the leveling ...
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| Clay in Soil/Japanese Maple | 5/5/2007 |
Q: We seem to be having difficulty keeping a Japanese Maple tree alive in a particular area in our ...
A: In an area that's moist, the worst thing you could do would be to remove the existing soil. You ...
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| clay soil | 5/2/2007 |
Q: my garden has alot of clay in the soil .i tried to build a sort of rockery years ago but the soil is ...
A: For the fungus...first choice - Propiconazole - it's systemic and controls a wide range of fungal ...
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| Using Expanded shell | 4/30/2007 |
Q: I was recently watching a gardening show that mentioned using cypress mulch, peat moss, high ...
A: "expanded shell" is a term for man-made aggregates. Check with your local concrete manufacturer. ...
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| Clay and Rock for soil | 4/29/2007 |
Q: what is the most efficient way to treat "soil" composed of rock and clay? The clay does not drain ...
A: In areas of really poor drainage, the best solution to elevate the beds. Incorporate 4"- 6" of ...
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| Soil Problem in the garden | 4/26/2007 |
Q: Crowder, Something is wrong with the soil in the garden next to my house. Recently a beautiful Red ...
A: If it were nutritional, I would expect some plants to suffer but others appear unaffected. When ...
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| dogs wee and ph levels | 4/26/2007 |
Q: What is the best way to raise the ph level of our soil and lawn to counteract the effects of acid ...
A: agricultural pelletized lime is a cheap and easy way to raise your pH. Apply 40 lbs. per 1000 sq. ...
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| Soil vs Mix | 4/26/2007 |
Q: What is the difference between potting soil and potting mix?
A: The word "soil" implies that there actually is soil in the bag. Soil is decomposed organic matter. ...
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| soil that won't retain water | 4/22/2007 |
Q: I have a tree in a large wooden potting container, approx 2ft in diameter, & it's leaves are ...
A: Roots are at the soil surface for a reason. They need air. If you cover these you plant may die. ...
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| uneven backyard | 4/22/2007 |
Q: Over the years, it seems to have gotten more and more uneven, higher in some places than in others, ...
A: Unfortunately there aren't any easy ways to level an area. Your options are... 1. Bring in ...
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| Clay soil / drainage / weeds | 4/22/2007 |
Q: I have a number of issues with my lawn and would like some advice. I know absolutely nothing about ...
A: Homeowners spend a great deal of time and money trying to make our gardens do what we want them to ...
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| Top soil | 4/18/2007 |
Q: We are planning for landscaping in new house. Couple of our friends in neighbor have not used Top ...
A: for turf areas, probably not. It should be loosened (tilled) and raked flat prior to seeding or ...
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| arizona soil | 4/18/2007 |
Q: I am a beginning gardener. I live in Arizona about 60 miles south of Phoenix. My soil here is ...
A: Loosening the soil is the most important thing you can do for a good garden. I'd like to add about ...
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| clay soil | 4/14/2007 |
Q: my garden has alot of clay in the soil .i tried to build a sort of rockery years ago but the soil is ...
A: Yes, blend it all together. A deeper concern I have is your statement that the soil is not draining ...
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| old raised bed soil | 4/14/2007 |
Q: and thanks in advance! I am working at a care facility that has raised planters/beds. How can I ...
A: Soil that is used year after year breaks down into finer and finer particles which inhibits root ...
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| clay soil | 4/13/2007 |
Q: my garden has alot of clay in the soil .i tried to build a sort of rockery years ago but the soil is ...
A: Compost and manure are not soil, they are soil amendments. It sounds like you have way too much ...
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| soil condition | 4/12/2007 |
Q: Two years ago I started some garden boxes on my property. I know I need to get the soil tested but ...
A: Clay is good. Nothing is better for nutrient and water retention, but clay particles are very, very ...
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| curling leaves | 4/12/2007 |
Q: My grand daughter in LAS Vegas recently planted a lemon and a lime tree. The lime is doing well but ...
A: I suspect it's water related. All the water available to a newly transplanted tree is in the ...
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| Mud and rocks bubbling from ground. | 4/10/2007 |
Q: I have noticed since I moved to my property where I live 2 years ago, that in the spring there are ...
A: I believe that's what you have. There are 150 or so North American species, most like warmer areas ...
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| unwanted grass.... tricky area | 4/9/2007 |
Q: link below the question is a photo of the spot I'm working on. I want to add a raised flower bed ...
A: I'd prefer to kill out the grass before building the flower bed. Most grasses would probably not ...
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| heavy metals | 4/9/2007 |
Q: James: If you find me annoying, then feel free to delete this mail. but to clearify myself, I treat ...
A: Rex, every question you asked me was a variable that as a researcher you must answer. You cannot ...
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| Killing grass in grassy field | 4/8/2007 |
Q: Due to the death of my grandmother I have inherited a house and one acre of land. I would like to ...
A: Salt would kill most things (not all), but it will be expensive and make the land a mud field, ...
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| Mud and rocks bubbling from ground. | 4/7/2007 |
Q: I have noticed since I moved to my property where I live 2 years ago, that in the spring there are ...
A: it sounds like crayfish (or where I live they are called crawdads). Not at all unusual to have them ...
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| Creating my own Cacti & Succulent soil. | 4/7/2007 |
Q: I'm new to Cacti & Succulents and someone was kind enough to send me a bunch of clippings of both ...
A: Most commercial cacti soil has peat moss or compost, sand, perlite, a little lime, sometimes gypsum ...
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| Anaerobic tea | 4/6/2007 |
Q: I need a good recipe for anaerobic compost tea.How long to mix and how to tell when it is ready to ...
A: In a five gallon bucket... two cups of compost, two cups of composted manure (from the animal of ...
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| amendments | 4/3/2007 |
Q: WHat is a compost amendment? Can I use it rather than potting soil? what is its purpose?
A: a compost amendment is anything organic added to the soil to improve the texture and has been "aged" ...
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| Red Tip Photinia (Fraseri) and Chlorosis(?) | 4/3/2007 |
Q: I have a number of 8' - 10 Red Tip Photinia planted in silty soil. Last year most of them had the ...
A: Photinias should do well with a pH between 5 and 6. A soil test would be the first step and I'd want ...
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| urine feces, in out door potted plants | 4/2/2007 |
Q: I live in the city and cats are using my outdoor potted plant garden as thier litter box how can I ...
A: Here are a few things to try... Your local garden center will have a dog and cat repellent in either ...
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| clay soil | 3/29/2007 |
Q: my garden has alot of clay in the soil .i tried to build a sort of rockery years ago but the soil is ...
A: There needs to be a physical barrier to keep the soil from settling through the rock. Use landscape ...
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| Flower Bed attached to the house | 3/29/2007 |
Q: I have two flowers bed attached to my house; the beds are covered with Fabric and mulch on top. Are ...
A: The flower beds will not damage your foundation. The only potential problem would be termites in the ...
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| removing rocks from soil | 3/26/2007 |
Q: I have a gajillion rocks in my yard. I spend time picking rocks instead of weeds. Is there any ...
A: I suspect that if you had someone scrape your yard with a box blade, you would just find more rocks, ...
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| backyard lawn destoyed by dog waste | 3/24/2007 |
Q: my wife and i recently moved to a new home were the previous owners let there dogs pee and poop all ...
A: Since you said there's no grass and I'm assuming you'd like some, here's the steps I would take. ...
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| bare spots in my lawn | 3/24/2007 |
Q: What can I do about bare spots in my lawn? I think it may be from tree roots.
A: Proper soil preparation is the key. The soil under a tree is very competitive real estate. The ...
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| Soil/Drainage Question | 3/23/2007 |
Q: We're trying to landscape our house and we have discovered some very disturbing "mud bubble" type ...
A: It's nothing to worry about. When some types of soil get saturated with water, they feel like they ...
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| White fungus in soil | 3/11/2007 |
Q: We live in the foothills of Northern California. We have raised plater boxes for our vegetable ...
A: it is indeed a fungus. Most people are more familiar with the reproductive part (the mushroom) and ...
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| holes in the ground | 3/9/2007 |
Q: What causes small unmounded nickle/dime size holes in the bare dirt around my home foundation?
A: This time of year, the most likely culprit is a vole or a field mouse. A little later (late April ...
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| Free Mulch from County | 3/7/2007 |
Q: I'm alittle nervious about using "untreated" mulch in my yard. It looks ok to me, but should i put ...
A: Fresh shredded mulch is not likely to have termites, but it wouldn't hurt to spray it with a little ...
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| is my yard OK? | 3/1/2007 |
Q: My next door neighbor's above ground pool collapsed today, sending all the water through my yard and ...
A: Sorry for the delay in answering, I've been under the weather the last two days. I would not be ...
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| compost | 2/25/2007 |
Q: ericacious and ordinary compost, can i mix the two for growing bedding plants.
A: Mixing these with your existing soil is fine. You need the finer soil particles for water and ...
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| lawn care | 2/25/2007 |
Q: when is the best time to fertilize
A: When, how much and how often, depends on the type grass you are growing. Here are the most common ...
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| Burn spot | 2/22/2007 |
Q: In Georgia, we are allowed to burn backyard debris such as wood, leaves, pine cones, and grass ...
A: Bermuda should be fine. If you need to raise the area, add your soil and then till the top 6 inches ...
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| Garden on a Leechfield | 2/2/2007 |
Q: I hope you have an answer for me or if not maybe a direction to point me to. I am curious if I will ...
A: That's where I'd put my garden. The only problem I have ever seen was in areas that already drained ...
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| unknown fungus or ?? in grass | 1/26/2007 |
Q: I have something unknown in my grass. It is growing just under the surface and I'm finding it when ...
A: It is indeed a a type of fungus (mushroom). Often they are so hard they're mistaken for a root or ...
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| drywall/clay soil | 1/22/2007 |
Q: I am in the process of finishing my basement and have a lot of scrap drywall. I was wandering if it ...
A: I would not recommend it. Even if you were 100% sure that there are no potential toxins in it from ...
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| 2 questions - planting near sewer lines/using sawdust for organic matter | 1/9/2007 |
Q: I would like to plant some fruit trees in an area that our sewer lines run through. I understand ...
A: I would stay at least 15' away from a line. Your soil type, depth of the line, annual rainfall and ...
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| I got centipede looking worms in my house plant soil | 1/7/2007 |
Q: I have a plant that is not looking so good. I watered it yesterday and found these dark brownish ...
A: The centipedes aren't feeding on your plant. Something else is causing you plant to look bad. You ...
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| Black soil marketing. | 1/4/2007 |
Q: We have an unusual field for our area (SE Minnesota) with a large deposit of greenhouse quality soil ...
A: Most greenhouse growers use soilless mixes now, but what you have has real value to companies ...
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| Cat Feces | 1/1/2007 |
Q: I have a major problem with cat feces in my garden! I am currently trying to sort the garden out ...
A: I'm not overly concerned about the cat feces if tilled into the soil with organic matter and limed ...
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| Backyard flooding | 12/26/2006 |
Q: We live in Oregon and found out last winter that the backyard in our new home floods. It is the ...
A: If water is backing up on to your property from a commons area, my first suggestion is to check ...
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| Erosion problem | 12/26/2006 |
Q: We moved into a 1958 rancher with an erosion problem in the rear of the house, In the southeast ...
A: I would suggest a groundcover to help hold the soil since this is a gradual slope. My first choices ...
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| Clay | 12/20/2006 |
Q: I just moved to a home and found out, while diging a trench to direct the water away from the ...
A: Repeat after me..."Clay is good". Clay is the soil of choice to start with. It has good water and ...
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| rocky ground | 12/9/2006 |
Q: I am looking to buy a house possibly, and the back yard is at least an acres of orange clay and ...
A: If these rocks are larger than gravel, the best way to remove them is...one at a time. If you had ...
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| mushrooms in garden | 12/7/2006 |
Q: I have lots of mushrooms coming up now. It is not from poor drainage as I live in Fl. and it is ...
A: All you need for mushrooms is decomposing organic matter (a good thing). Most mushrooms are not ...
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| Composting | 12/5/2006 |
Q: I live in Massachusetts, what can I add to my compost that will speed up the composting?
A: First, you need the microbes that do the work. You can add those by buying a "Compost Maker" ...
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| honey fungus????? | 12/3/2006 |
Q: April 2006 I had my small front garden landscaped and stoned-(low maintenance and attractive) ...
A: I would take a sample by your local garden center to confirm your diagnosis, but I suspect you are ...
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| Lemon Trees | 11/29/2006 |
Q: I have a lemon tree that I grow form a pip twenty years ago, Its about six foot tall but all the ...
A: Citrus need full sun, should never be allowed to be dry and require alot of fertilizer. Foliage drop ...
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| Adding soil to existing lawn | 11/25/2006 |
Q: We have low areas in our lawn & places where the grass won't grow beacuse of the lack of good soil. ...
A: The most important thing to remember when adding soil is to avoid "layers" of different textured ...
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| Raised bed | 11/4/2006 |
Q: I have a 30 year old Schwedler Maple tree that I want to build a 13 ft. diameter 16 inch tall ...
A: You should not see any ill effects from a bed that size on a tree that old. Most people think tree ...
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| well draining soil | 11/1/2006 |
Q: I have now found out that the existing soil that I will be planting in is made up entirely of ...
A: If this is going to be annuals and perennials, I'd add about 3" of clay, 3" of coarse bark, about 1" ...
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| well draining soil | 11/1/2006 |
Q: I am going to create an outdoor flower garden and I want to make sure the soil is well draining. ...
A: If you're starting with clay, I'd apply 2-3" of finely ground pine bark, 40 lbs of composted manure ...
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| Soil Drainage | 10/30/2006 |
Q: What can I do to make soil drain better? I use Miracle Gro potting soil. I add extra perlite and ...
A: Miracle Gro potting soil has a polymer added in to help it hold moisture, vermiculite will hold more ...
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| Soil Fungus | 10/28/2006 |
Q: I am having problems with a white fungus growing on the surface of the soil of my houseplants. I saw ...
A: soil fungus can be very difficult to totally eradicate because once you have it, the spores are ...
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| uses for lime (hydrated chlorid) | 10/19/2006 |
Q: How can we use lime to control pests in or garden and weeds that are out of control? We do not want ...
A: Agricultural lime is not harmful to cats and dogs, nor it it harmful to insects and weeds. Lime is ...
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| cedar hedge | 10/17/2006 |
Q: We have just bought a home in the lower mainland and are planning to plant a privacy hedge on the ...
A: Your soil mix should contain 60%-70% of your native soil and the balance should be some type organic ...
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| Limestone / Lime / Gypsum | 10/14/2006 |
Q: Stores in our area (Northeast Ohio) sell all 3 products and I have not been able to get any ...
A: Limestone usually refers to crushed (powdered) lime (calcium carbonate/magnesium carbonate) also ...
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| soil | 10/12/2006 |
Q: I have very sandy soil and wish to increase its water holding capacity. What products can I use and ...
A: My preference would be a combination of clay and finely ground pine bark (equal amounts). Spread a ...
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| LAWN CARE | 10/10/2006 |
Q: I am in dire need of help. I live in Sacramento, CA, where the summers are very hot and winters get ...
A: The best way to control crabgrass is by using a pre-emerge herbicide 2-3 times per year (depending ...
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| burning bushes | 10/10/2006 |
Q: We have two burning bushes that are 4 years old. The first two years they turned the expected ...
A: I would certainly fertilize them every spring, but that's not causing the poor color. Basically ...
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| moldy/rotten/diseased soil? | 10/8/2006 |
Q: we have noticed that in a section of our garden the soil has turned a light beige/grey color and are ...
A: This sounds like an area of compacted soil that isn't draining well. I'd remove the mulch, add ...
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| soil in outdoor pots and planter boxes | 10/8/2006 |
Q: Is it best to replace the soil in outdoor pots, hanging baskets and planter boxes every year when ...
A: I usually replace the soil every other year, but I amend it the second year by removing the soil ...
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| lawn to garden | 9/27/2006 |
Q: I want to put a garden where Bermuda Grass is right now. Can I just start tilling and raking or do ...
A: I'd kill the bermuda first. Spray the entire area with glyphosate. With the cooler fall ...
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| Soil | 9/27/2006 |
Q: My soil is really hard, what can I use to soften it and get grass to grow?
A: For grass, just about any organic matter. Leaves and grass clippings are free and are very good ...
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| soil preparation | 9/26/2006 |
Q: .I have a small garden area (20'x6') All i have ever put in it is plain old top soil which has made ...
A: I'm not a big fan of peat moss. It's expensive and I think there are much better soil amendments. ...
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| Growing Grass Over Previous Tree Location II | 9/21/2006 |
Q: I have a situation similar to that posted by Anne on June 5, 2006 with the same Subject line, and ...
A: When a stump is ground out, the sawdust that remains does two things. As it decomposes it robs ...
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| possible diseased soil | 9/20/2006 |
Q: My Mom and I need help. We have a garden in the front of our home (purchased last year) and this ...
A: I suspect it's algae. Algae often grows on compacted soil and usually we find it's fairly acidic. ...
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| soil | 9/15/2006 |
Q: I purchased this home about 5 years ago and planted a few arborvitaes in an area that previously had ...
A: no pun intended, but it sounds like water is at the root of your problem. Few plants (and fewer ...
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| clay in garden soil | 9/12/2006 |
Q: James, Question 1 My garden soil has a lot of clay. I have tried to fix it by adding peat moss, ...
A: Repeat after me...Clay is Good! It's the best soil to start with because of it's for water and ...
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| Clay Soil and shade in a small space. | 9/9/2006 |
Q: Crowder, I'am a new construction home buyer with a very narrow lot. I'am told that the soil has a ...
A: If the area gets 4 or more hours of direct sun, I think St. Augustine should do fine. It will grow ...
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| Preparing soil for Garden | 9/9/2006 |
Q: How do I prepare my garden soil for fall gardening?
A: I'm going to assume the worst here and imagine this as unimproved ground. 1. If there's undesirable ...
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| Hydrageas | 9/9/2006 |
Q: I live in central Florida. I have Hydrageas in the front of my home in pots in good potting soil, ...
A: Hydrangeas are susceptible to several fungal leaf spot diseases, the most likely candidate is ...
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| grading lawn area | 8/31/2006 |
Q: I have an uneven area in the backyard probably 20 x 30 area...there is no general pattern to the ...
A: Based on your info, 10 yards of soil will raise the entire area a little over 5 inches. If this ...
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| Yard fungi | 8/26/2006 |
Q: We live in Florida and here they like to spread this cypress mulch all over our bedding areas and ...
A: Wherever you have decomposing organic matter, you'll have mushrooms and other fungi and most of them ...
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| soil type | 8/20/2006 |
Q: We have a water problem in our yard. the yard slopes toward the house and our basement floods in the ...
A: Reversing the grade will solve most of your problem. During periods of heavy rain when the rainfall ...
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| Drainage Question | 8/7/2006 |
Q: My neighbor has suggested filling in what is currently a valley between our two backyards so each of ...
A: You need to ask yourself a couple of questions...Where will this water go if the area is filled? ...
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| odd thing growing on the soil | 8/1/2006 |
Q: I have this growth in the garden which I thought it was a fungus of some sort, someone told me it ...
A: Isn't is cool? It's a slime mold. Sounds terrible but it is totally harmless to your plants. Some ...
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| dead grass area | 7/28/2006 |
Q: I have a spot in my yard where the septic tank is buried. I have tried for years to grow grass, it ...
A: There is usually much truth in the statement "The grass is always greener over the septic tank" so ...
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| Soil Rot | 7/27/2006 |
Q: I am definitely an amatuer, I have several indoor plants and some are showing what I would call soil ...
A: Fungus grows on decomposing organic matter and most are not harmful to your container plants, just ...
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| soil ph | 7/27/2006 |
Q: Can you tell the ph of soil by the type of soil?i.e, I have red clay soil; would this type soil be ...
A: You really can't be sure of the soil pH by it's type. Most clay soil tends to be acidic but you ...
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