User Name
Password
 |
|
       |
How to grow Knockout Roses and Herbs How to control Leaf Cutter Ants Pine Trees and Customer Service How to put Tourist Farms on the Map How to control Snakes in the Garden
What are common Shrub Diseases
|
Questions and Answers:Q. How is the drought affecting your flower growing operation? A. I’ve had several questions about this subject and I appreciate everyone’s concern. However, over the years I’ve found types of plants that withstand heat and drought or will at least live through a dry spell. It dawned on me the other day that I am now making floral arrangements with flowers that have never seen a drop of rain. That tells you how dry it is out in the country. As I write this column a slight chance of rain is forecast. If you are kind to your soil by using little or no chemicals, add plenty of organic matter in the form of compost and mulch, and water wisely using drip irrigation, your landscape should be able to make it through a dry spell, even one like what we are experiencing now. I’m more concerned about the wildlife and local tree population. Q. My tomatoes are still producing and the plants are looking healthy. I’ve heard that you can cut back the plants and get a fall harvest. Is that true? A. Cut back healthy tomato plants July 15th for fall harvest. Fertilize, mulch and water well to keep them going during the heat of August.. If you are showing spider mite damage on the plants, it’s best to pull them up and plant new starts. Don’t put plants with spider mites in the compost pile. New tomato plants for the fall garden should be put in around the same time. Q. I have a weed coming up everywhere that looks just like the purslane I have in a hanging basket that I bought from a local nursery. Is it the same plant? A. You are indeed seeing our native purslane (portulaca oleracea,) a spreading succulent that resembles a jade plant. It has a reputation as an invasive pest. It doesn’t have the same blooms as the one you purchased, as the native’s blooms are smaller and yellow. It is related to the moss rose or portulaca seen in hanging baskets in the nursery trade, but the decorative version doesn’t have the invasive capability. Seeds of the native purslane can remain viable in the soil for 40 years. The good news is that it is edible. It is sold in health food stores as a green similar to spinach. It’s best to eat the tips and new growth. Be sure to identify the plant correctly before consuming. There’s some plants we consider weeds in these parts that will kill you if you eat them, such as poison hemlock, so be very careful. Q. How do I get rid of this wild morning glory that is taking over everything? A. You can always use a weed killer if not located close to a desirable plant. The trouble is wild morning glory, also known as field bindweed, cornbind or devil’s guts is one of the toughest weeds to control. It doesn’t start out as a perennial but becomes one about 30 days after sprouting. Therefore, you must pull the weed or kill it right after it sprouts. Watch your potted plants. If it appears pull it out by the root as soon as possible or it will grow in there forever, eventually crowding out your whatever you have potted. If you have a large infestation, the best time to apply weed killer is when it is full bloom and not drought stressed. Once again be careful using a weed killer around desirable vegetation. On a side note, ducks love the new shoots and will clear a field of them in a short amount of time.
Click Here to Ask Me a Gardening Question
|
Subscribe to our on-line Newsletter by sending us your E-mail address here.
What are the lastest Landscaping Trends How to Plant Fruit and Nut Trees How to care for Holiday Plants How to care for Mother's Day Gifts
|
| Feature Articles | Feature Articles | Featured Articles |
| Read all my Articles on E-how.com | Read all my Articles on Gardenguides.com | Read all my Articles on Examiner.com |
 |
 |
 |
| Copyright © 2009. The Big Lump Gardener. All rights reserved. |
| Home | Find an Article | Ask a Gardening Question | Privacy Policy | My Favorites | Blog | Contact Us |
