Q.Gardening In High Alkaline Hard Clay Soil - I am wondering what plants, specifically a nice flowering groundcover that doesn't grow very high, will be happy in my ...
A.If amending the clay soil is not an option, plants such a low growing viburnum's, euonymus, juniper, cranesbill or salvias may do well. These articles should help https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/xeriscape/xeriscape-landscape-design-ideas-for-clay-soil.htm https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/plants-for-alkaline-soil.htmRead MoreQ.Safe Pasture Trees For Equines - I was under the impression that the Keith Darvey Chinese Pistachio tree was safe / edible for equines. I bought ...
A.My research also shows that Pistachio Trees are known to be toxic to horses. This article has some information. See more at: http://www.horsedvm.com/poisonous/pistacia/ This is outside of our expertise, so please consult with an Equine Vet to ensure the safety of your animals.Read MoreQ.Williams Pears - The leaves on my pear have turned black starting on the outer edge and working in to the stem. I ...
A.It may be that it has been very wet, which will lead to a fungal or bacterial infections. This appears to be an infection starting in. My preferred remedy is as follows: First, you will want to prime the ground ...Read MoreQ.Infestation On My Dwarf Dogwood Tree - I live in central Indiana and have encountered an infestation on two dwarf dogwood trees. I have attached pictures and ...
A.Luckily the infection is still young. I recommend using a few things. This my method for both fungal infections, and insect infestations: First, you will want to prime the ground with dolomitic lime, then spread wettable sulfur to Kill off ...Read More
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Q.Purple Coneflower - I'm in Ohio, this summer is the 1st yr, I grew Purple Coneflower's from seed. Since they where seeds, they ...
A.You can leave them there until you start to see a crowding problem. Try not to disturb them much when they are little. In the wild they establish themselves in dense patches, so they are adapted to these close quarters. ...Read MoreQ.LILAC BUSHES - The lilac bushes look like they are dying. What could be happening?
A.This seems to be a fungal issue. there are a few things that I recommend for fungal infections. First, you will want to prime the ground with dolomitic lime, then spread wettable sulfur to Kill off any infection in the ...Read MoreQ.Fertilizing Camellias - I have some fert N 12.2, P 4.5, K 4.5 with S 6.2 how would that do for camellias??
A.That mix would do best for vegetative growth, with the added benefit of sulfur. I would suggest for flowering that you find something high in P (phosphorus) and K (potassium), as these will support the blooms during bloom season. Read MoreQ.Philodendrons Outdoor To Indoor - Hello, I have two very large and over grown philodendrons outside my home. I am planning to have them uprooted as ...
A. Philodendrons can certainly be grown as houseplants. However, it is always a difficult adjustment for a plant growing in the ground to be moved into a pot. Pruning the plant back beforehand will help, along with other strategies to prevent ...Read MoreQ.Trimming Red Fountain Grass - I read here it's to be done in the spring. But what if it so big it is almost ...
A.You can probably get away with cutting back your fountain grass now. After cutting it back, check whether new, green growth appears. If so, you can use one of these strategies to protect it against any winter cold temperatures that ...Read MoreQ.Kelp - Can you tell me where I can find some good kelp fertilizer near me in Mundelein, IL?
A.Your local Co-op, or other large stores should carry it. If not, then online is the is a good place to shop. There are two types of kelp that we work with most often... One of them I prefer over ...Read MoreQ.Cutting Top Of A Plant - Can I cut the top of this mahonia plant and plant the cutting in the garden?
A. Yes, Mahonia can be grown from cuttings. Semi-hardwood (also called semi-softwood) cuttings are best for Mahonia. These articles explain how to take the cuttings and root them, then plant them: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/rooting-plant-cuttings.htm https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/plant-propagation-by-stem-cuttings-instructions-for-the-home-gardener http://hortupdate.unl.edu/Cuttings1 Read MoreQ.Planting Clivia - When re-potting clivias should I keep it high out of the soil?
A.With these, you really want to avoid transplant, however, if you find yourself having to do it then it is best to only do it every 3 to 5 years. They really don't like to be disturbed. You should plant ...Read MoreQ.Bromelaides - What and where is the bromelaid cup?
A.The cup is hidden, slightly, when the red flower comes out. After that dies, you may cut the flower part out, as it will regrow another shoot from the bottom of the plant, similar to its cousin: The Pineapple! When ...Read MoreQ.Horse Chestnut Tree - All the leaves have dried and fallen from our horse chestnut tree (it's a very tall and old tree). ...
A.You may be more spot on than you realize! the fire may have something to do with the leaves falling off, AND something to do with tricking the tree into feeling those warmer conditions associated with spring, or summer conditions. ...Read MoreQ.Fertilizing A Raised Bed Veg Garden - I recently did a soil test on my raised bed garden which was performing quite badly. EG: Beets... flowery tops with ...
A.Oh man, do we have a lot to discuss! Ok So let me start by mentioning this: Compost that is properly maintained, is HIGHLY packed with nutrients. So much so, that some things, when planted straight into compost, will burn ...Read MoreQ.Info On Patchouli Plant Care Please?! - I have had two Patchouli plants (at different times), and they both died. 🙁 I tried different things with ...
A.Oh my... This could be many things, and I will be glad to point you to an article that will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/patchouli/growing-patchouli-herb-plant.htmRead MoreQ.Large Aloe - My plant has extremely long leaves & will not stay erect--they lean over & I'd like to cut them back. ...
A.Yes. Make sure you have replacement pups in there with it, just in case, though. You may chop on it as you wish. I have had mine for two years, and it is in a 5 gallon pot. Granted Mine ...Read MoreQ.Leeks That Have Gone To Seed - I have the heads with seeds in them. Can I dry these heads for seeds to start my ...
A.I recommend drying the seeds on your counter on top of a paper towel. This method is tried and true with me. After they dry for a few days, then put them in a bag, or glass jar and save ...Read MoreQ.Eating Squash From Old Seeds Sprouting In Compost Pile - We have been eating our volunteer squash from our compost pile for years. Then a friend saw this and warned us ...
A.I have done this many times with no ill effect! This is safe and many people plant directly into their piles on purpose. Read MoreQ.Hyacinth Bean Vine - Should you cut the vine down in the fall ?
A.Yes and if you have the means to till the foliage into the ground, then that will give your soil some extra nitrogen for growth next season. Here is an article with more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/hyacinth-bean/purple-hyacinth-bean-care.htmRead More