Marianne’s Responses
How to use Peter’s fertilizer bought years ago
Posted by Maureen Christian | April 22, 2024I have a bucket of Peter's fertilizer that I bought years ago and, unfortunately, did not write instructions for its use. I need to know several things. First, can I mix a small amount with the soil when transplanting lily of the valley? How much do I add to a gallon of water for use on plants in the garden ...
Weed?
Posted by Suzbo | April 22, 2024My daughter has this in her yard and wondered what it is. I have seen the kind of plant before--I'm thinking it's a weed. Can you help?
Tomato Leaves
Posted by TomandLinda | April 17, 2024A few of my tomato seedlings have variegated leaves. Should I be concerned? Plants are still in my greenhouse waiting to be moved to the garden in mid May.
Norwegian Weeping Spruce
Posted by Lynne Stallcop | April 17, 2024I have a Norwegian Weeping Spruce that is getting a little out of control. This tree is 25 years old, and I am wondering if I can cut part of it back. I would like to contain it, but I don't want to harm it. Will it hurt it to prune some of the branches? Thanks!
Are these Strawberry trees infested and dying
Posted by Debbie Nighswonger | April 10, 2024My son, in Auburn, Washington, has three mature Strawberry trees in his backyard that he has noticed a Pileated Woodpecker pecking at the trunk. Some of the bark is loose and you can see the holes he’s making. I’m assuming the trees have insects that he can hear and he is pecking his way to them. The trees look healthy. ...
Osmocote for 90 gallon pot
Posted by Jeannie Schaldach | March 28, 2024Hi, I am growing bamboo on my terrace in 90 gallon planters. Do I use 45 scoops of Osmocote (flower & vegetable 14-14-14) then? The containers are tall at 30"x30"(pic). Thank you!
Ground Cover
Posted by Lorene Johnson | March 28, 2024What is a good flowering ground cover for a shade in the morning and filtered sun in the afternoon? I have some Vinca in there now, but would like something else too, because it's a large area. Thank you!!
Planting Nigella damascena
Posted by Lisa Winiecki | March 22, 2024I just received my mail ordered 4" pot plants - they arrived in good shape -I've been acclimating them next to the house & now am ready to transfer to my flower bed - the plants have 3 or 4" of growth - is it too soon to put them in the ground? What can I do to protect them ...
How to Build A Raised Bed Garden-Darren Sherriff
Posted by George Frey | March 22, 2024In the article in the March 2024 edition he talks about using treated lumber or railroad ties to build raised beds but didn't recommend it because they are soaked with chemicals. He also talks about lining the beds with plastic which can accelerate the deterioration of the wood. Pressure treated lumber has been researched and approved for use for food ...
Dahlia’s
Posted by Lorene Johnson | March 22, 2024Should you fertilize Dahlia's when they start to erupt from the tuber or not fertilize at all? I have heard fertilizer will promote leaf growth, but not help the flower. Mine were very slow to bloom last year. Thank you in advance!