Posts Tagged ‘planting’
Vertical Mowing
Q: You mention “vertical mowing” on your website. What the heck is that? Is a vertical mower the same as a dethatching machine? A: Yes, it’s the same thing. The machine has several small blades on a horizontal shaft. As...
Okra Seeds – Soaking In Bleach
Q: Your vegetable book says that some gardeners soak okra seeds in pure bleach for five minutes to speed up sprouting time. Won’t that hurt the seed? A: Like you, I was doubtful so I did a test recently. I...
River Burch Trees – Roots Are Appearing
Q: Our river birch trees have roots coming up all over our yard. They are ruining the grass. I’d like to replace them but what would be a good tree to plant? A: Roots appearing on the surface indicate hard...
Teddy Bear Magnolia – How to Grow
Q: I recently purchased a Teddy Bear magnolia in a three gallon container. It’s gotten so hot, I wonder if I should keep it in the container or plant it. A: : I think there will be more stress on...
Ornamental Grass – When to Plant
Q: I know the best time to plant trees and shrubs is mid-fall. But when is the best time to plant ornamental grasses? A: In contrast to woody plants and perennial flowers, ornamental grasses do best when planted in spring...
Mulch – Types for Garden Plantings
Q: What type of mulch do you prefer for garden plantings? A: I alternate between pine straw for shrubs and trees and mini-sized bark chips for perennials and annuals. I use wheat straw around vegetables to promote beneficial insects. I...
Potatoes – No Spuds
Q: Upon digging for potatoes I came up empty: not a spud to be found. They had full sun, great soil, and they were nice plants with blooms. I planted them June 12. Kennebec is a mid/late variety so I...
Hydrangea – Stunted by Clay
Q: Is it possible that a two-year-old hydrangea has outgrown its nice comfy soil mixture and is being stunted by the clay around it? A: That is indeed possible if a wide area of soil was not loosened around the...
Plants – Growing Better on Mounds of Soil
Q: Why do some plants grow better in the garden when they are planted in a mound of soil? A: Planting in a mound or a raised bed gives plants better root drainage and faster soil warming in spring. Roots...
Gladiolus – Store or Replant
Q: If I dig up my gladiolus now should I store them until spring or re-plant immediately. A: Gladiolus corms (bulbs) are usually winter-hardy if left in the ground but it’s a good idea to dig them up every couple...
Planting New Shrubs – Safe in January
Q: A landscaper has told me we can safely plant new shrubs until the end of January in Atlanta. What say you? A: They’re right. It would be better to plant shrubs and trees Oct. – Dec., to take advantage...
Yellow Onions – Growing Green Shoots
Q: I have two store bought yellow onions that have began to grow green shoots. Can they be planted? A: Onions grow readily in Atlanta area gardens but the ones you buy from a grocery won’t get any bigger, so...
Tulips From Amsterdam – Survival
Q: I have recently returned from a trip to Amsterdam, where I ordered tulips. Will they do well here? A: I’m sure they will bloom well next spring as long as you keep the squirrels from digging them up. Unfortunately,...
Sweet Poataoes – When to Harvest
Q: I planted sweet potatoes this spring and the vines are growing well. How I will recognize the right time to harvest them? A: You can harvest them anytime you like before frost hits the leaves. The longer you wait,...
Apple Seeds – How to Grow
Q: I work with a pre-kindergarden class. We have been studying apples and the children are curious about the seeds turning into an apple tree. If we planted some of the seeds now would they sprout before the first frost?...
Granite Dust – Harmful?
Q: Recently I had a flagstone patio installed in my back yard. They used granite dust between the stones. A lot of it ended up in my empty planting beds. Will the stone dust harm any plants I put in?...
How to Garden in Fannin County
Q: We live in southern Florida and are building a house in Fannin county. Once the house is built, how do we learn to garden in this new area? A: What a marvelous gardening opportunity you have! You won’t have...
Pumpkin Seeds – Planting Sprouts Indoors
Q: My children collected seeds from our pumpkin this year. We placed several of them in damp paper towels on top of the refrigerator. Now we have several four-inch long sprouts. What do I need to do to keep them...
