Gardening News
Have a Gardening Question?
The London Middlesex Master Gardeners were answering questions last fall at the Western Fair. Below is a sample of some of the questions people asked as they stopped by our booth. When can I move perennials? Early spring or fall is the best time. Perennials can be moved in the summer with a large clump of soil and extra watering. --- How do I over-winter dahlas andother tender bulbs? Dig up tubers after first frost, cut off foliage, set out to dry for a few days in your garage or shed, when completely dry, knock off the dirt pack in peat moss or wood shavings and store in a cool, dry, dark spot (i.e. basement.) --- How do I prevent mums from growing so tall? Early in season cut them back, this will keep them shorter and make them bushy. --- How to prevent slugs from eating hostas? Sprinkle diametaceous earth, course sand or slug bait around plants. --- How to get Rid of weeds and clover in the lawn? Maintain healthy turf with over seeding, feeding with corn gluten (the added benefit of suppressing weed seeds), mowing at 3”, watering when appropriate and hand dig weeds. Enjoy the clover, it stays green through drought times. --- Nematodes- when to use them. Warm weather application, water well first, usually stray in late spring. --- Is there anything besides corn gluten for crabgrass? Maintain a healthy lawn. --- Lawn growing under a maple tree is patchy and the soil is hard. How do I get grass to grow? Aerate the soil, spread topsoil on the patchy areas, over seed the patchy areas in spring or early October. --- Does compost need to be mixed? Yes, if you want it ready quickly. No, if you can wait 1 ½ - 2 years. --- I have tiny white things on my houseplants, not flies, what to do? Safer’s soap – follow directions to spray several times – woolly aphids. --- Why are my annual pots not very full? Fertilize, water every other day. --- Citronella, is it perennial? No, it’s an annual. --- What to do about tomato blight? Clean up dead leaves, stems, tomatoes and roots and destroy. Do not compost. Try to solarize the area using clear or black plastic. Plant something different there next year. Caused by cool, wet summer, rain and overhead watering can splash the fungus upwards. Try to water at the base of plants. What will keep squirrels away? Blood meal. Do not use too much because it is mostly nitrogen. Or try bird seed with cayenne pepper. You can also buy “squirrel proof” bird seed. Have a question not listed? Contact us through our Helpline: 519-473-9727 or email us through our contacts tab! |
