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Yellowish pyracantha may gave outgrown its container
Q: “I have a pyracantha that appears to be yellowish. It is growing in a large trough-like container. I know the winter has played havoc with shrubs, but I have kept my pyracantha watered so that the roots don’t dry out. Should I give it some Epsom salts in a can of water or half strength 20-20-20?”
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October is the time to plan for future gardens
Cool and sunny days in October are perfect for settling the garden down for winter and it’s often possible to prepare for spring at the same time.
Tips to grow the tulips
There are several reasons why large-flowered tulips are so popular for spring gardens- their flamboyant colour mixes, their hardiness and the way that mixing different hybrids can bring ever-changing floral designs from April to June.
How to save seed for tailor-made plants
Gardeners in past ages had no option but to save their own seed. They chose the most vigorous and productive plants and let them grow past harvest-time. When they flowered, pollination took place. Eventually the seedheads dried, and gardeners saved the seeds for planting in the next growing season.
Fall-flowering perennials ready to display their colours
In late summer when annuals are lanky, tired and dried out, a whole contingent of fall-flowering perennials are opening fresh buds for a display of colour that continues from August to frost.
Cracked bamboo pole leads to near death experience
I escaped death in the garden by half an inch last week while pushing a cracked bamboo pole into all-too-solid soil. It abruptly broke vertically. The force of pushing threw my head forward and a long, sharp dagger of bamboo skimmed past the carotid artery in my neck.
Best to prune roses in February, but minor pruning now won't hurt
Q: Can I prune my six-foot hybrid rose bush now? It’s an old one and not doing well. A few roses bloomed but there are no more buds on the bush.
Black worms can be sign of viburnum leaf beetle
Q: We have a snowball bush that's about 40 years old. For the past three to four years, we have been fighting a black worm on the leaves. We have tried Sticky Foot around the trunk and numerous sprayings of insecticidal soap and nothing helps. Can you help us save this old bush?"
In Gardening: Now's the time to plant warm-weather crops inside
April is a fairly forgiving month for gardening. Many vegetables can be seeded or transplanted outside – this includes broad beans, peas, radishes and cool-weather leafy crops such as arugula, spinach, chard and kale.
Fret not over the weather and prepare for vegetable growing season
Whether it’s sunny or rainy, some things can be done to prepare for this year’s vegetable harvest. In dry spells, shallots, onion sets and garlic can be planted outside.
Pruning tips and when to use lime sulphur
Q: In February, I always spray my roses with oil and lime sulphur mix, but my Westerland roses are still covered with glossy green leaves and new shoots. Do I spray anyway? Also, tradition says that roses get pruned when the forsythia blossoms, but the Westerlands are already growing. Can I prune now?
Ideas for garden beds and paths
People who wanted to put in a garden bed or path last fall but ran out of time have a second chance now before the growing season really starts.
Yellowish pyracantha may gave outgrown its container
Q: “I have a pyracantha that appears to be yellowish. It is growing in a large trough-like container. I know the winter has played havoc with shrubs, but I have kept my pyracantha watered so that the roots don’t dry out. Should I give it some Epsom salts in a can of water or half strength 20-20-20?”
