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Vol. 3, Num. 16, April 17, 2008 (Read It Online) This week we have articles about How to Grow Bearded Irises and What to Plant Under Black Walnut Trees. We also have tips from readers and Ellen answers more questions. Thanks for reading, Susan
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Craft Project: Bowling Ball Gazing Ball Bowling Ball transformed into a Gazing Ball to display in a flower garden, backyard deck or a campsiteApproximate Time: at least 2-3 days Supplies:
Instructions: An old bowling ball can be transformed into a yard art project. The bowling ball should be painted with a color of your choice;allow to dry thoroughly. Place the bowling bowl in a plastic flower pot for stability of the ball while attaching the marbles to the ball; turn the ball after it is dry to expose another area to cover with marbles.
Using clear silicone glue and flat marbles (your choice of color of marble); glue marbles in a design of your choice which should be drawn in pencil on the dry bowling ball. We used a circular design. Allow each section to dry before proceeding to the next section. After completion of this project, it can be placed on any type of pedestal to display in a flower bed, backyard deck or even as a campsite decoration for a RV or tent. I displayed our gazing ball in a garden pot bicycle. It sits on my backyard deck as shown in the picture By Jodi from Tennessee Editor's Note: Here is a craft we published last year that is similar to give you more ideas:
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How to Grow Bearded Irises
There is no shortage of reasons to fall in love with Bearded Irises. They come in hundreds of stunning colors and color combinations, they grow happily in all but the hottest and coldest zones, they have a tendency to fill out their corner of the flower garden rapidly, and some of them ("rebloomers") even bloom more than once in a season. It is not surprising then, that Bearded Irises are grown, collected, and admired by millions of gardeners around the world.
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Rate It: What to Plant Under Black Walnut Trees
Highly prized for its strength, resistance to decay, handsome wood grain, and product versatility (it's made into everything from furniture to airplane propellers) to woodworkers, Black Walnuts trees are considered black gold. To us gardeners, however, Black Walnuts trees can prove to be a difficult landscaping challenge.
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Rate It: Use Hairbands To Stake Tomatoes When I grow tomatoes, I put the support stake in when I plant the tomato. On the stake, I place 2-3 soft terrycloth hairbands. As the plant grows, I move the bands up and use the bottom one to tie the plant to the stake. The hairbands are very gentle and do not dig into the plant, expanding as the plant grows, this keeps the plants staked without damaging them. I buy the hairbands at the dollar store and they come a dozen to a package so they very economical. Just make sure you buy the terrycloth kind that have a gentle stretch to them. And when growing season is over I just stick the bands in a lingerie bag and wash for the next year. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23693529.tip.html
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Rate It: Question: I've recently moved into a new house and last Sunday I started cleaning out my front flower bed. Come to find out its full of gravel! I've been told not to worry, to just put down top soil. I've also been told to sift the gravel out. The soil is also super silty. I've also started morning glory, sunflower, zinnia's, moon flowers, and salvia seeds. They are all planted in regular soil from my garden (minus the gravel) in an egg crate in my kitchen. Can I water them with miracle grow to help them along, or will that burn them? I know morning glory is voracious but I've got trellises and the time to cut them back when needed. Also, any idea for a small colorful (preferably blooming) tree I can plant in a very large barrel for my front yard? I'm a renter but I'd like to have a pretty little tree. Hardiness Zone: 10a Marisa from Santa Maria, California Answer: Hi Marisa, As long as you loosen up the layer of gravel and put down 8-12 inches of topsoil, you should not have to worry about removing the gravel to plant some annuals. I would be careful with using Miracle grow on small seedlings, though. Fertilizing is easy to overdo, especially on delicate seedlings. You're better off waiting until your seedlings develop their second set of true leaves before you start feedings. And even then, I would start with a diluted (half strength) fertilizer and work up to full strength if they don't seem to be responding. You mentioned you have silty soil. This kind of soil offers good drainage, but also tends to contain more nutrients and holds moisture better than sandy soil. If you mix some good quality compost in with your topsoil, your plants should have more than enough nutrients to get off to a good start. Annuals do need more frequent feeding than perennials because they expend all of their energy in one season. You can either apply a slow release fertilizer (dry) early in the season or feed plants with a liquid soluble fertilizer (like seaweed extract or fish emulsion) every 2-3 weeks. In either case, just follow the directions carefully and you should be fine. If you are using an organic fertilizer on annuals, plan to apply it three or four times each season. Annuals like geraniums, impatiens and "wave" petunias need to be fed once a week for peak performance. Water plants the day before you plan to fertilize. Carefully follow all the directions on the package and try to spread the fertilizer evenly. Water dry fertilizers immediately applying them to "activate" them and settle them into the soil. Also keep in mind that fertilizers will leach more quickly through sandy soils than through heavy, clay soils. As for small trees, I would contact a local nursery and tell them what you are looking for. Even a small tree can be a large investment, so make sure you select a species that will have the best chance for success. Most quality nurseries grow both full-sized trees and specimens suited for large containers. They should have many good suggestions for you. Above all, don't forget to contact your landlord to get written permission before you alter any landscaping. Ellen
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Rate It: Question: I have several bamboo plants that the stalks are all yellow/brownbut the shoots (leaves) are all still green. What should I do? Is there a way that I can remove the green shoot clusters and re-root them to grow once again? The plants themselves are about 5 years old, but I have a twisted stalk one that is over 7 years old and under the same light, water, feed everything and it didn't happen to it. I would truly appreciate any help that you could give as I really feel badly about the loss of these plants. Thanks in advance for your time. Hardiness Zone: 7a Sherry from Omak, WA Answer: Hi Sherry, I am going to assume your talking about ribbon dracaena (a.k.a. Dracaena sanderiana) or as it is commonly referred to, "Lucky Bamboo". In general, these plants are tough and seem to be able to hang on for quite some time even once they enter an apparent state of decline. Once their shoots turn yellow, though, there is not usually a whole lot you can do to reverse the damage and revive them. The good news is, you can still cut off some of the remaining healthy green shoots and root them in water. I'm curious. Are they all in similar types of containers (ceramic or glass is best)? If the bottoms of the containers hold rocks, are the rocks all the same kind? If not, could some type of metal from either the rocks or container be leeching into the water holding the sick plants? Are the 5 year-old stalks related to each other (from the same plant)? Are they together in the same container? If so, you may want to remove the sickest stems from the container and change the water to prevent anything from spreading to the remaining stalks. You said you feed them all the same kind/amount of food, but is it possible that you overfed them? If so, change the water immediately and don't feed them for at least a month. Remember that even though they are all "bamboo", as individual plants the younger plants may still react differently to water chemistry, food, etc., than your older plant. Normally when Lucky Bamboo stalks turn yellow, it is an indication of something in the water, or a sign that the plant has been overfed. My only other suggestion is to place the bamboo in a dark room for a few days and then bring it back out into the light to see if it perks up at all. Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53117511.tip.html
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Rate It: Advice For Growing Cornflowers Question: Can anyone give me tips on how to grow cornflowers? I try these every year, following the instructions on the seed packet, but if I'm lucky I get a plant that's about an inch tall. It drives me crazy because I see cornflowers growing wild and lush in ditches, beside railroad tracks, etc. What am I doing wrong? (By the way, this area is always listed as 7a but it never gets that cold. Something to do with the Chesapeake Bay. The climate here is truly 9a.) Hardiness Zone: 9a Peanut from VA Answer: Peanut, Are you fertilizing them? Stunted growth can indicate poor soil fertility. Nursery flats are too small to contain a large enough volume of soil to hold adequate nutrients. It's best to fertilize in low doses often. Here are my tips for starting Cornflower seeds indoors. See how they compare to what you have been doing. Start seeds about 6 to 8 weeks before you plan to transplant them outdoors. Some varieties need at least 14 hours of light a day to flower, so start them indoors earlier if you want earlier blooms. Use a new, sterilized soil-less mix to start seeds. Centaureas need darkness to germinate, so cover seeds with _ inch layer of mix. Keep the growing medium moist (not wet) and temperatures between 60ºF -70ºF. Cover the nursery flats or pots with plastic until the seedlings emerge to maintain humidity. The National Garden Bureau recommends cutting the strongest plants down to soil level once the seedlings develop their first set of true leaves (usually the second set to emerge). I've never done this, but you might try it with a few and see what happens. Transplant cornflowers outdoor before they grow taller then 4 inches. Good luck! Ellen
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Rate It: When Will My Hydrangeas Bloom? Question: How long before a hydrangea blooms? I bought Nikko Blue hydrangeas from BJ's Wholesale Club. I am guessing they won't be big enough to bloom this year but I was wondering if it was correct to expect them to have some flowering action next summer? Your advice is appreciated. Hardiness Zone: 7b Dawnne from Indian Land, SC Answer: Hi Dawnne, How soon before your Nikko Blue hydrangea blooms depends on how long it takes its roots to become well established. Under ideal conditions, plants may bloom as young as two years of age. Plants are like people, each one is a unique individual, so yours will bloom when it's ready. Here are some growing tips for Nikko Blue. By creating the ideal conditions for your hydrangea, you can definitely speed the process of becoming established along. Big leaf hydrangeas like your Nikko Blue grow best in nutrient-rich well-drained soil when given some morning sun and afternoon shade. Apply a diluted (1/2 strength) all-purpose fertilizer (10-10-10) three times during your active growing season (March, May and July). "Big leaves" suggests more rapid water loss. Like their name suggests, hydrangeas need plenty of water and will suffer in hot, dry weather, so water them frequently (at least once a week) during hot weather. Because this type of hydrangea blooms on old wood (last year's growth) they should be pruned immediately after flowering so they have time to set buds for the following year. Prune too late and you risk cutting off next year's flowers. Another thing to watch for is a late freeze in the spring, which can damage new leaves and developing buds and result in more root growth and less (or no) flowers that season. Good luck! Ellen
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Rate It: Confederate Jasmine Not Flowering
Question: I have a Confederate Jasmine. It has very dark green leaves. It's a healthy plant but not flowering. What I can do to induce some flowers? Hardiness Zone: 11 Luis from Carolina, PR Answer: Hi Luis, There are two main factors that influence whether or not Confederate Jasmine will bloom. The first is light and the second is pruning. A Confederate Jasmine prefers full sun to partial shade. More light usually equals more blooms. In your climate, some protection from midday sun is probably warranted. If you are meeting the plant's light requirements, how are you doing with pruning? A second factor is improper pruning. Confederate Jasmine bloom on old wood (last year's growth) so normally they are pruned or pinched back immediately after flowering. Because yours isn't flowering at all, you might consider cutting it back and then leaving it alone for a year. (New plants can be started from these cuttings.) Sometimes a good pruning can shock plants into action. You didn't mention how old your plant is. Confederate Jasmine can be a bit slow to get started for the first couple of years. It sounds as though it is healthy (dark green leaves). Is it possible that it is young (1-5 years old) and throwing all of its energy into becoming established? Are you fertilizing? If so, I would stop. Yellow leaves can be a sign your Jasmine needs fertilizing, but from the sounds of it, the dark green leaves on yours indicates it is getting the appropriate amount of nutrients. Too much fertilizer and your jasmine will concentrate more on producing leaves than flowers. Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74636042.tip.html
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Rate It: Using Plastic Knives for Plant Stakes Have you ever planted your plants and forgot which are planted where? An easy and inexpensive way to keep those marked is by buying plastic picnic knives from the dollar store and using a Sharpie marker and writing the plant type on the handle and sticking the bladed side into the ground. These knives are strong and durable. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41743932.tip.html
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Rate It: Do I Need Two Apple Trees To Get Fruit? Question: I just purchased a Granny Smith apple tree from the local grocery store. I've done some online researching and wanted to confirm whether or not I need to purchase another type of apple tree so they will both produce fruit. Thanks and regards! Hardiness Zone: 7b Penni from Hillsborough, NC Answer: Hi Penny, As you know, it doesn't matter how prolific an apple tree flowers, if those flowers are not pollinated, you won't get apples! Apple trees are either 'self-fruitful', meaning they bear fruit after pollination occurs among their own flowers, or they are 'self unfruitful', meaning they require cross pollination from another apple or crab apple variety to produce fruit. Granny Smith apple trees happen to be a 'self-fruitful' variety. That means your chances of attaining a good fruit set year after year relies almost entirely on bees. They must find your lone apple tree and pollinate all of the flowers. More trees, equals more bees (hopefully). You will have a larger and much better fruit set each year if you planted another variety nearby (within 50 feet). Contact the nursery where you bought your Granny Smith for recommendations on which varieties will make good pollination partners for your Granny Smith. The most important consideration when selecting a second variety is to find one with a similar bloom time. This is because the first (and largest) blossom to open on each flower cluster on an apple tree is called the king blossom. It is called the king blossom for a reason-it must be pollinated for that flower cluster to produce a fruit. Ideally, the bloom time for both varieties will occur at the same time, or at least overlap. You may want to try your Granny Smith alone for a season or two just to see what happens, but you are sure to get a much higher yield if you find a partner for it. Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36459468.tip.html
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I have recently purchased some seeds for cactus. I have seen them growing here in KS, so I know it's possible. My question is, how to start cactus? How about soil, or should I just use rock to plant them in? I love cactus, but this is my first attempt to grow some. Any help would be great! Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44217759.tip.html
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Rate It: I have bamboo curly stalks growing in a vase of water with glass stones. Can it be transplanted outdoors in the Ohio area? Thank you. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64577857.tip.html
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Rate It: We are getting ready to plant blueberry bushes. I have read online that we need to cut off the top 3rd of the plants when we plant them and then not let them produce for the 1st 2 years. Does anyone out there have experience with blueberries? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks and God bless! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51211345.tip.html
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Rate It: Growing Gourds In 5 Gallon Buckets Can I grow gourds in 5 gallon buckets? I'd like to grow some of those little gourds that look like hens eggs. I have the seeds, and am ready to plant. But we don't have enough space for sprawling vines in the yard. Could I plant these seeds in Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21774425.tip.html
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Rate It: Where Can I Plant A Weeping Willow? I decided I wanted a weeping willow and so we planted one in the front yard about 20 ft from the house and 15 feet from the street but now I am worried about the septic system and foundation. I keep reading that they should not be planted near any septic or water lines(our septic is in the backyard). I want to know what a safe distance is to plant a willow from septic or water lines? Could anyone help me with this? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60151686.tip.html
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Rate It: I live in Wyoming and have very sandy soil. I would like to plant lilacs and need to know the best time to plant and how to care for them. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51304355.tip.html
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Rate It: Small Leaves on a Crepe Myrtle How come one of my crepe myrtles has smaller light green leaves than the rest, who have bigger and dark green leaves? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67239021.tip.html
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Rate It: Why Are My Roses Turning Brown? The tips of my roses are turning brown, even the new buds. What is causing this to happen? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87112901.tip.html
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Rate It: Looking For Cream Amaryllis Bulb I am looking for a cream amaryllis bulb to purchase. Does anyone know where I might find one? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74008494.tip.html
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Rate It: Tree That Blooms With Yellow Flowers I need to know the name of a tree that blooms with yellow flowers all over it in the spring. I also seen this tree bloom in pink also in white. They are truly beautiful, the whole tree is covered with yellow flowers. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77683176.tip.html
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Rate It: Can anyone tell me how to grow angel trumpets? I have the pods which contain the seeds. I need to know where to plant them and when. Thank you. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17235864.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a medium sized hill that has a maple tree in the middle. The dirt on the hill is very poor - full of gravel, rocks, and bad dirt. I am looking for a ground cover that will cover quickly and fill this area. Any suggestions? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37891354.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a long narrow garden beside my house. It gets sun in the morning and mostly shade in the afternoon. I am looking for perennials to put in it. Any suggestions? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73769929.tip.html
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Rate It: I have no money for landscaping. What can I use for landscape fabric? My husband and I put down landscape fabric in our yard last year, but we are no longer together and I cannot afford to buy anything for the yard. Does anybody have any suggestions of what I can use that is "dirt" cheap instead of expensive landscape fabric? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36002964.tip.html
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Rate It: Making Your Own Hanging Tomato Baskets Has anyone out there seen the wonderful advertisement on TV for growing tomatoes hanging upside down? I looked at the price of each and decided I couldn't afford to buy 6 or 7. I would love to know if someone has an idea for making your own hanging tomato growers. Thank you! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19036845.tip.html
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Rate It: Does mowing your Irises after they've bloomed cause them to not bloom again the next year? I'm not much of a gardener, which is probably obvious. We've had them planted for several years, and they bloomed pretty well for the first 2-3 years. My husband then mowed over them the last couple of years (after their blooming season), and now very few have bloomed back. Is there anything we can do now to help? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36669626.tip.html
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Rate It: Pests Eating Leaves Of Hybiscus What can we do to prevent leaves of my Hybiscus from being eaten by unknown pests? I am first time user and amazed by the information I can send to resolve my problem. Right now I don't have a picture but will take one after I submit this question. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82528592.tip.html
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