Volume 2, Number 4, January 25, 2007
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Hello,
Lots of great information today including more answers to your requests from Ellen and an article about Do-It Yourself Liquid Fertilizers & Teas.
Happy Gardening!
Susan
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Today's Tips and Articles:
New Requests:
Growing Guides:
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Today's Tips and Articles
Is their a plant that repels all bugs?
Question: Is there a plant that repels all bugs?
Lynne from London, KY
Answer: Lynn,
There isn't one specific plant that will repel all insects, but in general, strong-smelling plants seem to work better than odorless plants. The idea is that some insects use scent to locate their host plants. If strong-smelling plants are growing nearby, the insects are more likely to becomes confused and move on. Try interplanting tansy, pennyroyal, lavender, peppermint (and other mints), onion, garlic and marigold.
Mixed planting is another effective strategy for controlling insects. By mixed planting, I'm referring to growing a diversity of plants rather than growing just a few types of plants. This encourages the pollinators and works to attract the kind of predatory (beneficial) insects that will naturally prey on pests. Mix planting also discourages pests from laying eggs. Many insects taste with their feet. If they land on several suitable plants in a row, will stop to lay their eggs. If they land on several different (unsuitable) plants in a row, they are more likely to move on and look elsewhere. One example of mixed planting is to plant flowers around vegetables in the garden.
Ellen
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Red Lion Amaryllis Advice
Question: My husband gave me a Red Lion Amaryllis as a pre-X-mas gift. It did bloom and 1 boom has died, at the lower end of that bloom there is a bulb thing. Are there seeds in it, are they fertle? There are 3 more blooms left. How can I get seeds from that Flower Bulb?
Hardiness Zone: 8a
Thank you for any info you have,
Sherry from Valdosta, GA
Answer: Hi Sherry,
The bulb your amaryllis is growing from can be thought of as an underground "seed." Technically it's not a seed, but it does contain everything the plant will need to grow and sprout more flowers. If you were to split the bulbs in half, in the center you would see a tiny immature bud surrounded by leaves. In turn, white meaty "scales" surround the leaves. These scales contain all of the food necessary for growing a new plant. They provide plants with the capacity for underground food storage.
With a little care, after the flowers on your amaryllis die back, you can save the bulb and make it flower again. As soon as the old flowers are spent, cut them from the stem. Once the stem starts to die back, cut back to the top of the bulb and remove the bulb from the soil. Clean off any remaining dirt and place the bulb in a cool (40-50ºF), dark place for a minimum of 6 weeks. This gives the bulb the dormant period it needs before it produces another plant. The crisper in your refrigerator will work well for storage, as long as you remember to keep pears and apples out while your bulb is in storage. These fruits give off ethylene gas as they ripen that renders flower bulbs sterile.
After 6 weeks, remove the bulb from the refrigerator and replant it outdoors (in spring), or in another pot. You supply the growing medium and water and the bulb will do the rest!
Ellen
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Houseplants That Are Easy to Grow
Question: What houseplants would be easy to grow? I have a little sun exposure, and I have not had good luck with plants. They always die, except for aloe vera. Can anyone help?
Hardiness Zone: 7a
AnnMel from Mountain Home, AR
Answer: Success with houseplants is simply a matter of choosing the right plant for the right place and caring for it in the right way. That said, some plants definitely seem more tolerant and forgiving when it comes to being given less-than-optimal growing conditions. If you feel like you could use a confidence booster, try these plants first.
All you need to do to grow them successfully (usually) is to avoid over-watering them or baking them in a south-facing window in the summer. As a general rule, water them once a week during the growing season and once every two weeks in winter:
Asapragus Fern, Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant), Billbergia (Queen's Tears), Chlorophytum (Spider Plant), Cissus, Fatshedera (Ivy), Fatsia, Helxine (Baby's Tears), Monstera (Splitleaf Philodendron), Parlour Palm, Pothos, Sansevieria (Snake Plant, S. hahnii, Golden Birds Nest or Mother-in-Law's Tongue), Tradescantia group including, Zebrina (Wandering Jew or Inch Plant).
There are also a number of techniques to try in order to maximize the limited light exposure you have. A lack of windows can be overcome by placing plants near white or pale-colored walls or setting them on top of or in front of a mirrored or other reflective surface.
Good luck!
Ellen
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Mulching Azaleas
Question: I recently replanted azaleas that are approximately 2 years old. Should I leave the leaves that have collected around them for extra insulation or remove them all and just mulch them real good?
Hardiness Zone: 5b
MinDee from Missouri
Answer: MinDee,
I wouldn't worry about cleaning them up unless you have had problems in the past with insects or fungal diseases. If this is the case, the fallen leaves will make a nice place for insects and disease spores to spend the winter so you're better off disposing of them (don't compost). If insects and disease are not a factor, I see no harm in leaving them. After all, the leaves can also make an attractive place for beneficial insects to overwinter. The way I look at it, when in doubt, always follow nature's example. Without human intervention, plants naturally rely on the insulating properties of their own leaves to protect them from the elements and provide nutrients again in the spring. Because most of the plants in our gardens are forced to adapt to "artificial" growing conditions, we've got to help them compensate. That said, you will probably want to add some mulch to the leaves anyway, unless you think you have enough leaves to provide adequate winter protection.
Ellen
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Brugmansia (Angel's Trumpet)
Question: Do you happen to know the name of this plant? Common and/or scientific would be great. However, I'll take whatever you can give me.
Hardiness Zone: 7a
Thanks,
James from Roswell, NM
Answer: James,
This is a Brugmansia. When looking for information on it, you may also see it referenced under its former name, Datura-commonly known as Angel's Trumpet. These beauties grow quite large and make wonderful outdoor patio plants or focal points for large, indoor rooms, but they do need a fair amount of care. In the winter, they need a well-lit room with a minimum temperature of 45ºF. They will also appreciate an occasional misting. In the summer, give them plenty of water, fertilize them regularly and place them in a location with a lot of light-preferably outdoors. Growing them in a container set on casters makes moving them much easier. After they flower, pruning them back hard will help keep their growth in check. Keep all parts of this plant away from children and pets (including the seeds and sap) as all parts are poisonous. Propagation is generally easiest through cuttings.
Ellen
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Hibiscus Not Blooming
Question: I have a hibiscus tree that has not bloomed in quite sometime. Someone has mentioned pruning the tree down. What do you recommend?
Hardiness Zone: 6a
Waynette from Kansas City, MO
Answer: Waynette,
If you've never cut it back, you might want to try it. As long as your tree seems otherwise healthy, a good pruning may be just the jolt it needs to kick flowering into high gear. Another idea worth considering is to force your hibiscus into a controlled dormant period for a couple of months. Sometimes this forced rest is helpful for getting flowering plants back on schedule. To do this, water it only enough to keep the soil from drying out completely and move the plant into a cool room (55ºF) for 6-8 weeks. In about March, cut back the stems a bit, move it back into a sunny location and increase watering, allowing only the top _ inch of soil to dry out before watering. Once new growth appears, start feeding it a high potassium fertilizer every two weeks. Too much nitrogen and all you will get is a lovely canopy of green leaves. Make sure your hibiscus is getting at least 5 to 6 hours of full sunlight per day, too. These gorgeous plants really need a lot of sunshine to perform well. If your hibiscus is growing in a pot, make sure the pot is small enough to keep the roots crowded. For some reason when they are placed in a large pot where their roots can freely roam about, hibiscus trees seem less likely to flower.
Ellen
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Grow Your Own Mushrooms
By Ellen BrownStudies have shown that when Shiitake, Oyster and Enoki mushrooms are eaten as part of our regular diets, they can lower cholesterol, moderate blood sugar levels, reduce stress and enhance our immune systems. Additional clinical evidence suggests mushrooms can also play an important therapeutic role in fighting cancer and other major diseases. If you've ever perused the gourmet mushroom section at the grocery store, you know that these health benefits often come at a steep price, especially if organically grown. Fortunately, it's much cheaper (and just as easy) to grow your own.
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Planting Bulbs Indoors
Question: Hello Ellen,
I Live in zone 6 or so and currently have freesia bulbs I want to plant but I want to grow them indoors. Do these bulbs need to be cooled for a period of time before planting? If so, for how long?
I also have some tulip bulbs that are starting to sprout that are not yet planted. I'd also like to grow them indoors. I understand there's a cooling period for these. If I can't put them in my fridge, what might my options be?
If I put them in my fridge, I've heard you can't have apples in the fridge. Is this true?
And finally, for what period of time would they have to be in my fridge or is it too late because they're beginning to sprout?
Thanks for any help you can provide from the one who loves only fragrant flowers!
Fragrance Lover
Answer: Fragrance Lover,
I'll answer these one at a time.
- Freesia bulbs don't need chilling. In fact, they are one of the easiest bulbs to force indoors. Just pot them up (2 inches deep and 1 inch apart) and place them in a sunny windowsill. Bulbs (like freesia) that are only hardy to zones 8-9 are not designed for winter so they do not need pre-chilling.
- How about a friend or relative's fridge? An unheated garage will work, too, as long as the bulbs don't freeze. Treated bulbs must be given sustained temperatures of 35-49 degrees.
- Fruits, such as apples, pears and bananas, emit ethylene during the ripening process. This gas shortens the flowering period of nearby plants, or in some cases, renders them sterile. It's best to keep fruit out of the fridge while storing bulbs, and the fruit bowl away from flowering houseplants while in bloom.
- The chilling period varies somewhat according to the type of Tulip, but most require a minimum of 13 to 18 weeks. Somewhere in the middle is probably safe. Going too long won't affect the bulbs, but taking them out too soon could result in the flowers not developing fully.
Good luck!
Ellen
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Do-It Yourself Liquid Fertilizers & Teas
By Ellen BrownOne of the fundamental principles of organic gardening is to "feed the soil, not the plant." The idea behind this concept is that if you start with healthy soil in the first place, you won't need a lot of additional fertilizers. That's good advice, but sometimes even Mother Nature appreciates a little boost. Organic liquid fertilizers and teas are a good options, because they can provide plants with nutrients in a readily available form. Here's all you need to know to make your own.
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| Bermudagrass - Weed Information
Bermudagrass (wire grass) is a perennial grassy weed that spreads rapidly by way of creeping underground rhizomes. For years, it has been widely grown as a heavy-duty turf grass or forage grass in moist tropical regions worldwide. Many hybrids have been developed, including varieties adaptable to colder climates. For this reason, Bermudagrass has become a noxious weed in areas where it has been introduced, due to its ability to survive (and thrive) under almost any conditions. It usually shows up first and ready to take over, anywhere the ground has been disturbed. Contact with this grass can cause skin irritations in some individuals and the pollen is a common allergen.
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Droopy Peace Lilies
Question: I just repotted my peace lilies and now they are very droopy, what can I do?
Hardiness Zone: 8a
Megan from Sumter, South Carolina
Answer: Megan,
It's likely that your newly repotted peace plant is still suffering from a bit of transplant shock. If your plant was healthy at the time of repotting, it should snap back in a couple of weeks. To help it recover as quickly as possible, you'll want to minimize any additional stress. Give it plenty of light, but make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight for a week or two. Keep its soil moist, but not wet, until the roots have had enough time to become firmly established. This usually takes anywhere from 2-3 weeks. Don't give it any fertilizer until you start to see some active growth. This may take a few months, so be patient. If you repotted your peace plant into a much larger pot, you may want to move it to something a bit smaller. It's always best to choose pots that are only one size larger than the pots your plants are currently in. When you go from small containers to large containers you increase the soil volume. This means the soil stays wetter longer each time you water and the roots may suffer as a result.
Ellen
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Lava Bonsai Plant is Withering
Question: My lava bonsai plant in withering up, is it too cold?
Hardiness Zone: 8b
Danielle from Mesa AZ
Answer: Danielle,
I'm assuming you're referring to a bonsai plant that has its roots growing around a lava rock (root-over-rock style). Is it outdoors? If it is, it should be able to withstand frost. Indoor bonsai are generally frost-sensitive, and prefer average warmth, but the optimal temperature for them can vary greatly according to specific plant type. Generally speaking, the warmth of a standard living room is good for the summer and the conditions you would find in unheated room in the winter serve as a useful guide.
When any type of bonsai plant starts to wilt, the usual cause is improper watering. Unfortunately, unlike houseplants, it's harder for bonsai plants to recover once they reach the point of wilting. Because these trees are kept in containers with minimal soil, calculating their water needs is one of the most challenging aspects of growing them. Most often, bonsai plants tend to be under-watered. You could also be witnessing something called physiological wilt. Instead of under-watering, physiological wilt is brought on by soil that is kept too wet, which keeps the root system from getting air. Daily watering is often necessary for bonsai. Give them water when the surface of their growing medium feels dry to the touch. Scratch the surface of the compost if you're not sure. Frequent misting to keep the air around the plant humid is also helpful.
Ellen
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The above contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!
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New Requests
| Grape Vines Not Producing
I have 10 grape vines that have overgrown and are not producing. Can I cut them right back to the ground so that I can start over and put in new supports and tend to them better or will I lose the plants by cutting too drastically?
Hardiness Zone: 4a
Roberta from China, ME
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| Pineapple Pruning
I need help with my pineapple plant. I grew a pineapple and just removed it to eat. But what do I do with the stalk it grew on? Do i cut it out of the center of plant or just leave it?
Hardiness Zone: 5b
Thanks,
Gloria from Eagle Bridge, NY
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| Avocado Tree Damaged By Frost
What should I do with avocado trees damaged by frost. Will they grow back?
Richard from Arroyo Grande, CA
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| Starting Watermelons in a Greenhouse
How long should watermelons be planted in the greenhouse before transplanting to the field?
Hardiness Zone: 8a
Randy from Oak Ridge, LA
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| Hibiscus Damaged By Cold Weather
I live in Phoenix Arizona and we have had some pretty cold weather
lately, in the 20's some mornings. We have around 30 hibiscus planted along the front of our house and they are not looking too good. Is there anything we can do to nurse them back or not? I think the cold weather is over now. We need some suggestions please!
Thank you,
Michelle
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| Keeping Small Wildlife Out Flower Beds
I have aggressive and destructive squirrels, raccoons and possums that are ruining the flower garden. I need to deter these garden pests this spring, summer and fall. The squirrels are the worst! Any Ideas?
Hardiness Zone: 5a
ML Dubose from Chicago, IL
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Growing Guides
Growing: Sweet Cicely
Botanical Name:
Myrrhis odorata
Common names:
Sweet Cicely, Garden Myrrh
Description:
One of the first plants to arrive with spring growth, and the last to leave in the fall, Sweet Cicely is a wonderful addition to any flower garden. This herb grows tall and wide (3 feet x 3feet). It has attractive, bright green, fern-like leaves and umbel-like clusters of small that appear in early to mid summer. When the petals fade, large, attractive seed heads with claw-like brown seeds are left behind to add interest to the garden or dried arrangements. Sweet Cicely gives off a scent similar to licorice or aniseed that attracts bees.
Life Cycle:
hardy perennial
Exposure:
partial shade
Cultivation:
Sow seeds in the fall in a partially shaded area. Sweet Cicely prefers cool, moist, fertile soil, and tends to grow poorly in warm, humid climates. Plants are somewhat slow to germinate, but once established will readily reseed themselves, and due their mature size, are best planted in the back of the garden. Move extra seedlings to a permanent location in the spring. Cut plants back by two thirds for cuttings during the growing season and protect plants from winter cold with mulch. Despite its size, Sweet Cicely also grows well in containers.
Propagation:
division and seeds
Parts Used:
leaves, roots, and seeds
Harvesting and Storage:
Harvest anytime for use. Oils are at their most concentrated when plants are budding.
Medicinal Uses:
mild laxative; Sweet Cicely is currently being studied for use as an artificial sweetener for diabetics.
Culinary Uses
Leaves: teas, salads, fruit salads, fruit drinks, soups, stews, dressings; Roots: peeled, boiled and eaten like a vegetable; Seeds: salads, fruits salads, pies and tarts, ice cream.
Other Uses:
attracts bees and hummingbirds; posies, potpourri and wreaths; furniture polish; candle-making
More Growing Information: Click Here | Growing: Summer Savory
Botanical Name:
Satureja hortensis
Common names:
Summer Savory, Savory
Description:
Summer Savory is native to the Mediterranean. In Ancient Rome, it was thought to be a powerful aphrodisiac. In the 1500s, Shakespeare wrote about it in A Winter's Tale. Today, Summer Savory is grown widely for its culinary properties. Most cooks feel that its strong, spicy flavor is superior to that of its perennial relative, Winter Savory. Summer savory grows about 12 inches tall on slender, upright stems that tend to flop over if not supported. The plant's foliage consists of small, narrow leaves and pretty, but inconspicuous, pale pink flowers.
Life Cycle:
hardy annual
Exposure:
full sun
Cultivation:
You may want to give Summer Savory a corner of its own in the garden. Plants will readily reseed themselves if left alone and can quickly spread seedlings to other parts of the garden. Sow seeds in the spring, thinning seedlings to six inches apart when they grow big enough to handle. Plants need a sunny location and light well-drained soil. Sow seeds where you want them to grow as the dislike being transplanted.
Propagation:
seeds
Parts Used:
leaves
Harvesting and Storage:
for best flavor, cut and dry leaves as needed
Medicinal Uses:
digestive aid; antiseptic; relief from insect stings
Culinary Uses
flavor for beans, soups and stews; flavored oils and vinegars; sausage making
Other Uses:
dried flowers; arrangements and rock gardens; companion plants for beans
More Growing Information: Click Here |
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