Marianne’s Responses
When to trim Mountain Laurel Bushes
Posted by dogluvr | July 24, 2015I have two questions. 1. I have mountain laurel bushes that are getting huge. When is the best time to trim them? And what is the best way to trim them? Cut them to a stump? Or trim them while shaping? 2. We have fir trees (regular fir, nothing fancy). One of them is half dead (the top half of ...
What to do when your garden won’t grow
Posted by echerchio | July 24, 2015I have a small home garden about 8'x20' and I have been growing the same veggies for about 20 years: tomatoes, basil, squash, eggplants, and peppers. I've always had good luck with them. The last couple of years were not too good. My basil would die off in a few weeks, eggplant would flower but not fruit, and tomatoes get ...
Caring for daffodils in winter
Posted by garyj | July 24, 2015If I want to plant daffodil bulbs in a planter that is under the eaves of my house, will I need to water the bulbs during the winter? If so, how much will I need to water them?
What’s eating my rose bushes?
Posted by bonniewalk | July 23, 2015I do not see any beetles on my rose bushes or the viburnum bushes, but something is skeletonizing the leaves completely. What is it?
Infected Japanese maple tree
Posted by Rubysliperss | July 22, 2015Hi Marianne, we have a huge red Japanese maple tree about 20 years old and 35 feet tall. We noticed that there is some sort of sap on some branches (actually we saw dark holes on the ground it made) and the bark is gone. I am sending a picture along. What could it be? I seem to notice it ...
Using Osmocote on lettuce
Posted by Marla K | July 21, 2015I am planting some loose leaf lettuce in a 30-inch planter. How much Osmocote should I use for this size container?
How much water do perennials need?
Posted by jmiller817 | July 20, 2015Hi Marianne, How much water do perennials need with this heat? They have a good mulch but I am not sure if they are getting enough to water. I have phlox, echinacea, delphiniums, roses, clematis, etc. Thanks, Julie
Dividing lilies and getting rid of Japanese beetles
Posted by sudhirshah | July 7, 2015My 4-5 year old lilies are blooming beautifully. I believe it's time to divide the bulbs. When is the best time (now, fall or spring) to divide and replant them? Also, is it advisable to cut the stem with foliage after the bloom? Another question, about roses. Japanese beetles are eating up my beautiful roses. I have tried every insecticide ...
How to get bushy tomatoes
Posted by mdumaine | July 5, 2015I planted tomato plants in the greenhouse. They are getting tall but not bushy. What can I do so they will get bushy?
How to plant seeds in mulch
Posted by lpvrod | July 1, 2015How should seeds be planted when mulch is in place? Simply move it aside?
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