Marianne’s Responses
Big bark or small bark for blocking new weeds?
Posted by gcotterl | November 14, 2014After the newspaper decomposes, why won't the bigger (as large as 2 to 3 inch) chunks of bark mulch allow sunlight and weed seeds to pass through to the soil, causing new weeds? Why wouldn't smaller bark do a better job at blocking new weeds?
What to grow under a hoop frame row cover
Posted by mdumaine | November 14, 2014I live in Auburn, Washington, and purchased some row cover with hoop frame. What would be good to grow in it? Will stuff really grow in it during the winter?
Ideal size for bark mulch?
Posted by gcotterl | November 12, 2014What is the size of the "bigger" chunks of bark? Also, after I thoroughly weed my garden, should I apply a pre-emergent weed preventer (such as Preen) before I put on the newspaper?
Blocking weeds with newspapers and bark
Posted by gcotterl | November 12, 2014After I thoroughly weed my garden, how many inches of redwood bark chunks should I put on top of the layer of newspapers or cardboard to provide maximum weed blocking?
The bigger the bark, the fewer the weeds?
Posted by gcotterl | November 12, 2014Is it true that the bigger the chunks of bark, the more weed control it offers? If weeds are a problem, use the big chunks of bark? Reference: Your "Tips for Carefree Landscapes" book, Chapter 9 ("No Naked Soil: Groundcovers and Mulches)", in the "Types of Organic Mulches" section.
Letting the lawn grow out
Posted by matt.dangelo | November 12, 2014My question is about lawn care. Is it better to leave my lawn long for the winter? It's a couple of inches tallâmaybe a little more. If it were summer I would definitely cut it. How do freezing temps affect this situation? Of course I would pick a sunny, dry day to mow.
Osmocote on outdoor roses and citrus trees
Posted by Donna Taylor | November 11, 2014Can I use Osmocote Outdoor & Indoor for roses and citrus trees planted outside?
Osmocote on anthurium plants
Posted by Ward Woolley | November 8, 2014I have several anthurium plants and various websites say to fertilize them with Osmocote. They say to cut the amount that is indicated on the package by 75%. I bought some Osmocote from Home Depot last week to use but I do not see anywhere on the container how much to use per potted plant. I have some of the ...
Thank you for not feeding the birds
Posted by Debbie Smith | November 6, 2014Not a question, just a comment. Thank you so much for your recent column "Don't feed the birds birdseed; let 'em eat bugs." Great information that really needed to be said. Thank you for bringing this important information to the public!
Moldy, mildewy, rotting greenhouse plants
Posted by Donna Haley | November 5, 2014I am attempting to propagate geraniums, fuchsias, and wax begonias in my greenhouse this year. I am seeing a moldy-mildewy substance on some of the plants (ones I am holding over), on both the leaves, and at the bottom of the stem on some of my new cuttings. It appears that some of the plants are rotting as a result. ...
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