Q. When is it safe to cut back my asparagus plants?
A. After the ferns tops have turned brown it is safe to cut them back.
Q. My roses have blackspot, what can I spray them with?
A. Blackspot is a fungus so you should spray with a fungicide, also destroy any leaves with blackspot on them. Plant the roses where there is good air circulation and practice cleanliness around the plant, as the fungus will overwinter in the soil under the plant.
Q. My walnut trees have very unattractive webs and worms on the ends of the branches, will this kill my tree?
A. No, if your trees are well established they should not harm you tree, even though they are very unsightly. If your trees are young, pick them off and destroy them. On larger trees you may have to resort to chemical control.
Q. When is it time to move my peony bushes and when can I cut them back?
A. Peony plants should be moved in early fall, September is a good time. The tops should not be cut back until after a heavy frost.
Q: Why won't my Hibiscus bloom?
A: Hibiscus like average temperatures and high light, with evenly moist soil but not waterlogged. The best way to get them to set buds is to prune them in late March, before they set bud. This gets rid of winter leggyness, and helps keep the plant bushy. It also stimulates new growth. Fertilize with a fertilizer that has a high middle number or top with compost. They love being outside for the summer. After danger of frost start slowly by putting the plant is bright defused light, but no direct light. After a week give more light. Continue this way until the plant is in full sun. This should stimulate blooms. In the tropics hibiscus live in full sun. Reverse the procedure in the early fall to bring the plant into the house before danger of frost.
Q: Why won't my peonies bloom?
A: The usual problem with peonies not blooming is that they are planted too deep. The tuberous roots need to be planted close to the surface at about 3.5cm deep and not deeper that 6cm. Peonies also like full sun. They survive in shade but usually do not bloom when planted in shade. They prefer being moved in early fall and may not bloom the first year after being transplanted. Remember to mulch with compost in the spring.
Q: Do I need ants to help my peonies bloom?
A: People associate ants and peonies, but peonies bloom very well without ants. Ants are on peonies to collect the sweet sap that peonies secrete just before the buds open, but have nothing to do with the flower opening. After the flowers open the ants continue to crawl through the petals collecting sap.