[ad#promo-content-atf-250-left] Question: What mums do you recommend for this locality? We are at an elevation of 3,500 feet; earliest frost comes about September; winters are seldom colder than 10 degrees above zero. DK, El Dorado, Cal. Answer: Where killing frost comes early, the cushion-type chrysanthemums (low growing and very profuse bloomers) are likely to be […]

[ad#promo-content-atf-250-left] Question: For the last two years I have had trouble with aphids and wilt spoiling my asters. What should I do to over-come this? AG, Conn. Answer: Aphids on plant tops may be killed by spraying with a malathion or neem oil and soap solution and on the roots by scraping away some soil […]

[ad#promo-content-atf-250-left] Question – I have been told that some plants can be increased by means of root cuttings. Is this true? If so, when is the best time to take the cuttings and plant them? Answer – Yes, there are numerous plants which can be propagated vegetatively by root cuttings. Among them are perennials such […]

Question: I have a four year old mock orange bush which has never had buds… we protect it in the winter and fertilize as directed. Can you advise? AG., Michigan. Answer: In general the mock orange is a reliable bloomer and does well in any moderately fertile soil when given sufficient light. Pruning is important, […]

[ad#promo-content-atf-200-left] Question: I have a purple clematis which has never done well, but it keeps coming back. I have it on the east side of my house with only morning sun. How much moisture and sun does it need? DJA., Oklahoma. Answer: Purple clematis should thrive with an east exposure. The tops like all the […]

[ad#promo-content-atf-200-left] Question: Could you tell me the names of some plants for our garden with fragrant leaves or flowers that can be dried and that will retain their fragrance? I’d like to use them to make packets for storage trunks and boxes. NO., Missouri. Answer: Many fragrant flowers do not retain their fragrance long enough […]

Question: I have several crape myrtles which do not bloom. Could you give me information about flowering crape myrtle? HO., Oklahoma. Answer: Crape myrtle is a most satisfactory blooming plant wherever it is hardy. In your state the crape myrtle should bloom freely if given proper growing conditions. First they should be planted where they […]

Question: I have several shasta daisies which I grew from seeds. Their blossoms have always remained about the size of a door knob, although they are supposed to flower at about three plus to better than four inches in size. Would you suggest soil and feeding as well as a growing condition that might increase […]

[ad#promo-content-atf-200-left] Question: At what time are scarlet love apples (Solanum integrifolium) cut and how are they dried for winter? M.J.H., Nebraska. Answer: Harvest Solanum integrifolium, scarlet love apple, before they are fully ripe, as soon as they have colored completely. Wrap each separately in paper and store in a cool dry place.

Question: My large plant of pyracantha has fire blight. My plant is flaring up, one branch at a time. Nothing I have tried stops it. I cut off the affected branch, but the disease recurs. The leaves turn an odd red-brown and dry up on the plant. I have seen the same thing on azaleas […]