[ad#promo-content-atf-200-left] Question: I have been offered some of the shoots that came up around a cherry-plum tree. Will these shoots produce the cherry-plum fruit, or will they produce something less desirable? Mrs. E.O., Minnesota. Answer: The cherry-plum, Prunus cerasifera, is not a grafted variety. Since it grows on its own roots, sprouts that come up […]

[ad#promo-content-atf-200-left] Question: I would like to have information on the storing and culture of tuberoses. Mine make a healthy growth, but only about one out of 25 blooms. Mrs. P.R.S., Indiana. Answer: The tuberose in most respects is of the easiest culture with practically no enemies or diseases. It is a tropical from Mexico and […]

Question I have access to corncobs to use as mulch. Before mulching with corncobs I applied 5-10-5 fertilizer. Do ground corncobs rob the soil of nitrogen as sawdust does? Do corncobs add nutrient to the soil when rotted? What kind of lime and how much should be used to make hydrangea really pink? SR, Ill. […]

Question: Why does one of my groups of daffodils bloom two weeks ahead of another planting of the same variety in another part of the grounds? Answer: It is probably sunlight and good drainage that make the difference. Clumps of one variety in our foundation planting, with full sun and perfect drainage, usually bloom about […]

Question: Is it true that cutting off the foliage of my daffodils while still green will prevent their blooming next spring? Answer: Yes. If your bulbs are big and husky, a few may bloom despite this tough treatment; but if they are only average, you will get hardly any bloom if the foliage is removed […]

Question: I plan to air layer several climbing roses this month. When should I remove the rooted branches? Answer: Any time after a good root system has formed you can remove the layered branches. If you use a transparent plastic for wrapping, you will be able to see the roots and will know when a […]

Question: My neighbor’s water-lilies bloom throughout the summer, but mine bloom for only a short time in early summer. Why? Answer: Your neighbor’s plants are very probably tropical varieties that have a long blooming season, while yours are hardy and have a very, very short season of bloom. The tropicals, which are killed by winter […]

Question: I now use leafmold in my mixture and would like to know what proportion of rotted wood humus to use in the potting mixture of African violets. MN, Kan Answer: Rotted wood humus would take the place of leafmold in the potting mixture for African violets or you could use half leafmold and half […]

Question: Can you tell me how the method of organic gardening which eliminates the compost pile and applies the material directly to the soil works? DH, Neb Answer: The method is to dig a trench 6 to 8 inches deep, kitchen waste in it in a continuous layer and cover it immediately with soil. lt […]

Question: I have a spring-fed stream and would like to grow watercress. Will it grow in Massachusetts, where can I get some, and how is it planted? GR, Mass Answer: Watercress grows well in Massachusetts and is easy to grow under conditions you mention. Buy a bunch in the market or collect it from the […]