A blanket of leaves perfect for shade-loving perennials
Posted: October 25, 2009 at 6:04 a.m.
Question: I know that leaves should be raked off of the lawn, but is it all right to leave them on the perennial beds?
Answer: Most sun loving perennials do better if they are not mulched with leaves but a 2 to 4 inch layer of compost is appreciated. The leaves would retain moisture and possibly cause rot and disease. On the other hand, shadeloving perennials seem to prefer being nestled in a blanket of leaves for the winter.
Question: I have brought my houseplants indoors. Should I fertilize them now.?
Answer: When houseplants are moved indoors, they are subject to much lower light conditions than when they were outdoors. That, along with shorter days, cause the plant to go into semi-dormancy. Keep the plants watered but, fertilizer is not necessary until around the end of January when days noticeably begin to get longer.
Question: My peonies are turning brown and withering. Can I cut them back now?
Answer: Many fungi can cause spots of varying colors on peonies. Sanitation is the best route to take. Remove all leaves and stalks. Spray the area with a fungicide. Spray again in the spring before the buds emerge.
Question: Mistletoe is growing on my maple tree. Will it harm it?
Answer: Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant that manufactures its own food but depends on the host plant for water, and mistletoe produces sticky seeds that are spread by birds from one tree toing vessels. Growth of mistletoe is slow at first but after a few years, plants can grow to 3 feet across. Mistletoe can weaken trees and it is best to remove it whenever it appears.
Question: We want to waterproof our fence. Are all fence protectors harmful to nearby plants?
Answer: We can’t check out all waterproof fence protectors, but here are some suggestions: Cover any plants touching or nearby the work area of the fence. Place newspaper on the ground and sheets of plastic on the bushes, etc. Once the waterproofing is completed and dry, all growing things will be all right.
Question: Will turnips continue to grow even after a late frost?
Answer: Turnips and rutabagas are frost hardy. They can be used from the field all winter or be stored for winter use. The foliage from turnips and rutabagas may die from a freeze but the bulbs will remain edible.
Send your gardening and landscaping questions and tips to Washington County Master Gardeners, 2536 N. McConnell Ave., Fayetteville AR, 72794. You may also call 444-1755 for answers to your questions.
Living, Pages 16 on 10/25/2009
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