Ed Hume Answers Your Gardening Questions Ed Hume cannot answer all of the garden questions he receives, but questions of general interest will be answered here every month.  Email your questions to HumeSeeds@aol.com.  Please note: we do not accept attachments. Before submitting a question, be sure to check the index of previous questions and answers or search our site using key words.  Many questions have already been answered here on the site. Other February Links Frost Dates and Hardiness Zones   Children's Indoor Gardening Projects Early Flowering Rhododendrons Pruning Raspberries and Vine Berries Planting Peas and Sweet Peas Tool Care   Ed's Favorite Gardening Books Houseplants that Purify the Air Winter Pruning   February Projects February 2003 Q&A February 2002 Q&A February 2001 Q&A February 2000 Q&A February 1999 Q&A    February 1998 Q&A    February 1997 Q&A   February 1996 Q&A Search for Oregon Giant Beans For several generations our family has planted Oregon Giant Green beans. These green beans grow to over a foot long and one inch wide, they are "meaty" and have a wonderful flavor when canned. For the last few years we have not been able to find the Oregon Giant seeds for our gardens. Can you tell us where we might be able to find seeds for our favorite green beans? We have tried several varietys and nothing seem to come close to Oregon Giants in flavor and size. You're right, it was our favorite bean too! Unfortunately the strain reverted back to one of its parents, and lost its flavor and value. We tried for 3 years to save it, but to no avail. Other companies did the same. However, having said that, you might try Seedsavers Exchange.  They try to save heirloom varieties. Garden Macroscope Regarding your garden radio show last Saturday 2/6/04 I am interested in the segment that had to do with a visual aid. A guest from the garden show, he was from Alaska, had the product. It sounded perfect for my 92 year old father. I was in my car and couldn't write the information down. The fellow that I interviewed was Jeff Lowenfels and the product is called a Macroscope. You can find all the information on the web at www.closetoinfinity.com. Weeping Pussywillow I am trying to find out about the Weeping Pussywillow, how to plant it and care for it, and what it needs to grow well. I live in Wichita, Kansas. You treat it the same as a regular pussywillow. Salix discolor is the botanical name. You may want to stake the plant the first 6 to 12 months to give it some protection from strong winds…if they are a problem in the area where you are planting it. It is not a demanding plant. Add some organic humus like peat moss, compost, etc to your planting soil. Feeding is seldom necessary. Moving Rhubarb I have a hill of rhubarb that I need to move to a new spot in the garden to make room for a green house. Is now, (Feb- Mar) a good time to dig it up and replant it? Any instructions you can give me to do the job the right way? It is a perfect time to move the Rhubarb. The sooner the better. Mix some compost, processed manure or peat moss with your existing soil, at transplanting time. Return to Library - Back to Home Page