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
 I've had great success raising
gladiolas. The last two years some of the gladiolas come up green and then
die, also something is eating them, but don't see any bugs. how do I solve
these problems? Gladiolas are my favorite cut flowers.
 The problem is an insect called
'Thrip'. It is very difficult to see. Spray the foliage, starting when it
is about 6 inches high, with an insecticide like 'Orthene'. Apply according
to label instructions.
Recently my grandfather passed
away. He had a beautiful wysteria growing in his backyard. I took several
seed pods in hopes that I could grow my own. But how? I would really love
to grow this beautiful tree in memory of my grandfather. I live in Connecticut.
Thank-you for any advice you may have.
Actually, Wisteria is easiest
to start from either cuttings or by layering the lower vines in the soil.
If you want to try the seeds, freeze them for a couple of days in the freezer.
Then sow directly outdoors in late May.
About 2 weeks ago you talked
about starting rhododendron now. I was told that you should do it in July
so I wasn't totally tuned in. Now I want to know more. I have a rhododendron
that my father gave to my mom for her birthday to bloom then - April 7th.
It is a dark red, with white staymen and is beautiful so early. I wish I
knew its name. Anyway I would like to start another plant or two. Could you
put your instructions on the internet?
Rhododendron cuttings can be
taken in July or August. Or, they can be taken during the winter dormant
season. I like taking them during the months of November; December; January
or February. The reason is they take root better, and you only have to care
for them in the house until spring. If you take the cuttings in the summer,
you have to try to keep them alive indoors all fall; winter and early spring,
before you can set them outdoors. We will put the basic directions for
taking cuttings on the web-site soon.
What can be used to control
the mold that seems to form each summer on my lupine? They look so beautiful
in the iris until they get diseased.
You need to use a fungicide
to help control the mildew. "Funginex" is one of the fungicides often recommended
for mildew. Apply according to label directions.
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