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 January Links Discouraging Moles (and other small animals)  Protecting Plants During Cold Weather Wintering Geraniums Fuchsias & Begonias Rhododendrons -Winter Care Forcing Bulbs Cold Frame Gardening Ed's Favorite Gardening Books Winter Pruning Cover Crops Taking Cuttings Tool Care January Projects   January 2002 Q&A January 2001 Q&A January 2000 Q&A January 1999 Q&A January 1998 Q&A     January 1997 Q&A Natural Black Spot  & Mildew Control Can you tell me how to control black spot in roses?? I would like to get a head start on this problem. Is there something natural I could spray on them to control black spot?? Cornell University did a research project using 'Baking Soda'. It works quite well with mildew and a bit on 'Black Spot'. The formula is 3 teaspoonful of Baking Soda, 1 teaspoonful of liquid detergent soap, in one gallon of water. Sprayed every 10 to 14 days during the spring and summer growing season. Dormant spraying at this time of the year with a 'Dormant Spray' will also help. Spray the rose canes and surrounding soil. Air Ferns On Jan 18th. of 2003 you had a segment  (TV)on Air Ferns by (I think) a Mr. Owens. How and where can I buy some air ferns? Owen's Gardens is located in Monroe. You can reach them by phone at (360) 794-6422 or they have a terrific display of their plants at the 'Northwest Flower and Garden Show', which will be held in Seattle on Feb. 19th, 20, 21, 22 and 23 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. Controlling Oxalis Could you please help me? I have a plant in my garden that I can't get rid of. It has three leaves (Similar to Clover) has a NUT ON THE ROOT that the new plant comes from, and grows like hair on a dogs back. I have tried just about everything (Chemicals, black plastic, vinegar) to get rid of it and cannot. Sounds like Oxalis. There are products on the market (Oxalis and Clover Killer) that seem to do a pretty good job of controlling this pest. Also, if you're persistent 'Finale' or 'Round-Up' will help keep it under control. The problem is it seeds at a very young age and the roots are also very persistent. Calla Lilies I cannot find info on the care of Calla Lilies, would appreciate any info you can send. They prefer a light well-drained soil, and should be planted where they are protected from the hot mid-day sun. The small flowering (new varieties) are not very hardy and will need winter protection should the weather get cold in the region in which you live. Return to Library - Back to Home Page