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.
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 Im looking for tips to growing
broccoli.....can you suggest resources on the internet where I can research
or just list some ways to grow broccoli in the Pacific Northwest.
 Sorry, I have not seen any
special internet information on broccoli. It is such an easy crop to grow,
that there is little need for special instructions. Please note the directions
on the back of our packets, which you can read on our web site
(Seed Rack link).
Broccoli grows well in raised beds, the open soil or in wide rows. The plants
do not produce heads during the hottest summer weather, so, in other words,
broccoli is a spring or fall crop. Cut short stems when harvesting and new
heads will form lower on the same stalk.
Please suggest some shrubs
that can remain permanently in large pots on a deck with southern exposure
in Portland, OR.
Ceanothus, Stranvaesia,
Escallonia, Hollywood Juniper, Cotoneasters, Hebe/Veronica, Heather, Rhapiolepis,
Osmanthus delavayi and Cistus.
Hope that helps. There are, of course, many others. Places like Portland
Nursery can show you these and many others.
I have watched you on T.V.
for years, my question is , last year my carrots tasted a little bitter.
I live in Bend Oregon and we have A LOT of ponderosa pines which tend to
make to soil very acid, I do not use chemicals in my garden but do you think
a little lime would help with the taste and make them sweeter?
Yes, the lime should help.
Even more important, is to watch the watering. Stress to the carrots can
cause a bit of a bitter taste.
I've recently received some
fresh dahlia bulbs and don't know anything about them. How to plant, where,
how deep, sun exposure, or even how long the bulbs will last out of the ground.
Please help!!!
Plant dahlias in full sun,
in well drained soil. Plant the tubers about six inches deep, in soil that
is rich in organic matter. Place a stake in the planting hole for support
as the dahlias grow. The tubers lay flat in the planting hole...do not set
them on end. Slugs love the new growth, so protect them. Tubers need to be
dug yearly in cold climates. In moderate climates, tubers can be mulched
with bark or sawdust, providing the soil is well drained. Divide the tubers
every 3 to 5 years.
I have two lilacs that have
the same problem. On some of the new growth, the leaves are shrivelled and
twisted on the edges. It is as if the outside edge dried out. They also turn
a bit red. Could this be a virus? What can I do? I prefer organic if possible.
Sounds like lilac blight. It
is a bacterial blight. Spring rains promote the development of this disease.
Cut out any diseased parts. Spray with copper, when temperatures are between
45 and 65 degrees. Spray again before fall rains start and again next spring
before leaves appear and spring rains start. Lilly Miller makes a copper
spray called 'Microcop'.
I'm having a problem starting
Delphinium and Larkspur seeds, nothing has happened and I've tried twice.
I've never had success with Larkspur seeds, indoor or out. Is there something
special I need to do to these seeds (stratification or freeze) for success?
Can you suggest a comprehensive book on growing from seeds?
Both delphinium and larkspur
seeds lose their viability quickly, so be certain you have fresh (current
crop) seed. I recommend freezing delphinium seeds overnight before planting.
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