Q: Last year, earwigs devoured our bean plants. Can you suggest a way to get rid of them?
A: Combine equal parts soy sauce and olive oil, put it in a small plastic container, and secure the lid. (A cottage cheese container works well.) Punch holes in the top of the container, near the lid. Make the holes large enough for the earwigs to get in. Bury the container in the soil just up to the holes. The soy sauce will attract the earwigs, and the oil will prevent them from escaping. Change the mixture as needed.
Showing posts with label farmers almanac. Show all posts
Showing posts with label farmers almanac. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Water, Water, Water.
Q: How can I grow my onions sweet rather than strong and spicy?
A: If your onions are too strong and spicy, you haven't watered them enough. Don't be fooled by healthy-looking green stalks. The stalks will be green even if the onions are too dry. The secret to sweeter onions is water, water, water.
Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac
A: If your onions are too strong and spicy, you haven't watered them enough. Don't be fooled by healthy-looking green stalks. The stalks will be green even if the onions are too dry. The secret to sweeter onions is water, water, water.
Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac
Friday, March 27, 2009
Edible Flowers...
Just in case you find yourself lost in the great outdoors and need some sustenance or if you get the munchies while working in your yard or garden. Here are some options for you to consider, which have to be far better tasting than "Ants on a Log"...
Q: Which flowers are edible?
A: Among the most common edible flowers are peonies, pansies, carnations, chamomile, chrysanthemums, dandelions, daylilies, gardenias, geraniums, gladioli, lavender, lilies, nasturtiums, primroses, roses, squash blossoms, sweet violets, pot marigolds, and yucca blossoms.
Q: Which flowers are edible?
A: Among the most common edible flowers are peonies, pansies, carnations, chamomile, chrysanthemums, dandelions, daylilies, gardenias, geraniums, gladioli, lavender, lilies, nasturtiums, primroses, roses, squash blossoms, sweet violets, pot marigolds, and yucca blossoms.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Peony FYI
Q: When is the best time to separate my peony bush? I would like to dig up part of it and put it in a sunny part of the yard.
A: You can dig and divide peonies from the time the foliage begins to die back (mid- to late summer) until about the first frost. Peonies are long-lived plants that do not like to be disturbed, but sometimes the trees around a peony create more shade than the plant can tolerate. To dig it up, start by cutting off all the foliage to about three inches above the soil. With a spading fork, loosen the soil in a circle around the plant. Continue digging and gently lifting the soil in this circle until you can lift out the crown of the plant. Don't worry about trying to dig down to get all the major roots. Once the crown is out of the ground, you can cut the plant into sections. Look at the top of the crown, right below where it was growing in the soil. It will have little buds. Every division you make should have a minimum of three buds to produce another peony. Use a sturdy knife or hatchet to cut through the woody crown and replant the divisions. The secret to a happy peony is well-prepared soil. Since peonies can live up to a hundred years without disturbance, take a little time now to give them good homes. Dig generous holes, add compost, and replant. To encourage fast bloom, be sure the top of each new plant is about two inches below the soil line. The divisions will probably not bloom the first year, but after that, you will have flowers for the rest of your life.
Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac
A: You can dig and divide peonies from the time the foliage begins to die back (mid- to late summer) until about the first frost. Peonies are long-lived plants that do not like to be disturbed, but sometimes the trees around a peony create more shade than the plant can tolerate. To dig it up, start by cutting off all the foliage to about three inches above the soil. With a spading fork, loosen the soil in a circle around the plant. Continue digging and gently lifting the soil in this circle until you can lift out the crown of the plant. Don't worry about trying to dig down to get all the major roots. Once the crown is out of the ground, you can cut the plant into sections. Look at the top of the crown, right below where it was growing in the soil. It will have little buds. Every division you make should have a minimum of three buds to produce another peony. Use a sturdy knife or hatchet to cut through the woody crown and replant the divisions. The secret to a happy peony is well-prepared soil. Since peonies can live up to a hundred years without disturbance, take a little time now to give them good homes. Dig generous holes, add compost, and replant. To encourage fast bloom, be sure the top of each new plant is about two inches below the soil line. The divisions will probably not bloom the first year, but after that, you will have flowers for the rest of your life.
Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Tis the Season
Q: My Christmas cactus has tons of buds, but they fall off before they bloom. How can I prevent this?
A: If the buds drop, the temperature is probably too high or the humidity is too low. Don't let the temperature go above 65 degrees F during the day and 60 degrees F at night.
A: If the buds drop, the temperature is probably too high or the humidity is too low. Don't let the temperature go above 65 degrees F during the day and 60 degrees F at night.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Dam Creeping Charlie
Q: Our lawn is being run over by ground ivy. How can we get rid of it?
A: Ground ivy, also called creeping charlie, is a perennial broadleaf weed that lights up the horticulture hotlines all over the country in the spring. Interesting enough, the best time to apply a control for it is when you apply your fall lawn fertilizer. Look for a weed-and-feed product that contains prodiamine. The herbicide will prevent the ground ivy seeds from sprouting, and it will kill any tiny plants that have already started growing. Consider another possibility - hand-pulling. Ground ivy is completely edible and was one of the "potherbs" harvested in early spring when little else was available. It contains Vitamin C.
A: Ground ivy, also called creeping charlie, is a perennial broadleaf weed that lights up the horticulture hotlines all over the country in the spring. Interesting enough, the best time to apply a control for it is when you apply your fall lawn fertilizer. Look for a weed-and-feed product that contains prodiamine. The herbicide will prevent the ground ivy seeds from sprouting, and it will kill any tiny plants that have already started growing. Consider another possibility - hand-pulling. Ground ivy is completely edible and was one of the "potherbs" harvested in early spring when little else was available. It contains Vitamin C.
Interestingly enough me padre and I were just discussing this annoying plant, which is growing out of control in his yard, and how we might remove it. We first had to identify what we were dealing with and that we did, I think. However, I don't know if I have me padre 100% convinced but perhaps come Spring when it begins flowering he'll be sold. I also hope he'll begin the process of hand-pulling this sucker outta the ground.
This invasive lawn weed (Glechoma hederacea) of the mint family is sometimes referred to as: creeping Charlie or creeping Charley, gill-over-the-ground, string-of-nickels, chain-of-coins, field balm, cat's foot, and run-away-Robin.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Frost vs Freeze
Q: What is the difference between a frost and a hard freeze?
A: A frost refers to the conditions that allow a layer of ice crystals to form when water vapor condenses and freezes without first becoming dew. A hard freeze is a period of at least four consecutive hours of air temperatures that are below 25 degrees F. Many plants can survive a brief frost, but very few can survive a hard freeze.
Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac
A: A frost refers to the conditions that allow a layer of ice crystals to form when water vapor condenses and freezes without first becoming dew. A hard freeze is a period of at least four consecutive hours of air temperatures that are below 25 degrees F. Many plants can survive a brief frost, but very few can survive a hard freeze.
Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac
Monday, September 08, 2008
HowTo: Sex Eggplants
Q: What is the difference between a male and a female eggplant, and is one preferred over the other?
A: Male eggplants have fewer seeds and are less likely to be bitter. To differentiate between male and female eggplants, inspect the flower end. The male has a small, round, smooth end; the female has an irregular, less smooth end.
Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Manure Tea
Q: I have seen the term "manure tea." Can you tell me what it is, where to get it, and how to use it?
A: You make it yourself. Here's the recipe. Fill a large trash can two-thirds full of water. Add 2 large buckets of chicken manure and let steep for several hours. Stir with a hoe until it is murky. Ladle the "tea" around vegetables or flowers. Old-timers claim that this drink will prevent tomato blight, and it's a great multi-purpose fertilizer.
Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac
A: You make it yourself. Here's the recipe. Fill a large trash can two-thirds full of water. Add 2 large buckets of chicken manure and let steep for several hours. Stir with a hoe until it is murky. Ladle the "tea" around vegetables or flowers. Old-timers claim that this drink will prevent tomato blight, and it's a great multi-purpose fertilizer.
Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac
Monday, June 09, 2008
Parsley, a Biennial...
Q: Will my parsley last more than one year?
A: Yes, you should be able to harvest parsley from one plant for two years in a row. It is a biennial, growing a plant the first year and sending up a seed stalk or flowers the second year. As long as the plant is not in excessive high heat or excessive cold, you can harvest in the second year after removing the flower stalk. Pick only the mature leaves.
Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac
Monday, May 12, 2008
Wascally Wabbits
Q: How do you keep rabbits from eating pansies?
A: Place dried sulfur, available at farm and garden supply stores, around the edge of your garden. You could also sprinkle bloodmeal around your pansies after each rainfall; it will also benefit the soil by adding nitrogen. However, don't try it if you have dogs that roam the garden. They may be attracted to the scent and start digging.
Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac
A: Place dried sulfur, available at farm and garden supply stores, around the edge of your garden. You could also sprinkle bloodmeal around your pansies after each rainfall; it will also benefit the soil by adding nitrogen. However, don't try it if you have dogs that roam the garden. They may be attracted to the scent and start digging.
Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac
Cut Flower Tips
Q: Any tips for making cut flowers last longer indoors?
A: Do you have foxgloves? If so, add them to any bouquet, and they'll make the whole arrangement last longer. Copper pellets or pennies in the water will increase the effect. Daffodils should be kept alone in a vase, as their stems secrete a fluid that promotes the wilting of other flowers. If you must combine them, soak them by themselves for as long as possible, then rinse them and add them to the arrangement last. With any flower, clip back leaves that will be immersed in the water, for they will contaminate it and make for a shorter duration. Changing the water daily also will increase the longevity of blooms. Some people claim that an aspirin in the water is beneficial. Add a bit of sugar for delphiniums or larkspurs. Start chrysanthemums briefly in very hot water, then switch to very cold.
Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac
A: Do you have foxgloves? If so, add them to any bouquet, and they'll make the whole arrangement last longer. Copper pellets or pennies in the water will increase the effect. Daffodils should be kept alone in a vase, as their stems secrete a fluid that promotes the wilting of other flowers. If you must combine them, soak them by themselves for as long as possible, then rinse them and add them to the arrangement last. With any flower, clip back leaves that will be immersed in the water, for they will contaminate it and make for a shorter duration. Changing the water daily also will increase the longevity of blooms. Some people claim that an aspirin in the water is beneficial. Add a bit of sugar for delphiniums or larkspurs. Start chrysanthemums briefly in very hot water, then switch to very cold.
Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Night Gardening
Q: I've heard that turning soil in your garden at night might be a way to control weeds. Is this true?
A: Research indicates that weeds may be stimulated to grow by a sudden flash of light, which is what you give them when you turn the soil over during the day. A German study concluded that by turning the soil at night, weed germination could be reduced by as much as 78 percent. You can try this method by working during a moonlit night, or at dawn or dusk.
Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac
A: Research indicates that weeds may be stimulated to grow by a sudden flash of light, which is what you give them when you turn the soil over during the day. A German study concluded that by turning the soil at night, weed germination could be reduced by as much as 78 percent. You can try this method by working during a moonlit night, or at dawn or dusk.
Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Aphid Control
Gardening time of year is fast approaching...
Q: Can you suggest a homemade spray for controlling aphids?
A: Try this mixture to control aphids, white flies, and even destructive beetles: 2 parts rubbing alcohol, 5 parts water, and 1 tablespoon liquid soap. Spray the mixture on the foliage of garden plants that are susceptible to these pests.
Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac
Q: Can you suggest a homemade spray for controlling aphids?
A: Try this mixture to control aphids, white flies, and even destructive beetles: 2 parts rubbing alcohol, 5 parts water, and 1 tablespoon liquid soap. Spray the mixture on the foliage of garden plants that are susceptible to these pests.
Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Hydrangea pH Play
Q: How do I change the pH in my soil to change the color of my hydrangeas?
A: It's easy to modify your soil's pH. Start with the Hydrangea macrophylla variety. Soil that is on the acid side (pH between 4.5 and 5.5) will produce blue hydrangeas. Once established, you must fertilize them yearly with an acid fertilizer according to the package directions. When you plant initially, modify the soil with two pounds of sulfur and peat moss. If you want pink to light red hydrangeas, the soil needs to be neutral to alkaline, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Add ground limestone only around the plant to make the blossoms pink. A pH above 7.5 will result in poor growth.
A: It's easy to modify your soil's pH. Start with the Hydrangea macrophylla variety. Soil that is on the acid side (pH between 4.5 and 5.5) will produce blue hydrangeas. Once established, you must fertilize them yearly with an acid fertilizer according to the package directions. When you plant initially, modify the soil with two pounds of sulfur and peat moss. If you want pink to light red hydrangeas, the soil needs to be neutral to alkaline, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Add ground limestone only around the plant to make the blossoms pink. A pH above 7.5 will result in poor growth.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Pachyderm Poop
Time is flying - we're just about mid-way through February. Spring is right around the corner and will be here before we know it. With that said and in preparation for some happy, health and hearty plants, here is some good information on manures and their uses -
Q: Ringling Brothers gives away elephant manure when the circus comes to Atlanta. Is pachyderm poop good for my garden? What is the best manure for gardening?
A: Assuming that the circus elephants are American born (there are no federal restrictions on their waste, although manure from imported animals must be burned or buried), elephant manure can be as useful as any other. However, we do not know the nutrient content. Horse manure is generally regarded as the best; it's rich in nitrogen, and it ferments easily. Cow or horse manure applied in the early spring is best for flower gardens; chicken, cow, or horse manure applied in the spring and fall is best for vegetable gardens; cow or horse manure applied in the fall is best for potatoes or root crops. For acid-loving plants, cow or horse manure should be applied in the early fall or not at all. Never use fresh manure. Another excellent manure is sheep manure. Sheep chew their cud so finely that there are no weed seeds being inadvertently applied to your garden bed. Make sure all manure is aged or composted.
Click here to be taken to the Old Farmer's Almanac gardening question of the day.
Q: Ringling Brothers gives away elephant manure when the circus comes to Atlanta. Is pachyderm poop good for my garden? What is the best manure for gardening?
A: Assuming that the circus elephants are American born (there are no federal restrictions on their waste, although manure from imported animals must be burned or buried), elephant manure can be as useful as any other. However, we do not know the nutrient content. Horse manure is generally regarded as the best; it's rich in nitrogen, and it ferments easily. Cow or horse manure applied in the early spring is best for flower gardens; chicken, cow, or horse manure applied in the spring and fall is best for vegetable gardens; cow or horse manure applied in the fall is best for potatoes or root crops. For acid-loving plants, cow or horse manure should be applied in the early fall or not at all. Never use fresh manure. Another excellent manure is sheep manure. Sheep chew their cud so finely that there are no weed seeds being inadvertently applied to your garden bed. Make sure all manure is aged or composted.
Click here to be taken to the Old Farmer's Almanac gardening question of the day.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Poinsettia Care
With the Christmas season in full swing I thought I'd pass along another tidbit of info; the Poinsettia -
Q: What is the best way to keep a poinsettia alive from year to year?
A: Treat it as any houseplant, but don't over water it or subject it to too much sunlight. To encourage it to bloom for Christmas, make sure the plant has at least 12 hours of darkness, with nighttime temperatures between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the plant under these conditions until buds develop and the bracts (petals) begin to color. When they bloom, take the plant to a sunny, draft-free room. The bracts will color up within 6 to 10 weeks and may continue to bloom until Easter.
The Old Farmer's Almanac new gardening question of the day.
Q: What is the best way to keep a poinsettia alive from year to year?
A: Treat it as any houseplant, but don't over water it or subject it to too much sunlight. To encourage it to bloom for Christmas, make sure the plant has at least 12 hours of darkness, with nighttime temperatures between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the plant under these conditions until buds develop and the bracts (petals) begin to color. When they bloom, take the plant to a sunny, draft-free room. The bracts will color up within 6 to 10 weeks and may continue to bloom until Easter.
The Old Farmer's Almanac new gardening question of the day.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Christmas Cactus Care
With the Christmas season now upon us I thought I'd pass along a tidbit of info on the Christmas cactus -
Q: What's the best way to prolong the life of my Christmas cactus?
A: When the buds of a Christmas cactus look as if they're about to open, make sure you water the plant regularly and keep it cool.
The Old Farmer's Almanac new gardening question of the day.
Q: What's the best way to prolong the life of my Christmas cactus?
A: When the buds of a Christmas cactus look as if they're about to open, make sure you water the plant regularly and keep it cool.
The Old Farmer's Almanac new gardening question of the day.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Earwigs
Q: Do earwigs get in one's ears?
A: No, not generally. The name "earwig" comes from the Old English ear-wicga, which means "ear insect." The insect was so named not because it enters the ears, however, but because its hind wings are shaped like the human ear.
The Old Farmer's Almanac new gardening question of the day
A: No, not generally. The name "earwig" comes from the Old English ear-wicga, which means "ear insect." The insect was so named not because it enters the ears, however, but because its hind wings are shaped like the human ear.
The Old Farmer's Almanac new gardening question of the day
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