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Let’s take a look at a
few more of your great emailed gardening questions!
Our first Local 12
emailer asks, “I’m seeing a large shrub blooming in our area right now, that
reminds me of the crepe myrtle that grows in the south. Any idea what is
it?”
It’s Crepe Myrtle, and
you’re seeing it grown in our area more and more! Plant breeders are
working on hardier varieties for zones northern 6 and lower 5, and over the
past few years, these plants have done quite well! You’ll find the standard
varieties and the new dwarf varieties, which are perfect for close to the
foundation or in containers. And, if by chance your crepe myrtle dies back
over the winter, it generally will come back from the roots, and flower that
summer.
Our next emailer asks,
“I’m seeing garden mums available for planting now. Isn’t it too early?”
Actually they can be
planted now, but if you’re looking for fall color from your mums, be sure to
chose plants that are showing no flower colors whatsoever. Once they begin
to show color, with the summer’s heat, they may only last about 4 weeks or
so, which is fine if that’s what you’re looking for. But if you’re planting
mums NOW, for colors later in the fall, again choose plants with small
flower buds, and no colors showing whatsoever!
“Our last emailer asks,
“I just found some bagworms on my pines. Is it too late to spray?”
You can try one last
spray of Sevin, Eight, Orthene, etc., but keep an eye on those bagworms and
make sure you killed them…it is getting late for spraying. If they remain
active, then you need to begin hand-picking, and make sure you destroy them
as you pick them from the evergreens.
One last note…September
is turf month and believe it or not, it’s only a few weeks away. That means
it’s time for you to begin to evaluate the condition of your lawn, and what
things will need to be done…core aerating, seeding, over seeding,
fertilizing, and in some cases, total lawn renovation. Make your plans now,
so you’re ready to go at the end of this month. September is turf month! |
