Lizzie asks…
Is there a way of eliminating flatworms from container plants?
I’m moving house and don’t want to contaminate my new garden. I don’t think I have any flatworms as it’s two years since I saw one in my garden but I want to make sure.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Not as yet.
They are doing studies on a parasite but that has to go through the research stage for so many years first.
I have as yet not come across a New Zealand flatworm but keep a constant look out.
I do not know if it is possible with your plants in the pots but can you cover them with newspaper? This is supposed to bring them to the surface and then you could drop them in a jar of vinegar.
Salt, vinegar and orange oil will all dissolve them but will not work unless it is a direct hit. No good just adding them to compost. More likely to damage your plants than the flatworms.
Here is some more information….
Http://blog.shirlsgardenwatch.co.uk/2007/03/new-zealand-flatworms.html
Thomas asks…
How to obtain healthy soil with palm tree seeds and roots?
I would like to grow a flower garden and put in a day bed at the back of my yard.
However, there is quite a large palm tree with roots that have spread throughout the garden, and the seeds are spread everywhere and growing.
The tree is not being removed for another 2-6months and I would like to start now.
Thank you
GardenersCardiff answers:
Palms are very adaptable, I would do the removal first as the tree will definitely be in your way, and when it is time for removal you will damage all you have planted. Palm roots generally are 1/8th inch thick and spread several feet. Being such a tangled mess ( almost like thick hair underground ) you could manipulate them to plant during the time being. Check out our free Blog page on the website for more tips.
Good Luck!
Steven asks…
What topics are there that I can choose from to write about Christianity?
So I’m trying to decide of a blog topic to write about on my myspace page, and I want to write about Christianity (positively). I am a Christian, and my goal is to get my friends to think deeply on the subject of Christianity. I want to be able to change the way they think whenever they hear the word “Christian”. Are there any good topics I can write about?
GardenersCardiff answers:
How not to lead your friends down the garden path.
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Mark asks…
A guide to growing my own herb?
I’m looking to try my hand at a little backyard weed growing however I live in Alberta with possibly the worlds worst climate for it and I was wondering if there were any print off books online about the subject. Please no rude comments or references to the law because I’m just looking for a book before I take any serious action. BTW I’m a major noob to botany I have no experience with growing marijuana whatsoever. And I have a few things left over from my pet keeping days that might help.
-3’x3’x3′ glass tank with mesh top
-40 gallon glass tank with mesh top as well as a custom uv and heat bulb mount, lights and timer
– various uv and heat lamps
– all sorts of plastic containers
– a small mountable fan
If any of you could point me towards a book that would be great or what type of seed would be best and extremely detailed instructions on how to care and grow it. THANKS
GardenersCardiff answers:
Stick ‘grow marijuana’, ‘marijuana grow’, ‘marijuana grow bible’, etc in a search engine!
Books to download, Jorge via You tube, grow forums for better answers than you’ll get here.
Glance at your local law to see that outside is NOT a good idea:
http://norml.org/index.cfm?wtm_view=&Group_ID=4531
Sandy asks…
do herbalists grow their own herbs?
I have to write about what career I want to do and why for Health class. I need to know If herbalists grow the medicinal herbs they give people or buy them from somewhere else.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Some of them do indeed grow many of their own herbs, while others find good, trustworthy sources, and purchase them. Some herbs are gathered from the wild because wild herbs are often more potent and pure.
John asks…
I am looking to grow my own culinary herbs….?
I have a large flower garden in my back yard which I have Lilies planted in. However one large protion of the bed is empty. I was wondering if this would be a good spot to plant some culinary herbs? It only gets sun from sunrise to about 1pm. Would that be ok? I would grow them indoors but my cats would eat them up.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Sounds like a great location. Half a day’s sun should be enough to grow a variety of herbs. Since it’s in a flower garden, flowering herbs might add some interest. Try sage (salvia officinialis) for a nice blue/violet bloom (on mature plants). If you have a long growing season or live in a warmer zone, try pineapple sage. It has bright red blooms above pineapple scented folliage. Another great flowering herb that attracts bees and butterflies is hyssop, which can be used in tea.
Parsley is very easy to grow and will also attract swallowtail and monarch butterflies (their caterpillars love to eat parsley).
Low growing herbs such as thyme are also great for blooms, and cooking
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Helen asks…
How do I start a vegetable garden in Vermont?
There is a run down used-to-be garden in the corner of my property, and i want to turn it into a functioning garden again. Trouble is, I have never had a garden before. I need to know what kind of things I can grow considering where I live, how soon I should start, and how to get everything ready to plant. Can anyone help?
GardenersCardiff answers:
For a really good detailed list of what should be planted when in your area, get a farmer’s almanac. Also, the information will be on your seed packets. They will show a small map of the U.S. To show what zone you’re in, so you’ll know when to plant. Good crops to start with will be tomatoes (from plants), peppers (also from plants), zucchini (be sure you have a lot of friends/family if you plant much), radishes, carrots, beets, pumpkins or other winter squash, and lettuce. I wouldn’t start with green beans (a lot of work) or corn (not a lot of bang for your buck). Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and cucumbers can all be planted under black plastic, and if you plant much, I’d recommend it. Roll out your black plastic, secure the corners and edges to keep the wind from pulling it up, cut X’s (every 3′ for all but the zucchini, and 4′ for them) in the plastic, and plant your plants/seeds in them (make the holes a little bigger for seeds, and watch them to make sure the plants don’t get covered by the plastic when they sprout). For tomatoes, peppers and eggplant, pour a cup of Miracle Gro for tomatoes (mixed per the directions) in with them (they’re all members of the nightshade family, so it will work for all of them). For the others, use regular Miracle Gro. Plant the tomato plants all the way up to the first branch of leaves–the small hairs will turn into roots and make them more hardy. The rest should be planted only to the level they come at. When you plant the zucchini, plant about 3-4 seeds in each hole. Again, the seed packets will tell you how deep you should plant everything.
Daniel asks…
How do you rejuvinate your garden in the summer?
I need some ideas to perk up my gardens. I’m in zone 8. A lot of my flowers look rough, loosing leaves and turning yellow. They get a regular watering but I’ve noticed the soil is starting to look poor and the compost has decomposed quickly and there isn’t much there.
I’m concerned about fertilizing because of the heat , but I think they need some nutrients.
I’d appreciate any ideas you can suggest. Thanks!
GardenersCardiff answers:
It’s time to cut back those spring bloomers and spruce up with either late blooming perennials or some fresh annuals.
Here’s an article: http://www.ehow.com/how_4407772_that-summer-burnout-perennial-garden.html
William asks…
Looking for suggestions for a flower garden in Minnesota?
I want to put a flower garden in the yard in front of my house, but I’m not sure what I would be able to use. Since that side of the house faces the west, it doesn’t get sunlight until the afternoon. I’ve looked around at a few different green houses to get some ideas, but all I find is plants that require full sun. I would like to get flowers or small shrubs or maybe even some climbing flowers. Any suggestions??? Thanks!
GardenersCardiff answers:
Look for part sun plants or shade plants. Perennials – Black eyed susans, echinacea, daylilies and poppies come to mind – they are all pretty easy to grow in various conditions as long as they get some sun. Hostas are also an option, and shrubs – look for weigelia and spirea – also very easy to grow. Azalea is an option, too. Climbing flowers – or vining flowers – morning glories, an annual, are easy, and my favorite is nasturtiums – they aren’t really a climbing flower, they are more of a cascading flower. Also an annual.
All of these plants do very well in various locations in my yard, and I live in upstate NY – zone 5. Ensure that you boost your soil before planting – add some compost (you can purchase bags) and I like to add a bag of top soil. Mix it all up good, and you should be in good shape.
Please accept my apologies if I spelled some of the plants wrong. Good luck!
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Maria asks…
i have no clue what im doing but im starting a garden looking for advice and tips?
im looking to start a garden. i have not a clue what im doing but im going to try it out. need a hobby. ive been reading books and watching some gardening shows. i started this weekend by shoveling the spot that i want to have the garden. i bought a few tomato plants and a few pepper plants but havent planted them yet.
just looking for any advice or tips on how to make this an easy painless experience starting out.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Start small, to start with–you’re on the right track with just a few easy plants first.
When you plant your tomato plants, notice that there are little bumps along the bottom of the stem. These are also roots, and you can plant the tomatoes up to the top of these, which will root them better, and they’ll be less likely to fall over.
Also, you may want to put down a layer of black plastic before you plant, then cut X’s in it where you plant the plant–that way, you won’t spend all your time weeding, plus it holds in moisture.
Check the backs of your packs of seeds–they’re very good about telling you what zone you’re in, and when you should be planting what.
Unless you LOVE zucchini, tomatoes, or peppers, or you have a big circle of friends, don’t plant a lot of them–one year we planted 60 pepper plants and 120 tomato plants (my husband’s idea, not mine), and we were taking out a bushel of produce twice a week!
Nancy asks…
What are some pretty colorful flowers that bloom in the winter in zone 7?
I need some hardy flowers or shrubs no taller than a 2 feet. I live in Zone 7 there is never snow. My landscape right now consist of boxwood and rose trees… What can you suggest for me?
Flowers or shubs with color would be appreciated
GardenersCardiff answers:
Here you go.
Http://garden.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Gardening_Zone_7
David asks…
How to know which native plants are good for a flower garden?
There are so many pretty plants and wildflowers along the roadside right now. How can I learn which ones would make a good flower garden without the neighbors thinking I have a weed bed?
GardenersCardiff answers:
Your state or one of your surrounding states that are in the same gardening zone as you are should be a good resource for you. Also, there are often smaller garden centers that specialize in native plants and they are often very happy to provide advice.
Try searching with key words such as : native plants – horticulture -and then name of your state. Or gardening with native plants and the name of your state.
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Michael asks…
Pop can tractor. Do you have a pattern?
My friend is looking a pattern to may a tractor out of pop cans. Does anyone know where to get a free pattern.?
Have seen these sitting on people front porch or in their flower garden. Here is what they look like.. http://blogs.keloland.com/Images/Upload/…
Thanks for your help.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Wrong cat,sorry..
Steven asks…
Have you seen, or heard of, Obama’s $100,000 gazebo?
$100,000 of taxpayers money, down the drain! Chicago should be outraged!
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/tom-blumer/2008/09/07/barack-obamas-1-1-million-botanical-garden-er-100-000-gazebo
GardenersCardiff answers:
It’s behind one of mccain’s 8 houses
David asks…
Conservatives: Should a Private Business have the right to refuse a Patron displaying a US flag on their land?
Read this:
http://blogs.ajc.com/news-to-me/2011/10/12/olive-garden-says-no-to-u-s-flag/?cxntlid=thbz_hm
This seems like a huge moral quandary to conservatives.
They profess their full-throated love for this country and her flag nonstop.
But at the same time, they insist corporations are people to, and businesses deserve liberty.
I wonder which side they’ll take… Olive Garden… or this 80 year-old woman…
GardenersCardiff answers:
Absolutely not. Hating the flag should be considered treason and the offender deported or interned in a labor camp.
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Sandy asks…
Canadian Garden Catalogues, who’s good and reliable?
I am looking for a garden catalogue that I can trust , I am aware of Spring Gardens and Beckers . I have heard of McConnells but haven’t had there booklet to try them… I get wary of because their pictures are all so beautiful ., yet I know full well the flowers do not bloom at the same time as they portray .
New gardeners will be dissapointed when they order these picture arrangements as a grouping
Has anyone any ideas of other catalogues and the experience of service they give. I’de like to find one I can trust.
Thank you
GardenersCardiff answers:
Springhill nursery is good.
Http://www.springhillnursery.com/Default.asp?bhcd2=1249708003
The best site for you to go to see many catalogs is Cyndie’s.
Http://www.gardenlist.com/
Donna asks…
Ferdinand Green the gardener plans to have three flower garden plots where each plot has flowers of only one c?
Ferdinand Green the gardener plans to have three flower garden plots where each plot has flowers of only one colour. The flowers in the plots will be red, yellow or blue. The catalogue shows seven varieties of red flowers, nine varieties of yellow flowers, and five varieties of blue flowers. He decides that he will have four varieties of flowers in each garden plot. How many different flower orders are possible?
GardenersCardiff answers:
This is a maths question, not botany!
Linda asks…
Where can I get allot of free catalogs coming to me thru snail mail by using either the net or the 1-800’s ect
I am stuck at home for awhile and I love to get catalogs in the mail.I always have. They are like ‘wishbooks’. And they take me away and give me hope. Sounds wierd now that I re-read this. oh well.
I do order from them occasionally. And I pass them along to other folks that are interested in them.
It makes me day to see what is for sale out there and all of the neat things that are available.
Especially ones having to do with, Trucks, Garden, and anything having to do with animals, gadgets and disability gadgets.
But hey, I have an open mind so please tell me what you know…
I can’t find a catagory to put this under…argh!!
Thanks
adele
GardenersCardiff answers:
Http://catalogs.google.com/
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Carol asks…
Anybody have any tips for gardening?
Me and my sister are having a garden competition at home. We are growing watermelons, honeydew melon, and corn. Anyone have any tips for how to grow these things? I have heard that watermelons grow well in sand. Is that true? If it is, how do you do that?
GardenersCardiff answers:
An excellent competition trick, is actually a Native American one. Go to a bait shop and ask if you can have some dead minnows. Dig a hole 6″ deep and a couple feet in diameter. Place a dozen minnows in the hole and cover with 5″ of soil. Now, plant 3-4 corn seeds, 3-4 squash seeds and 3-4 runner bean seeds and cover with the remaining inch of soil. These were called “The Three Sisters” by many tribes but your melons should love it as well. And melons do well in sand if they get enough water. RScott
William asks…
If you are from Maine or anywhere near, can you please give me some good flower gardening tips?
I have never attempted a flower garden before and I would like to start one in my yard.
When do you begin?
What flowers are the easiest to start with.
Any advice would be appreciated.
THANKS! : )
GardenersCardiff answers:
Well i worked at franks nursery and English gardens, so i would recommend some pansies or some other really hardy plants. Its going to be cold a little longer but not by much. Mostly cold at night. If they are hardy they can last the cold night. They can be under snow and still survive. Make sure that you have good soil though. Get some peat Moss (peat moss has other stuff that will make your soil the best it can be) and some more potting soil because the winter really messes up the soil. I would start as soon as possible because the sooner the better and that looks good for the other people walking by your place. It brightens everything up so much. When you go to by your plants ask for some other plants besides pansies (you want the pansies but you want to see some other choices). Never over load it with too many plants though because it will look ugly. Have fun and talk to you later, boothster
PS. Don’t get them from walmart becuase they buy the cheapest plant around and they don’t have deep roots. You want deep roots becuase they will die after a few weeks. There not worth it. The places i worked were good places to buy them (well not franks because they are out of business) they had deep roots and they lasted all summer. Well panisies get long and stringy in a bout 5-6 weeks, but they are great to start with. Get they smallest ones there. That way you have a long time to grow them. And if they havn’t budded yet, even better. All jokes aside, in the sence of plants, you get what you pay for. Ok talk to you later, bryson
Richard asks…
Best Website For Basic Gardening Tips Based On Specific Plant?
I’d like to make a gardening journal and write down specific care instructions for the plants Im growing-Is there a good website out there that gives detailed growing instructions based on plant?!
Example:Growing Basil, would like to know how often to water, when to repot, how much sun is needed…etc etc
Thanks
GardenersCardiff answers:
I don’t think there is one website that has comprehensive information for every plant. But if you break down your categories to vegetables, herbs, flowers, houseplants, trees and shrubs, fruits and berries…you’ll find some good sites.
I recommend getting books from the library, too. There are tons of good ones, with photographs and more specific and detailed information than is often included on a website.
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