Mark asks…
What to do to prep for spring gardening in the fall?
I live in the midwest and would like to know what I can do now for preparing next springs gardening. Would it be wise to dig up areas now for planting in spring? Also, what perennials are good for Wisconsin?
GardenersCardiff answers:
I now live in St. Louis, but lived in Minnesota for 5 years, and whatever you are going to do you should have a plan executed by the endof October! I would stake out the area(s) you can use pegs and string, remove all grass(It’s just a thing I have about it coming back) and til the areas, dig at least 6-8 inches down, and loosen the dirt really well. Don’t worry about lumps and all, you can let the area sit over the winter, the gorund will be ready to plant in Spring.
My zone for planting in StL is 5, and I know you can plant alot of things under zone 5. You will want to watch your areas for amount of sun and shade as most perennials are pretty particular to those specifics. Full sun means at least 6 hours….part sun is anything less than that. You can spend the winter planning your flowers so you don’t “impulse” buy! You can plan your colors, heights, textures, and blooming times. It would be fun to draw it out on paper. There are alot of gardening sites and plant shopping sites that have great info. Some of your plants can be ordered on line and you can save money and time. This may be alot more than what you were wanting to do, and you can modify it. The most important thing for success is knowing your plants and that comes from research.
I have had to do alot of plants trial and error. Although the plant is zoned for your area sometimes they just don’t do well, so be patient, gardening is just that “trial and error” Good luck and have fun
Lizzie asks…
How do you go about finding a gardening club to join?
I am pretty new to the world of gardening, and I’d love to join a group where I can learn from fellow gardeners and get together, etc…the only problem is that I haven’t a clue as to how to go about finding such a group. I live in Scranton, PA. I’ve googled it every way I could think of and have come up empty.
Any ideas for me? Thanks.
GardenersCardiff answers:
The very best gardening club is the Master Gardeners. This link below will connect you to the closest chapter. These folks are serious gardeners who want to help other learn about gardening.
Paul asks…
What should I get for my gardening grandfather for Christmas?
I’ve bought for everyone but my grandfather. He’s 82 and loves gardening and water gardening. Usually, I get him a bird feeder (he loves bird watching) or something that has to do with hummingbirds. This year I’m at a loss. I’m a first year teacher on my own and on a very limited budget. Any ideas?
GardenersCardiff answers:
Get a flower pot and fill it with accessories for gardening and wrap it like you would if it was a gift basket.
*things to fill the flower pot with; soil, gardening tools, flower/plant seeds)
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Charles asks…
I want to plant wildflowers. If I plant some this fall, will they be here by summer?
I am getting married next summer and my dream bouquet is wildflowers. We were thinking we could plant some but sadly, we know nothing about gardening or flowers. If you have any suggestions about how to plant them, take care of them, or anything remotely helpful, it would be openly accepted. Even if you think we probably wouldn’t want the information, trust me, we do!
GardenersCardiff answers:
Wildflowers typically are self seeding perennials — they drop seeds in the fall, which germinate again the following spring.
You can put some container plants in now, and add more next spring, along with some seed.
Here’s a pretty nice article or two:
http://www.gardening-guides.com/specialty-gardens/wildflower-garden.php
Chris asks…
How can I keep Slugs and Ants out of my Garden ?
I have a smal Garden inside of a Tire .Everythings growing real good except for one thing . . . Red Ants and Slugs are eating the Leaves and crippling the Plants . What can I do ????
GardenersCardiff answers:
I really hate slugs…
I heard that if you put pennies or copper anything around where they are that they will flee from it and maintain a 5 foot radius.
I also found this on a site and I believe it will help.
“Many insects, including ants, can be repelled from gardens by sprinkling hot chile powder (e.g., red pepper, cayenne powder ) around and on the plants. These powders will need to be renewed after a rain, however. The amount to use is mostly determined by trial and error. The ants usually will not walk across the powder, so putting a good amount on any paths will help, but a nice dusting everywhere in addition to that is usually the best approach.
For the most economic plan, grow your own hot chiles, dry*, and powder them with a mortar and pestle. The hottest varieties will provide the most potent powder, so some very good choices are any of the Chinense varietals such as Habanero. They are also thinner-walled chiles and, therefore, easier to dry quickly before they are able to mold.
*An easy and quick method of drying is to cut thin-walled chiles (such as Habanero) into small pieces and microwave until totally dry. Food dehydrators will also give directions on how to dry vegetables such as chiles.
Be very careful to avoid breathing or getting the dust on your body or in your eyes. It is best to do the grinding into powders outside, and the easiest method is to use an old coffee grinder dedicated for that use. (Add some plastic wrap under the lid to assure a good seal). But, you can purchase the powders from the spice sections at the grocery to do the same thing. The more you use, the better the repellent effect.
The chiles contain a substance called capsaicin which is an irritant to the ants and other insects. That is what the chile plant uses it for, too. NouGuard, a commercial repellent for ants, is made with capsaicin as a primary component.
A mixture can also be made using the powder mixed in water or in a solution of 1 ½ teaspoons of Dawn liquid detergent per one quart of water to spray on the plants. The “soap” (detergent) adds an extra insecticidal component, but is a safe alternative to more toxic chemical pesticides and works along with the repellent qualities of the capsaicin to take care of the problem. (Make a paste of chile powder and a small amount of water for use inside the house. Place a small dab of the paste at the points of entry and on obvious ant trails.)
A mixture of chile powders with other known ant repellents can add to the effectiveness (but also adds to the costs). Some of those other natural repellents include: mint (fresh or dried), cinnamon, and dill. If you grow your own mint and dill, their very presence in the garden will help, and, when needed, you can dry and sprinkle their powders along with the chiles’.”
Hope I helped 
– Jackie
Donna asks…
If I spray weed killer on grass and weeds growing through gravel, will it effect nearby plants?
If I spray weed killer on grass growing through gravel, will it effect nearby plants?
I installed a gravel garden. I decided not to stick a membrane underneath because I grow yearly plants in it and harvest them every fall.
I also have fruit trees growing there.
The problem is I have weeds and grass growing through it. Most of the weeds are quiet easy to remove, but the grass is a real pain.
If I spray a weed killer, I understand the type that kills grass will also kill my plants if contact is made.
Obviously I would make sure none touches my trees and plants. But once it enters the weeds and grass, it has to go somewhere. So will end up in my soil. How dangerous is this?
Thanks for advice and suggestions..
GardenersCardiff answers:
No.
Just make sure to buy the kind you WANT, and, no matter what, only spray the gravel.
It is only a hazard to the leaves, IF you buy the non-sterilizing type
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