Mays Greenhouse~FAQ

Tropical FAQ

1.    What should I do with the bloom spike after my Orchid is finished blooming?

A: Most orchid spikes should be completely cut off. The Phalaenopsis is the only orchid that will rebloom from an old spike. The spike should be cut between the scar left by the first flower and the last node(swollen, jointed area on the stem.) One of the lower nodes may initiate a new spike. This process can take 8-10 weeks.

2.    Why won’t my orchid rebloom?

A: There can be many factors as to why an orchid doesn’t rebloom. However, the most common problems are not enough light or not enough humidity. Remember most orchids will only bloom once a year.

3.    How often should I water my cactus?

A: Spring through fall water when cactus soil is thoroughly dry. During winter months, water less;usually once every 3-4 weeks. A good rule with cactus is when in doubt, don’t water.

4.    What are good plants for low light?

A:    Chinese Evergreens, Peace Lilies, Pothos, Dieffenbachias, NeantheBella Palms, Philodendrons, Grape Ivy, Cast Iron Plants, Sanservias, and some varietiesof Dracenas.

5.    How do I know when to water?

A:    The water needs of plant vary depending on the type of plant. As a general rule, water when the top half of the soil is dry. Keep in mind that during winter months, watering may need to be reduced.

6.    How do I know when to repot?

A: Repot if the plant appears to be too large for the pot it’s in. If the plant is root bound or if the plant has been in the same pot for a couple of years and needs fresh soil.

7.    Which is best: plastic or clay pots?

A:    Clay allows more air movement though the soil so therefore dries out quicker. If you tend to over-water clay is usually best. If you tend to underwater or have a plant that requires a lot of water then plastic is a good choice.

8.    How often should I fertilize?

A:    Depending on the plant and the fertilizers being used, usually once a week or once every other week spring thru fall.    During winter months, feed less and if the plant is dormant withhold feeding it altogether.

9.    When should I bring my plants in for the winter?

A:    Most houseplants need to be brought in when the nighttime temperatures start dropping below 50 degrees.

10.    How far back should I trim?

A:    It varies between plants, but as a general rule trim branches and vines that are still green or only slightly woody. Trim back to a leaf joint.

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Perennial FAQ

1.    Which perennials are good at multiplying and spreading fairly quickly?

A:    Low Growing: any of the Dianthus, Cerastrium (snow in summer), Forget Me Knots, Lamium, Creeping Phlox

Medium Growing: Phlox, Coreopsis, Monarda, Spiderwort, Rudbekia(Black Eyed Susan), Gaillardia

Taller Growing: Monarda(Jacob Cline especially), Echinacea, False Sunflower

2.    Which groundcover is also good at climbing vertically?

A:    English Ivy and Euonymous(taller variety): they can also tolerate sun or shade.

3.    How do I plant my ground cover plugs?

A:    If the soil is really hard or clay, first you must condition the soil with a soil conditioner or add Gypsym to the soil. Then, space the plugs about 8-12 inches apart and stagger the next row. Water them in well and keep well watered the first year until they are established.

4.    What vine can grow in the shade?

A:    The Dutchman’s Pipe vine can grow well in the shade as well as the Honeysuckle or Trumpet Creeper. However, without sun they probably won’t bloom. Also, the Silver Lace vine does pretty well in some shady spots with dappled sunlight.

5.    What shade plants offer bright flowers?

A:    The Astilbe comes in many different colors and offers blooms from May – July. Otherwise, not much blooms all summer shadewise, but in the spring mix in Lilly of the Valley and Dicentra(Bleeding Heart) with your shade plants. In the middle of summer the Hostas are in bloom along with the Lirope.

6.    Why didn’t my foxglove bloom this year?

A:    They are biannual, so they will just grow bigger the first year and then bloom the second year.

7.    How can I keep my Daylilies blooming longer?

A:    Pick off or deadhead any spent blooms to increase the chance for rebloomers. Also, certain varieties are offered that have been made to bloom all summer long; Stella D’Or, Happy Returns, Lavender Blush, and some others that we do stock.

8.    About the middle of summer or so, my spiderwort looks really brown and rusty and just not blooming like it used to. What can I do?

A:    Once your Spiderwort begins to look bad, you can cut them back a few inches from the ground and get another round of flowers if you cut them back early enough.

9.    My Hostas are being eaten full of holes. What is the problem?

A:    Hostas and so many other plants are loved by slugs who eat lots of holes through the leaves of the plants at night. Try not to water in the evenings because the extra moisture brings the slugs out. Also, you can use a store bought slug bait or pour some beer out into a dish or pan to help get rid of them.

10.    The leaves on my Honeysuckle are turning white on top and look kind of powdery and yellowish brown. What is causing that?

A:    Powdery mildew is fairly common and seems to affect honeysuckle. To get rid of it, you’ll need to strip the vine of all leaves. Even pruning it back is helpful. Also, allow the plant to get a good amount (a few hours) of sun if possible.

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Roses FAQ

1.    How much sun does my Rose need?

A:    Anywhere from 6 hours to full sun.

2.    When do I cut back my Roses?

A:    Whenever they go dormant; usually after several freezes.

3.    How do I prune my Roses?

A:    Hybrid Teas and Floribundas get cut back to 24” and then thin out broken, weak, or crowded branches. Shrub Roses need only thinning out.

4.    How do I over-winter my Roses?

A:    Hybrid Teas and Floribundas need mulched around the canes as high as you can go. A rose collar makes this task easier. Climbers can be wrapped in straw and burlap or be bent to the ground and covered with 2-3” of soil.

5.    What are the black spots on my leaves?

A:    A fungus called Blackspot. It is a common disease in our humid summers. Spraying a fungicide and increasing sun and circulation helps reduce this disease.

6.    What is making holes in my Rose leaves?

A:    Japanese Beetles skeletonize a leaf while caterpillars notch leaves.

7.    Should I cut off the old flowers?

A:    Yes, deadheading encourages more blooms but cease at the end of August to help the plant get ready for winter.

8.    Can I start Roses from cuttings or seed?

A:    Seed usually produces and inferior plant and cuttings usually don’t take on today’s varieties, but grafting is a better method.

9.    Are there disease resistant Roses?

A:    Yes, some new shrub and Floribundas like “Hot Cocoa,” “Livin Easy,” and “Knockout” are disease resistant, but not pest resistant. Also, the thicker, glossy, and darker green the leaf is the more resistant the Rose.

10.    Do I need to add anything to the soil when planting my Rose?

A:    Yes, amendments like leaf mold, peat moss, and compost are all good to add backfilled with ½ original soil.

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Water Plants FAQ

1.    Which plants help keep my pond clean?

A:    Oxygenators (Marestail) help take up excess Nitrogen and add Oxygen to the water. Water celery, Water Hyacinths, and Parrots Feather also help to naturally filter the H2O.

2.    About how many plants are needed in a pond to provide shade for the fish?

A:    Usually about two-thirds of the water surface is good to have covered. Also, plants that float such as Hyacinths, Water Poppy, Water Snowflake, and especially Fairy Moss help achieve this.

3.    My water is turning green. What do I do?

A:    We recommend using SST Ultra Clear, a liquid solution that naturally helps to clear up the greenness. If the green water becomes stringy, then you have to deal with string algae. In this case it’s best to try to pull out and remove as much of the algae by hand as well as using a regular dosage of Ultra Clear. We even have a product to help remove the sludge you may encounter. Sometimes when you just can’t beat the algae, it requires changing the water in the pond and cleaning up any plants that may have algae on them.

4.    I just filled my pond. Can I add plants and fish now?

A:    Yes, you can add any water plant you want; however you must dechlorinater the water before adding any fish. This takes adding a dechlorinater to the water or waiting a few days before adding any fish to a newly filled pond.

5.    How do I over winter a hardy water plant?

A:    Place the plant on the bottom of the pond making sure it is at least 18 inches below the water. Then it will be under the freeze line and ready to come back up next year.

6.    Can I keep Tropical Water Canna through the winter?

A:    Yes. Come fall when the leaves on the Canna start turning brown, let the plant dry out. You can cut it back and place the pot in a garage or space over the winter where it won’t freeze and then repot again next year.

7.    Which water plants bloom all summer?

A:    The Water Cannas, Blue Bells, Water Lilies, Lotus Flowers, Water Spiderwort, Water Forget-me-Knots, and Star Grass.

8.    Why won’t my water Hyacinths bloom?

A:    They need a good few hours of full sun a day to help them bloom. They won’t usually bloom in a shady spot. Also, if you don’t have fish in the pond you can add a little liquid fertilizer to the water.

9.    How do you pot up a water plant?

A:    Either you can use an Aquatic soil mix that’s pre-made or just use any good potting soil. Then you can place a layer of pea gravel on top of the soil after you have repotted the plant.

10.    Can a Japanese or Siberian Iris be put in a pond?

A:    Yes. These Iris also grow well in water and can be used along side or in place of the water Iris.

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1.    When do I prune my tree?

A:    Deciduous Trees are best pruned anytime while dormant and flowering trees should be pruned immediately after flowering. Evergreens should be pruned no later than July.

2.    Why do the leaves on my red Japanese Maple turn green in the summer?

A:    The amount of red coloring a Japanese Maple has a lot to do with the particular variety and sun exposure.

3.    Why do the ends of my trees look like they are dying?

A:    This was the year of the Cicada and the eggs deposited in the branches causes the branches to die back.

4.    Why does my apple tree bloom but dosen’t bear fruit?

A:    Apples need another variety to pollinate them.

5.    When is the best time to move my tree?

A: Any time they are dormant is fine, although at least a 2-3” layer of mulch is best for fall transplants to prevent frost heaving.

6. My dogwood is slowly dying back each year, what can I do?

A: There is a fungus that has worked its way into our area known as dogwood anthracnose. It starts out as necrotic leaf and flower spots, which eventually causes canker and dieback. Cultural methods of prevention include mulching, watering during drought, improving air circulation to the tree, and applying a balanced fertilizer in the spring. Removing infected material also helps. Cornus kousa (Japanese Pagoda Dogwood) is resistant to anthracnose and similar to our dogwood in appearance. Chemical control includes applying a fungicide like chlorothalonil or mancozeb 3-4 times at 10-14 day intervals while cool, wet conditions exist.

7.    When is the best time to fertilize my trees?

A: Generally, applying a balanced fertilizer in spring is best. Fall fertilizing, especially for late transplants, can be beneficial as long as the nitrogen content is very low.

8.    What do I do with the burlap when planting my balled and burlapped tree?

A: Both wire and burlap may be left on, as they will break down in a few years.

9.    Why are my pines starting to lose their needles?

      A: It is actually normal for evergreens to lose any foliage that is over 2-5 years in the fall

10.    Are there any trees I can plant in a particularly wet spot in my yard?

       A: Willows, Poplars, White oaks, Hawthorns, Beech, Birches, Bald Cypress, and sycamores do well in moist to wet areas.

A. Yes, the darker foliage can take more sun then the green foliage. Green foliage can take morning sun but not hot afternoon sun, if it is too much sun for them the leaves will start turning a reddish color on the edges.

A. Portulaca (rose moss)- Geraniums, and Begonias like to be dry before watering.

A. You don’t have to, but it makes the plant look nicer and gives it more energy to grow.

A. Yes, you can, but you may have unsatisfactory results. The plants usually won’t die, but it won’t bloom very well or none at all.

A. It isn’t advised. It could stunt the growth of the plant and possibly kill it. This usually starts by wilting about mid-day. Some shade plants can handle the morning sun, but it is not recommended to ever put them in the hot afternoon sun.

A. This usually indicates a watering problem, either too dry or too wet. Or it could be lack of nutrients. Letting a wave petunia wilt will cause the leaves to turn yellow. If it has been wilting for some time, it could cause the leaves to die. If this happens, the best things to do are prune back the plant and watch the soil to give it the correct amount of water. Feed it in a day or two. Many times the plant will re-grow and come out of it fine.

A. Every 7-14 days. There are exceptions- Nasturtiums, Portulaca and Purslane; they won’t bloom as well if given too much nitrogen.

A. Yes, but its best to water in the morning. Late watering may promote mold and rotting.

A. There are several to pick from, Patio, Better bush, Early Pick, Keepsake will all do fine.

A. If the plant label displays an initial of V-F- N- T or CT they are resistant to the following diseases. V- verticillium, F- Fusarium, N- Nematode, T- Tobacco Mosaic

A. If you have clay soil, you can add soil conditioner, peat to the soil to loosen and improve growing conditions.

A. You can feed with Schultz TM tomato food. With a hose on sprayer, you can feed weekly. Make sure you follow the bottles instructions as to how much to make. Spray in a “ Crisscross” pattern for even coverage.

A. All the green bell peppers will turn red with age, just let them hang on the plant till the sun turns them red.

A. You need a good space for squash to grow. (5-10 feet between hills) They vine out in all directions. You don’t have to have sandy soil, but it should be loose.

A. Yes, It keeps the tomato from lying on the ground and helps prevent them from getting blossom end rot.

A. Blossom-drop is a condition that tomatoes suffer where the plant blooms, the blooms die and fall off. It can be caused by excess use of nitrogen fertilizer or dry windy conditions, the most common cause is temperature extremes. You can use a spray called blossom set.

A. If the blooms are not pollinated, they will die and fall off. Earlier timed planting will help attain fruit set before the on set of high temps and cool nights.

A. Check your plants for pests, such as cutworms, flea beetles, grasshoppers, spider mites and aphids. These sucking insects can cause curled and distorted leaves.

1.    Q. How soon can I plant herbs outside?
A.    As soon as the ground warms up and no other signs of frost exist.

2.    Q. Which herbs grow well in a container garden?
A.    Most herbs can be grown in containers as long as their needs are met. Although you wouldn’t want to grow very tall herbs, such as dill and Fennel in pots. Most people make up container gardens of herbs depending on their use. Such as Parsley, Basil, Chives and Thyme in a pot together.

3.    Q. Is there a Basil that is disease resistant?
A.    Yes, Genovese basil is disease resistant to Fusarium.

4.    Q. Which thymes are used in cooking?
A.    English thyme, Lemon thyme, Caraway thyme, Orange thyme, French thyme, Nutmeg thyme and Oregano thyme can all be used in cooking. Nearly every soup or stew calls for a pinch. Also a appropriate seasoning for meat and fish to improve their digestibility

5.    Q. What lavender is the most hardy for this area?
A.    Munstead, Hidcote are two that are hardy for this area. Provence and Grosso sometimes survive our winters, but not always.

6.    Q. Should I cut back my herbs?
A.    Pinching and cutting back of herbs produces a more bushy and sturdy plant, which provide more leaves for cooking. It will not hurt them. It’s always better to keep any dead cut out and in most cases the bloom cut off.

7.    Q. Will mints take over my garden?

A. Mints are very aggressive plants and can take over a garden. Plant mints where they have all the room they want without interfering with other plants. Some people choose to grow these in containers to avoid the problem of aggression.

8. Q. How often do I need to feed herbs?

A.    In their growing stage, and if they are in pots, biweekly is enough, although they can handle it weekly. If the plants are in the ground, once a month would be sufficient if it is very poor soil. If you have nutrient rich soil you shouldn’t have to fertilize at all.   Never feed any plant when they wilting or when the soil is extremely dry, as this can burn the plants.

9.    Q. How hard is it to grow herbs for cooking use like tarragon, oregano, and basil. What conditions do they need?
A.    It’s not hard to grow herbs. You have to make sure they don’t stay too wet have the right amount of drainage and enough light.

10.    Q. Which herbs will draw butterflies and hummingbirds?