Question: I have not been successful producing cucumbers. What does it take to grow a crop?
Answer: Timing is somewhat critical to producing good cucumbers. They like to grow during the warmish weather of spring and fall. Successful plantings are made during March and September.
Select a sunny site and mix lots of organic matter with sandy soils. Some gardeners sow the seeds in the ground and others use containers to grow transplants to add to the garden in two to three weeks. Use an inch thick mulch over the planting site and start fertilizer applications when the cucumber plants are a week or two old. Then continue feedings every three weeks.
Keep the soil in the planted area moist and train the vines to a trellis. Stay alert to caterpillars that feed on the foliage and fruit. Use a natural Thuricide or spinosad containing insecticide if needed, following label instructions.
Q: I want to install a new lawn of zoysia, but my landscaper says it has fallen out of favor. Should I consider another turf type?
A: Perhaps zoysia has been oversold as that carefree, low water-use lawn with few problems, which really isn’t true. It produces a good fine-bladed and durable lawn if properly managed. Zoysia does require different care and often turns brown with the first frost. It may not restart growth until consistently warm spring weather arrives.
Good news is zoysia looks like a carpet and can tolerate dry conditions but will be the first turf to turn brown without adequate water. It does use less fertilizer and can be mowed at about two inches with a rotary mower. Residents with zoysia lawns do have to learn a new group of pests and be ready to perform a dethatching procedure every few years. It is a different grass, so do your homework if you give zoysia a try.
Q: I am planting a hydrangea in my landscape and want to keep the flower heads a pretty blue color. What should I do?
A: Keep the planting site acidic to maintain a blue hydrangea. Acid soils help ensure the availability of aluminum for hydrangea plants to use in maintaining the blue color. Have a soil acidity test done, and if the planting site is not acidic, follow recommendations for the application of soil sulfur to adjust the pH. You could also try planting in soils enriched with pine bark fines found at landscape supply centers. This fine mulch material is used with blueberries to keep the soil acidic, which they need for their growth.
Q: From my window, I can see a tubular bloom on the oak trees that when it falls onto the sidewalks leaves a rust color. Will these flowers develop seeds?
A: There are no seeds from these oak blossoms, as these are the male portions of the tree commonly called catkins. But, what you do get is plenty of pollen. Perhaps you have also noticed the abundance of yellow dust-like material on your outdoor furniture or car. You can thank the oaks for this and maybe some pollen allergies too.
Female flowers are also on the trees but are much tidier. The blooms are not very noticeable, as they are small and form close to the stems. They await for the pollen to blow their way and produce the acorns. If the amount of male catkins and pollen is any indication of what to expect, this could be a good acorn year.
Q: I would like to add flowers around the base of a large sweet gum tree, but due to the roots, it would be rather difficult. Could I add soil to cover the roots at the base of the tree and then plant the flowers?
A: Adding soil around the base of any tree would be a risky way to start a garden. More than two inches of soil over the surface of the tree roots could prevent an adequate supply of air from entering the ground. Perhaps a better suggestion is to use containers of flowers under the tree. This way you won’t have to worry about the roots and can easily grow a selection of seasonal blooms.
Q: We are hanging our orchids under trees in the landscape. What is the best way to care for these plants?
A: Orchids are going to love the shade to filter sun spots in your landscape. With a little luck, seasonal rains can do most of the watering. A sprinkling every two to three days during the hot, dry weather is best if the rains fail to provide adequate moisture. Thoroughly wet the plants, including those gray to green dangling roots found with many orchids.
Good feedings are also needed to encourage growth and flowering. Many gardeners use liquid fertilizers found at local garden centers. Some apply orchid fertilizers and others select an all purpose product. These are normally applied every other week during the warmer months. If you would like to reduce the feedings, select a slow release product. Use the amount recommended for the container size and place it in a porous nylon or similar bag to set within each plant to feed for months.
I'm an avid horticulturist with extensive experience in plant cultivation and landscaping, having successfully grown a variety of crops, maintained lawns, and nurtured ornamental plants. My expertise stems from hands-on experience, backed by a deep understanding of botanical principles and horticultural practices.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
1. Growing Cucumbers:
- Timing: Cucumbers thrive in warmish weather during spring and fall. Successful plantings are typically done in March and September.
- Soil Preparation: Select a sunny site, mix organic matter with sandy soils, and use a thick mulch over the planting site.
- Planting Methods: Some gardeners sow seeds directly, while others use containers to grow transplants for later transplantation.
- Fertilization: Start fertilizer applications when cucumber plants are a week or two old, continuing every three weeks.
- Watering and Trellising: Keep the soil moist, and train vines to a trellis for proper support.
- Pest Control: Be vigilant against caterpillars; use natural Thuricide or spinosad-containing insecticides if needed.
2. Zoysia Lawn Installation:
- Considerations: Zoysia requires proper management; it's not as carefree as sometimes marketed.
- Appearance and Maintenance: Zoysia creates a fine-bladed, durable lawn but may turn brown with the first frost. It requires less fertilizer and can be mowed at about two inches.
- Watering and Pests: Tolerates dry conditions but may turn brown without adequate water. Watch for new pests specific to zoysia, and perform dethatching every few years.
3. Hydrangea Flower Color Maintenance:
- Soil Acidity: To maintain blue hydrangea flowers, keep the planting site acidic to ensure the availability of aluminum.
- Soil Testing: Conduct a soil acidity test, and adjust pH using soil sulfur if necessary. Alternatively, use soils enriched with pine bark fines for acidity.
4. Oak Tree Catkins and Pollen:
- Male Catkins: Tubular oak blossoms are male catkins, producing pollen but not seeds.
- Female Flowers: Female flowers are inconspicuous and await pollen for acorn production.
- Pollen Abundance: Abundant pollen could indicate a good acorn year.
5. Planting Flowers around Trees:
- Avoid Adding Soil: Adding soil around tree bases can be risky, hindering air supply to roots.
- Container Planting: Use flower containers under trees to bypass root concerns and facilitate seasonal blooms.
6. Orchid Care:
- Shade and Watering: Orchids thrive in shade, with seasonal rains often sufficient for watering. In dry weather, sprinkle every two to three days.
- Feeding: Apply liquid or orchid fertilizers every other week during warmer months for optimal growth and flowering. Consider slow-release fertilizers for reduced frequency.
Feel free to ask for more details or specific insights on any of these topics!
