Wally in Toronto, Ontario, asks: When I bring my rosemary plants into the house for the winter, they get a powdery mildew that kills new growth. How do I treat this? Beckie’s reply: Good air circulation is important to prevent or at least control powdery mildew. Don’t crowd your rosemaries with other houseplants and keep them away from humid locations. Consider directing a … [Read more...] about How to treat powdery mildew on rosemary?
gardening question
Why won’t my eucomis bloom?
Debbie in Winnipeg, Manitoba, asks: Why won’t my eucomis bloom? They did bloom the first few years, but for the past three, they have grown only leaves. I give them lots of sun and water, and occasional fertilizer. I’ve tried 10-52-10 and 20-20-20. I store them dormant indoors in their pots and then pot them up in fresh new potting soil in early spring until they can go … [Read more...] about Why won’t my eucomis bloom?
How can I eliminate crabgrass?
Joanne in Oshawa, Ontario, asks: How can I eliminate crabgrass? Unfortunately with this year’s drought the only thing growing is crabgrass. So far, I have been digging it out. Judith Adam, horticultural consultant for Garden Making, replies: Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis and D. ischaemum) is an annual weed found in thin or bare areas of lawns. It flowers from July … [Read more...] about How can I eliminate crabgrass?
How to overwinter amaryllis?
Sylvain in Montreal, Quebec, asks: I stopped watering my amaryllis at the beginning of September as usual. The leaves yellowed and were cut off. As I was about to store them for 10 weeks in my cool, dark cellar, they started growing new flower stems! I have been growing amaryllis for 20 years and this has never happened. What should I do? From Dugald Cameron, bulb … [Read more...] about How to overwinter amaryllis?
What are suitable plants for windy balconies?
Laura in Toronto, ON., asks: What are suitable plants for a windy, north-facing, fifth-floor balcony in Toronto (Zone 6)? I’m looking for plants that can withstand the wind, and can do reasonably well without much direct sunlight (i.e., receiving sunlight during the summer only in the early morning and evening as the sun rises and sets). Beckie’s reply: I assume you mean … [Read more...] about What are suitable plants for windy balconies?
