Gardening Q&A with the Experts: Get Expert Answers to Your Questions

Gardening Q&A with the Experts

Get Expert Answers to Your Gardening Questions

Every month, our team of expert gardeners answers a selection of your gardening questions. If you have a question, submit it to us, and we’ll do our best to answer it in our next Q&A session.

This Month’s Questions and Answers

Lawn Care

• Question: How can I turn a small patch of lawn into a wildflower meadow?

  • Answer: To create a wildflower meadow, start by removing the existing grass and weeds. Then, scatter a mix of wildflower seeds over the area and rake them lightly into the soil. Water the area regularly, and within a few weeks, you’ll have a beautiful wildflower meadow.

• Question: What is the right order for scarifying, mowing, and applying weed and feed to my lawn?

  • Answer: The correct order is:
    1. Scarify your lawn in the spring or fall to remove dead grass and thatch.
    2. Mow your lawn regularly to keep it healthy and prevent weeds from growing.
    3. Apply weed and feed to your lawn in the spring and fall to control weeds and fertilize the grass.

Planting

• Question: Is it ok to plant out climbing roses now?

  • Answer: Yes, it is generally okay to plant out climbing roses during the spring or fall. However, it’s important to choose a variety that is suitable for your climate and to prepare the planting site properly.

• Question: When should I plant out my chitted potatoes?

  • Answer: Chitted potatoes should be planted out when the soil temperature has reached at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit and there is no longer any risk of frost.

Seedling Care

• Question: Should I remove my seedlings from the propagator and put them on my windowsill?
  • Answer: Yes, once your seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, you can remove them from the propagator and place them on a sunny windowsill.

Other Gardening Problems

• Question: How can I prevent my water butt from developing an unpleasant odor?

  • Answer: To prevent your water butt from smelling, clean it regularly and add a small amount of chlorine bleach to the water.

• Question: What measures can I take to enhance the flowering of an old climbing rose?

  • Answer: To encourage an old climbing rose to flower more profusely, prune it regularly, fertilize it in the spring, and water it deeply during dry spells.

• Question: How can I eliminate mealybugs from my orchids and streptocarpus?

  • Answer: To get rid of mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them from the plants. You can also spray the plants with a solution of insecticidal soap.

• Question: What steps should I take if my wisteria dies but is sprouting from the base?

  • Answer: If your wisteria dies back to the ground but is sprouting from the base, it is likely that the roots are still alive. Cut back the dead stems and continue to water and fertilize the plant. With proper care, it should eventually recover.

• Question: What is the best method for reviving severely dehydrated potted hydrangeas?

  • Answer: To revive a severely dehydrated potted hydrangea, soak the pot in a bucket of water for several hours. Then, remove the pot from the water and allow it to drain. Water the plant regularly and keep it in a shady spot until it recovers.