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Troubleshooting

Why Won’t My Dahlias Bloom? Troubleshooting Tips for Gardeners

by Gregory October 24, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Why Won’t My Dahlias Bloom?

Dahlias are beautiful flowers that can add a splash of color to any garden. However, sometimes gardeners may encounter the frustrating problem of dahlias that refuse to bloom. If you’re facing this issue, don’t worry! There are several common reasons why dahlias don’t bloom, and most of them have simple solutions.

Light Requirements

Dahlias are sun-loving plants that need at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. If your dahlias are not getting enough light, they may not produce flowers. Make sure to plant them in a location that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day.

Water Requirements

Dahlias also need regular watering. Water your dahlias deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. The soil around your dahlias should be moist to a depth of 1 inch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing your dahlias can help them produce more flowers. However, it’s important to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can actually inhibit blooming. Use a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium.

Deadheading

Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers from your dahlias. This encourages the plant to produce more flowers. Deadhead your dahlias regularly, removing the flowers as soon as they start to wilt.

Dealing with Buds That Don’t Open

Sometimes, dahlia buds may form but fail to open. This can be caused by a few factors, including:

Overcrowding: If your dahlias are planted too close together, they may not get enough sunlight or nutrients to produce flowers. Thin out your dahlias to give them more space to grow.
Pest Damage: Pests such as aphids and thrips can feed on dahlia buds, causing them to wilt and die. Inspect your dahlias regularly for pests and treat them accordingly.
Environmental Factors: Extreme heat or cold can also cause dahlia buds to fail to open. Protect your dahlias from extreme temperatures by providing them with shade or covering them during cold nights.

Additional Tips for Encouraging Dahlia Blooms

Plant your dahlias in well-drained soil.
Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve fertility.
Pinch back the tips of your dahlias when they are young to encourage branching and more flowers.
Keep your dahlias mulched to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide your dahlias every few years to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth.

By following these tips, you can troubleshoot the reasons why your dahlias are not blooming and get them back on track to producing beautiful flowers all season long.

Flower Gardening

Why Won’t My Freesia Bloom? Troubleshooting Tips for Beautiful Blooms

by Gregory September 11, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Why Won’t My Freesia Bloom?

You’ve done everything right. You planted your freesia corms in well-draining soil, in full sun in spring, and they didn’t experience any hard freezes. Now you’re asking, “Why won’t my freesia bloom?”

Freesias are native to South Africa and prefer warm and dry conditions. If you live in an area with a lot of spring rain, this can slow down or even stop sprout production. Freesias need conditions similar to their native region to produce the most flowers.

Cultural Causes

Freesia plants are a bit fussy about their site and care. Make sure they are in a sunny location with well-draining soil. If your soil doesn’t drain well, add some fine grit to improve drainage.

Once planted, freesias should be watered well, but not again until sprouts appear. Corms usually sprout in one to three months, depending on the variety and the site conditions.

In containers, use a bulb planting mixture that will have all the necessary nutrients for plant and flower formation.

Northern gardeners, especially, should start plants indoors or in a greenhouse where ambient temperatures are warm. Then, move the containers outside when it is consistently 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius).

Situational Causes

If you have foliage but no flowers, your freesia plants may simply need to be divided. Dig up the corms and separate them, discarding any discolored or diseased material. Plant corms 2 to 3 times their length deep. Planting too deeply can also prevent blooming.

Lack of nutrients is another common cause of freesias not flowering. Fertilize your plants annually with bone meal or a high potassium feed in spring, once foliage is evident. Feed plants every two months during the growing season, but stop fertilizing in fall.

Physical Causes

Freesias are not reliably hardy below USDA zone 8. They can be grown in zones down to 6, but will need to be lifted or planted in containers to protect them from winter temperatures.

Freesias are actually cool weather plants that need nighttime temperatures of 40 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 13 degrees Celsius) and daytime temperatures of 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 21 degrees Celsius). The cooler temperatures help the plant form flowers.

In areas with extreme year-round heat, a freesia won’t bloom because it needs that cold experience to break dormancy.

What to Do if Your Freesia Is Not Blooming

If you’re still wondering how to get blooms on your freesia, here are some troubleshooting tips:

Make sure your freesia is getting enough sunlight and is planted in well-draining soil.
Check the soil pH to make sure it is between 6.0 and 6.5.
Fertilize your freesia regularly during the growing season.
Water your freesia deeply and regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Divide your freesia plants every few years to prevent overcrowding.

With a little care and attention, you can get your freesias blooming beautifully!

Vegetable Gardening

Common Cauliflower Diseases: Identification, Prevention, and Treatment

by Gregory August 28, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Cauliflower: Common Diseases and Troubleshooting Tips

Introduction

Cauliflower is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is a member of the cabbage family. It is grown for its edible head, which is actually a grouping of immature flowers. While cauliflower is a relatively easy vegetable to grow, it can be susceptible to a number of diseases. Knowing how to identify and treat these diseases is essential for growing healthy cauliflower plants.

Common Cauliflower Diseases

There are a number of diseases that can affect cauliflower plants, including:

Alternaria leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown to black spots on the leaves of cauliflower plants. In severe cases, the leaves may turn yellow and drop off.
Downy mildew: This fungal disease causes small yellow spots on the upper surface of cauliflower leaves. On the underside of the leaves, a white downy mold appears.
Bacterial soft rot: This bacterial disease causes small water-soaked areas on cauliflower plants that expand and become soft and mushy.
Blackleg: This fungal disease causes yellow to brown spots with gray centers on the leaves of cauliflower plants. In severe cases, seedlings may be killed by this disease.
Damping off: This fungal disease causes seeds and seedlings to rot within a few days.
Clubroot: This soil-borne fungal disease causes abnormally large taproots and secondary roots on cauliflower plants.
Fusarium yellows: This fungal disease causes leaf dieback and yellowing of the leaves.
Sclerotinia blight: This fungal disease causes water-soaked lesions and a fluffy white mold on cauliflower plants.

Troubleshooting Cauliflower Problems

If you are having problems growing cauliflower, there are a number of things you can do to troubleshoot the issue.

Use disease-resistant seeds. This is one of the best ways to prevent cauliflower diseases.
Avoid damaging cauliflower plants. When working around cauliflower plants, be careful not to damage the leaves or stems.
Practice crop rotation. Planting cauliflower in the same location year after year can increase the risk of disease. To prevent this, rotate your cauliflower plants to a new location each year.
Lime the soil. Liming the soil can help to prevent fungal infections.
Use only new or sterile flats and tools. Using old or contaminated flats and tools can spread diseases to your cauliflower plants.
Allow plenty of space between seedlings. Good air circulation can help to prevent the spread of diseases.
Avoid watering from above. Watering cauliflower plants from above can spread spores that can cause diseases.
Remove and destroy infected seedlings. If you see any cauliflower seedlings that are showing signs of infection, remove them from the garden and destroy them.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can help to prevent and treat cauliflower diseases and grow healthy cauliflower plants.

Vegetable Gardening

Why Is My Fennel Not Producing Bulbs? (And How to Fix It)

by Gregory August 3, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Why is My Fennel Not Producing Bulbs?

Fennel is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of dishes. However, many gardeners struggle to get their fennel to produce bulbs. If you’re one of those gardeners, read on to learn the reasons why your fennel may not be producing bulbs and what you can do to fix it.

Reasons Why Fennel May Not Be Producing Bulbs

Wrong type of fennel: There are two types of fennel: Florence fennel and Foeniculum vulgare. Florence fennel is the type that is grown for its bulbs. If you have planted Foeniculum vulgare, it will not produce bulbs.
Planting too late: Fennel needs cool summer days to produce bulbs. If you plant fennel too late in the season, the days will be too warm and the plant will bolt, which means it will produce flowers instead of bulbs.
Inconsistent watering: Fennel needs consistent moisture to produce bulbs. If the soil dries out, the plant will bolt.

How to Get Fennel to Form Bulbs

There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting your fennel to produce bulbs:

Choose the right variety: There are a number of Florence fennel varieties that are known for their bulb production. Some good choices include Montebiano, Mantovano, and Parma Sel Prado.
Plant at the right time: Fennel should be planted in the spring or fall. In warm climates, it can also be planted in the summer.
Water regularly: Fennel needs consistent moisture to produce bulbs. Water the plants deeply and regularly, especially during hot weather.
Fertilize: Fennel benefits from being fertilized regularly. Use a balanced fertilizer and follow the directions on the package.
Hill the soil around the bulbs: As the fennel bulbs begin to grow, they will tend to push up out of the soil. To prevent this, hill the soil around the bulbs, just as you would a leek. This will help to keep the bulbs white and tender.

Harvesting Fennel Bulbs

Fennel bulbs are ready to harvest when they are about the size of a tennis ball. To harvest, dig up the bulb and cut off the roots and top. The bulbs can then be stored in a cool area for several weeks.

Troubleshooting

If you’re following all of the tips above and your fennel still isn’t producing bulbs, there may be another problem. Here are a few things to check:

Soil pH: Fennel prefers soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, it can affect the plant’s ability to produce bulbs.
Pests and diseases: Fennel can be susceptible to a number of pests and diseases. These pests and diseases can damage the plant and prevent it from producing bulbs.
Nutrient deficiency: Fennel may not be producing bulbs if it is deficient in certain nutrients. A soil test can help you determine if your soil is deficient in any nutrients.

If you’re still having trouble getting your fennel to produce bulbs, you may want to contact your local Cooperative Extension office for advice.

Fruit Gardening

Tricolor Kiwi: The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Caring for This Hardy and Beautiful Vine

by Donna July 25, 2024

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Tricolor Kiwi: A Hardy and Beautiful Vine

Introduction

If you’re looking for a unique and hardy vine to add to your garden, consider the tricolor kiwi (Actinidia kolomikta). This fast-growing plant is known for its attractive variegated foliage and delicious grape-sized fruit.

Hardiness and Growing Conditions

The tricolor kiwi is one of the hardiest kiwi vines, able to withstand winter temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers to grow in zones 4 through 8 and requires a partially shaded location with consistently moist soil.

Variegated Foliage

One of the most striking features of the tricolor kiwi is its variegated foliage. The leaves are a mix of green, white, and pink, creating a beautiful and eye-catching display. Young plants may take some time to develop this variegation, but it will eventually become more prominent.

Fruit Production

Tricolor kiwi plants require both male and female plants to produce fruit. The fruit is small and grape-sized, with a sweet taste similar to common kiwi fruit. However, the skin is not fuzzy like other kiwi varieties.

Growing Tips

Choose a planting site with well-drained soil and partial shade.
Provide a strong structure for the vine to climb, such as a trellis or fence.
Water regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Fertilize lightly in the spring and summer.
Protect young plants from cats, as they are attracted to the foliage.

Troubleshooting

All-green foliage: Young plants may have all-green foliage, but the variegation will develop over time. Male plants also tend to have more colorful foliage than female plants.
Lack of fruit production: Ensure that you have both male and female plants in your garden.
Oozing sap: Tricolor kiwi stems will ooze sap if broken or pruned during the active growing season. Avoid pruning during this time.

Benefits of Growing Tricolor Kiwi

Adds beauty and interest to your garden with its variegated foliage.
Provides a source of fresh and delicious fruit.
Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects.
Can be trained into a tree form for a unique and space-saving option.

Conclusion

The tricolor kiwi is a hardy and beautiful vine that is easy to grow and care for. Its variegated foliage and delicious fruit make it a valuable addition to any garden.

Growing Vegetables

Basil: How to Avoid and Troubleshoot Woody Stems

by Gregory July 24, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Basil: Troubleshooting Woody Stems

Basil is a versatile herb that’s easy to grow, but it can sometimes develop woody stems. This can be frustrating for gardeners who want to enjoy the tender, young leaves of basil.

What Causes Woody Stems in Basil?

Basil stems become woody when the plant is stressed. This can happen for a number of reasons, including:

Lack of pruning
Flowering
Cold temperatures

How to Avoid Basil with Woody Stems

The best way to avoid basil with woody stems is to prune the plant regularly. This encourages new growth and prevents the plant from flowering. You should also avoid exposing basil to cold temperatures.

How to Prune Basil

To prune basil, simply snip off the top few inches of the plant. You can also harvest individual leaves or entire stems. Be sure to cut above a pair of leaves to encourage new growth.

How to Extend the Life of Basil Plants

Basil is an annual plant, but you can extend its life by bringing it inside when the weather starts to get cold. Give the plant plenty of light and water it regularly. Production will slow down in the winter, but you should still be able to harvest some fresh basil leaves.

Troubleshooting Woody Stems in Basil

If your basil plants already have woody stems, there are a few things you can do to try to revive them:

Prune the plant: Cut back the woody stems to a few inches above the ground. This will encourage new growth.
Fertilize the plant: Give the plant a light dose of fertilizer to help it recover.
Water the plant regularly: Basil needs regular watering, especially during hot weather.
Avoid exposing the plant to cold temperatures: If you live in a cold climate, bring the plant inside when the weather starts to get cold.

With a little care, you can keep your basil plants healthy and productive all season long.

Additional Tips for Growing Basil

Basil likes full sun and well-drained soil.
Water basil regularly, but avoid overwatering.
Fertilize basil lightly every few weeks.
Basil can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Basil is a companion plant for tomatoes, peppers, and beans.

Enjoy your basil!

Gardening

How to Grow Crocuses: A Beginner’s Guide to Planting, Care, and Troubleshooting

by Gregory June 27, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

A Guide to Growing Crocuses: From Planting to Care

Introduction

Crocuses are beautiful spring- and autumn-flowering bulbs that add a burst of color to any garden. They are easy to grow and can be naturalized in grass or grown in pots. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing crocuses, from planting to care.

Planting Crocuses

When to Plant:

Plant crocus bulbs in autumn, from September to November.
You can plant crocuses up to Christmas if the bulbs are firm and have not developed mold.

Where to Plant:

Most crocus varieties need full sun and well-drained soil.
Some species, such as Crocus gargaricus, can tolerate partial shade and moist soil.

How to Plant:

Plant crocus corms with the pointed tip facing upwards.
Plant the corms at a depth of three times their own size.
Add plenty of grit to the soil for drainage.

Caring for Crocuses

Watering:

Crocuses do not need much watering once established.
Water deeply in dry weather, especially during the growing season.

Fertilizing:

Fertilize crocuses lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Deadheading:

Deadhead spent flowers to prevent seed production.
Allow the foliage to die back completely after flowering.

Propagating Crocuses

Crocuses will multiply once established and create their own colonies. To propagate your collection:

Dig up large clumps of crocuses in autumn.
Split the clumps into smaller ones.
Clean off individual corms and pot them up.

Troubleshooting Common Crocus Problems

Pests:

Squirrels may dig up newly planted crocus bulbs.
Protect bulbs by netting grassy areas or covering pots with wire mesh.

Diseases:

Crocuses are relatively disease-resistant.
However, they can be susceptible to botrytis (gray mold) in wet weather.

Buying Crocuses

Always buy crocus bulbs from a reputable supplier.
Choose spring crocuses for spring flowering and autumn crocuses for autumn flowering.
Check bulbs before planting and discard any soft or moldy ones.

Recommended Crocus Varieties

Spring-flowering:
- Crocus ‘Violet Queen’
- Crocus x cultorum ‘Jeanne d’Arc’
- Crocus tommasinianus ‘Whitewell Purple’
Autumn-flowering:
- Crocus sativus (saffron crocus)
- Crocus speciosus ‘Albus’

Conclusion

Crocuses are easy to grow and add a touch of beauty to any garden. By following the tips in this guide, you can enjoy these charming flowers for years to come.

Flowers

How to Grow Beautiful Gaura Flowers: A Complete Guide

by Gregory June 16, 2024

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

How to Grow Beautiful Gaura Flowers

What is Gaura?

Gaura, also known as wandflower, is a pretty perennial flower that adds beauty to cottage gardens and informal plantings. It has a relaxed habit with small, starry flowers in white or pink that bloom from early summer to autumn. Gaura is perfect for filling gaps in your garden and can also be grown in containers.

How to Grow Gaura

Planting: Plant gaura in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Dig a hole and add some grit to the bottom for drainage. Place the rootball in the hole at the same depth it was in its pot and backfill with soil. Water well.
Care: Gaura doesn’t need much care. Cut back and divide congested clumps in spring. Avoid moving more mature plants, as they don’t transport well. Don’t worry if you see dark spots on the leaves, as this is normal.
Propagation: You can propagate gaura from seed or cuttings. Sow seeds in spring or take cuttings in summer.

Popular Gaura Varieties

Gaura lindheimeri ‘The Bride’: White flowers on long, thin stems
Gaura lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterfly’: Pink and white flowers on gray-green foliage
Gaura lindheimeri ‘Siskiyou Pink’: Bright pink flowers, great for cutting
Gaura lindheimeri ‘Crimson Butterflies’: Compact variety with dark pink blooms

Troubleshooting

Black spots on leaves: This is a normal physiological response to low temperatures and will disappear as temperatures increase.
Pruning: Cut gaura back hard in early spring and again in late spring to early summer to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.

Overwintering Gaura

Gaura is not reliably hardy in cold climates. To overwinter, cut it back in autumn and apply a thick mulch of straw. You can also lift the whole plant and overwinter it in a pot in a cold greenhouse.

Gardening Guides

Growing Hebes: A Complete Guide for Beginners and Experts Alike

by Gregory June 9, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Growing Hebes: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Hebes are beautiful evergreen shrubs that are popular for their versatility and ease of care. Native to New Zealand, Australia, and South America, they come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, making them suitable for various planting schemes. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to successfully grow hebes in your garden.

Choosing the Right Hebe

Hebes come in a wide variety, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. Consider the following factors:

Size: Hebes range in size from compact ground covers to large shrubs. Choose a variety that will fit well in the space you have available.
Hardiness: Some hebes are more frost-tolerant than others. Choose a variety that is suitable for your climate.
Foliage: Hebes have a variety of foliage colors, including green, pink, and variegated. Choose a variety that will complement the other plants in your garden.

Planting Hebes

Timing: Plant hebes in late spring or early summer.
Location: Choose a sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Hebes can tolerate full sun or partial shade.
Spacing: Space hebes according to their mature size. Smaller varieties can be spaced 1-2 feet apart, while larger varieties may need 3-5 feet of space.
Planting: Dig a hole twice the width of the rootball and just as deep. Place the hebe in the hole and fill it with soil, gently firming it around the plant. Water well after planting.

Caring for Hebes

Watering: Hebes are drought-tolerant, but they will benefit from regular watering during dry spells.
Fertilizing: Avoid over-fertilizing hebes, as this can lead to weak growth. A light application of a slow-release fertilizer in early spring is sufficient.
Pruning: Prune hebes in late summer after flowering. Remove dead or diseased branches and cut back up to a third of the foliage to encourage new growth.
Mulching: Mulching around hebes helps to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Propagating Hebes

Hebes can be propagated from cuttings taken in summer.

Select: Choose non-flowering shoots and remove the leaves from the lower portion of the stem.
Plant: Push the cuttings into a pot of moist, gritty compost.
Cover: Cover the cuttings with a clear plastic bag or place them in a propagator to maintain moisture.
Transplant: Pot up the cuttings the following spring.

Troubleshooting Problems

Browning leaves: Browning leaves can be caused by drought stress. Water the hebe deeply and regularly.
Frost damage: If the hebe has been exposed to frost, prune out any damaged growth and apply a mulch. New growth should emerge in spring.
Pests: Hebes are generally pest-free, but they can be susceptible to aphids and scale insects. Treat infestations with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Conclusion

Hebes are easy-care shrubs that can add beauty and interest to your garden. By following the tips in this guide, you can successfully grow and enjoy these versatile plants for years to come.

Herb Gardening

Bitter Basil Leaves: Causes, Solutions, and Prevention Tips

by Gregory April 20, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Bitter Basil Leaves: Causes and Solutions

Basil is a popular herb known for its aromatic and flavorful leaves. However, sometimes basil leaves can develop a bitter taste, which can be disappointing for gardeners and cooks alike. In this article, we will explore the causes of bitter basil leaves and provide solutions to prevent and remedy this problem.

Causes of Bitter Basil Leaves

1. Lack of Pruning:

Basil plants need regular pruning to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering. When basil plants are allowed to flower, they stop producing leaves and start producing seeds. This process results in bitter-tasting leaves.

2. Variety:

Different varieties of basil have different flavor profiles. Some varieties, such as cinnamon basil or spicy globe basil, may have a more intense or unexpected flavor than sweet basil.

Solutions to Bitter Basil Leaves

1. Regular Pruning:

To prevent bitter basil leaves, prune your plants regularly. Pinch off the tips of the stems just above a pair of leaves. This will encourage new growth and prevent flowering.

2. Choose the Right Variety:

If you are looking for a basil variety with a sweet flavor, choose a variety labeled as “sweet basil” or “Italian basil.” These varieties are known for their mild and flavorful leaves.

3. Provide Adequate Sunlight:

Basil plants need plenty of sunlight to produce flavorful leaves. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

4. Water Properly:

Water your basil plants regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

5. Fertilize:

Fertilize your basil plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer. This will provide the nutrients they need to produce healthy and flavorful leaves.

Additional Tips for Growing Basil

Start your basil seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
Transplant seedlings outdoors once they have at least two sets of leaves.
Space basil plants 6-12 inches apart.
Pinch off the tips of the stems regularly to encourage bushy growth.
Harvest basil leaves as needed by snipping them off the stems.
Store basil leaves in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can prevent and remedy bitter basil leaves and enjoy the delicious flavor of this popular herb in your cooking. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, growing basil is a rewarding experience that can add a touch of freshness and flavor to your meals.

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