Q. Hi Peter, I usually plant a Nantes-type carrot for their wonderful snappy, fresh taste. I’ve noticed that, year to year, they have varying degrees of sweetness/bitterness to them. Mostly they are as sweet as you’d expect from a Nantes. I’m wondering if there is something I am doing to effect their sweetness/bitterness? I only…
Year: 2005
New Mole Poison
Q. What is that new mole poison that is shaped like a worm and where can I get it? Thanks. Jerry Langston – Auburn, WA A. The product you are describing is called Talpirid. It uses the rodenticide Bromethalin (a neurotoxin affecting cell regulation of water) packed in what is for all intents and purposes…
Mock Orange slow to bloom
Q. We planted a mock orange in the south-east corner of the house three years ago. It gets sun until late afternoon. Although it has grown to over six feet and looks very healthy, it has never bloomed or shown signs of bud. It has not been pruned other than an occasional munching by deer….
Vine Maple Woes
Q. Dear Pete: My wife and I planted vine maples along the east and west sides of our home in 2003. We are unable to comprehend why the leaves of two of three trees are turning orange prematurely (before fall). Is there some way to determine if they are suffering disease or simply individuating (like…
Early Pumpkins – Harvest now or wait?
Q. HELP!! I planted my pumpkins the end of March as we were going to be gone all of April. NOW they are almost “done”. What should I do?? Leave them on the vine or harvest when they look ready? Since it is only August I am afraid they won’t last until the end of…