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…
Category: Northwest U.S. Gardeners
Gardening questions from WA, OR, ID, MT & WY
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…
Flowering Indoor Corn Plant
Q. I have a common houseplant I believe called corn plant. It bloomed several months ago – photos enclosed. The flower had a deep lily-like fragrance that was very intense in the evening. It has now withered to a barely noticeable stalk. Do I leave it or cut it? Will it bloom again? Janine Carpenter…
Weed Torch pros and cons
Q. Hi, We enjoy your column and your helpful information. We would like to see you discuss the pros and cons of weeding with a blowtorch. We have seen people doing it. Can it be done in areas where you have landscape paper and bark surrounding plants you wish to keep? How about in areas…
Plant hormones to control suckering
Q. Is there anyway to stop the new growth on my Poplar trees after pruning the lower branches. Is there a product available or will it just be constant cutting the new sprouts away as they appear. I have 5 huge trees that are a real pain and yet enjoyable on the warm days. Joye…