Q. I had mildew on my peonies for the first time this year. The phlox have it every year but never the peonies. What would cause it? Thanks Marilyn Dowson – Canada A. I bet you are wondering if the disease spread from your phlox to your peonies. It is doubtful. The mildew you are…
Best Mulch for Roses
Q. Dear Peter, I like to mulch my rose bushes during those months that we have lower freezing temperatures, which our area is more prone to have. Is there any difference between using fir/pine needles and using deciduous leaves (usually ground up by my mower) to mulch tender plants? Betty Jones – Graham, WA A….
Tomato Blossoms But No Fruit
Q. This year my Early Girl tomato plant had an abundance of blossoms all summer but did not produce one mature ripe tomato. Another tomato plant in the same area did fine. Walter Lachnit – Gig Harbor, WA A. Tomato blossoms are self contained with male and female parts so usually the wind or insects…
Helping Spindly Petunias
Q. My wife and I have 20 hanging baskets on our deck. This year we used trailing petunias. They started out very nice but as the summer went along, they got really spindly and didn’t produce any blooms to speak of. We intend to use petunias again next year. Can you suggest what I can…
Covering Lawn With Mulch
Q. I would like to cover lawn with mulch. I have heard to lay newspaper down and then place the mulch on top. How much newspaper and how much mulch works? I am thinking about using wood chips for mulch. Mark Bruser – Tacoma, WA A. Yes if your goal is to replace the lawn…