Ask the Gardner

[Harlan Huckleby]

Well, this is something of a home remedy I came across, but Jade plants are prone to root desease and fungus. An excellent preventative is to water monthly with a 10:1 mixture of water and spermicide.

[Badgepack]

Hears the deal,

I planted some Aspins couple of weeks ago, now all the leaves are drying up. Are the trees goners or are they just going through some type of shock?

I have been watering the shit out of them along with root stimulator.

I know the middle of summer was not the best time to do this, but we are having patio work done next week and I wanted the trees in the stonework. If they are dead I need to dig them up before the work is done.

Any thoughts?

[MJZiggy]

It's hard to tell what the problem could be without seeing them, but here is a site on Aspen problems and care and you might find one of the descriptions matches your problem. If not, try taking a photo and leaf sample to your local extension and the cute little old ladies that work there will tell you exactly what the problem is and how to solve it. Gotta love the extension.

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/Garden/02932.html

[MJZiggy]

Here's the stupid question of the week: Are pumpkins annuals or perennials. If they're perennials, and they keep growing at this rate, my whole back yard may be doomed.

Attack of the Killer Pumpkin Vines

[Oscar]

I don't know the answer there MJ. I planted two apple trees last month. I water them on the schedule the instructions say to and there holding there own. Its been hot this past week and there lookin kinda puny. I hope they make it. This is also my first year planting and tending to a garden. Its been an experience to say the least. But I'm learing This is a cool thread though.

[Fosco33]

Here's the stupid question of the week: Are pumpkins annuals or perennials. If they're perennials, and they keep growing at this rate, my whole back yard may be doomed.

Attack of the Killer Pumpkin Vines

I grew tons of pumpkins as a kid - the vine just dies after the fruit is cut - so don't worry.

I loved going to 'giant pumpkin drops' as a kid - basically they take a huge pumpkin and drop it from a crane. Then, we'd all run up and grab these huge seeds (and thus we'd get really big pumpkins).



I got some plants from my friend's funeral but I have no idea what they are - anyone know of a good website so I can read up on water/lighting???

I could also take some pix and post them here if you guys are experts.

[MJZiggy]

You can try posting pics, but I don't know. I get most of my houseplant info from books and trial and error (mostly error). If no one knows, there's always the county extension. Did they come with any of those little white sticks in them that will at least tell you what they are?

[Fosco33]

You can try posting pics, but I don't know. I get most of my houseplant info from books and trial and error (mostly error). If no one knows, there's always the county extension. Did they come with any of those little white sticks in them that will at least tell you what they are?

No, but one is pretty unique looking (broad leaves, mixture of orange/red/green colors) and should be easier to identify. The other is a cross b/w a plant/vine/tree - really broad, green leaves - that'll take more work.

Thanks anyways - it'll be fun to hunt a little.

[Deputy Nutz]

Its a bit hot out there folks, make sure you give your green life plent of water and shade!!!

I will pass the message along, but I ain't going outside, its too damn hot!

[Badgepack]

Does anyone have recommendation of the best fast growing/speading vines to grow on lattice?
Thanks in advance.

[MJZiggy]

How big do you want it to be. If you're not looking for it to take over, you can try clematis. There are two varieties one is spring flowering the other flowers all summer. You could also try vinnig roses, or if you're very brave, you can do honeysuckle, but know that it's very aggressive and will try to take over.

[Badgepack]

Thanks for the reply MJ, we built a patio structure with the lattice on top of the beams, about 30 ft X 6 ft. and want it thick enough growth for shade.

[MJZiggy]

That's kind of big, I guess it depends some on the climate you're in. If you're in the south wisteria and grapevine is nice, let me ponder the north a little bit. Anyone else have any ideas?

[Iron Mike]

Does anyone have recommendation of the best fast growing/speading vines to grow on lattice?
Thanks in advance.

Depends whether you want it to grow in the sun or in the shade.....

[MJZiggy]

It is the beginning of Sept. and my pumpkins have turned orange. Does this mean they're done or will they still grow some? I was hoping to harvest them in about 6 weeks, but don't want them to rot on the vine either. This is soooo my last year for pumpkins.