Gardening Question of the Day

How about growing big bell peppers? My peppers have been small the past few years.

Chances are that something has changed in your garden. Has a nearby tree put on a spurt of growth? Peppers need eight hours of direct sunlight. Has the drainage changed? Peppers easily succumb to wet feet. Have you tested the soil? Peppers require a sweet soil -- pH between 6 and 8, phosphorous-rich -- bonemeal works well, and a soil high in organic matter. Also, you might try some of the large pepper varieties such as 'Goliath' or 'Big Bertha'. --Gardening experts George and Becky Lohmiller, Hancock, New Hampshire

Last 7 Days

Monday, January 30, 2012

We’ve been having trouble with rabbits in our yard. We live in Madison, Wisconsin, in a new home, which backs up to some woods. We planted some arborvitae toward the back, and the rabbits have eaten away half of the trees. They also seem to like the lawn in the back as well. Last fall, I planted some 60 tulip bulbs in the front yard. I plan to put down some mothballs after the snow melts. Will the foliage at the bottom of the arborvitae grow back? Should we even try to save the trees? Any suggestions for the lawn? How can we get rid of our piggy guests?

Foxes and coyotes have kept the rabbits in check in our area, but deer are doing a number on our shrubs, including arborvitae. Arborvitae doesn’t like to refoliate, but can if needles aren’t eaten down to the nubs. As far as your lawn goes, rabbits are much more interested in lawn weeds than grass. A 3/4" wire-mesh fence will effectively keep bunnies out. It should be buried 8"–12" deep and needs to be only 30" high. Repellent plants include castor beans and onions. Commercial repellants may work, too. Let’s hope that it’s "hare today, gone tomorrow." --Gardening experts George and Becky Lohmiller, Hancock, New Hampshire

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Can I grow a mango tree indoors?

Yes, the seed of a mango can be nurtured into a slow-growing, leathery-leaved tree for your home. You can take the seed from the husk of the fruit. Scrape the fruit from the husk, then allow the seed to dry overnight. When dry, pry the husk open gently with a dull knife. Start the seed to germinating in a plastic bag filled with damp spaghum moss. Germination will take two to three weeks.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Can I grow a mango tree indoors?

Yes, the seed of a mango can be nurtured into a slow-growing, leathery-leaved tree for your home. You can take the seed from the husk of the fruit. Scrape the fruit from the husk, then allow the seed to dry overnight. When dry, pry the husk open gently with a dull knife. Start the seed to germinating in a plastic bag filled with damp spaghum moss. Germination will take two to three weeks.

Friday, January 27, 2012

I've tried forcing amaryllis bulbs to bloom indoors but without success. What might I be doing wrong?

These bulbs won't bloom if the pot is too large. Leave no more than an inch of space on either side of the bulb, and make sure that at least one-third of the bulb is showing above the soil line.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Can I grow a mango tree indoors?

Yes, the seed of a mango can be nurtured into a slow-growing, leathery-leaved tree for your home. You can take the seed from the husk of the fruit. Scrape the fruit from the husk, then allow the seed to dry overnight. When dry, pry the husk open gently with a dull knife. Start the seed to germinating in a plastic bag filled with damp spaghum moss. Germination will take two to three weeks.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

I've tried forcing amaryllis bulbs to bloom indoors but without success. What might I be doing wrong?

These bulbs won't bloom if the pot is too large. Leave no more than an inch of space on either side of the bulb, and make sure that at least one-third of the bulb is showing above the soil line.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

We’ve been having trouble with rabbits in our yard. We live in Madison, Wisconsin, in a new home, which backs up to some woods. We planted some arborvitae toward the back, and the rabbits have eaten away half of the trees. They also seem to like the lawn in the back as well. Last fall, I planted some 60 tulip bulbs in the front yard. I plan to put down some mothballs after the snow melts. Will the foliage at the bottom of the arborvitae grow back? Should we even try to save the trees? Any suggestions for the lawn? How can we get rid of our piggy guests?

Foxes and coyotes have kept the rabbits in check in our area, but deer are doing a number on our shrubs, including arborvitae. Arborvitae doesn’t like to refoliate, but can if needles aren’t eaten down to the nubs. As far as your lawn goes, rabbits are much more interested in lawn weeds than grass. A 3/4" wire-mesh fence will effectively keep bunnies out. It should be buried 8"–12" deep and needs to be only 30" high. Repellent plants include castor beans and onions. Commercial repellants may work, too. Let’s hope that it’s "hare today, gone tomorrow." --Gardening experts George and Becky Lohmiller, Hancock, New Hampshire