Published: August 13, 2008 04:33 pm            

Ace of Spades: Don't neglect those hanging baskets; water every day

Originally published in the August 8, 2008, print edition.

My day lilies have finished blooming. When can I replant these to a different area?
These can or should be replanted this month. They do best in a sunny area if at all possible. Do not let these dry out at the bottom of the plants. Remember too if you are looking for some new day lily plants, there will be several plant exchanges the beginning of September. This is an ideal way for beginning gardeners to start flower gardening at a reasonable cost. In my next garden column I will give you some dates to mark on your calendar.

My young kids really like to work in the garden. Shall I get them started with their own garden next season?
Yes, by all means get them started at 5- or 6-years-old if they are showing an interest. Start out small and explain to them the difference between a plant and a weed.

The deer are into my garden regularly. What can I do to keep them out?>/b>
Most gardeners choose to enclose their garden with an electric fence, several strands high, yet low enough to also keep the coon out, especially when the sweet corn is ripening. Remember, a hungry deer will eat almost anything in your garden.

Is it necessary to water the hanging flower and vegetable containers every day?
Yes, these need to be watered every day unless we get some rain. When the 90 degrees days come, you may need to water even twice a day. You should also fertilize twice a week or at least once a week for continued good blooming. The fertilizer runs out through the hole on the bottom of the container.

On the bottom of my phlox and other plants the bottom of the stems are turning white. What is the problem?
This is the powdery mildew disease which will go right up the stem and kill the plant completely. Use Orthenex every other day for several days, and again if it rains. Always follow the instructions on how to mix and apply.

When can I move my iris plants to a new location?
This can be done any time this month. Be sure when planting these you have half of the rhizome above ground, otherwise you will not get any flowers next season. These should be moved every five years, as a lot of quack grass gets started around the plants and is hard to get rid of. The product Ortho Grass Be Gone sometimes will work, always follow instructions.

My tomatoes are dying where I have them planted near a walnut tree. What is the problem?
The roots of the walnut tree are killing your tomato plants. Walnut trees carry the juglone juice which kills tomatoes. Many gardeners are starting to use containers and raised gardens for this problem. For more information on this contact me at the address below.

Hank Wessels is a Master Gardener in Watonwan County. He welcomes questions and comments from readers. He may be reached at 601 1st St. SW, Madelia, MN 56062, hwdw@madtelco.net or (507) 642-8479.

        

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