Garden advice from Andre Viette
Gardening guru Andre Viette was at Homestead Gardens in Davidsonville over the weekend, dispensing plenty of garden advice.
Homestead blogger Susan Harris, who also writes for Garden Rant, was there to capture his wisdom, and her report is worth reading.
Among the highlights from the veteran nurseryman and gardening radio host?
- He likes Espoma's organic fertilizer for lawns.
- Maryland's soil is so bad is should always be amended with organic matter, and starter fertilizer that has mycorrhizal bateria. Never use sand. Sand plus clay equals cement.
- Move your tomatoes every year to prevent disease
- Japanese beetle traps actually do attract more Japanese beetles.
- And, you are watering wrong because everyone is.
(Viette's radio show airs on Washington, D.C.'s WMET (1160-AM) on Saturday's from 8 to 9 a.m. and on WNAV (1430-AM) in Annapolis from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturdays. Check here for a station in your area.)
Comments
Can I cut back my "David" phlox to have them bloom later ? I'm having a September event in my garden & would like them blooming then if possible.
I am not the expert, as many of you know. Anybody out there have some thoughts? Failing that, I would contact the perennial person at at good lawn and garden center in your area. -- Susan
Posted by: Frances Phillips | April 27, 2010 8:42 AM
What is the best fall grass seed for the Norfolk, Va area?
Anybody wanna jump in here? I would call the University of Maryland's Home and Garden Information Center and check with them, -- Susan
Posted by: Annelore Fuller | September 19, 2010 1:07 PM
I have about 50 little richard abelias. What should I use to fertilize?
Monrovia, which markets this lovely little shrub, gives this advice: "Follow a regular weekly watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. For a tidy, neat appearance, shear annually to shape. Pruning time: winter." -- Susan
Posted by: bonnie shelhorse | March 10, 2011 12:37 PM