Great Gardening Questions from Subscribers - No silly questions, Pollinators on new plants

[@michelefreemyers4752]

You answered my question a couple of weeks ago about pulling out landscape fabric that was buried about 12 inches deep in beds. Your answer pushed me to what I didn’t want to do. I did one myself then hired a crew to pull out the rest. Come to find out it wasn’t Landscape fabric at all, but some kind of plastic that water would not go through. I’ve learned so much about getting dirt from your channel over the last year and I’m so thankful for your advice.!!!

[@sandramulchahey8268]

Very nice camera angle this morning

[@josweatt898]

I have a note to myself: stop buying double flowering plants! Pollinators cannot get into the pollen. Twist n Shout is the best pollinator hydrangea in the Endless Summer lineup.

[@geraldhenderson8519]

JEEZ. You are definitely a Master of the Garden! I hope you write a book someday!!!

[@parsley7894]

Hey Jim. Great Q/A’s. Just wanted to pass along what I’ve learned from you most over the past 5 years. TRUST. Trusting myself in the garden. Don’t be scared to prune or plant, and if things go wrong, so be it. Push forward.

[@phyllisstephenson5480]

You are such a good teacher and it shows you love it. I am an old, experienced gardener but still learn something new all the time watching you. Thank you!

[@orrinrobbins2644]

Thank you for explaining the difference between plant cultivars & varieties. I also liked that you pointed out that damaging the lowest levels of a food chain damages the entire chain.

[@sherriianiro747]

So spot on! A friend of mine is a chemical engineer and she pointed out to me the simplest thing like lawn fertilizer poisons the ENTIRE food chain, and eventually us.

[@douellette7960]

Just to add to Jim's explanation a bit...the hort industry use terms cultivar and variety interchangeably when speaking. Cultivar is short for 'cultivated variety' and results from controlled crosses. Those are different than naturally occurring or 'wild' varieties.

[@alanerpington5698]

I like that angle where you can see more of the tall stuff in the background. Nice oasis in the city feel.

[@Kari-jm5gs]

HAPPY ALMOST 16TH BIRTHDAY HOLLY!🐾❤ I love this channel, it is so helpful as a new gardener! Thank you, keep up the good work!

[@juliabinford6500]

I used an “organic” pest service in the past. They weren’t fogging everything, but still sprayed stuff. After listening to you, I canceled the service. I do want my garden to be an ecosystem. Thanks for emphasizing the benefits of many insects.

[@juliannetaylor9989]

I've found frogs in my garden and am going to setup a couple frog habitats!

[@diannbarbacci1031]

Thanks again for another informative Sunday morning chat !

[@sammysworld5485]

Hi Jim. My dog don’t do well in the heat too. Use cooling towels. They are excellent for yourself & pets. I got brand YQXCC from Amazon. I just wrap it around his neck, he absolutely loves it. Now we can comfortably sit outdoors in the heat. It’s a win win. ❤

[@jeansandhoodiegardengal2975]

I didn’t even know something like that existed….now I’m online looking for one for our sons lab… Thanks

[@lene9137]

Reduce the carbon. Any old tea towels should do the trick 😊

[@zukosmom3780]

@@lene9137 I have tried that and they get warm really quick

[@rnguyen2516]

I haven’t done this, but I’ve seen people take a muffin tin (dedicated for the dog), fill it with diced fruit and veggies or things the dog loves, then add water and freeze. And the dog gets to lick it until it melts and gets to the treats.

[@Aliasjax]

I have long appreciated your casual, matter-of-fact references to the role of evolution by natural selection in understanding what's going on in our gardens. It elevates your status above that of landscaper to science communicator. Your brief discussion of artificial (ie human) selection was good to hear. Few people realize that Darwin's own argument for natural selection, made in The Origin of Species, was largely built on what horticulturists knew of plant breeding.

[@TinaHeadrick]

Matt Condon; our local meteorologist in Knoxville, TN calls this weather Goldilocks weather. We’re waiting for the “JUST RIGHT”!!

[@vernellevale2226]

Thanks Jim for the great explanation on how underwatering & overwatering shows up in plants! Now I know what to look for and correct.

[@marshawilliamson8602]

Thanks, Jim! 🌸🐝

[@brianandtamiolson2330]

I love the the background space on this opening video, beautiful impressive scene.

[@maryanneverette3915]

Great comment on silly questions. Thank you for saying that. Love following your channel.

[@JoelShaw-f3y]

Wish you would have done a video on your patio construction

[@cece_marie]

It's so pretty and unique, love the mixed and reclaimed materials they used! Jim did say that he wasn't going to do a video on how to lay a patio, on the May 11th "Patio Update" at 9 : 51 he discusses it . 🙂🌿 (And he also covers briefly on the steps, so that may be helpful for you)

[@cece_marie]

🤩Incredible demystifying explanation of yellowing leaves at 18:09 and the diff b/w variety and cultivar at 24:22 🙏🏼 thank you! Great questions and answers today! Enjoyed seeing Holly look and sniff around ❤Loved the big angle at the beginning. Enjoyed at 4:10 hearing about the passion for natives in the hort world 🌿💚

[@jordanyeager9220]

a youtube LIVE q&a would be awesome. ❤

[@kaystinebrink1220]

Beautiful garden. I love a "stuffed" garden.

[@bonniejackson7476]

Thanks so much as always!😊

[@staciejackson7497]

I recall Dr. Werner having a ton of natives in the tour you did of his garden. ❤️

[@stephanycoakley7352]

love that garden!

[@karlalitakismet]

Thank you for all the phenomenal content, Jim. You are a national treasure!

[@profesoraky]

Thank you for the explanation about overwatering and underwatering and what to look for. I've read and read about it, but yours is the only explanation that helps me understand what to look for and where.

[@maryskelly7981]

Jim I am a gardener in Lufkin,Tx and I follow a lot of gardeners on You tube. I never hear anyone talking about fire ants in their gardens. Am I the only gardener that is constantly fighting with these destructive ants? Thanks Jim, your garden is beautiful. Mary from Texas

[@brookemontes3816]

Fellow lefty! I knew I connected with you at a different level 😉

[@MickF04]

The two Pugster Blue butterfly bushes we purchased this Spring were the nicest of what were available, but they still had a great deal of wilting/white leaves in the middle of the shrubs. As you described, they ended up thriving once cleaned up and planted in the ground.

[@waltobringer2928]

Thank you, Jim.

[@kdautry100]

Loved the Lego!! Looks just like you! If the world could understand just how many adjustments we left handed folks have to make! 🤣 Love your videos!

[@nadia_rem8511]

I just realized that the Hort stands for horticulture in Hort Tube. Tell me why I thought all this time it was for Horton. I always look forward to these Sunday lectures.

[@GardenKath]

Oh, I’m very envious of that Mt. Cuba trip! Can’t wait to see the video.

[@GerRafferty]

Lovly garden jim great vid 🥰👌

[@anneedens3202]

????? Hi Jim, I have a question about your favorite plant, the Crepe Myrtle. I have several in my landscape and there have suckers coming up from roots that are several feet from the main plant. I have cut them back to the root they are coming up from, but they come back with several of their friends. What is the best way to stop this? Keep cutting them ad nauseam ad infinitum? Can they be sprayed without damaging the mamma tree they are suckering off of? Or give up and let them grow (they are actually in a pathway, so this is not the best option for me.)

[@patriciashanks5870]

I love your long winded answers. It shows your love for gardening and also that you are making sure we understand. I have a question. I have noticed some of my plants not doing well. Hydrangea and roses mostly. I thought I was keeping the water in this heat, but I dug a few up to check the roots and they are dry. It’s almost like they never spread out, matted together. does that mean that I didn’t plant them right? I’m in Columbus Ohio. even though I amend the soil, sometimes its hard as a rock. I use compost or good top soil.

[@Anirras-got-a-bergenia]

Great points on mosquito killing has some unintended consequences.

[@debradawson3051]

Jim, I’m so glad you addressed the mosquito spray question. My personal experience has been a negative one. Lovely neighbors moved in and immediately started using a company that sprayed their entire garden including our property line containing 20’ Natchez Crape Myrtles. My Myrtles started turning black and we could no longer park our cars in the driveway adjacent to them. The company that cares for our larger trees, mainly White Oaks, determined the spray was killing the lady bugs and other beneficials that normally feast on the aphids. The aphids multiplied unchecked and now we have to treat our Myrtles every year. Meanwhile three other families have started spraying also. My question to you today: If I am growing an organic vegetable garden, can it truly be considered organic if the neighborhood is spraying/fogging with mosquito repellent/pesticide?

[@sherriianiro747]

Omg! I had a similar situation! Your garden can be contaminated by the drift. Call USDA and Dept. of Agriculture in your state, especially since you had evident damage on your trees on the property line. Even lawn fertilizers leach 20' into adjacent property. You have a right to clean air and a safe environment. If all else fails get a lawyer. Good Luck!

[@sherifarris3497]

Hi Jim! Will you please talk about berms? How do you make one? What are they used for? Do I have natural sensor are they all man-made? I know there are no dumb questions, but I don't understand their purpose in the garden. Thank you for lending your experience to all of the new gardeners! I always learn something new. 😊

[@sherifarris3497]

That should say, do I have a natural berm or are they all man-made?

[@djackson2243]

So Jim is heading to Delaware. (Mount Cuba Center). Here's an early welcome. Felco has a variety of pruners for left handers.

[@HoosierDaddy_]

I NEVER have any pollinators on my big poofy double coneflowers. They do look cool though. So I plant both the native and the pretty ones. I Also plant milkweed, Joe Pye weed. I think it's OK to have a mix (I hope). I have lots of Natives, but I can't resist some of these cultivars.

[@ramgiberson7180]

Hello, Mr. Jim putnam and Stephany.happy gardening. 😅

[@WAlex-gh1hf]

Hello Jim. I have removed a large pampas grass from my garden and now have a significant hole that I need to fill with new dirt. What should I fill it with ? Compost, top soil, garden soil, etc. I have clay soil zone 8b. Thanks.

[@tarawatterson4188]

Enjoy your trip to Mt. Cuba! Would to see videos but I understand if you just want to enjoy it for yourself 🌿 Definitely on my list!

[@deannahaworth7666]

I have found this to be an unusual growing season where I live also Springfield Mo zone 6 b , first off it’s been a long growing season we really started early so a lot of the typical fall bloomers have already bloomed

[@Sabrekea56]

We have a wooded lot next to us, not our property) that is taken over with vines and wild grape vines. In this video it looks like the property to your right is the same. How do you keep those invasive vines from getting into your garden? It’s a constant battle and not very successful for us.

[@freedomofreligion3248]

Raleigh NC appears to have an annual orecip of 41.5". Where I reside, viewing + drooling over Hort Tube every day, St. George UT: 8.04" Yep. Raleigh: 41.5" St George: 8.04" Jim is of course, ✓ Highest precip month: August 4 some inches, Nov 2.7" FORTY-ONE & ½"!!!!!! NO WONDER I'm crispy.

[@kaylynnlitersky2342]

Sometimes you need to flip your pruners over to get a cleaner cut!!

[@freedomofreligion3248]

I learn more home gardening, living on earth, coexisting w joy w our fellow travellers -- here, than anywhere else. I could read dozens of books -- but the visual nourishment I receive here -- a personal craving + life-enhancer -- makes this channel the biggest & best ROI. I'm saving up for the Weekly Garden Planner (teeny income, long in the tooth) (& two of the shirts.) 🫑🌱🌞🦮🌛🌝🪴🌿🌱🌳🍃🌼🍄🌅🪷🌷🌺🥀 Learn to Garden series 💚💚💚💚

[@judithcurtis3708]

From a gardener in zone 6b, 7a in south central Pennsylvania: I have a “miniature”(?!) rose colored butterfly bush in my railroad garden, but put it into pot to make it easier to maintain and keep the branches off the tracks. I cut the bottom off the pot and sank it about an inch into the ground. Could this be why it seems to be doing very well? It’s almost like a bonsai. I’m also curious that I VERY SELDOM hear anyone mention the Temple of Bloom/Seven Son Flower Heptacodium. It has year round interest and attracts pollinators/hummingbirds. Am I missing something here? Is there something else I should know about this plant?🤔

[@squidikka]

My figs love being in pots, lol. The trick is to give them what they want. Feed them often, and keep them under drip irrigation and they are completely worry free. They will (assuming you prune them heavily in winter) fruit like crazy which generally takes in ground figs years longer to give a decent crop. Once the ingrounds get comfy after 2 or 3 years though, they will give you loads more fruit than any potted one. However, they are also much more maintenance to keep pruned when in the ground as they grow insanely fast.

[@jordanyeager9220]

Any experience with Louisiana Copper Plant? Zone 8a Milton FL, in June I planted 3 in the landscape (clay soil) so far healthy grow. No drip, just rain/hand water.

[@chalkitup4827]

Hi Jim. I have a Firespike plant that I planted in a container a couple years ago. The container sits on a rock bed that is used as a drainage area on the other side of my pool deck. It's done exceptionally well and I just realized the roots have in fact grown through the holes and into the ground. The container is a very thick plastic that will be hard to cut. Is all of this going to end up being a problem that should be addressed sooner rather than later? Any suggestions on how to fix it? The plant is around 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide now. Florida 9B area.

[@nancychamplin7637]

Thank you for all you do! I appreciate your advice, and am enjoying the weekly garden planner. I would like to start making my own compost, using the leaves from my wooded area (in N. Raleigh where we have a lot of deer). Should I be concerned about potentially introducing ticks into my compost, and then spreading it in my fenced in garden area? Or will the heat from the compost pile kill the ticks? Do I need to build my compost bin in a sunny area? Thanks for your advice.

[@amywetterlind6399]

Question: I never mulched this spring, is it better to mulch now or wait until fall when the leaves drop? Thanks, Jim!

[@jackieback2133]

so informative thank you

[@GardeningSpirit]

Thank you for answering (blackhaw viburnum Q)!

[@suzannekendrick4795]

I'm gonna ask this again. I know it's not pertinent right now but, I planted lots of alliums last fall. I'm in SC zone 8B. This spring the foliage came up on most of them but I never got any flowers. I've looked up answers but none of them apply. I literally used a ruler and planted them the right depth. They are in full sun, I put a little bulb food in each hole. Do you have any ideas on why the foliage shows up but no flowers? I just don't know what else to do! We don't get a lot of rain so they're not wet all the time either.

[@LisatheDIYChick]

HI Jim, My friend bought a new build house and they have the usual shrubs in front. They planted Nandina Domestica and the app I use says it is invasive. Can you explain what this means for this particular plant? And why they would plant something listed as invasive? We are in NW Arkansas, zone 7A. Thank you!

[@rkstrawn]

Do you have a go to organic liquid fertalizer and want should I look for in good quality feed?

[@heatherw.2751]

Oh, how tragic it is that the mosquito company sprayed the wrong yard!!! Just devastating!

[@rachelsgarden]

Great view of the garden! Will you & Steph participate in the Great SE Pollinator Census in August? I planted 3 gal panicle hydrangeas last summer, and all flowered. One was late to leaf out this spring. Leaves look healthy but the plant is very small, much smaller than the other two and doesn’t seem to be growing. Is this something the plant can recover from?

[@Kat-M772]

My encore azaleas hardly ever rebloom. If they do it’s just a few flowers.

[@mercury_rising]

I have the same issue with my reblooming Bloomerang lilac. I think it’s just marketing to sell more.

[@SueLail]

I have a crape myrtle that was planted last fall...the tag said it was red but this summer I have two main leaders blooming white and the rest of the tree branches are red. I have never seen a bi color tree! Should I do something about it or just leave it as an unusual specimen. I am in western North Carolina zone 8A.

[@ahappyclaire]

Hi Jim, Steph, and Holly! I bought a bunch of perennials and put them in pots since it was too hot. Now that we’ve had a ton of rain here in Georgia, is it a good time to put them in the ground? Or should I leave them in pots until Spring? Namely, mophead hydrangea, agapanthus, bluestem grass.

[@SusanGBell]

What's your thoughts on corn gluten in early spring for weed suppression in flower beds? To clarify - in flower beds where you may not want plants to self-seed. Thanks so much!

[@KateMaureen14]

You have a video about summer shrubs for pollinators. What about fall and winter? I can only think of reblooming azaleas and early camelias, but I'm sure there's loads more :)

[@schultzestrength]

Is it a good time to root prune a sunshine Ligistrum to be moved in Oct/Nov? Zone 8a Upstate SC

[@katiekane5247]

I think hort professionals have a love of natives because of how they do their thing with zero help from us. After years of giving plants exactly what they need to look the best on the sales bench, it's refreshing to see a plant that's really nice all on it's own. There's several north Georgia natives that are attractive &/or bloom through a long period. They're not 18" tall and bloom for 9 months though 😅 They tend to have more of the fewer pollinators left on them however. Small flowered Hypericum, Mountain Mint and Coreopsis grandiflora , Baptisia, more than I can list, growing with no help and looking beautiful. Do you think there's a way to change right of way maintenance to better preserve the biodiversity of natives?

[@sherriianiro747]

Could you show us a video of you building your patio? It is such a cool and unique design!

[@angelapolly1]

Question: I planted a small redbud (from a 1 gallon container) in my yard in early May (I’m in Davidson, NC zone 8a). it’s now doubled in size with beautiful new growth. it has two trunks(?), one is larger and taller, the other curves. The larger, taller trunk is leaning more than I’d like. It’s caliper is like, half the size of a mop handle. Will I damage the tree if I dig it up a bit and try putting more dirt under one side to stop it’s leaning? Tips on how and when to level it? It’s really taking off so I’m afraid.

[@Teriberi12345]

Regarding soil build up over time, does the soil level decrease as the plants convert the organic matter in the soil to plant tissue?

[@LindsayC-LVT]

Hey Jim! I have been leaning towards the single flowering things as I personally like them anyway, happy to know they are helping the pollinators. Question: I have a perennial hibiscus (dinner plate type) that has grown huge! It’s probably 6x6 and far bigger than I have room for. Can it be split in the spring once it starts to wake up and root out?

[@deborahburgart561]

I have some grass clippings that have not decomposed properly (sat in a trailer and got wet and VERY STINKY!) I know you mentioned this is a bad bacteria. Can I spread them out around my ornamental plants and vegetables anyway?? I'm assuming they will break down properly once on the ground and be fine. Thank you!!!

[@Ljn24]

I live in zone 7B/8. Any recommendations for 20 ft, TREE FORM, fast growing, full sun trees I can plant next to my pool to prevent neighbors from watching from their 2nd floor window? Other than a palm or a hedge. Thanks, Jim & Stephanie!

[@Ljn24]

How far away from the corner of my house can I plant the Empress of China Dogwood? Thank you for the Empress of China pruning video you posted recently!

[@wendypayne7714]

Hi, Jim. We’re gradually replacing the front lawn with planting beds. Zone 7b in East TN (nice clay soil). Two shrub candidates - Helleri holly and Montana Moss juniper - for one of the beds. Holly seems to want water and juniper not. If I combine these shrubs in the same bed am I asking for trouble? Hoping to not water once established. Plant fall or spring? Thx!

[@brookebeck4364]

I planted 2 inkberry holly's along with some Swift Creek Ligustrum and Korean Choice Privet in my East facing backyard about 3 years ago with the plan to create a mixed privacy/hedge row. The ligustrum/privet is doing great and about 5' tall, but one of my holly's didn't make it and the other one is only about 2' tall. The area gets part sun/shade and is at a lower elevation of the slightly sloped yard. Any idea why this tolerant holly has not reached it's 5' potential and could you recommend a different evergreen variety that might thrive? Would you recommend transplanting the holly to a full sun area? We are zone 7 in South Central PA. Thanks for your help!

[@trevorm574]

Hi Jim. Learning tons from you! We bought a 5’ tall Moonrise Japanese maple that overwintered in a container outside at the garden center (zone 5 PEI Canada). It was a rare variety for here so I took a flyer on it to add to our collection. Turns out it is really damaged and only leafed out at its base after planting. Looks pretty sad and worried its dying. Is there anything you would recommend we do to help it recover? Thanks for your great vids! All the best.

[@katiekane5247]

If it was a grafted tree, you may get a different tree off the roots. Happens a lot with roses.

[@trevorm574]

Yeah…. I’m really hoping the solution isnt to propogate another tree from roots/cuttuing. So few healthy shoots to choose from on it. Ha! 😂

[@anneedens3202]

???? Another question: What is the best way to control weeds between pavers? I have some lovely brickwork paths but I am constantly fighting weeds that grow up between the cracks. My ultimate plan will be to get the cracks power-washed and use polymeric sand, but I really need a solution to tide me over until I can get that done. I usually blow torch the weeds, and while that works pretty well, I have so much area in paths and patio surfaces that it becomes tedious and hard on my back, plus it seems like the weeds just come back with a vengeance. I'm open to better living through chemistry but am concerned about the impact on the lawn and beds adjacent to the pavers. Suggestions?

[@angelacross2216]

I use boiling water. It kills both the seeds-in-waiting and the perennial roots. Every time I cook anything in water, eg. veggies or pasta, I use that water because I’m too cheap to waste freshly boiled water.

[@silverbackag9790]

Boiling water, strong vinegar, or a flame torch. Then use preem or another pre emergent (which isn’t a super poisonous herbicide).

[@shoegamekiller803millhouse5]

Hey Jim I have recently bought some expens Conifer and I was wondering if I plant them in the ground would it be OK to move them in about three years from now? Or should I just put them in pots.

[@deborahburgart561]

Hi Jim and Steph!! I'd like to start an Organic vegetable garden...My husband hired a lawn service to treat our lawn...(Husbands a lawn guy 🙄🙄) I want to compost the grass clippings. Is it OK to use them in my vegetable garden if the lawn company uses synthetic fertilizer, etc? I hope that made sense. Lol... Thank you!!

[@mikes5643]

Hi Jim, I enjoy your content. I am wondering what the difference is between tilling and using a power auger other than it is a smaller area. It seems to me both are damaging the soil. Is there something I missing?

[@AnnPull]

Jim can you tell us about box tree moth? Should we avoid planting boxwood?

[@michaelreilly9069]

Jim - i am in Connecticut, zone 6b. I have two large boxwoods in the front of my house that the previous owner of my home planted. The two boxwoods have gotten very large and have grown into each other and are crowding bay window they are in front of. I cut another boxwood on the property down to almost a stump and it started to grown back before I eventually pulled the stump out. Question: if I cut the boxwoods back incredibly aggressively (to half the size or more), will it damage the trees irretrievably? Even if not, will they be too unsightly for too long that it is not worth it? Do you think it’s better to just pull them out and start over?

[@JanetHouck-h5h]

Is there a perennial coleus?

[@mathological3540]

Please help. CA Zone 9. Drip irrigation installed on timer. I have raised garden beds and raised planting beds due to sandy barren desert soil. No turf grass. I had family emergency and was gone 3.5 months. I came back to 6 ft weeds all over the place with most of the weeds gone to seed. After DAYS of pulling the weeds out, should I mulch and try to smother the seeds? Spray weed killer at this point with thousand of seedlings coming up?

[@valerieenlow6282]

I bought some Limelight Hydrangeas to replace some Knockout Roses that got Rose Rosette disease. I wanted one buy White Wedding, but got a good deal on the Limelight’s at a big box store. This is their second summer and they have flopped terribly after getting some rain. They are falling over onto the Abelia planted nearby! I’m gong to stake them for now but i😊s there anything I can do in the future to help prevent the flopping? Pruning? If so how?

[@taraallison4353]

You just mentioned butterfly bushes.... I live in Central Florida and my butterfly bushes do well up until the rain really begins in July like it does with you. A few of my butterfly bushes aren't doing well because of all the rain (getting too wet) even though I do plant them high and have the ground slope away from the base...Do you have that problem? Any suggestions how I can fix this problem? I love them but I have to replace a few every year.

[@zukosmom3780]

What are the differences between the 2 series that you offer? 🌼🌼🌼

[@MrsHandyRU]

Hello! Likely you know of Brushwoods Nursery for specialty clematis.

[@davidromanov8308]

You talk about the difficulty of planting under established trees. Is this a result of allopathy or root competition? I have an Elm and a line of mixed trees (mulberry and others) I can not seem to get things to grow by. My only luck so far is hosta and they are tiny and not thriving (in their first year). Should I move the hosta and accept they will never thrive in that spot?

[@estherlista]

I just watched a gardener today who have box tree moth on their boxwoods. Is the new Better Box Wood resistance to this pest?

[@freedomfighter1734]

Is there an ornamental grass that grows 3-4 ft tall and does well in the shade in Raleigh, NC? As far as I know most of the larger ornamental grasses prefer full sun.

[@sharronacker3331]

Is there any secret to keep my hosta plants from being destroyed by voles or moles? Thank you for any suggestions !

[@hfhodges]

Is the Weekly Garden Planner adaptable to an iPad? I can only get it on my computer.

[@8helenjhouston8]

Hi Jim, I believe that I am starting to have jumping worms (soil looks like coffee grounds) in my garden. Apart from adding organic matter (such as mulch/woodchips/compost) to the soil, is there any else that I can do to diminish their numbers and their impact in my zone 8 eastern NC sandy soil garden?

[@maryradens762]

Verticillium has killed many a Japanese Maple in our area. Is there anything that can be done to the soil before or after planting to prevent this disease?

[@terrivance8750]

Jim, Steph, Something is eating my kale leaves. I have searched all over the leaves & stem, including every nook & cranny, but have found nothing. How does one determine what is noshing on a plant, kale or otherwise, when the actual pest can't be located? Thank you. 😊

[@connieoreilly1726]

My kale is decimated by lesser gold finches…right down to the veins. I covered it with tulle, and no more little holes in all the leaves. Who knew birds were herbivores. They also eat sunflower leaves, beet tops and pea stems. Portland zone 8b-9a.

[@dia9491]

We accidentally crossed some zinnias last year and they have double flowers. The top part of the flower is pinkish purple and the bottom is bright red. I’ve never seen anything like it. Should I be worried if my zinnias cross pollinate? The butterflies enjoy them. I let them seed for the birds, save seeds when I love the color.