Boardash: ArcaMax Gardening Daily Tips for Tuesday October 6, 2009

Monday, October 5, 2009

ArcaMax Gardening Daily Tips for Tuesday October 6, 2009

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Gardening Daily Tips
For You
Tuesday October 6, 2009

Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta)
Q&A: Overwintering Rosemary
Q&A: Pruning Container Fig Tree
Tip: Harvest Everlasting Flowers
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Reader Photos

Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta)

Today's Featured Plant
Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta)

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Q&A: Overwintering Rosemary

Question: Every autumn, I bring my rosemary indoors to overwinter in pots. It does okay for the first few months, then starts dying back. How can I save it?

Answer: Rosemary likes cool (60F), moist conditions in winter. Unfortunately, most homes are too hot and dry for rosemary to grow, so the plants tend to dry out after a few months. Here's what I do: Dig the plant from the garden in October. Trim off any damaged roots, and prune off one-third of the new growth. Then pot the plant in a soilless mix. Leave the potted rosemary in the garden for two to three weeks to acclimate to the pot. As long as the temperatures don't get below 30F, it will be safe outside. After the potted rosemary is accustomed to the pot, bring it indoors and place it in a cool, south-facing window away from any heat source. Mist the plant every couple of days, and water it just enough to keep the soil moist. Rosemary doesn't really grow much in the winter indoors; you just want to keep the plant alive. In spring, once you see signs of new growth, begin to give the plant more water mixed with a dilute, complete fertilizer. Transplant rosemary into the garden after all danger of frost has passed.

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Q&A: Pruning Container Fig Tree

Question: I have a fig tree growing in a container that I bring into the garage for the winter. When should I prune it?

Answer: Figs are usually pruned in late winter just prior to spring growth. However, in a situation such as yours where the fig is moved indoors for winter, you may need to do a little pruning to make it fit inside. Be sure to prune it outdoors and then give it a few days for the wounds to stop dripping that white latex sap as this sap can stain clothing and carpets.

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Tip: Harvest Everlasting Flowers

Harvest remaining everlasting flowers such as strawflowers and status before frost. Cut flowers leaving at least a 6 inch long stem to tie flowers in bundles and hang upside down in a well ventilated, dry, dark, warm room to dry.

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Sincerely,
ArcaMax Editors