Boardash: ArcaMax Gardening Daily Tips for Friday November 13, 2009

Thursday, November 12, 2009

ArcaMax Gardening Daily Tips for Friday November 13, 2009

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Advice from Carolyn Hax

Gardening Daily Tips
For You
Friday November 13, 2009

Daisy, Shasta (Leucanthemum x superbum)
Q&A: Dividing Perennials
Q&A: Overwintering Rosemary
Tip: Spray Peaches
Advice from Carolyn Hax
Reader Photos

Daisy, Shasta (Leucanthemum x superbum)

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Daisy, Shasta (Leucanthemum x superbum)

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Q&A: Dividing Perennials

Question: Can you give me some tips on dividing perennials? How do I know when they need dividing, and when is the best time to do it?

Answer: Some types of plants need division every few years, because without it flowering decreases or the center of the plant becomes too crowded and begins to die back. Division is also a easy way to propagate many perennials. Most perennials can be divided in either spring or fall; if possible, avoid transplanting during the heat of midsummer. Before you begin digging up your perennials, prepare the new planting areas, adding organic matter and any other necessary amendments. So exposed roots donOt dry out, divide plants on a cloudy (or even misty) day, make sure the soil is moist, and proceed as quickly as possible. The easiest method is to dig up the entire plant and then either cut the root mass into sections, or use two garden forks back to back to pry apart the roots. In general, each division should contain a section of the crown with 3 or 4 buds and the attached roots. Be sure to keep the newly planted divisions well watered during their first season. A thick layer of mulch will conserve soil moisture and keep the soil cool. While most perennials take well to dividing, some such as bleeding heart and monkshood are best left alone. ItOs a good idea to research individual plantsO needs before digging in.

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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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Tip: Spray Peaches

If peach trees had leaf curl fungal disease this past year, once all the leaves have fallen, spray them with lime sulfur or fixed copper as a preventative for next year. Spray during a calm day with temperatures above 40F.

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Advice from Carolyn Hax

Advice columnist Carolyn Hax is famous for her ability to get to the root of people's problems -- not just what they say, but who they are and what they're thinking.

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Sincerely,
ArcaMax Editors