Boardash: ArcaMax Gardening Daily Tips for Friday December 4, 2009

Thursday, December 3, 2009

ArcaMax Gardening Daily Tips for Friday December 4, 2009

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Gardening Daily Tips
For You
Friday December 4, 2009

Chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus)
Q&A: Wooly Adelgids on Hemlocks
Q&A: Winter Window Boxes
Tip: Protect Perennials with Snow
Wine and Dine Daily Video
Reader Photos

Chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus)

Today's Featured Plant
Chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus)

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Q&A: Wooly Adelgids on Hemlocks

Question: How can I control wooly adelgids on my hemlock trees?

Answer: Hemlock woolly adelgids are small, aphid-like, sap-sucking insects that concentrate their feeding activities on the youngest branches of a hemlock, where the needles attach to the twig. The feeding kills the needles and interferes with the trees ability to produce new ones. It's easy to recognize an infestation -- the insects are named for the white, fuzzy eggsac they lay along young twigs, at the base of almost every needle. Infested limbs may die in one growing season, and entire trees often succumb within 1 to 4 years. If you are trying to control adelgids on one or a few small trees, you can try a horticultural oil to smother the eggs, crawlers and flying adults when they are vulnerable. Insecticidal soap also gives good control. If you are dealing with a large stand of trees, or very large trees, contact a county forester or local arborist.

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Q&A: Winter Window Boxes

Question: What can I plant in my window boxes for the winter so that they will not look so drab or empty? What will survive the New England winter in window boxes that receive about 6 hours of sunlight?

Answer: Unfortunately, plants can't withstand the New England winter temperatures in a window box because their roots get too cold in such a small amount of soil. For this reason, many gardeners will use greens such as clipped boxwood, evergreen boughs or swags, or even berried branches or colorful twigs as decoration, replacing them as needed during the winter. Another approach would pack the boxes tight with upright twigs and decorate them with twinkle lights or colorful ribbons. You can make displays using potted evergreens with the awareness that they most likely will not survive the winter in the box. Another idea might be to use seasonal pieces, starting with gourds in fall, followed by wooden cutouts in holiday shapes, and hearts for Valentine's Day, and fun flower shapes as spring approaches. With a little experimentation and creativity you can produce some great looking results.

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Tip: Protect Perennials with Snow

In cold areas, tender perennials such as candytuft and shrubs such as junipers are best protected from drying winter winds and cold by snow. To help snow gather on your plants, build a snow fence on the up-wind side of plantings.

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Wine and Dine Daily Video

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-- From the ArcaMax editors

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Today's Reader Submitted Photos

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Sincerely,
ArcaMax Editors