Boardash: ArcaMax Gardening Daily Tips for Saturday January 23, 2010

Friday, January 22, 2010

ArcaMax Gardening Daily Tips for Saturday January 23, 2010

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Gardening Daily Tips
For You
Saturday January 23, 2010

Mallow, Rose (Hibiscus moscheutos)
Q&A: Plants For Beginner Gardeners
Q&A: Norfolk Island Pine Turning Brown
Tip: Cold Weather-Damaged Citrus
Get Healthy in 2010
Reader Photos

Mallow, Rose (Hibiscus moscheutos)

Today's Featured Plant
Mallow, Rose (Hibiscus moscheutos)

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Q&A: Plants For Beginner Gardeners

Question: What can I plant with my 5-year-old that is easy to grow and low-maintenance?

Answer: Choose things that are quick to germinate and grow or that have sensory delights for children. Radishes germinate easily, mature quickly (about 20 to 25 days), and kids seem to love to pull them out of the ground. There's an 'Easter Egg' blend with round radishes in an assortment of colors. Sweet peas are extremely fragrant and pretty. (Soak the seeds in water overnight for easier germination.) Sunflowers and hollyhocks are magical. You might want to use some transplants also. Try bedding plants such as lamb's ears (which are soft and wooly), pansies, and Johnny jump-ups (their little faces are fun). Chocolate mint is an easy-to-grow herb. In fact, all mints are so easy to grow and invasive that they are best planted in containers submerged in the garden (unless you want them to take over). Marigolds and cherry tomatoes are other good choices.

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Q&A: Norfolk Island Pine Turning Brown

Question: Instead of the usual Christmas tree this year I bought a 3-foot Norfolk Island pine. I now have it in a bright, cool room and water it about once a week with tepid water. Most of the foliage is a deep, bright green and it has lots of new growth on it. However, I have noticed lately some brownish needles on the ends of some of the branches. What is causing the browning and what can I do to prevent it from spreading?

Answer: This is typical for this plant, especially in the winter. Usually the needles brown and drop from the bottom up. The air inside our homes is usually very dry in the winter time. You can help the plant along by placing it on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase the humidity around the plant -- just make sure the plant isn't sitting in water. Also, keep it out of drafts from doorways or heating/cooling vents. Norfolk Island pine likes bright light to semi shade, but little or no direct sun.

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Tip: Cold Weather-Damaged Citrus

To tell if your citrus fruits have been harmed by cold weather place them in a basin of cold water. If the fruit floats, it's been damaged and is not good for fresh eating, but may still be juiced.

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Get Healthy in 2010

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-- From the ArcaMax editors

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Sincerely,
ArcaMax Editors