Gardening Daily Tips
For You
Friday February 5, 2010 |
Viburnum, Burkwood (Viburnum x burkwoodii) | Today's Featured Plant
Viburnum, Burkwood (Viburnum x burkwoodii)
Read the full profile of this plant at ArcaMax.com.
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Q&A: Hibiscus Losing its Leaves Question: My mom has a hibiscus she brought indoors for the winter, but over the last month it has been losing leaves. It gets good southern exposure and receives plenty of water. Any ideas?
Answer: The most common reason for a hibiscus to drop leaves is the soil being too dry, but you say that can't be the problem so we have to look elsewhere. You also don't mention any irregularities such as pests or residue/mold on leaves so we will rule those out as well. That leaves us with two other probabilities: too much water, or a drafty area. Hibiscus are very picky about watering -- it must be just right. They also won't tolerate drafts, hot or cold. They should be kept out of doorways and away from drafty windows and air vents. Overfertilizing or buildup of fertilizer salts is another possibility. Houseplants should only be fertilized during the spring/summer months (March through August as a rule of thumb). Occasionally flood the soil with water and allow to drain thoroughly, to rinse away any built-up salts. When bringing plants indoors after a summer outside, make the move gradually so the plant can become accustomed to the lower light levels indoors. Start by placing the plant in a sheltered spot outdoors, out of direct sun, for a few weeks. Then move it indoors to the sunniest place you have. After a few more weeks, you can move it to its winter home -- for hibiscus, that should be a place with bright light. |
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Q&A: Broccoli Seedlings Fall Over Question: I am making my fourth attempt to start broccoli indoors. Every time I try, they sprout and grow tall and skinny, sometimes even falling over. I am careful not to overwater. Is there a trick to getting short, stocky seedlings by late March?
Answer: Broccoli seedlings do tend to look a bit leggy normally, but in your case the weak, leggy growth is likely due to insufficient light, too much heat, or both.
Healthy seedlings require lots of light as soon as they germinate. Your best bet is to place seedlings under fluorescent lights as soon as you see the sprouts. Keep the lights just a few inches from the tops of the plants. And although most seeds require relatively warm temperatures for optimum germination, as soon as the seeds sprout, place them in a cool room--about 65F.
Start broccoli seeds 4 to 6 weeks before you plan to set them outdoors. Good luck with your next round! |
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Tip: Stand Up Birch Trees Young birch trees that have flopped over due to snow and ice loads should be straightened once the snow and ice has melted. Gently pull the trees upright and secure them with rope to a stake or larger tree. |
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Picking the Perfect Valentine's Day Gift Don't get stuck trying to pick the right thing for your loved one this Valentine's Day. You can get great gift ideas -- for him and for her -- from the ArcaMax Valentine's Day feature.
This special section also has holiday history and trivia, party ideas, and recipes for delicious desserts.
Visit the Valentine's Day feature.
-- From the ArcaMax editors |
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Sincerely,
ArcaMax Editors |
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