Ask the Experts

• How can I attract and keep birds in my yard all winter?

  Birds, such as cardinals, finches, and chickadees, are fun to watch all winter long.

  To survive in our cold weather, birds need food, water, and shelter. Bird seed is necessary but so is the extra fat provided by black oil sunflower seeds and suet to keep them warm in winter. Providing a heated bird bath for drinking and bathing is very beneficial as well. Birds also need a place protecting them from the wind and a place to hide and rest. Evergreen trees and/or shrubs and bird houses are great places for birds during the winter months, because they provide cover above with a more open bottom.

  Posted on January 14, 2013

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• When should I start seeds for annuals, vegetables, and perennials?

  Read the back of the seed package. This will give you the number of weeks needed to start seeds indoors before last frost. Count back that many weeks from May 15th to get the starting date.

  Posted on January 12, 2013

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• I was given a China Doll plant recently, but the leaves are falling off. How do I take care of it?

  The 'China Doll' plant (Radermachera sinica) is a fairly easy indoor plant to grow.
  
  Give it a good bright light, including a bit of direct sun early in the morning or in the late afternoon. Water thoroughly until it soaks up all it can and some excess runs out the bottom; then leave it alone until the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Then water thoroughly again. How often you need to water will vary with season, the humidity level in your house, how bright the light is and how big the plant is in relation to the size of the pot.
  
  This is a plant that does best if it is not pampered too much. Be sure the top inch of soil gets dry between waterings, since this is a plant that will get root-rot if the soil stays too soggy between waterings.  Fertilize with a mild, balanced fertilizer only during the spring and early summer months.
  
  If you are losing leaves on your plant, check the soil moisture.  Both watering too often or not often enough can  cause leaf drop.

  Posted on January 4, 2013

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• My house plants often get alot of sap on the leaves. Why does that happen?

  The 'sap' is most likely the product of an infestation of sucking insects. There are several kinds of insects that can do this; most of them are so small or so well camouflaged they are hard to see with the naked eye. Fortunately, the treatment for all of them is the same.
  
  If you have children or pets and would like to use an organic product, try an insecticidal soap or one of the insecticides from the 'Pharm' line of herbal products. If you would prefer a product with more residual presence, try 'X-Clude'. We carry a good selection of insecticides all year round.
  
  If you have further questions, please clip a small sample of the plant, seal it is a bag and bring it in; we can identify the insect and recommend a product for you.

  Posted on January 1, 2013

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• How do I care for my Christmas Cactus?

  While the plant is in bloom, try to keep it in a cool location with indirect light. Water normally, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
  
  Looking for some great tips on getting your Christmas Cactus to rebloom next year?

  Posted on November 1, 2012

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