321 West Locust Street
Wilmington, Ohio 45177
Wilmington, Ohio 45177
800-382-1662 | 937-382-1662
Want to know when to plant tomatoes or if it is okay to cut back your tulips when they are done blooming?
Check out our library of FAQ's. We'll keep adding to the list, so check back from time to time.
Q: Why does my tree have some branches in it that look totally brown and dead?
A: It could be Fire Blight, especially if it is a fruit tree. At the link below, you'll find a full description (with photos) of Fire Blight and recommend treatment procedures. We carry a spray containing streptomycin sulphate that is also helpful in treating Fire Blight. Be sure to read all instructions and cautions carefully before applying. If you aren't familiar with chemical spraying, ask a local landscaper if they are licensed to apply chemical treatment.
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/3000/pdf/HYG_3002_08.pdf
Q:My tomatos have a rotten spot on the bottom, what is that?
A: Most likely it is blossom-end-rot
Q: Should I "feed" my container garden during the summer?
A: Absolutely. Water alone is not enough to sustain vigorous growth in a container garden. All the plants in your container are competing for a limited supply of nutrients in the potting medium, so you need to replenish the nutrients throughout the growing season. We can help you select just the right plant food for your needs.
Q: How often should I water my hanging basket?
A: It will vary depending on the plant, the amount of sunlight it gets, and the amount of natural water it may catch. Hanging baskets in full sun may require daily watering, whereas baskets that are in a shady spot all day may require watering less frequently. Let the soil tell you. If it feels dry, water. If the soil is so dry that it has pulled away from the side of the container, then you are way behind in watering. You'll need to water it heavily several times, to saturate the soil again
Q: Do I cut back my tulips after they are done blooming?
A: No, wait till the greens die naturally. You want to give the foliage a chance to absorb energy that will feed the bulb for next year's blooms. Some folks fold the greens over in half and rubber band the bundle. I even braded mine one yearThis keeps your landscape from looking scraggly while still allowing the greens to continue to energize the bulb.
Q: When is the last frost date in Ohio?
A: It is generally accepted that April 30th is the first frost free date for central Ohio. However, this does not mean that soil temps are warm enough for planting annuals. May 15-20 is usually a good target date for planting annuals in Ohio.
Q: What is the difference between top soil and potting mix?
A: Potting mix is a combination of primarily peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. It is a much looser mix than top soil and is much better for container gardening.
Q: Are there plants that I can plant in my yard that don't require so much watering?
A: There are some plants, such as Lantana, that don't require as much watering as others. Just ask one of our garden center staff and they'll point you in the right direction.
Q: If I'm putting in a raised bed for square foot gardening should I remove the grass first?
A: Yes, or the grass and weeds will come through the soil into your garden.
Q: When should I trim my rose bushes?
A: It depends on the variety and habit. We have free brochures available in our Garden Center that will help you care for your Rose Bushes. See ourRose Bush page for more tips on caring for your rose bush.
We also find the following websites very helpful:
www.ohioline.osu.edu (This is a great resource for plant disease and pest control issues)
www.garden.org (National Gardening Association)
A: It could be Fire Blight, especially if it is a fruit tree. At the link below, you'll find a full description (with photos) of Fire Blight and recommend treatment procedures. We carry a spray containing streptomycin sulphate that is also helpful in treating Fire Blight. Be sure to read all instructions and cautions carefully before applying. If you aren't familiar with chemical spraying, ask a local landscaper if they are licensed to apply chemical treatment.
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/3000/pdf/HYG_3002_08.pdf
Q:My tomatos have a rotten spot on the bottom, what is that?
A: Most likely it is blossom-end-rot
Q: Should I "feed" my container garden during the summer?
A: Absolutely. Water alone is not enough to sustain vigorous growth in a container garden. All the plants in your container are competing for a limited supply of nutrients in the potting medium, so you need to replenish the nutrients throughout the growing season. We can help you select just the right plant food for your needs.
Q: How often should I water my hanging basket?
A: It will vary depending on the plant, the amount of sunlight it gets, and the amount of natural water it may catch. Hanging baskets in full sun may require daily watering, whereas baskets that are in a shady spot all day may require watering less frequently. Let the soil tell you. If it feels dry, water. If the soil is so dry that it has pulled away from the side of the container, then you are way behind in watering. You'll need to water it heavily several times, to saturate the soil again
Q: Do I cut back my tulips after they are done blooming?
A: No, wait till the greens die naturally. You want to give the foliage a chance to absorb energy that will feed the bulb for next year's blooms. Some folks fold the greens over in half and rubber band the bundle. I even braded mine one yearThis keeps your landscape from looking scraggly while still allowing the greens to continue to energize the bulb.
Q: When is the last frost date in Ohio?
A: It is generally accepted that April 30th is the first frost free date for central Ohio. However, this does not mean that soil temps are warm enough for planting annuals. May 15-20 is usually a good target date for planting annuals in Ohio.
Q: What is the difference between top soil and potting mix?
A: Potting mix is a combination of primarily peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. It is a much looser mix than top soil and is much better for container gardening.
Q: Are there plants that I can plant in my yard that don't require so much watering?
A: There are some plants, such as Lantana, that don't require as much watering as others. Just ask one of our garden center staff and they'll point you in the right direction.
Q: If I'm putting in a raised bed for square foot gardening should I remove the grass first?
A: Yes, or the grass and weeds will come through the soil into your garden.
Q: When should I trim my rose bushes?
A: It depends on the variety and habit. We have free brochures available in our Garden Center that will help you care for your Rose Bushes. See ourRose Bush page for more tips on caring for your rose bush.
We also find the following websites very helpful:
www.ohioline.osu.edu (This is a great resource for plant disease and pest control issues)
www.garden.org (National Gardening Association)
