Gardening

Homemade Recipe to Stop the Deer

Doug Oster — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:00:12 GMT

Mary Dutkovic's of the Pittsburgh Rose Society recipe to deter deer-

2 large HEADS of garlic halved 2 large strong onions halved Simmer in 4 quarts of water for 4 hours (outside if possible) Let cool and strain Add one half can of hot Hungarian paprika 1 teaspoon of dish soap Spray on plants three times a year or when needed April, June and July ALWAYS TEST SOME SPRAY ON ONE LEAF TO SEE THE EFFECT ON THE PLANT

Preparing shrubs and trees for winter

Doug Oster — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:41:39 GMT

The most important job gardeners can do when preparing trees and shrubs for winter is watering them. This is especially true of plants that have only been in the ground for a few years.

Giving them all the water they need before the ground freezes hard will help ward off any winter kill.

Keeping deer and other pests away from trees and shrubs is also important.

Make sure that mulch is never touching the bark of a tree, that's where rodents can live and feed on the tree.

Use fencing to protect shrubs and trees from deer. There are also great sprays like Deer Stopper, Repels All and Nature's Defense that will keep the deer away from the plants.

Wrapping a tree with something will stop the bucks from rubbing. You can use something from the nursery or just gutter guard will work. Something around the trunk of small trees will stop that dammage.

Free mycorrhizal fungi

Doug Oster — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:21:36 GMT

I was on KD's Pittsburgh Today Live talking about mycorrhizal fungi. It's a great soil additive that forms a symbiotic relationship with the host plant.

This beneficial fungi attaches to the roots and lets the plant absorb more nutrients. You just add it to the soil when you plant. The MF occurs in nature, but often times there's not enough of it, so we have to add more. This is especially true if you live in an development where the top soil has been removed.

I use it when planting bulbs, trees and shrubs.

Hahn Nursery in the North Hills will give you a trial sized bag for free, just mention you heard about it from Doug Oster. Call 412-635-7475 for more information.

root cellar/storage bin

sheilapriester — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:50:59 GMT

I want to build a simple root cellar to store my veggies this winter. Found instruction on the internet for a wooden bin that measures 5'Lx3'Wx3'D. The bin is buried in the ground after construction. Can a plastic tote be used instead of constructing a wooden one? Are there any moisture issues associated with using a plastic bin?

So how was your season?

Doug Oster — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:32:08 GMT

OK, OK, I know the tomatoes we're a real killer, but other than that how did things grow for you?

I had a great year, most importantly I learned a lot. One of the greatest experiences was when garden designer Michele McCann from Collective Efforts, redesigned a garden area.

Here are some videos of the process, so how was your season?

http://www.post-gazette.com/multimedia/?videoID=102053

http://www.post-gazette.com/multimedia/?videoID=102063

http://www.post-gazette.com/multimedia/?videoID=102088

Russian Sage

john123 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:11:44 GMT

Can I transplant Russian Sage and if so, is the fall (now) the best time or in the spring?

Thank You

How to compost as seen on KDKA

Doug Oster — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:26:46 GMT

Composting is one of the most important things we can do for the environment and our gardens.

Everything that once was living will become compost, it's just how fast you want to harvest it. My system has three bins made out of wooden pallets. I fill the first with kitchen scraps, garden refuse, untreated lawn clippings shredded leaves and more. The only thing that doesn't go in there is meat, dairy and oils, they attract rodents.

Once the first bin is filled, then I start filling the second, by the time it's filled the first bin is usually ready to use. That's the lazy man's way to do it. Every time you turn that pile it will decompose 50 percent quicker.

The compost you harvest from the bin is all a plant needs for the entire season. You'll be putting less stuff to the curb and you'll be creating the best soil ammendment for your plants.

Here are links to composting and vermicomposting classes with the Pennsylvania Resources Council http://www.prc.org/community_adultedu.html

late blight

jimsmom — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:49:33 GMT

After removing infected late blight tomato plants, is it safe to plant tomatoes in the same place next spring? Thanks

Shasta Daisies

john123 — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:44:29 GMT

When may the Shasta Daisies be transplanted (now or in the spring) ?

When is the proper time to cut back Dwarf Fountain Grasses?

Thank You for your knowledge in answering these questions.

Floating Row Cover

Willie — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 04:14:24 GMT

Anyone know where I could purchase Floating Row Cover in the Pittsburgh area?

New grass seed advice.

jdrose2 — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:10:55 GMT

3 weeks ago I used round up to kill off the old 25' x 100' lawn, removed rocks, some roots etc. A few days ago, I brought in some topsoil since I needed to raise the grade of the lawn about 2 inches to match the level of the new driveway. Spread some leaf mulch and then tilled the soil at a depth of 2-3" and raked it level. I bought Scotts premium seed and starter fertilizer, spread it around and lightly raked it into the soil with a leaf rake. I've been lightly watering 3 times a day for 15-20 min. The seed bed is in full sun for 6-7 hours daily.

I have two questions now...

After I was done spreading the seed, I covered with a 1/2" of leaf mulch that i had left over. Should I have used something else?

I did not roll the soil to compact it... did I need to roll and can I still do it after I spread the seeds only 4 days ago?

I'm glad I found this forum... the videos and posts are a great help. Thanks for any advice.

aiger

jimsmom — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:49:55 GMT

Where do you get that auger?

Winterizing Veggie Garden

bobsdaughter — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:00:32 GMT

Hi Doug,

I'm curious, once my fall crop is finished, what is the best approach to putting my garden to bed? I've heard leaf mulch, plating rye, adding lime, etc. I'm not sure which is the best approach.

Also, I want to expand it for next season. I have grass in that area now, should I tear out the grass now or wait for spring to extend it?

Thanks so much! I've enjoyed your videos all summer.

Moving lilies & peonies

busybee — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:25:21 GMT

When's the best time transplant lilies & peonies?

Slope disappearing

busybee — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:59:12 GMT

I have wood steps built next to my garage, but up over a slope. The slope is washing away under the steps. How do I keep the soil under the steps from washing away again once I fill it in?

planting times

jimsmom — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 16:41:13 GMT

When can I plant lilacs and rose of sharon? Can I get a cutting from a friend's bush? How?

Hydrangeas

gkr1124 — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 01:36:58 GMT

Hi Doug, I have just discovered your online gardening videos. I wish I had seen them sooner. Even though I have been gardening for many years, some years better than others, there is always room for improvement. This year I have been battling a groundhog who has been eating my tomatoes. I thought I was lucky not having to deal with the tomato blight and then along came this creature. My question, though, is about two hydrangeas I have planted in my yard. Both came from plants from my mother-in-law's house. One is planted at the bottom of my yard and gets some afternoon sun. The other is planted at the top of the yard and shaded by trees. At most I have had two blooms on these plants. This year there is one, and only one, on the plant at the bottom of the yard. I have read the flowers depend on the soil, I have also read it has to do with how you prune the plants. Can you tell me what to do to get lots of flowers on these plants next year? I really have enjoyed watching your videos and hope to see more. Thanks for your help.

Relocating Chrysanthemums

Liztastic — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 04:33:49 GMT

I was wondering if you grow chrysanthemums and if you have any advice on relocating established plants? I have several that I planted hastily last year and would now like to relocate in my garden, but I'm not sure when the best time to move them would be and how much difficulty I should expect.

Planting for fall color as seen on KDKA PTL

Doug Oster — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:38:38 GMT

Here's a list of plants that I used on KDKA-TV's Pittsburgh Today Live. When you're thinking of planting look for plants that will bloom at different times of the season. These plants are perfect for fall color.

Blue Mist Shrub

Sedum

Lobelia or Cardinal Flower

Blanket Flower

Bugbane

Sweet Autumn Clematis

Autumn Fern

Flowering Kale

Hibiscus

There are many more, check out your local nursery for deals this time of the year. All these plants came from Hahn Nursery in Ross, 412-635-7475.

Doug Oster's Fall Gardening Secrets

carriew — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:11:36 GMT

Hi Doug, I'd like to invite everyone who reads this forum to join us this Saturday, September 5 at 10 a.m. at the Peters Township Public Library for your program, "Fall Gardening Secrets". You'll be discussing how to put your garden to bed in the fall, preparing the garden for spring planting now, tips for planting perennials in the fall, secrets to bulb planting and more. A book sale and signing will follow the program. We had a great time at your program with us in May, so we are really looking forward to seeing you again! For those interested in attending, the Peters Township Public Library is located at 616 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317. We are just a little further south than Upper St. Clair off Rt 19. The program is free but we ask that you register for a seat by calling 724.941.9430 or email Carrie Weaver at caweaver@ptlibrary.org. See you on Saturday morning! Carrie

Planting in River Rock

AmandaLee — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:13:36 GMT

I just purchased a house that has previous termite problems. I am getting ready to landscape but am afraid to use mulch. I was planning to use river rock instead but I am not sure how I would be able to plant flowers. Do you have any ideas?

dead tree

jimsmom — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:14:29 GMT

Doug. Had a 3 yr old red maple doing fine until late last year.Was about 5 feet tall. Suddenly the leaves became dry & brittle. This year no sign of life. Dead branches. But at the base there are several "branches" sprouting. Is there anything I can do with these? Or should I just dig the roots up & start over?

Flea Beetles

Wendell — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:03:53 GMT

My kale and bok choy have been devastated by flea beetles this year. I have tried diatomaceous earth and neem oil but with no success. I have read that copper sulfate is a potential answer but do not know where to purchase it and would not want to use it unless it was 100% safe. Can you help with a bad flea beetle problem?

Planting now for winter interest as seen on KDKA TV PTL

Doug Oster — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:15:43 GMT

Here's a list of the plants that you can plant right now that have great winter interest.

Ornamental Grass, 'Morning Light'

Red Twig Dogwood

Oak Leaf Hydrangea

Dwarf Golden Hinoki Cypress

Japanese Maple

Japanese Pieris bush

Beautyberry Bush (purple berries)

Planting in the fall is a great idea because it encourages root growth as opposed to top growth.

Tomato Blight

mysongforyou — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 22:52:14 GMT

My tomato plants are just starting to show signs of the tomato blight. What is the best kind of fungicide to buy? My garden had a late start so my plants are still blooming, I have not harvested any fruit yet.