You asked a pro; he answered. Citytv's gardening specialist Frank Ferragine has solutions for our readers' green-thumb conundrums. Have a question that you don't see below? Don't worry; Frank will take more questions each month. Submit yours today.
Hi Frank:
We live in Oakville, Ontario. We planted 10 limelight hydrangea shrubs last summer to grow as a hedge along our fence line. They were a little delicate for their first season, given the dry conditions last summer, but weathered nicely. My question is, when and how much should I cut these bushes back this spring to encourage growth?
Thanks, Kearren Bailey Oakville, Ontario
Hi Kearren,
Limelights are one of my most favourite hydrangeas. I love their sturdy stems and cone-shaped chartreuse blooms. Best of all—they are easy! This spring, remove any and all broken stems and dead wood. I would recommend pruning the overall growth of the plant by a third to stimulate overall vigour. Remember, as a general rule of thumb, prune after anything blooms. Limelights are a late-summer-blooming hydrangea, which means that pruning in the early spring is fine (limelights bloom on new wood). Happy pruning!!
Frankie
Hi Frankie,
I am looking for advice on weeds. Last summer we planted a vegetable garden. I was excited as it was my first attempt. However, we were soon overrun with weeds that we could not get rid of, no matter how hard we tried. These weeds were like a rudder ivy plant with red stems that crawled their way all over our backyard and into our front yard.
I want to plant another garden this year but am not looking forward to dealing with these weeds again. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Beverly Woolridge
Hi Beverly,
Vegetable gardens are great; however, they can be a lot of work especially if you don't keep on top of weeding. I always recommend weeding a vegetable garden at least once a week with a hoe. This allows you to keep on top of the weeds without them growing on top of you! The weed you are describing sounds like purselane, a drought-tolerant and invasive ground cover. This can be removed by hand, but you must remember every time you remove a weed you can also be helping it by dispersing the seed. Therefore, you should place them in a bag immediately to prevent spreading. I would also recommend mulching the veggie garden with clean straw which will reduce weeds and help retain moisture … here's to this year's harvest!!!
Frankie
Frankie,
Love your advice!! Quick question, you mentioned that throwing some human hair into your garden is a good deterrent for mice and rabbits. However, it would seem I have a ton of rabbits in my backyard, judging by what is left behind. Any advice on how to get rid of these rabbits? I have two dogs, so poison and traps are not a good idea…
Thanks! Marlene
Hi Marlene,
Human hair will help deter any type of wildlife that doesn't like us. Deer, rabbits, and even porcupines are sometimes discouraged by the smell of humans. Another useful treatment for rabbits is dusting baby powder around your plants. However, you must remember if it rains you will need to reapply. As for mice damage, I'm taking a guess but you may have some damage on your trees and shrubs that may have occurred during the winter. If this is the case, next fall spray your deciduous shrubs and trees with SKOOT, which leaves a residual taste. By making your plants taste bad you will deter mice and rabbits and force them to look for something else to eat. I hope this helps!!!
Frankie
Hi Frank:
I live in a retirement community in New Hamburg out in the country (that I love). The rabbits here think they own the land around our community. Last year they damaged several of my shrubs, but the worst is chewing holes in my lattice around my deck and sunroom. They create large holes. I just replaced all new lattices last fall and again this year the same thing happened. You mentioned a product by the name of Skoot and also baking soda, I think. Would this work if I just sprayed the lattice and shrubs in the fall?
Upset senior…Betty New Hamburg, On.
Hi Betty,
SEE ABOVE. I would also advise that if you ever consider using a fence to keep the rabbits out, you must also remember that they have the ability to dig down. Therefore, you must also sink the fence into the ground (underneath soil level) by approximately 18 inches. As Elmur Fud would say—Wrascally rabbits!!!
Frankie
Hello Frank,
We have a huge mole problem for which I would appreciate some suggestions!
The first question is: How and what is the best way to repair the mounds of dirt dug up and the tunnels in the grass now after the snow has melted? The second question is: How do I prevent them from doing the damage again? Our back yard looks like a scene from Caddy Shack!
Thank you, Dale Porc Orillia, Ontario
Hi Dale,
Moles, skunks, and raccoons love feeding on grubs (beetle larvae). Most likely the damage you have is a result of the above animals digging and searching for grubs. The time to repair the damage is in early spring followed by a top dressing of soil and a reseeding of the lawn.
In terms of grub control, you have two choices. Organically, after soil temps have warmed, you can treat your lawn with nematodes (for more info go to www.naturalinsectcontrol.ca ). The second option I recommend for severe cases is to call a licensed applicator to treat the lawn (i.e. The Weedman or a similar service). Remember to water the lawn thoroughly after either treatment.
Don't feel so bad—last year was one of the worst across the province of Ontario for grubs. Why? Grubs like it warm and dry and last summer was one of the driest in 50 years.
Good luck grubbing it out!!
Frankie
Watch for Frank Ferragine's Q&A column in The Epoch Times on the first Thursday of every month, and catch Frank on "Frankie Flowers," a weekly edition of "CityOnline" airing every Friday at 12:30 p.m. EDT on Citytv Toronto and CP24 for more great gardening tips.
Submit your questions today to AskFrank@epochtimes.com or by fax to 416-298-1299, Attention: Frank Ferragine, or mail to Frank Ferragine c/o The Epoch Times, 103-201 Consumers Road, Toronto, Ontario M2J 4G8.
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