Question: I have arsenic in my well water. Is it safe to eat vegetables that were grown in that environment, watered with well water containing arsenic? Answer: Marjorie Peronto, Extension Educator I assume that you’ve had your water tested and know the concentration level of arsenic. As you will see in these two fact sheets, it is considered […]
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Question: If I wanted to use rainwater to water my garden, how do I get my water tested to know if it’s safe? Answer: Marjorie Peronto, Extension Educator If you wish to use rainwater on your garden, you should treat it as any other surface water – not safe to drink or to wash produce […]
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Question: I am having difficulty maintaining a Ficus inside my home. I am unsure about the amount of sun, water, and fertilizer that it requires. I have observed gray spots on some leaves. I would appreciate any advice. Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Following, please find a general synopsis for care of a […]
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Question: I have eight raised beds (8′ by 4′) and all have above optimum levels for phosphorus (79.1), calcium (79.3), boron (1.5), manganese (11) and zinc (98) according to my last soil test. What I want to know is how to lower these nutrients and micronutrients to optimum levels? Answer: Caragh B. Fitzgerald, Associate Extension […]
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Question: I have an area about 200 square feet where we cut, treated and then scraped out knotweed this fall. We know it will be a constant battle to try to completely eradicate for the next few years but would like to replant the area with something native and invasive-ish to help with squeezing out […]
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Question: My question is about garlic, and I’m late in asking it! For various reasons, I planted some garlic very late this year – maybe in early June. The crop did not reach maturity this past growing season; no scapes emerged, and the bulbs were larger but still single. I’ve had this garlic for close to 10 […]
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Question: I am interested in planting a shrub or two in my yard that will attract multiple kinds of birds. I would prefer the shrub to grow no taller than 8 feet in height. My yard has sunny and shady areas. Do you have any suggestions? Answer: Vina Lindley, Food Systems and Home Horticulture Professional […]
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Question: I would like to know the proper way to overwinter plants I’m propagating. I have one pot with five Cardinal Flowers (to divide for a Spring plant sale), two pots with ornamental shrubs (from cuttings made last Spring), and three pots with apple rootstock (less than a pencil width that were pulled and potted […]
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Question: My onions have been hanging in the shed but now it’s getting cold and I’m afraid they will freeze. Last year when I brought them in they all got condensation inside the skins and eventually rotted. (This had never happened before,) what to do now? I don’t have a really cool area in the […]
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Question: Is it good to leave fallen leaves in the garden over the winter? Is it beneficial? When can they be raked up in the spring? Answer: Viña Lindley, Food Systems & Home Horticulture Professional Absolutely, leaves make a great mulch since they’re free, readily available, and full of nutrients that release slowly over time. […]
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