Gardening Q & A

Q: I’ve noticed my garlic has sprouted some leaves above ground already. Is that a problem?

Q: I know clematis like to start growing very early in the spring, but mine have already start to break bud. I’m assuming it’s due to our unusually warm weather this winter. How do I handle that?

Clivia Q: My Clivia plant of 15 years has been declining and no longer flowers. What could be the trouble? A:  Clivias are beautiful, long lived houseplants known for their striking clusters of flowers and strap shaped leaves. They like bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering, allowing soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. They also like a rest during the winter months to encourage spring blooms. Feed monthly during spring/summer with

Q: I’ve heard that homeowners can get their property certified as a Wildlife Habitat. How do I do that? A:  In Colorado, you can certify your property as a wildlife habitat through the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) by providing food, water, cover, and places to raise young, using native plants and sustainable practices, with local support from organizations like the Colorado Wildlife Federation  and Wild Birds Unlimited . Communities, schools, and businesses can also jo

Q: Three of my Feather Reed Grass clumps have fallen over sideways. When I went to clean them up, I noticed they were no longer attached to the ground. It looks like the tops were severed from the roots just below ground. What’s going on?

Q: I’m going to attempt a vegetable garden one more time next spring. Every year, the results of my efforts aren’t very great. The root crops don’t get very big. The tomatoes get some disease and the squash always get mildew. Is this from bad soil or a bad gardener? What are some things I can do to improve our garden? If it doesn’t work out next year, I’m giving up. A:  Oh no, don’t give up! I think if you boost your efforts just a little, you’ll have a much better crop next

Q: We love our succulent pots. We bring them indoors every winter. They are hard to keep healthy in our house. When I put them back outside in June, they are leggy and ugly. How can I do better with this? By the time they’ve recovered from their winter trauma, it’s winter again! A:  Succulents are so popular and beautiful. When you bring them indoors for the winter, put them in as much sun as possible. If possible, keep them sunny and cool. A sunny mud room or extra bedroom w

Q: Over the last few years, I’ve collected a number of cacti and succulents. When I look them up online, it shows that they have gorgeous flowers. Mine never bloom. I have them in various windowsills and on tables near the window. Do they have to be older to flower? Do they need a certain kind of fertilizer?

Tropical Croton plant Q: Some of the tropical plants I brought into the house to spend the winter are dropping leaves. What’s going on? A:  It’s not unusual for plants to re-acclimate to indoor conditions when you bring them inside. Light levels are lower indoors and the air is drier. Give them time to adjust to their new conditions. Be sure to continue to feed them at least monthly through the winter to keep them as healty and possible. If they grew enough during the summer