Jessica Walliser Columns category, Page 4

How to manage grubs in the lawn

Question: I think we have grubs in our lawn. There are dead patches that lift up very easily. I dug down with a trowel in those areas and found a few grubs. Is there a way I can control them that doesn’t involve using a chemical that could hurt my...
The reasons clover and lawns go hand in hand

If you’re a “lawn lover” who’s been trying to get rid of the clover in your lawn, it’s time to change your tune. Up until the 1950s, white clover was included in every lawn seed mixture. Clover and turf grass went hand-in-hand. Having a lush, clover-infused lawn was thing of...
The best small flowering trees for Western Pennsylvania

Question: We are looking to add a small flowering tree to our front garden. The area gets sun throughout the early part of the day, but is shaded by a larger tree in the late afternoon and evening. Do you have any good suggestions? Answer: There are many lovely small...
How to solve those carrot problems

Carrots are among the easiest crops to cultivate in a home garden. They’re easily grown from inexpensive seed with reliable germination rates. Carrots are tolerant of both cold and hot weather, and if you sow a few more seeds every week or two, you’ll have a continual carrot harvest from...
Potting, growing succulent plants is simple

Question: I am in love with all of these great succulent plants that I keep seeing at garden centers. I’d like to plant a bunch of containers full of them for my garden. We go away a lot in the summer, and I know they don’t have to be watered...
How to grow cucamelons

If you’re looking to try something new in your vegetable garden this season, perhaps the tiny but mighty cucamelon would be a good fit. Cucamelons ( Melothria scabra) are also called Mexican sour gherkins or mouse melons. They’re closely related to cucumbers and other cucurbits. They’ve been grown as a...
How to grow morning glory vines

Question: I’d like to grow morning glories in my garden, but I’ve trouble growing them in the past. People say they can be invasive, but I can’t even get mine started. I planted the seeds in peat pots filled with potting soil inside two years ago, but when I moved...
Get the scoop on blueberry pollination

Spring is a busy time for gardeners, but if you’re a blueberry grower, I encourage you to take the time to head out to the garden to observe one of my favorite spring garden sights: blueberry pollination. While hives of imported European honeybees are often the pollinators of blueberries grown...
Pruning tips for Triple Crown blackberries

Question: We have Triple Crown Blackberry bushes at our residence. What is the proper care for these particular bushes? They get overrun with weeds and grass during the late spring to early summer. Should they be cut completely down periodically? Any help or suggestions will be appreciated. Answer: Triple Crown...
2 most effective ways to plant tomatoes

Though it’s still about a month too early to plant tomato plants outdoors here in Pennsylvania, I thought I’d help you get a jump start on the season by offering some tips for planting this year’s tomato crop. Proper planting starts with the proper timing, of course. Tomato plants don’t...
Tropical gardenias perfect on a patio in a pot in Pennsylvania

Question: I am looking for some advice on growing gardenias in Pennsylvania. What are the tricks to success? Answer: Gardenias (Gardenia jasminoides) are a favorite flower of many people, but caring for the plants in cold climates like ours can be difficult. This beautiful, tropical plant produces pure white blooms...
Banish groundhogs, rabbits from your garden

I hear from many gardeners each season who face animal issues in their garden. While deer seem to be the most common leaf-munching culprit, two other mammals cause gardeners a great number of headaches: groundhogs and rabbits. Today, I’d like to take a closer look at some ways gardeners can...
Prevent and manage rose cankers

Question: I have several pink Knock Out roses that I’ ve had for several years, and they have always been healthy and lovely. I make sure I care for them properly. Recently I noticed that all of them have cankers and discoloration (black and dark brown) up and down the...
Tips for preventing diseases in this year’s garden

Viral, bacterial or fungal plant diseases can affect plants in many different ways. Some are asymptomatic (meaning they show no symptoms), while others can kill an entire plant in short order. Some diseases limit photosynthesis or inhibit flower and fruit production, while others stifle nutrient absorption or cause significant aesthetic...
How to use corn gluten meal for weed control

Question: I heard you talking on your radio program about using corn gluten meal to keep the weeds from coming up in my beds. Can you give me a little more information on how and when to use this product? Answer: Though they will not rid your lawn or garden...
Plant these 6 deer-resistant evergreens

While deer-browsing habits are always more aggressive in the winter, this winter and early spring seem to be especially bad. I’ve been hearing from gardeners across the region about how the deer have nibbled their foundation plantings to the nub. If deer are problematic in your neighborhood and you’ve had...

1 2 3 4 5