Jessica Walliser stories, Page 5

Question: We’re putting in a new perennial bed planting in our front yard this spring. When we plant it, should we put fertilizer into each one of the planting holes, or is it better to spread it over the whole bed? How often do we have to re-fertilize the garden?...

Homeowners with large trees and a lot of shade may find themselves having trouble getting grass to establish. Very few turf grass species thrive in shady conditions. Plus, turf grass growing under a large tree is in constant competition with the tree for water and nutrients. The ability of the...

Question: Instead of buying herb plants this year, I’d like to save some money and grow my own from seed. Can I start any herb from seed, or am I better off purchasing some of them as plants? Answer: Growing many different herbs from seed is a rewarding proposition. While...

I started some broccoli, Brussels sprouts and parsley seeds under a set of grow lights a few weeks ago. I also plan to start some tomatoes and peppers soon. I’d like to know how and when to start fertilizing them. Right now the early crops are about an inch and...

Succulents are very popular plants due to their tough, resilient nature and interesting looks. Known for their fleshy, water-filled leaves, succulents are drought-tolerant. They come in a wide diversity of unique forms and sizes, and depending on the species, they can be grown indoors or out. While cacti may come...

Question: I received an African violet for my birthday a few weeks ago. I have it sitting in my kitchen window, but I’m not sure how to take care of it. Can you provide some advice, please? Answer: African violets are a favorite houseplant for their easy nature and colorful...

Though we’re several months away from being able to plant tomatoes in the garden, it’s never too early to think about how you’re going to support the plants. Planning ahead for this task gives you plenty of time to make sure you have all the materials you need to keep...

Question: How can I safely keep cabbage moths off of my red cabbage and broccoli? I’ve tried netting, but the insects and moths just get stuck under it. I’ve tried dousing with water in centers then adding mud as well as picking them off several times a day. I’ve read...

As you plan your garden for the coming season, consider including some annuals, perennials, and vines that attract and support hummingbirds. These tiny little birds are summer residents of Pennsylvania, and they require particular flowering plants from which they can access nectar. If you’re lucky, a family of hummers will...

Question: My mom and I are big fans of your and Doug’s show on KDKA radio. I was listening last Sunday morning, and an organic black spot prevention product was mentioned. I wasn’t able to write it down at the time and forgot the name of it. I would really...

Root crops have long been popular with gardeners. While our ancestors dug wild roots to supplement their diets, modern humans have spent decades breeding and selecting root crops to develop the delicious and nutritious root crops we grow today. Many root crops contain a broad diversity of vitamins and minerals,...

Question: I just read an alarming article about the decline in the insect population. I know that in addition to writing about gardening, you also write about insects. Can you tell me what homeowners like me can do to help insects and slow their decline? Thank you. Answer: What a...

If you’re looking to start a new vegetable garden, or to simplify the garden you already have, consider installing raised beds. Raised bed gardening can’t be beat for its ease and efficiency. It also saves gardeners time, space, and money. With little wasted space, raised beds are high-yielding and easy...

Question: I keep reading that I’m supposed to be using a special potting soil to start my seeds that’s different from the kind of potting soil I’m supposed to use to fill my patio containers. What’s the difference between different potting soils and how do I know which one I...

As you look through all the seed catalogs arriving in your mailbox and dream about the garden season to come, you may find yourself a bit confused about certain terms you find in those catalogs. Some seed catalogs have small glossaries in the back or other notes that define what...

Question: We want to grow lots of hot pepper varieties in our garden this year to share with friends. Are some varieties better than others for growing here in Pittsburgh? Answer: There are hundreds of different hot pepper varieties out there, with a huge diversity of heat levels. Hot peppers...

While no plants will survive with a total lack of sunlight, there are some plant groups that have evolved to thrive in even low-light areas of the outdoor landscape. If you’re looking to add plants to an area on the north side of a house or in another densely shaded...

Question: Need suggestions to how to get rid of weeds throughout my yard and garden — not using a herbicide. I see those propane flame throwers, but I wonder what they will do to my landscape fabric. What is your suggestion? I have koi ponds as well as many planted...

White gardens, including the most famous example at Sissinghurst Castle in England, are dramatic in the most understated of ways. A collection of plants with green and gray foliage that produce only white blooms, white gardens are one of the most elegant ways to combine plants. While your own backyard...

Question: We have a hedge of Rose of Sharon plants down the side of our driveway. They’re getting a little overgrown. They’re also very thick because they’ve spread by seed, too. What is the best time to prune them, and how do we do it? Answer: Unlike most other trees...

Everyone loves growing tomatoes, but not everyone takes the time to start their own plants from seed. Most gardeners head to their favorite local nursery and pick up a few transplants when planting time arrives. But, starting your tomatoes from seed means you’ll have a far wider selection of varieties...

Question: I have a dwarf Alberta spruce in front of my house, next to the walkway. Last season, I noticed that some of the needles were turning brown and falling off the plant. At first it was just from the inside of the plant, but now it appears that the...

While many vegetable gardeners probably got a few new gardening tools and books from their holiday wish list, there’s another must-have gardening tool that should be in every green thumb’s garden shed for 2019 and beyond. It might not be as shiny as a new shovel or as glamorous as...

Question: I’m interested in growing some unusual peppers this season that I can’t get as transplants at the nursery. I’ll need to start my own seeds. I know peppers can take longer to grow from seed than other vegetables, so I’m looking for some tips to get started. Answer: Starting...