1. Will poorly composted wood chips used as mulch around my trees spread disease to the trees' roots? Published: August 26, 2009
2. My dad is of the old school, and he told us to buy fast-growing silver maples to shade our new house. He said all we have to do is to have them "topped" regularly to make them less hazardous in the landscape. What do you say? Published: August 26, 2009
3. I have been told that corn gluten meal is an effective organic herbicide. Is that true? Published: August 26, 2009
4. Will driving copper nails into a tree trunk kill the tree? Published: August 26, 2009
5. Is it true that fall is the best season for pruning? Published: August 26, 2009
6. I can’t get any flowers to grow under my white pines. My neighbor told me it was because the soil under oaks and pines is acidic. What do I do? Published: August 26, 2009
7. When potting plants is the recommendation still: use a layer of gravel in the bottom of a pot to improve drainage? Published: August 26, 2009
8. I am considering going organic in my garden. A friend told me that botanical insecticides are all natural products toxic to pests but harmless to humans and other living things. Is that true? Published: August 26, 2009
9. I was told a bleach solution is the best choice for disinfecting pruning tools. Is that correct? Published: August 26, 2009
10. Piling mulch up against the trunks of trees and shrubs helps to keep them cozy warm all winter long. Published: August 26, 2009
11. Our gardener told us the “rule of thumb” is that pruning wounds greater than three inches in diameter should be painted with a wound dressing. I thought the rule was no wound dressing. Can you help? Published: August 26, 2009
12. Is it true that ants are necessary for peonies to bloom? Published: August 26, 2009
13. Is it true I can use an application of salt to control weeds in my asparagus bed? Published: August 26, 2009
14. Our local garden center told us that newly planted trees should have their trunks wrapped with paper tree wrap to prevent sunscald and insect entry. Is that really necessary? Published: August 26, 2009
15. If I plant marigolds in and around my vegetable plants will they control the insect pests? Published: August 26, 2009
16. Is it true I should not water my plants/lawn during the day as the water will burn my plants Published: August 26, 2009
17. I read somewhere that if you put a cup of sugar in the hole when you plant tomatoes, that the tomatoes will be sweeter. Does sugar really made the difference? Published: August 26, 2009
18. I just moved into a new subdivision and the yard soil is hard packed clay. The salesman at the hardware store suggested I apply gypsum to break up the clay. Will that work? Published: August 26, 2009
19. I heard that mushrooms and toadstools sprouting in your lawn means that the soil is deficient. What do you do about it? Published: August 26, 2009
20. I was told that when it comes to using garden chemicals, if a little bit is good, a lot is better. Is that true? Published: August 26, 2009
21. Are sonic devices effective in encouraging moles to leave your property? Published: August 26, 2009
22. How long should horse manure age before applying it to my flower and vegetable gardens? How much should I apply? Published: August 06, 2009
23. What causes my cucumbers to become bitter tasting? Published: August 06, 2009
24. I live in Hawaii and my Hayden mango tree sprouted its first blossoms, but all of the blossoms, though pollinated, are dying. They turn black, wither, and fall off. What is the cause, and is there any remedy? Published: August 06, 2009
25. I have a 7- to 8-foot tall papaya tree growing in my Hawaii garden and it appears healthy. There are flowers and some small fruit, but the fruit turn yellow when they become around 1.5 to 2 inches and fall off. What is causing this, and how can it be prevented? Published: August 06, 2009
26. Many of the monkeypod trees in my area of Hawaii look as if they are being eaten by an insect. Some have been completely defoliated. What is causing this? Published: August 03, 2009
27. Why do the young leaves of my citrus tree become curled? Published: August 03, 2009
28. Can I grow a lychee tree from seed? Published: August 03, 2009
29. What is best for Hawaii lawns, Zoysia grass or St. Augustine grass? Published: August 03, 2009
30. I notice many gardeners here in Hawaii bury their food waste directly into their yards or gardens. Is this recommended? Published: August 03, 2009

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