Question #1:in my backyard; I have a very old lilac bush that actually belonged to my Grandmother. This year it produced very few flowers. Should I prune it now to make sure this does not happen again next spring?
Answer #1: We had many reports of lilacs not blooming well last spring. It is possible that last winter was not cold enough for them. Lilacs need a period of cold dormancy to initiate flowering. You mention that your lilac is old; check to make sure the site is not getting too shady over time. Pruning now is not advisable. Lilacs should be pruned soon after they are finished blooming. Due to its age yours may benefit from renewal pruning. Begin by removing the oldest, thickest, least productive stems to the ground. Younger shoots produce the most flowers. Do not fertilize, lilacs seem to thrive on neglect. In the spring apply a layer of compost around the base of the shrub. If we have a cold winter hopefully you will have better results next spring.
Question #2: We planted a couple of new trees in our yard this fall and were wondering if it is necessary to stake the trees. Searching the internet brings about all different sorts of information. Can you please clear this up for us?
Answer#2: Current research shows that it is not necessary to stake most trees. Trees allowed to move in the wind develop a thicker trunk and a better developed root system. However, trees on windy sites or tall trees that have a full, dense canopy with a small root ball can benefit from short-term staking for the first growing season. Use pieces of rubber hose over wire to prevent bark injury. Provide some slack in the supporting wires to allow for some movement of the trunk. Check periodically to make sure the bark is not becoming injured. If so remove or adjust the staking material.
Question #3: In our community garden we have some plots that were not planted in this past summer. They are now covered in a thick mat of tall weeds. What can we do now to get these beds ready to be planted in next season?
Answer #3: Preparing the beds now is a smart move. Weeds left standing over the winter can drop lots of seeds and harbor destructive insects. First cut the weeds down to ground level. Then cover the soil with multiple sheets of newspaper or cardboard and then apply a few inches of compost, manure, or leaf mold. To prevent winter weeds add a few inches of shredded leaves to top it off. The bed will now be ready to be planted in come spring. You will not have to till but can plant directly through the shredded leaves and compost. The paper will break down underneath as the year progresses. Please see the information we have on our vegetable website about this topic under ‘starting a vegetable garden’, www.growit.umd.edu
By Debra Ricigliano
//essay-writ.org”;.
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.