THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 10, 1995 TAG: 9509080089
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G2 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: GARDENING REMINDERS
SOURCE: ROBERT STIFFLER
LENGTH: Long : 107 lines
AFTER A LONG, hot, miserable summer, there's nothing that will brighten your home and garden like colorful chrysanthemums. They're available in garden and home centers now, and they're inexpensive.
Yoder, North America's leading mum breeder, says all you need is fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny spot with at least a half day of sun. Set plants 15 to 20 inches apart and water thoroughly, using one to two gallons of water around each plant.
Never fertilize newly planted mums. Yoder says they've done all the growing for the season by the time you plant them and should not be fertilized until spring. Do not prune the foliage until next spring. WATER FRUIT BEFORE HARVEST
To ensure good-sized apples, be sure your trees receive adequate water during the last few weeks before harvest. This applies to all fruit, notably pears, peaches and brambles (raspberries, etc.). Immediately before harvest is when they increase in size most rapidly. Plenty of water also enables fruit trees and bushes to survive winter more easily, especially after a hot dry summer like we've had. FICUS NEEDS LOTS OF CARE
``Weeping figs get their name from their tendency to drop leaves at the slightest provocation,'' says Joe Freeman, chief horticulturist at Florida's Cypress Gardens resort.
Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) needs bright light, because a lack of light will cause it to drop leaves. When it's too wet, it drops lower leaves and leaves inside the plant canopy. Too much water also slows or stops growth, and the plant may appear wilted, even though soil is moist. Overall leaf color becomes yellowish, and leaves are smaller than normal.
Similarly, a lack of water results in leaf drop, again mostly older leaves. Overall, the foliage takes on a light or bluish color but quickly greens up after watering.
``Figs usually drop leaves when adjusting to new light and temperature conditions,'' Freeman says. ``During that period, overwatering is likely, because leaves are dropping rather than using water. If water is decreased too quickly, additional leaf drop will result. The soil should always be moist, not wet - then allow it to dry slightly between waterings.''
My experience is that ficus drops leaves continually, and the only sure cure is to give it lots of light, such as placing it directly under a skylight. Any time you move it, leaves will drop off. I've quit putting mine outdoors in summer, because when you bring it in, most of the new leaves it developed outdoors drop off. These figs are so temperamental, it makes you wonder if they are worthwhile as a plant for the home. FINDING UNUSUAL FLOWERS
Johnny's Selected Seeds have gotten into the unusual flower seed business, with a 1996 offering of Agastache, Ammobiuim, Echinacea, Euphorbia and many others. For a free catalog, write to Johnny's, Foss Hill Road, Albion, ME 04910. Fax (800) 437-4290. TIPS FOR LAWN WATERING
From the makers of Colorite Waterworks hose, come these wise suggestions for watering:
Water each section of lawn for about 20 minutes early in the day, preferably on less windy days, on an average of three days per week.
Token watering will only encourage shallow root growth.
Grass under trees may require extra watering because of the amount of water absorbed by roots.
New sod requires a morning and afternoon watering for the first few days, after which morning watering will be sufficient.
Too much watering, apart from being wasteful, will increase the lawn's susceptibility to fungus disease. SECRET TO RHUBARB GROWING
Several readers have written asking to talk with Patricia Green, who grows rhubarb in Ocean View. I destroy letters after I answer them, so I could not help. But I've located her phone number, and if you want to talk with her about her secrets for growing rhubarb, you may call 587-8015. GET GARLIC IN GROUND
Now is a good time to plant garlic. Buy a garlic bulb at any grocery store and separate the individual cloves before planting. Louisiana State University horticulturists say several varieties are available but difficult to find except by mail. Tahiti or elephant garlic is the largest and mildest. The Italian and Creole varieties are smaller and have a stronger flavor. MADE IN THE SHADE
The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond will hold a ``Gardening in the Shade'' symposium Sept. 22-23. Speakers include Ken Druse, author of several shade garden books, Edith Eddleman from the North Carolina State University arboretum, Bob Lyons from Virginia Tech and Mark Viette from the Viette Nursery. For costs and details, call (804) 262-9887. HAVE FIELD DAY WITH PLANTS
It's not too late to register for the annual Field Day at the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research Center on Wednesday. Cost is $16, which includes a barbecue dinner and a day filled with tours and demonstrations. If you can't stay for dinner, cost is only $5.
New things to see this year are a perennial display garden and a demonstration of tree pruning. Events begin at 10:30 a.m., with a plant auction at 4 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Call 363-3900 to register and pay at the door on Wednesday at the Research Center, 1444 Diamond Springs Road, Virginia Beach. by CNB