Beth Botts – Page 37 –

Establishing a few facts about roots, water and new plants

September 4, 2019 at 5:00 a.m.

Gardeners often are told that after planting or transplanting, they should water frequently until the plant is "established." But what does that mean, exactly? "It's all about the roots," said...

It’s September, which means it’s time to think about spring — spring bulbs, that is

September 1, 2019 at 10:42 a.m.

As the days grow shorter in autumn and the gardening season wanes toward winter, it's time to think about spring! That's because fall is the time to plant spring-flowering bulbs....

Ditch the grass — here are some better ground covering options for those shady spots under trees

August 28, 2019 at 11:56 a.m.

In late summer or early fall, many homeowners overseed their lawns, trying to fill in bare spots and thicken up the grass. "That may work in full sun," said Sharon...

Give trees, shrubs a shave before planting

August 19, 2019 at 12:13 p.m.

When does a tree or shrub need a shave? Often, when you're planting it. Trees and shrubs that are sold in large pots often have roots growing in the wrong...

Trees with problems: To avoid trauma, don’t dig too deep

August 14, 2019 at 4:00 a.m.

Many troubled trees suffer from the same long-term trauma: They were planted too deep. "It's the most common underlying cause of tree problems," said Sharon Yiesla, plant knowledge specialist at...

Lady Macbeth wouldn’t be happy, but maple leaf tar spot is basically harmless

August 8, 2019 at 4:00 a.m.

They're everywhere. They're ugly. But they're basically harmless. The black blotches that we often see on maple leaves in late summer are collectively called "tar spot," according to Julie Janoski,...

Tree vs. power line: Plan ahead to avoid conflict

August 5, 2019 at 4:52 p.m.

It's always sad to see a tree that utility crews have been forced to prune drastically to keep its branches safely clear of a power line. That sad sight can...

Watering the garden: Sprinklers, soaker hoses and tuna cans

July 30, 2019 at 4:00 a.m.

Many homeowners struggle with the same question: How much to water? "The simple answer is that your plants need enough water in the soil for their roots to absorb what...

Mistakes you’re probably making when watering the garden

July 26, 2019 at 12:01 p.m.

The hotter it gets, the more rapidly plants lose water. "In the heat of summer, our trees and garden plants require more water than usual," said Sharon Yiesla, plant knowledge...

Prune suckers from trees close to the ground

July 26, 2019 at 11:57 a.m.

Sometimes a tree starts to look more like a shrub, with stems sprouting from the base of the trunk. These stems are called "suckers" because they compete with the main...

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