RID YOUR GARDEN OF ANTS AND APPLE RUST ON JUNIPER
Q I have a question on how to best get rid of ants. They are under the paving stones of our patio, pushing up the sand. I have since found another nest in my vegetable garden and they have ruined the plants in my flower beds. I would appreciate your suggestions.
A The product I recommend using is one that I have used myself many times. It is made by Doktor Doom and the name is Residual Foam Ant and Ant Nest Killer. The active ingredient in this product is pyrethrin, which is a natural insecticide.
What I like about this product is that the foam is not like a regular spray. Since it is a foam, you don’t get the drift you might with other liquid sprays that could potentially affect other insects such as pollinators. It also has a residual effect, meaning it is longer lasting.
Q In your column on June 6, you answered a question about apple rust. I have this fungus on my juniper, confirmed by the orange gelatinous blobs that appeared for the first time this spring. We intend to take out this tree, in part because our neighbours have an apple tree close to our yard. I have a few questions. First, how do we safely dispose of this tree without transferring the fungus to other places? Should we cut it up and bag it for the garbage? Second, is it safe to plant another tree or shrub (not a juniper) in its place? Thank you for any advice you can offer.
A In answer to your questions, yes, you should cut the tree into pieces, bag it and put it into the trash. It is safe to plant another type of tree other than a juniper in that same location.
Q I have purchased a zucchini and a red pepper plant that are in 12-inch (30-centimetre) pots with climbing cages attached. Both plants are about two feet tall and quite healthy. Should I move them into the ground or is it OK to leave them in the pot they were bought in? Thanks in advance.
A The pepper you can leave in its original pot, but the zucchini I would transplant into a larger pot as its root system will get fairly large. The zucchini pot should be at least 24 inches (60 centimetres) in diameter and a minimum 12 inches (30 centimetres) deep. Feed both plants with a slow release fertilizer or feed regularly with a liquid fertilizer meant for veggies.
Q My onions are up and the stems are healthy looking, but when I pulled a few to use the bulbs they were soft and useless. What would cause this?
A The problem could be caused by overwatering, poorly drained soil, or bacteria soft rot as a result of bacterium that lives in the soil. From your description, this might be the cause, as the rest of the onion plant looks normal and the rot only reveals itself once harvested. There is no chemical control that I know of. The only thing I can recommend is to rotate your onions from one location to another in the garden to prevent the issue from recurring.
Q Can you please provide some advice on how to prune Bergenia? Am I supposed to prune them?
A You certainly can prune out the dead leaves on Bergenia without any problem. Using a sharp knife or pruners, cut the leaf back right to the stem.
Q I have a dwarf Korean lilac hedge that is 16 years old. It is six feet tall, five feet wide, and has gotten wider than I would like it to be. It is on the east side of the house and up against the property fence, which is six feet tall. If I prune 10 inches or so off the side of the hedge, will it fully leaf out on the side or will it be rather barren?
A Since you are removing the actively growing tips of the plants when you prune them, they will look a little sparse. However, it will not take long for the plants to send out new growth and new leaves. You should also know that since lilacs bloom on last year’s wood, the amount of bloom will be considerably reduced, as well.
Thank you once again to all my readers who are submitting questions for your patience and understanding. I am working my way through them as fast as I can. I am extremely pleased to see how many people are getting into gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please keep the questions coming.
I have had many people asking about where they can find my book. It is available on amazon. ca and also available on chapters. indigo.ca and canadabookdistributors.com. Good luck and happy gardening!