Zucchini plants take patience
“How nature loves the incomplete. She knows if she drew a conclusion it would finish her.”
— Christopher Fry
Q: My zucchini plants have only male flowers. They are very healthy looking and I have used liquid fertilizer. Did I do something wrong? — Mary, Norwich, Conn.
A: Be patient. Male flowers come earlier so they will have pollen for the females. If you do not get enough bees or wind, you can pollinate yourself with a Q-Tip. I would suggest using a granular fertilizer next year. Soluble formulae have too little phosphorus for fruit and fruit type veggies. A little handful on top of the soil after planting will go a long way for your zucchini.
Q: My rhubarbs are not doing well this second year. Can I split them? — Doug, Davenport, Iowa
A: You can build a trench now for fall transplanting. Rhubarb needs a lot of organic matter and good drainage to flourish. Your trench should be at least 18 inches to a foot deep and 18 inches wide. Fill the bottom with two inches of sand. Put composted soil with aged manure, two year old sawdust, grass clippings and peat into this planter in the ground. Fill to within two inches of the top. The center of your new construct should be mounded. After moving the plants to their new home space them about a foot apart.
Side dress with 5-10-10 fertilizer.
Q; How do I get rid of sweet clover in my lawn? — Bertha, Cambridge, Ill.
A: We are a strong advocate of keeping clover in the lawn. Clover is a martyr grass that will die away when there is sufficient nitrogen in the soil. Since it attracts bees, it is helpful for pollination of flowers in addition to adding nitrogen to the soil. Clover takes nitrogen from the air and breaks down the nitrates in the roots to feed the other grasses. If you give the lawn sufficient fertilizer the clover will disappear. You have an inexpensive source of fertilizer that you could grow to love. You might get lucky and find a few with four leaves.
Q: I did not have much success with my asparagus the past two years. Can I let it go to seed? — Zach, Basra, Conn.
A: Yes, you can. This will strengthen the roots of your problem. Cut it back in the early fall. The information that I have given Doug, should help. See above. Without entrenchment, there will belittle fruition for for efforts.