Q–Some of my bulbs have come up much sooner than expected. Is there anything I can do to protect them?
–Chicago
A–Once bulbs have emerged from the ground, there is little you can do to prevent late frosts from “nipping” the foliage or even the flowers. Curling or distortion of the leaves as well as blackening of flowers and leaves are disfiguring but they will not affect the future viability of the bulbs. Bulbs planted close to foundations or on a south-facing exposure are always the first to come up during our winter thaws.
Q–I am starting some annuals from seeds this year and wonder which type of potting medium and containers to use.
–Northbrook
A–To germinate seeds, a soilless mix consisting of vermiculite, perlite and peat moss is a good choice. It is sterile, porous and provides excellent drainage. You also might try a “seed starting” mix, which is a screened growing mix. Avoid using potting soil because it is too heavy and dense. Containers can be recycled milk cartons, cups made from old newspapers or coffee cans. Old plastic pots should be sterilized before they are reused. Fiber pots are excellent because they too are sterile, porous and provide good drainage.
Q–I’m considering planting a spring-blooming witch hazel and would like to know of any special cultural needs for good growth.
–Orland Park
A–Witch hazels grow best in slightly moist, acid soils in partial shade. They are very much at home in woodland settings where the soil has been enriched with plenty of leaf mold and organic material.
Q–I have noticed that the green stems of my kerria bushes have quite a few gray tips. Should I prune them back?
–Wilmette
A–Kerria twigs will change from green to brown or gray due to winter dieback. If you prune now, cut out only the brown portions because the early yellow flowers are formed on new wood. Save all major pruning for after the flowering period.
Q–Is there a simple way to prune an overgrown grapevine?
–Lombard
A–March is an ideal time to prune out deadwood and those canes that are not producing fruit. Vines actually can be removed from their supporting structures, pruned, reshaped and retied to the support. For an illustrated example of pruning techniques, send $2.44 to Plant Information, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe, Ill. 60022, and request “PlantFacts 36, Grapevines.
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Lee Randhava is the Plant Information Writer for the Chicago Botanic Garden. Send your gardening concerns to Questions, Plant Information, Chicago Botanic Garden, Box 400, Glencoe, Ill. 60022. Letters cannot be answered individually, but those of general interest will appear in this space.
