Berni P. wrote:
Looking for info on palm trees. Is there any value to adding epsom salts and if
so, how much?
Dear Berni:
My book titled, Stan DeFreitas Complete Guide To Florida Gardening, has a listing of
palms and information. Magnesium sulphate (epsom salt) is one of the macro-elements
and is used in a higher amount than the micro-elements. It will help to green up your
palms. Normally a couple of cups spread evenly around the palm will be helpful. Use
no more than 3 lbs. on a big palm.
Hope this is helpful.
My Best,
Stan
Ronda J. wrote:
Met you at Royal Edger – like the new backpack support for trimmers! Love for you to
come see our pond.
Dear Ronda:
We’re finished shooting the Ask Mr. Greenthumb Show for this season,
but we would definitely like to shoot a segment at your place for the early fall.
Received your photo, the backyard looks like it will be an interesting film shoot.
Hope you’re enjoying the Easy Lift Harness, your back will thank you for it.
My Best,
Stan
maria wrote:
can get a cherry tree to live in our back yard.
Have tried for 7 years we always plant 2 if and still they don’t make it thur the summer
HELP!
Dear Maria,
Cherry trees grow well in cool climates. Plant them in an enriched soil (mixing peat moss, perlite). Make sure to plant them at the same depth
that they were in the container. If the plants were root bound in the pots, be sure to gently pull this apart. Should you have further problems,
I would need to know where on the globe you are planting and a picture of the leaves and trunk would help me to steer you in the right direction for
growing better cherry trees.
My best,
Stan
Langston wrote:
Where do you get your Dwarf fruit trees?
Dear Langston,
Your local nurseryman could possibly order some through a wholesaler that he is purchasing his fruit trees. Most dwarf varieties are associated to the root stock or base of the fruit tree. Again in case people aren’t familiar or wonder why you might want these trees in place of their larger cousins, it’s because most folks don’t like breaking out the ladder to harvest their fruit. Furthermore it also means that you will get less crop yield thus less wasted fruit drop that you can’t eat.
Hope this is helpful.
My best,
Stan
Palm trees are a fantastic addition to your tropical landscape, but keep in mind that not all palms are created equal in terms of their ability to tolerate the cold. Chinese Fan palms, Cabbage Palms, and Washingtonia’s are an excellent choices for being cold hearty as they can take temperatures as low as 15F degrees. However on the other side of coin palm trees that do not tolerate the cold weather are coconuts and royal palms, which have to be protected if we experience temperatures below freezing. Keep in mind their are wide differences in Palm tree sizes, some palms stay small by design such as the Parlor Palm and the Pygmy Date Palm which usually only grow to a height of 8-12 feet. Where other palm trees like Washingtonia’s can grow to grand heights of 80 feet or more with cabbage palms almost nearly as tall. A good way to remember the Washingtonia’s Palms is that they were named after our first President George Washington because he was tall and stately, this palm tree certainly represents that. So why is important to know the size of your Palm tree’s prior to planting because location is critical, not only for the health and well being of the tree but because you wouldn’t want to plant an 80 foot growth potential palm under power line. I invariably get the question, I want something different than my neighbor palms trees, one suggestions might be Fish Tail palm which can add a dramatic effect to a landscape. Do remember that palm tree’s require a decent amount of light which means 6 hours of light per day , they want water at least 2-3X per week (less after its been established) and they will thrive on most fertilizer created for palms. Palms trees have a place in almost everything landscape and having some knowledge about palms will help you save money and ultimately be a happier gardener.
Question: Stella cherry tree about 5 years old had lots of blossoms and fruit last year. This year did not blossom wonder why?
There are many reasons why a cherry tree may not blossom. The amount of chilling time, a minimum of a couple of a hundred hours below 40 degrees will give it sufficient time to bloom well. This will vary with the variety. Also, check the pH of the soil and adjust if not slightly acidic. Fertilize with a peach/cherry type or bloomer fertilizer in the spring-summer and fall. Some years will naturally do better than others.
Question: We have a Peach tree growing in our back yard and we wanted to know when it will start bearing fruit ? It is about 2 feet tall and has beautiful leaves on it .
Is this a grafted tree or raised from seed? If it is from seed, it may take 10 years and may not be a great producer. If it is a grafted tree it should produce in the next couple of years.
Question: Black sooty mold grows on my citrus and gardenia. Is this a problem?
Black sooty mold is a red flag indicating insects that feed and excrete on the leaves of your plants. It sometimes has a varnished appearance to the leaves, followed by the black mold that grows on the honeydew made by the excretion of the insects. Try spraying with a soapy water solution (1 tsp. mild detergent to a gallon of water) or use Neem oil according to label instructions.
