Q: I have been trying for several years to start new pear trees from old ones. What's the best way? — John Simms, Roberta
A: I think your best bet is grafting twigs from an old tree onto a small young tree. This is the perfect time to do it. I have photos of how one guy used Super Glue to do it successfully at bit.ly/gluegraft.
Q: What is the best month to plant the smaller varieties of magnolia trees? — June Cox, email
A: Here's my advice, going from "best" to "OK" to "don't waste your time": October, February, July. Planting trees later than February is problematic, because the tree root system has little time to grow large enough to supply water to the leaves in summer heat. This will stunt your tree's growth. If you choose to plant now, or later this spring, it is imperative that you loosen a wide area of soil around the planting spot, apply mulch, and water regularly in summer.
Q: I am in a big pickle with my wife. I moved furniture out of the house so I could redo our hardwood floors. I put her 8-foot tall dracaena plant on the back porch all night when it was below freezing. It got cold enough to make the leaves look dead! What can I do? — Rick Fitzgerald, email
A: You'll just have to wait and see, but remind her that forgiveness is a virtue. Scissor off any leaf parts that are a water-soaked dark green. Leave alone the plant leaves that seem to be a normal green. Even if most of the leaves were frozen, it's possible the dormant leaf buds on the stem at the base of leaves were not damaged. They might initiate new leaves if the plant is put in bright indoor light now. When spring arrives, put the plant outdoors in a brightly shaded spot and see what transpires.
Q: I planted fescue recently for erosion control and covered it with clear plastic. It's 4 inches tall. When should I uncover it? — Steven Fleming, Cobb County
A: I think it is more likely to become too hot under the plastic than it is to be hurt by winter cold. If it's not too big of an area, take the plastic off during the day and return it at night until nighttime temperatures are in the 30s.
Q: I've overwintered a geranium for five years under lights. This year, it has started to blossom! If it is growing and blossoming under lights, will my cuttings root under the same lights? — Arnold Richins, email
A: Get a plant propagation heating mat and you're off to the races! A combination of window light, artificial light and bottom heat will yield a high success rate when rooting geraniums. I get good success with 3-inch cuttings from which all but the top three leaves have been removed. Dip the ends in rooting hormone (Rootone, etc.) and insert the stem halfway into a porous soil mix. Cover your cutting tray with clear plastic for three weeks.
About the Author
