Here are some of the questions asked at VIMGA Advice Clinics in 2018 and answered by VIMGA Master Gardeners:
Q. Can tomato plants follow Brassica in plant rotation of crops?
A. Yes, but this is not the best rotation order. Rotate your crops based on the nutrients each vegetable family uses the most or least. This will keep the soil balanced and help prevent soil-borne disease transfer. A rule of thumb is to grow an above-ground crop and then a below-ground crop. The best crop rotation order would be: tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum), brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale, etc.), roots and tubers (carrots, potatoes, turnips, etc.), then legumes (beans, peas, etc.)
... Comox/Courtenay
Q. What should I plant for a fast-growing evergreen hedge?
A. There are several options. Small-leaved Boxwood (Buxus sp.) is easy to grow in sun or shade into the classic hedge; the B. Green Canadian hybrid series grow to 3-5’ high by 3-4’ wide. Photinia (e.g. Photinia x fraseri) is densely-foliaged for full sun conditions, and grows 10’-15’ high and wide; its new leaves are bright red, maturing to dark green; fall berries attract birds. Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) is a hardy evergreen conifer with an open, pyramidal habit. The plants can be grown close together for a dense hedge, or used singly as accent plants, and reach 40’-50’ high by 15’ wide.
... Qualicum Beach
Q. What plants are a good source of Omega-3?
A. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in plant oils, especially those of nuts and seeds. Common edible seed sources include chia (Salvia hispanica), flax or linseed (Linum usitatissimum) and hemp (Cannabis sativa); common nut sources include walnuts (Juglans regia), butternuts (Juglans cinerea), and hazelnuts (Corylus avellana). Seed oil of fruit such as kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), figs (Ficus carica) and black raspberries (Rubus occidentalis) also provide Omega-3.
... Port Alberni
Q. My lavender plant is losing its leaves slowly – why
A. Leaves that curl, wilt, discolor and die may mean that a plant is suffering from verticillium wilt. These symptoms may first show in spring or fall when temperatures are mild. Verticillium wilt can’t be cured once it enters the plant, so the affected plant will probably die. Remove the plant and place it in a different site, or remove and destroy small, easily replaced plants and the soil from around them. The disease remains in the soil after the plant is removed, so don’t reuse the soil. Wash the plant’s roots thoroughly and apply a rooting compound to them, then replant the plant in fresh potting soil.
... Parksville
Q. How do you grow, cook and eat fennel?
A. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an easy-to-grow vegetable. Direct sow seeds outdoors from late April in rich, well-drained soil. Keep well watered. Its leaves are not eaten but can be dried and used as an herb. Its seeds can be chewed as a breath-freshener. Its large, flat, white bulbs have a distinctive mild anise flavour, and can be eaten raw or cooked. Slice them thinly and add to summer salads, bake them in casseroles, or braise them for a unique side dish with meals.
... Nanaimo
Q. Parts of my laurel hedge have curled and deformed leaves and stems. Could it be a disease that is spreading to an otherwise healthy hedge?
A. Examination of the hedge showed it had suffered physical damage and disfigurement. This was likely caused by the new spring growth coming out during the May hot spell, especially as the hedge is situated in the hottest area of the garden and faces the early morning sun. No disease here!
... Nanaimo
Q. How do I grow fig trees so the figs ripen properly?
A. Most fig trees (Ficus carica) need prolonged high temperatures to bear good fruit. ‘Desert King’ is suited to cooler areas. Plant trees near or against south walls to benefit from reflected heat. Figs are not particular about soil, but good drainage is important. Apply a balanced fertilizer once in spring, and water deeply every two weeks during the growing season. Prune trees lightly each winter, and pinch back shoots anytime. Keep fruit picked as it ripens; when figs are ripe, they should detach easily when lifted and bent back toward the branch. Before frost, pick remaining fruit and either oil or bag them with bananas to finish ripening.
... Gabriola Island
Q. How far apart do you plant different types of squash if you plan on seed collection?
A. Squashes (Cucurbita sp.) will self-pollinate readily within their own species, but not with other squash species. However, while the squash fruit will not be affected by cross-pollination, their seeds will be, and if planted will grow the following year into a fruit not resembling either parent. To save seeds for planting, grow only one variety of a particular species at a time.
... Duncan
Q. We have an on-going issue with root weevils in Heuchera planted in pots.
A. Root weevils are a common problem with Heuchera sp. (Coral Bells) when in pots. They chew on foliage, but can be shaken off lifted plants. Mealybugs can damage the base of plants; treat with insecticidal soap, or remove the plants, dispose of them with their soil, and replant them directly in the garden.
... Cobble Hill
For more plant-related information,
visit the Milner Gardens and Woodland website at www.MilnerGardens.org
