Gardener's Group discussion

Use this thread to discuss what pest/disease/growing issues you're having in this garden this year so others who've had the same happen can post what's worked for them, especially if what's worked is chemical free. Organic alternatives in lieu of chemical solutions may take more effort but are well worth it!

April 6. 3AM.
I wake up itching under my right jaw bone. A tick ! Dammit. 1st one of the season.
Last year I had quite a few bites. Maybe I should keep count this year. My daughter thinks I'm a weird person to have had so many tick bites (but she rarely goes outside).

Thanks for reminding me to get some worm pills and frontline for my little Yorkie :)

Jaye wrote: "April 6. 3AM.
I wake up itching under my right jaw bone. A tick ! Dammit. 1st one of the season.
Last year I had quite a few bites. Maybe I should keep count this year. My daughter thinks..."

Not sure where you live, but it does seem early for ticks. Hope there are no complications.

Wow, sure does seem early for ticks especially being up in the New England area! We're still too cold here in NJ for any yet and I am extremely thankful! Last two years have been shudder-worthy awful with the ticks here. Hoping this year may be better since we're had a more normal Winter than in recent years.

Can anyone tell me how to take proper care of an amaryllis? I have one that was first planted by my husband's grandmother. It used to be in the ground but my father-in-law dug it up late one night when he realized it would be on the opposite side of the line after my husband's brother sold his half of the property. He put it in a small pot but it wasn't happy so we bought a big pot for it, about two feet in diameter. We did not have a good place to put it directly into the ground at that time but we might could do that now if that would help it.
Needless to say, it has grown over the years and now I need to do something with it but without killing the main plant. I am scared to try anything without some expert advice so I would really appreciate some tips. Thanks much!
Oh...we are in Mexico,the plant is outside year-round, and although our nights are beginning to cool down a little bit, there is no danger of frost for at least three months if even then. Thanks again!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippeastrum

Since it can be native to Mexico I suggest you read about them at wiki.
Maybe there will be some hints.
If it's been outside for years why don't you just replant it outside. If the pot is too big you may have to crack it to take it off once you get it in the ground.

Jaye wrote: "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippeastrum

Since it can be native to Mexico I suggest you read about them at wiki.
Maybe there will be some hints.
If it's been outside for years why don't you just r..."

Thank you, Jaye.

I have a question. I own 6 African Violets and keeping them on north windowsill for years. all except the oldest one are blooming all year along. I`ve checked books and net and both says it must be that:

a) too big pot (i did repot the plant in bigger, but not much bigger, pot last year)
b) not getting enough light (why others are bloomin then?)
c) there are two varietes of the plant and one is blooming all year along, while the other needs a break (could be, that one has darker leves than others, not S. ionatha)
d) pests or illness (checked her in detail and shes healthy, has new leaves but no flowers)
e) not good fertilizer (im using a general plant fertilizer and in half the concentration - could be it? but still, my other violets are blooming)

please, say what you think. Ill post picture on monday, probably.

Debbie wrote: "Can anyone tell me how to take proper care of an amaryllis? I have one that was first planted by my husband's grandmother. It used to be in the ground but my father-in-law dug it up late one night ..."

Do you mean Hippeastrum or Amarilis belladona?
With second I have no experiance, while the first I find easier to keep in pot then in the ground, and in house near east window. Don't keep it wet all the itime and it should be fine. also, pests like them so check the pot regularly. I had pests in the pot even in the house so i strongly suggest you check everything on the plant: leaves, roots and soil.

I find them easy for keeping in house (Hippeastrums)

Here is a great article about Amaryllis (Hippeastrum species): http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/y...

I do not live in a climate where Amaryllis can survive in the ground but have had many indoors over the years (and love them!). I'm not sure however, if once it has been kept outdoors it will bloom normally indoors.

What I've leaned over the years is to grow them by placing them at the top of a vase or glass of some kind where the roots have room to grow below the bulb - this way when I do water it sparingly, the water only touches the roots and not the bulb. The bulbs seem to be very inclined to mold & rot when they come into contact with water, especially when they are sitting in soil. Once it is done flowering, I dry the bulb & roots out, then put it in the pantry corner, where it's dark, until around the next Halloween. I've managed to stagger forcing them so I have Amaryllis in bloom from Thanksgiving through Valentines!

Oops! Forgot to mention I keep my bulbs in the front, full sun livingroom windows until they bloom, then move them around the livingroom for the indirect bright light.