The Springfield News-Leader in Springfield, Missouri, partners with the Master Gardeners of Green County each week to bring readers a question-and-answer column with some of the expert horticulturists in the region.
Colleges and universities in the U.S. typically offer Master Gardener programs, which provide “intensive horticultural training,” according to the American Horticultural Society. The certified Master Gardeners then volunteer as lecturers, researchers and gardeners in their communities. For more information about Master Gardener programs in your community, the American Horticultural Society created this page with local resources.
Here’s a sample of some of the recent questions amateur gardeners had for the masters of the craft.
When is the best time to plant perennials? I worry about a late frost. Also, when should I plant tomato plants?
Planting perennials in the spring is normally done from March through May. Most perennials have been grown outside and will be able to withstand frost without difficulty. Even if some leaves become frost damaged, the roots will remain viable, and new leaves will soon emerge. At this stage in early May, we are most likely past danger of frost, although it could still be possible. I wouldn’t worry about any perennials, go ahead and plant yours.
As for tomatoes, since these are not particularly tolerant of any cold, I generally would wait until after Mother’s Day or even a bit later. When planted early, especially when the plants have to be covered when the temperatures dip, and because the soil is still too cool, many plants will be permanently stunted from cooler temperatures. Tomato plants set in later will soon catch up with the earlier ones.
My redbud tree seems to be having problems, only half has bloomed this year, the other half is losing bark and has some dead-looking branches. I also see woodpeckers on the damaged parts. What is causing this and what can I do about it?
It sounds like half of your tree is dead, but the other side is okay for the time being. There are several factors that may be affecting your tree, including age. The lifespan of a redbud tree is 25-30 years, shorter than many trees, but sometimes with exceptionally good care and growing conditions one may survive 50-70 years. Some factors that may lead to decline in a redbud include verticillium wilt, poor soil conditions with soil that is too wet or wrong sun exposure. A redbud tree requires well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade to thrive. As for the woodpeckers, they are just there for the bugs which are in the dead or dying portions of the tree. A good start to help the tree would be to trim off the deadwood, which will help the living portion in its struggle to grow.
If your tree is affected by verticillium wilt, there is actually no real cure for this. The fungus causing the wilt is in the soil and can spread throughout the soil, thus making it difficult to eradicate. The main treatment would be to remove affected branches and burn them, as well as disinfecting tools throughout the process.
I have a shady spot with poor soil where I would like to have a small flowering shrub. What would work in this spot?
Some that come to mind are spicebush, leatherwood, and sweet spire. A good source of information would be the Grow Native! website. Another idea, if you want color more than flowers and want something quickly, would be to plant coleus which can provide a lot of color in such a spot. Coleus are annuals, but would help fill in the spot while the shrub is establishing.
Readers can pose questions or get more information by calling 417-874-2963 and talking to one of the trained volunteers staffing the Master Gardener Hotline at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Greene County located inside the Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO 65807.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Plant tomatoes at the right time of year to guarantee a bumper crop
