It's been a rough couple of weeks at the Wessels' house. First we got a different computer, and for a time lost all of the e-mail addresses we had stored; we were able to retrieve some. If you have e-mailed me recently, please re-send your e-mail.
Then, both Donna and I got the "crud" which is going around. The doctors tell us this could hang on for another week. Hopefully by the time you read this column, this health problem is history.
This is my first year growing an asparagus bed. Can I harvest any of the spears this spring?
No, you should wait until the third year to harvest. Eating the small skinny spears will not be the best in the long run. Donna is harvesting some this spring, but this is the third and fourth year of growth. If your bed is in need of rain, it's best to water.
When is the best time to apply corn gluten meal on our lawn for weed control?
We have had good luck in applying the first week in May and the second application in late August or the first part of September. The University of Minnesota advises to spread 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet. We use the drop spreader. If you have a lot of crabgrass, it may take several years for results. We have applied it for 13 years on our lawn.
Has anyone ever spread corn gluten meal on their strawberry bed? If you have or know of anybody who has been successful with this idea, please let me know. Spring is the best time to apply fertilizer to your strawberry bed.
What can I use to control grasses in my garden in the spring, especially where there is a lot of quackgrass around the irises and lilies?
The use of Roundup on a calm day will help. Here is an idea: put a 1 gallon milk jug (with the bottom cut out) over the grasses and spray the Roundup through the opening at the top. This way you will not get any drift on the flowers themselves.
I planted some perennial hibiscus plants last year. When can I expect these to emerge this spring?
It may take until the second to third week in June before they begin to emerge. If you added some mulch last fall, now is the time to pull that back for the warmth to go deeper into the soil.
When can I expect to see the humming birds return?
They are arriving at this time in the Twin Cities area, so hang up the humming bird feeder. Mix 4 parts water and 1 part white sugar, let this come to a boil and let cool before putting in a clean humming bird feeder. The orioles will also drink this mix. So hang one or two feeders now so they will be up when the birds arrive.
n
Has anybody been checking their peach and pear trees this spring for the tree leafing out? Since we lost our peach tree last season, we started another pit last spring and it did grow. We replanted it in the garden, when it was 15 inches tall. We covered it with chicken wire, filled with leaves and it made it through the winter. Are some of you gardeners having good luck in getting them to grow? Let me know of your success.
...
Hank Wessels is a Master Gardener in Watonwan County. He welcomes questions and comments from readers. He may be reached at 601 1st St. SW, Madelia, MN 56062, hwdw@madtelco.net or (507) 642-8479.
Ace of Spades
Related Photos
-
Hank Wessels Hank Wessels
Discussion
Ace of Spades: Hold off asparagus harvest until at least third year
Originally published in the April 30, 2010, print edition.
- Ace of Spades
-
-
Ace of Spades: Kill that quack grass with layers of old newspapers
Remember the root system develops a lot of roots under the surface of the ground, so it is hard to get rid of quack grass.
-
Ace of Spades: Time to get into tomato state of mind; follow these steps
It's time to plant those tomato plants. Here are several tips to help you grow an excellent tomato crop.
-
Ace of Spades: Sprucing up lawn takes effort
Don't plant your tomatoes until at least May 15. If you live
further north, wait another 10 days at least. -
Ace of Spades: Hold off asparagus harvest until at least third year
This is my first year growing an asparagus bed. Can I harvest any of the spears this spring?
-
Ace of Spades: Humming birds should be here soon, if not already
"When should the humming birds be showing up at our feeders?"
-
Ace of Spades: Plant those trees, but make Gopher State One Call first
I’m sure you are ready for spring, since much of the snow has finally melted. This past winter reminded me of the snowy winter of 1951.
-
Ace of Spades: Think locally, grow locally — plant a garden this year
Plant several extra plants or an extra row of vegetables for that person in your life who no longer has the strength to garden. Take some of your excess vegetables to your church to share with others.
-
Ace of Spades: Who knew the plants would get so much snow cover this winter?
It's never too early to start thinking about this year's yard and garden.
-
Ace of Spades: Don’t believe the hype; stay away from Zoysia seed
Soon there will be advertising out claiming that this grass grows well in Minnesota. Beware: Don’t buy or even think about growing this type of grass in the Midwest.
-
Ace of Spades: Suggestions for taking better care of house plants
My houseplants do not look healthy; what can I do for them?
- More Ace of Spades Headlines
-
