Your Questions
Ask any gardening question — you'll get answers from Johnson County Extension Master Gardeners and other area gardeners. And feel free to answer some questions yourself.
Tip of the Week
From The Extension
Meet The Bloggers
New hardiness map
So after years of going back and forth on our heat-cold zones, I read this week that we are now in a solid Zone 6. I’ve talked to people who are really excited about all the new plant selections we will have in the KC area. I’m kind of conservative about this. I figure it only takes one really awful winter to kill a $200 Zone 6 tree, so I’ll stick with Z5 trees and shrubs. What do you think? - Gugsi - Continues »
1
Propagating crepe myrtles
Can you propagate crepe myrtle bushes in KC? If so, how? - Thanks - Donna - Continues »
1
Trimming knockouts
In March should you cut these back to 18 inches or just trim the dead — they are 4 ft tall 4 ft around. - CD - Continues »
0
Garden catalogs excite emotions
Are you starting to lust over the garden catalogs arriving in the mail as you look out the window at winter desolation? You’re not alone. This week Dennis Patton offers advice on how to read the catalogs and words that should make you think twice. To read more … Continues »
6
Bulbs are starting to peak
I just noticed today that my hyacinth bulbs are starting to peak through the soil. Way too early. Should I not be concerned or try to cover them up with mulch? - Chuck - Continues »
1
Prune and fertilize trees now?
A weekend gardening news segment recommended pruning and fertilizing trees now. We have always done that in late winter. Why would it be a good time to do either of these things in January? - Gugsi - Continues »
5
Cypress shrub looks dead
My 7-year old cypress shrub looks dead after the cold hit this week. I had noticed it had more brown needles on the inside than usual. I have been watering it. I see no pests. Is there anything I can do to rejuvenate it? Thanks, Gwen - Continues »
2
Winter watering keeps plants healthy
We normally think only about watering in the heat of summer but this dry winter we need to be watering too, Dennis Patton says in his weekly tip column. He explains why and how. To read more… Continues »
2
Watering in “winter”
Dennis, can you post again about watering in the winter? And please tell me I haven’t been wasting my time, because I’ve been hauling water out to the new trees and shrubs, and even watering established plants. I’m loving the weather, but I know this long dry spell isn’t good for the plants, especially the evergreens. - Gugsi - Continues »
0
Top 10 plants
Forget the icy cold snap. It’s January — time to think ahead. How many of the national’s Top 10 plants do you have in your garden? In this week’s column, Dennis Patton lists the Top 10 plants with a little advice about how they do in KC. To read the column … Continues »
1
Reiger plant
How should I care for my Reiger plant? - Margery - Continues »
1
What are AHS zones?
Garden magazines and catalogs list plants cold hardiness zones, but I’m starting to see something called “AHS zones.” I think it has to do with heat. Can you tell me what it is and how I would use this information? What is our AHS zone? Thanks. - Wildchild - Continues »
4
Mother-in-law plants
I have several mother-in-law plants that just won’t grow. They don’t die but they don’t grow. I have seen these plants 3 feet tall before. Any ideas on why they don’t prosper? - Marilyn - Continues »
1
Budding apple trees
Someone in the office said that apple trees are starting to bud. Given the warm forecast for at least the next few days, is there a higher-than-usual risk that a return to more typically winter weather could result in a widespread kill-off of area trees? Thanks - Captain S. - Continues »
0
Caution with warm weather
If you are like me then you have greatly enjoyed the warmer winter days over the holidays. A few more nice days are in the forecast. Please do not be fooled by this nice weather spell. It is still early to start pruning or transplanting trees and shrubs. There are a good eight weeks of potentially harsh winter weather ahead. Take this time to walk through the garden thinking about possible changes for the upcoming season. Take a walk for some exercise and dream of spring which is just around the corner. Dennis - Johnson County Extension - Continues »
3
Leaves in the garden
Could you please tell me the best way to incorporate the use of leaves in the garden? Can they be tilled right in or would it be best to first compost them before tilling into the soil? Does it make a difference if they are shredded or not? Thanks! - Chuck - Continues »
1
Warm weather and pruning
Given the nice weather we’re having, when will it be the proper time to prune the trees that we usually prune in the winter? Thanks - Gwen - Continues »
9
Sweetgum dilemma
I was walking past our sweetgum tree this weekend and noticed about 40,000 spiky gumballs hanging from the branches. I’ve never tried composting them once they fall but I doubt that would work. Has anyone come up with creative ways to get rid of them besides having them hauled away? - Craig - Continues »
0
Perennial garden cleanup
Take advantage of some of the nicer winter weather and get a jump on spring clean up. I have gotten out and cut back all the peony foliage and if time permits I will tackle a few other perennials. I leave withered foliage that has winter interest and food for the birds. If it is just debris I get it out of the garden. That puts me a little ahead of schedule come spring. Dennis - Johnson County Extension Continues »
1
Wonderful rain
Rain, rain….. It is great to see the rainfall. This wonderful rain means that we can stop worrying about drought conditions and our evergreens. This rain provides nice moisture for the plants to survive the winter. That is at least for now. So go ahead and drain the hoses and disconnect from the faucet. Relax and enjoy the upcoming holidays knowing that soil moisture is excellent. Dennis - Johnson County Extension Continues »