Peterborough & Area Master Gardeners

Q: My tuberous begonias were particularly nice this year. How do I over winter them?
A: As soon as the flowering slows down and/or the foliage is nipped by frost carefully dig up the tubers. Shake off any loose dirt and cut back the foliage. Store in containers of peat moss in a cool, dry, frost-free area. cool, dark basement is ideal. Check periodically for any rot, dust with sulphur at the first sign. In order to plant outside at the end of May, the tubers should be potted up at the beginning of March. Keep barely moist in a well4it window until top growth appears. Use a well-diluted fertilizer every second week and your plants should delight you with a great season of bloom.

Q: When and how do I prune my trumpet vine (campsis)?
A: Generally speaking, trumpet vines need little pruning unless it has become too large for the space. If that is the case, remove lateral growth, leaving only the main stem. Cut back any old and woody stems to the vigorous young shoots near the base of the stem. The best time to prune is after flowering.

Q: Suggest some herbs for the annual garden.
A: Sage, sweet basil, coriander and parsley.

Q: Suggest some good shady annuals for the garden.
A: Impatiens, lobelias, salvia and tuberous and fibrous begonias.
Potted shade loving house plants love to be placed in shaded areas of the garden in summer! They add extra colour and foliage interest.

Q: Please suggest a plan for an annual garden.
A: Plant the centre area with tall (27") plants first in large groupings. Plant smaller plants (19") in front and behind this centre planting. Leave the ends of the bed for smaller, globe4ike bushy plants such as geraniums. The general rule of thumb for this plan is to keep taller plants in the middle and shorter plants on the edges.

Q: I am thinking of having a wild flower area on my property. I have few acres. Is this feasible?
A: Yes. Wild flower gardens are becoming more popular. Try starting with a small area first to see if you like the effect. A true meadow will take up to three years to reach maturity. There are many "over the counter" mixtures available but check the seed contents/list before buying. Some mixes contain a lot of sawdust, golden rod and/or other filler seeds that you may find undesirable. There are good seed houses that put out catalogues where you can choose your own varieties to make up your own flower mix which will suit your site and personal tastes.

Q: What annuals can I start from seed indoors in January?
A: A few suggestions: try Impatiens, Dusty Miller, Pelargoniums, Pansy and Wax Begonias.

Q: When is a good time to move a peony?
A: Lift and divide in the early fall. Peonies don't like root disturbance and several years may go by before the crowns flower freely. Do not dig them up unless necessary or unless you want to increase your stock. Only replant tubers with eyes or growth buds. Make sure the eye is 2" below soil level. Too deep planting may result in small or no flowers.

Q: How do I look after antique roses?
A: Plant only winter-hardy varieties (suggestions: Alba, Centifolia, Galli( and Damask) to start. Plant them in well drained fertile soil with at le~ six hours of sun (Alba will tolerate very light shade). Feed them well spring, prune off all dead and diseased branches, water deeply then mulch during any early summer dry spell. Prune off the top third after bloom Hand pick any pests or spray them with insecticidal soap only if absolutely necessary. Give them a bit of mulch around their roots in late fall for t first year or two and then simply enjoy. Other antique roses are not hardy in southern Ontario and will require the same care as modern Hybrid roses.

Q: Wild Morning Glories are taking over in the yard of my newly purchased house. How can I get rid of them?
A: A good way of catching up to these plants is to pull them out. You r have to continue doing this for some time until they cease to come up best to pull them out before their growth reaches 2". Another option mulch heavily over the area.