Search results for: jeff rugg
A Greener View: Fall Flower and Vegetable Bed Care – Jeff Rugg
by Jeff Rugg, contributing writer (NOTE: With this, Jeff’s column will return close to spring – TY, Jeff!) Q: How do I prepare my small flower bed for winter? I have a few black-eyed Susans that look pretty scary right now. Do I cut the tops off or what? I have some dead-looking petunias. Should…
Read MoreA Greener View: If you need a yellow flowering plant pick Goldenrods – Jeff Rugg
by Jeff Rugg, A Greener View, contributing writer Have you seen yellow flowering plants along the side of the road or in people’s gardens? They are probably goldenrods. Last week, I talked about the hidden green flowers of ragweed that are the culprits behind hay fever. I mentioned that goldenrods often get the blame, so…
Read MoreA Greener View: Ragweeds Are the Culprit Behind Hay Fever – Jeff Rugg
by Jeff Rugg, A Greener View, contributing writer Ragweeds are in the Ambrosia genus in the aster family. There are about 50 species of ragweed. Most grow in the desert areas of the American Southwest and Mexico. Some species have been spread around the world, where they are now invasive species. The common name is…
Read MoreA Greener View: Fall Soil Care for More Success with Veggies and Flowers in Spring – Jeff Rugg
by Jeff Rugg, contributing writer Q: How do I prepare my small flower bed for winter? I have a few black-eyed Susans that look pretty scary right now. Do I cut the tops off or what? I have some dead-looking petunias. Should I just pull them up and fill in the area with new soil…
Read MoreA Greener View: Lichens, Algae and Fungus Gnats – Jeff Rugg
by Jeff Rugg, contributing writer Q: There is a mossy growth on the lower portion of the tree trunks in our neighborhood. It grows in circles and is in a variety of colors. Is it harmful to our trees? A: You are describing an interesting plant called a lichen. Lichens are actually a combination of…
Read MoreA Greener View: Picking Tomatoes All Wrong – Jeff Rugg
by Jeff Rugg, contributing writer Q: I took your advice and tried some new vegetables in my garden this year. I have several colors of tomatoes that are not red. I am new to gardening, so how do I tell when the various colors of tomatoes are ripe? A: Even though everyone thinks they know…
Read MoreA Greener View: Repotting Houseplants – Jeff Rugg
by Jeff Rugg, contributing writer, A Greener View Q: Our HOA is sponsoring a plant swap in a few weeks. People can dig up plants in their gardens or divide houseplants. Do you have any tips for the proper way to prepare the plants? A: Let’s take the plant groups one at a time. First,…
Read MoreA Greener View: Oak Tree Problems – Jeff Rugg
by Jeff Rugg, contributing writer Q: The leaves on my newly planted oak tree have numerous holes, and the edges of the leaf are missing. I do not see any insects, but I am worried about the tree. Most of the tree is like this. A: Oaks are pretty tolerant of many insect pests. Holes…
Read MoreA Greener View: Gladiolus and Hollyhock – Jeff Rugg
by Jeff Rugg, A Greener View, contributing writer Time sure flies when you aren’t looking. I started writing a weekly newspaper column on landscaping, gardening and wildlife 35 years ago this week. I think I have helped a lot of people with their problems. How can I help you? Q: My gladiolus bulbs have not…
Read MoreA Greener View: Ladybug, ladybug, the garden is waiting – Jeff Rugg
by Jeff Rugg, contributing writer Q: What can you tell me about ladybugs? We have aphids on our iris and rose plants. Do ladybugs really help by eating them? Should I buy some or wait for the ones living nearby to come? A: There are about 5,000 species of ladybugs worldwide with about 500 species…
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