Horticultural Advice

Did you know that too much fertilizer will create salt buildup around your plants?

Avoid over fertilizing your plants and irrigate your plants heavily if you suspect salt build up.  Salt will draw water right out of the plant and cause it to wilt or even die. Even better--use organic fertilizers, which improve the soil and will not create salt build up.

Never let plants sit in water for very long

Plants like us need to oxygen to live.  The soil becomes anaerobic (lack of oxygen) when there isn't enough oxygen available.

Compacted soil around your plants can be detrimental to your plants

Roots need good loamy (loose) soil so they can grow and receive nutrition for the plant.  Avoid compacting your soil as much as possible.

Did you know that some pest insects can develop a tolerance for insecticides?

Always read the label and apply application properly.  If you apply too little insectice pest insects can develop a tolerance for the insecticide.  You may have to use alternate insecticides from time to time to avoid pest insect build up.

How do I get rid of pest insects on my interior plants?

Most soft body bugs like aphids and white flies can be eliminated with insecticidal soap.  Use rubbing alcohol on scale and other hard bodied pests.

When is the best time to prune apple and pear trees?

February and March are the best time to prune your apple and pear trees.  Be sure to prune limbs that are waterspouts (limbs that stick straight up), hangers, limbs that cross over other limbs, and diseased limbs.  Long days of rainy weather combined with warm days are ideal conditions for fire blight, which is a bacteria that may harm or even kill your trees. 

How much can landscaping increase the value of your property?

Ask any realtor and they will tell you that professional landscaping can increase the value of your property up to 15%.

What is composting and why is it important?

Composting  involves placing items such as leaves, food scraps (no meat or oils), manure, plant vegetation in a manner that helps them break down into a silty/loamy organic matter.  It is simple to build a compost bin or just make a dedicated compost pile.  Be sure to aerate the compost weekly by turning the pile. Composted matter that is amended into the soil improves soil structure and helps plants uptake nutrition and water more effectively.  Clay soils can be improved by amending composted matter into the clayey soil. This will help plant roots grow easier in the soil.

Did you know that NASA conducted a study of interior plants that improve air pollution indoors? 

Philodendrons, Golden pothos, Chinese evergreens and Peace lilies really do clean the air! 

Check out   http://www.zone10.com/tech/NASA/Fyh.htm

Poisonous Plants of North Carolina:   http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/indcoa_e.htm