Question:

“My caladiums are beautiful this year and I’d like to propagate more to put around other parts of the garden. How do I do this as I know they are tuber-rooted?”

Heather,

Buckhorn, Kentucky  

Answer:

Propagation is done by dividing the tubers and this is usually done after their dormant winter period in the spring just before you plant them.  Cut the tubers into pieces with at least two buds, or “eyes,” per piece.  Plant them only about an inch deep and make sure you water them frequently to get them started. When you transplant them, you can also make a solution of one ounce of Monty’s 4-15-12 in one gallon of water; let the tubers soak while you are preparing their new home.  This will help provide them them with some added nutrients for germination and eaarly vigor. (Once they are up, add one ounce of Monty’s 8-16-8 per gallon of water applied to keep them vibrant and growing.) They like their soil temperatures warm, so don’t expect results until the spring weather warms the soil adequately.

Question:

“When shopping for planters I’ve noticed that many do not have drainage holes in the bottom. I thought you always had to have drainage holes to make sure the plant’s roots won’t rot. Which is the most preferred?”

Jordan, Bonanza, Oregon

Answer:

Planters with or without holes in the bottom for drainage really depends upon what you’re going to plant in them, your own personal watering habits and where the plant is going to live.  Houseplants usually get pots with drainage holes in them simply because they do not have to brave the dry elements of the outside environments such as wind and sun that dries plants out quickly.  Pots without holes in them can also be layered on the bottom with small gravel and sand which will serve the same drainage purpose.  I almost prefer this to the holes in the bottom of the planter, particularly for my houseplants, so I don’t have to worry about water seeping out of the bottom and onto my furniture.  Another practice I’ve adopted for my outside plants is that I use planters with solid bottoms and line the entire pot with a garbage bag to keep the plant’s moisture in longer.  This way they don’t dry out so fast. It seems like during the summer you can’t over water an outside plant.  So basically, by experimenting with both kinds of planters you’ll develop your own preference as well.

Question:

“I have small mushrooms growing all over my lawn, is this normal? Will it harm my lawn? We’ve had a lot of high temperatures and more than average rainfall in our area.  Would this have contributed to all these mushrooms sprouting up?”

Murph, Davenport, Iowa

Answer:

No doubt about it, mushrooms like damp, humid conditions and it sounds like you have had the perfect environment for growing them.  Once the sunlight hits them for a few days they should dry up and dissipate. Otherwise, just rake them out.  They’re not damaging to your lawn or other plants. Myself, I like to get rid of them as soon as possible because I had a dog that used to like to eat them and I’m never sure which are poisonous and which are not.  Mushrooms, as you know, are fungus in the ground which is breaking down dead organic matter and sprouting because of this decomposing.  In some parts of the country – such as Georgia – where the soil is clay and acidic, you will see a prevalent amount of mushroom growth.  Lime is recommended to add to the soil, which neutralizes it and helps prevent mushrooms from growing. If the musrooms are really a problem for you, you might also consider using some Monty’s Liquid Carbon it will help break down some of the organic matter in your lawn rapidly as well as help to balance the environment in your soil and allow for improved drainage.  One application in the spring and/or one in the fall should be sufficient to help improve most lawns.

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