GARDEN GAFFES : Most Palm Woes Start at Selection

The most common mistake that home gardeners make with palms is in the initial selection, according to Lynn Muir, owner of Palms of the World Nursery in Dana Point.

Some palms grow quickly and, if planted in the wrong spot, can become too big. Other palms may grow to only a few feet tall.

“If you don’t understand how big they get, that’s the biggest problem,” Muir said.

Nurseries and landscapers don’t always have the right answers, Muir said, so a little independent research may be in order before buying a palm.

Fall color--Home gardeners looking to add some fall color need to keep an eye on what kinds of plants they’re buying, according to horticultural consultant Cristin Fusano of Roger’s Gardens in Corona del Mar.

Many nurseries are still stocking summer annuals such as phlox, petunias and asters, which will not do well in cool weather. The best bets for fall color include pansies, Iceland poppies, dianthus and snapdragons.

Fusano also noted that tulips, which should be planted by Christmas, need to be chilled for about six weeks before going into the ground--so now is the time to start planning.

Fruit trees--If you’re wondering why that fruit tree isn’t producing, chances are Lucille Ragsdale of Lucky’s Nursery in Garden Grove will have an answer. Ragsdale, who has owned the nursery since 1954, specializes in fruit and nut trees.

In the case of some fruits, particularly apricots and plums, two types of trees need to be planted for purposes of pollination--otherwise, the trees won’t bear fruit.

Cherry trees grow in the county, but rarely produce fruit, because they require more sharply defined seasons. Among nut trees, Ragsdale said walnuts are unsuccessful locally because of a chronic problem with husk flies.

She pointed out that a variety of fruit and nut species do quite well in the county--even such exotics as mangoes, papayas and macadamias.

A final tip: Don’t use redwood chips in the planting mix. “It takes the nutrients out of the soil,” Ragsdale says.

Feeding time--Miss a planned feeding time for your vegetable garden? Don’t compensate by doubling up on the next scheduled feeding. The best thing to do is return to the regular feeding schedule and never exceed amounts specified in directions. Twice as much plant food is not necessarily twice as beneficial--in fact, chances are it will be detrimental.

House plants--In general, house plants need less water as the days get shorter--but keep an eye on plants near a fireplace or heater--they may dry out more quickly. Another reminder: Plants in plastic pots require less water than those in clay pots, which “breathe.”

Pruning--Fight the urge to prune those deciduous trees too soon; wait until December or January, when they are completely dormant.