Washing Leaves Could Get Rid of Spider Mites
QUESTION: Is there an alternative to poisonous sprays that will control red spider mites?
ANSWER: If the infestation is not too advanced, simply wash them from the undersides of the leaves with a strong spray of water. You will have to repeat daily until they are under control.
In the outdoors, red spider mites multiply rapidly when their natural predators are eliminated by various chemical sprays. Sprays such as carbaryl and diazinon applied to control other insects will often promote a buildup of spider mites. In an indoor environment, spider mites thrive in warm, dry conditions; keeping foliage clean and misting plants daily will help prevent infestations.
October Best Time to Plant Strawberries
Q: What’s the best time to plant strawberries in my area?
A: In most of Southern California, commercial growers plant strawberries in October, which is probably the best time. However, strawberries may be planted with success in the home garden from October through February.
Incidentally, the tiny, tasty alpine strawberries may be planted from seed any time of the year. The plants are more ornamental than standard strawberries and do not put out runners. Unlike standard strawberries which require full sun, alpine strawberries do best in sites that receive only partial sun.
Neighbor’s Lemon Tree Prompts Envy
Q: A neighbor has a lemon tree that seems to always be loaded with fruit. She doesn’t know what kind of a lemon tree it is but the skin color is more of a golden color than yellow. I would like to plant a similar tree. Any ideas as to what type of lemon this might be?
A: Your neighbor’s tree is an Improved Meyer lemon. It is a highly ornamental and productive tree that is suitable for more climatic zones of the Southland than other lemon types. Indeed, the Improved Meyer lemon is the citrus tree most often selected for Southland landscape usage. Once established, it will bear fruit on an almost year-round basis.
Trees That Change Color in Autumn
Q: I come from New England and I miss the spectacular autumn foliage displays. Can you suggest a couple of trees suited for our area that will change color in the fall?
A: The Chinese pistache and liquidambar trees will both produce striking fall color displays in most Southland growing zones. In mid-fall the Chinese pistache foliage turns to brilliant shades of red, burgundy, orange and sometimes yellow. Depending upon the variety of liquidambar tree you select, fall foliage will be deep gold, yellow, burgundy, purple or bright red.
Where Will Pecan Trees Produce Crop?
Q: Will a pecan tree grow and produce nuts in Southern California?
A: Perhaps in the hottest inland valleys; elsewhere the tree will probably grow but not produce nuts. In order to bear nuts, the tree requires not only hot summer days, but warm nights as well. The San Joaquin Valley has an ideal climate for nut-bearing pecan trees. In milder regions, the pretty, graceful trees make good (but large) landscape items.
Switch From Indoor to Outdoor Too Fast
Q: Last year I grew lush, healthy vegetable and flower transplants indoors under grow lights. The day after I transplanted them into my garden they looked awful and in a few days most died. What went wrong?
A: Although you didn’t mention it, I assume you transplanted directly from an indoor to an outdoor environment. This is a definite no-no! Before you plant indoor-grown plants outdoors, you gradually expose them to outdoor conditions--especially direct sunlight. An hour the first day, two hours the next, etc., for one week.
Plumeria Can Be Grown in Southland
Q: I’ve just returned from Hawaii where I fell in love with the scent of plumeria blossoms. Can plumeria be grown here?
A: It grows quite well in the milder zones of Southern California where temperatures remain above 28 degrees F., or frost protection is provided. Generally, if avocado trees thrive in an area, so will plumeria plants. The most fragrant and easiest variety to grow here is called Hawaiian Yellow. Unlike Hawaiian plumeria, when grown here the plants are deciduous and lose their leaves in the winter.
Valencia Crop Varies From Good to Poor
Q: My Valencia orange tree has a huge crop one year and a very spare crop the next year. What causes this?
A: In many climatic zones of the Southland, the Valencia orange tree tends to be alternate bearing. It produces a heavy crop one year and a light crop the next.
Book Good Source for Native Plants
Q: I’ve heard that many California native plants are both attractive and drought-tolerant. Where can I learn more about them?
A: A book called “Trees and Shrubs for Dry California Landscapes,” by Bob Perry, is an excellent source. While not limited to California natives, many are included. They are described in detail and illustrated with color photographs. It is published by Land Design Publishing, P.O. Box 857, San Dimas, Calif. 91773.
Houseplants Declined Rapidly After Purchase
Q: The houseplants that I bought at the local swap meet were beautiful at the time of purchase, but have rapidly gone down hill ever since. Any ideas why?
A: Mass-produced houseplants are often grown very quickly in heated greenhouses where they are fertilized heavily and given lots of light. Often, when they are placed in the home environment where conditions aren’t as favorable, they will decline quickly.
