• We love hardscapes and talk about creating a great space with Belgard Pavers.

Caller:

• Scott – He planted cucumbers in his above ground planter and after 2 weeks they aren’t doing well. He’s heard that they might be too many, too close together.

Recommendation – They sound like they’re about 10 inches apart and that should not be an issue for “stealing nutrients.” He might need to add some organic fertilizer. Jay would check the moisture and it sounds like he’s keeping them too wet.

• We get into a discussion on watering veggies and some common misconceptions.

• It’s a great time to be planting & caring for your citrus plants!

Callers:

• Mickey – He planted a bunch of oleander and some are not doing well, compared to others. Any ideas what could be the reason?

Recommendation – Oleander’s will grow in pretty much any soil. Jay would add some fertilizer to the ones struggling. It probably is NOT this, but it could be that he got some dwarf oleander’s mixed in. We talk extensively on what it could be.

• Dan – He got a bunch of cuttings from his neighbors lemon tree and they look good. When can he plant them and when can he put them in direct sunlight?

Recommendation – He needs to find out how many roots are established. This is tricky and Jay gives a few ideas. It will need to be in shade for a while so it doesn’t burn up too.

Text From a Listener:

• Can you graft 2 different fruits onto on dwarf tree?

Recommendation – You can add two similar fruits, but not citrus with apples, etc. So yes! They’re called a “Cocktail Tree.” Jay talks about better options for success if you have limited space.

Texts From Listeners:

• Is sedgehammer my only option when it comes to nut grass?

Recommendation – If it’s in a lawn, it kind of is. It could take multiple applications and years to get rid of it.  There’s no magic bullet.

• They have a 1 year old lemon tree. How long do they take before fruit will start to grow?

Recommendation – Citrus takes about 5 or 6 years before it really starts producing fruit. If he’s planting a 5 year old tree, it might take a few more years to establish, so he’s got a few years to wait.

• What fruit trees need pollinators?

Recommendation – Technically, they all do. Some are just self-pollinators. We have a few examples to make the point. It’s a really hard thing to answer, but they can ask about a specific plant and we can tell them no.

• Jacob – His sod has been laid down and is overseeded. How long before he needs to fertilize?

Recommendation – Jay recommends it after the 2nd mowing.

Remember, you can stop by Harper’s Nursery & Landcaping Company during the week in Scottsdale.