Author Archives: AskthePlantMaster

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About AskthePlantMaster

I have 50 years of horticultural experience, am currently a Master Gardener in Central Florida. In addition, I'm a Horticulture Instructor and retired Parks Manager and Arborist. I love plants and would love to help you with yours!

White Flies

Posted on February 18, 2013 by AskthePlantMaster

Because of our location and weather, we have had more than our share of pest problems. Recently I learned about a new one we have to contend with – Rogose Spiraling Whitefly.  This pest affects over 60 plant species including … Continue reading →

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Powdery Mildew

Posted on December 14, 2012 by AskthePlantMaster

Much like Downey Mildew, Powdery Mildew can become a problem during periods of warm days and cool evenings, such as we are currently experiencing.  This fungal disease is found quite often on the upper leaf surfaces of many of our … Continue reading →

Posted in Frequently Asked Questions, Plant Pests, Powdery Mildew, Winter Florida Gardening | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Downy Mildew on Impatiens

Posted on December 14, 2012 by AskthePlantMaster

Many of you have reported a sudden decline in your garden variety of impatiens plantings.  This is due to the presence of downy mildew attacking your plants.  Spores of this fungal disease are practically present everywhere – on the plants … Continue reading →

Posted in Downy Mildew, Frequently Asked Questions, Plant Diseases, Plant Pests, Winter Florida Gardening | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Free Gardening Classes at Debary Hall

Posted on November 14, 2012 by AskthePlantMaster

Sometime ago, I reported about new gardening classes that I would be teaching at Debary Hall, Debary, FL.  Well, I’ve started them and encourage you to attend.  This Thursday, starting at 1 p.m., I’ll be discussing azalea and camellia culture … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening Classes, Landscape Gardening, Plant Knowledge, Winter Florida Gardening | Leave a comment

Winter Lawns

Posted on November 14, 2012 by AskthePlantMaster

Lately I’ve received several requests from homeowners for information on overseeding their lawns with winter rye grass seed.  My reply to these individuals was why?  Because we have warm season turf varieties, as the weather turns cooler, our lawns (except … Continue reading →

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Fertilizing and Pruning

Posted on November 14, 2012 by AskthePlantMaster

As I write this blog (the 13th of November), I encourage you to postpone any additional fertilizer applications to your landscape.  Most plants, including your lawn don’t need it and you’ve wasted fertilizer, plus if you just pruned back any … Continue reading →

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Soil Tests

Posted on November 14, 2012 by AskthePlantMaster

Now that our weather has begun to turn cooler and our garden activities begin to slow down, this would be an ideal time to have your soil tested, especially if you either haven’t done it or if it was done … Continue reading →

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Mt. Dora Plant Sale

Posted on October 25, 2012 by AskthePlantMaster

Coming up on the 3rd and 4th of November is the annual Mt. Dora Plant Sale, which I’ve been going to for many years.  There are lots of plants and garden accessories available.  I recommend you try to attend.  Details … Continue reading →

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Caterpillars

Posted on October 25, 2012 by AskthePlantMaster

Caterpillars seem to be eating everything now.  Although they will form a pupae and later emerge as a butterfly or moth, if you want to eliminate them, then I suggest you apply liquid Sevin, preferably early in the morning or … Continue reading →

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Oak Galls

Posted on October 25, 2012 by AskthePlantMaster

Many of you have reported finding small gall-like structures on some of your oak leaves.  What to do…spraying with a pesticide won’t help as this problem occurred several months ago as new leaves developed.  At that time a small fly-like … Continue reading →

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