NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665
February 10, 2000
Ron Smith, Extension Horticulturist
North Dakota State University
Q: Do you have any information on how to get African violets to bloom? Should they have specific size pots etc? I use African violet soil and have them in an east window, but they don't seem to be doing very well. (Minot, N.D.)
A: Basically, African violets need bright--but not direct--light, along with a warm, humid environment. They do not do well when their environment goes through fluctuations. When watering, keep it off the foliage, and allow the liquid to come to room temperature before using.
Q: We recently moved to a different home and are anticipating planting a vegetable garden. Presently there is no garden plot in the yard. We realize a garden's first year may not be its best, so what should we consider in locating our garden and what should be done to best prepare the soil? (Fargo, N.D.)
A: Refer to "Everybody's Garden Guide" (H-618), a publication of the NDSU Extension Service. You can read it over on these waning winter days. In addition keep the following pointers in mind:
- The garden will need about six hours of direct sunlight a day for good production. Given a choice, morning light is better than afternoon sunlight.
- Turn the soil over, have the soil tested, and incorporate organic matter, such as peat moss or compost, in the top 6 inches.
- Allow the weed seed time to sprout before planting--about seven to 10 days. Then hoe shallowly. Repeat, then plant.
- Plant for canopy cover to reduce weeding frequency after the first month.
- Avoid watering on the foliage.
- Select varieties of vegetables that are touted for their earliness and disease resistance.
Q: This is to pass on information about a jade plant I have had for about six years. It is blooming! It has three clusters of pale pink flowers shaped like stars that have bloomed since November and are only now starting to wilt. Very pretty!
I checked my plant book and it said jade plants in a house will never bloom. Mother Nature has been fooled by this jade plant, perhaps because it has sat in the same southern exposure spot for three years. I water it once every two weeks and talk to it once in awhile, thanking it for being such a nice plant. I found this quite interesting and thought I would share it with you. (West Fargo, N.D.)
A: A very interesting and exciting bit of horticulture info! You've obviously found the perfect technique and location to fool Mother Nature! Nice going!
Q: I would like to move a 4- to 5-foot-tall blue spruce to my yard. The top 6 to 8 inches of soil where I intend to plant it is good black dirt, but under that is gravel--fill type dirt. There is an old driveway and an old foundation also covered with black dirt. Will the spruce grow in this type of soil? Would a mound or berm work? (Carrington, N.D., e-mail)
A: As long as weeds of all kinds are growing, I see no reason why the spruce shouldn't grow. Try to keep the spruce oriented in the same compass direction. That is, put a ribbon on a north side branch, and attempt to relocate the tree with that ribbon still facing north. Be sure to water it in well upon transplanting.
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Do you have a gardening or houseplant question? Write to Hortiscope, Box 5051, NDSU Extension Service, Fargo, ND 58105 or e-mail to Ron Smith at ronsmith@ndsuext.nodak.edu.
Source: Ron Smith (701) 231-8161
ronsmith@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Dean Hulse (701) 231-6136