Gardening Questions and Answers

Here is your chance to ask gardening questions of all members of Chuckanut District.                

Please send your Questions (or Answers) to Sharon Merrill at mvps.sharonm@yahoo.com

Questions and Answers will be kept for 90 days from the date of the Question.

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Question 1: (01-23-12)sent by Kim Smith of Green Team Gardeners

There were little holes in my potato leaves, when I harvested the potatoes they were scabby.  What happened and what can I do for next year?

Answer: (From Sylvia Weber - GTG)  The holes were caused by an insect.  I found by experience planting Horse Radish in your potato patch is an effective retardant.  Plant  Horse Radish in a container then plant container in the ground as it can be invasive.  My husband tilled it and now we have Horse Radish that I had to pull.  I left it in the rows as it is excellent in repelling unwanted pests.  It has nice looking big green leaves.

Question 2:  (01-23-12) sent by Kim Smith of GTG

The deer ate my cabbage and roses.  How can I remedy this?

Answer: (From Sylvia Weber - GTG) To retard the deer from eating your plants, cut Irish Spring soap bars in half, tie them in an old nylon, net from vegetables, or oranges etc.  Stake this in the ground so the bars are elevated.  I like staking the bars up so deer can better smell it, the bars last all season this way. 

Question 3:  (01-23-12) sent by Kim Smith of GTG

What can be done about aphids.

Answer: (From Sylvia Weber - GTG) Some say wash them away with the spray of your garden hose.  I also plant nasturtiums near an area I know will be affected.  The aphids go onto the nostrum leaves, I pick them and water wash them.

                               Potato Plant

                      Horseradish Plant

                        Nasturtium Plant