Brenda's Blog

My tomato plants are huge and dark green, but I don't get any tomatoes.  What is the problem?

When healthy, vigorous tomato plants won't flower, the problem is usually too much nitrogen.  This is usually caused by a chemical fertilizer with a high first number like 15-15-15.  If you have applied this type of fertilizer, all you can do is wait until the plant uses it up or rain washes it out of the soil.  Then you can replant in a different area or in a container for tomatoes this year.  Using a fertilizer specially formulated for fruiting or blooming is the best way to ensure you have a nice crop.  There are many commercial fertilizers on the market so select one with a high second number, or one just for tomatoes.  Remember too, that tomatoes need lots of sun.  Too much shade will also cause under productivity in your tomato plants.

If you love tomatoes, nothing beats a fresh home grown, red ripe, sliced tomato.  Even if you have a very small space, you can easily grow tomatoes in a container.  Be sure to fertilize with a specific water soluble fertilizer and stake with a tomato cage or other support.

How do I preserve my tomatoes for later use? Wash and pat dry.  Quarter directly into freezer zip loc bags.  Pop into the freezer (remember to lay flat).  Use in soups, stews, spaghetti sauce, etc. 

In today's busy, busy, world the home gardener who is looking for easy maintenance, low care plants seem to be overlooking Bulbs.  What could be more beautiful than the nodding lily of the valley like flower blooming in Moss' garden now called the Giant Snowflake? We planted these bulbs more than a decade ago and each spring they emerge faithfully providing us with not only lovely early spring blooms, but also exquisite cut flowers for weddings and spring arrangements.  And this flower is just one of the many minor bulbs that are overlooked. Other bulbs that are hardy and easy to grow include calla lillies, scilla, muscari, allium, fritillaria and many others. 

There are bulbs planted in the fall to bloom in the Spring and bulbs planted in the Spring to bloom in the Summer.

Are there bulbs that can be planted now for Summer Bloom since I missed planting the Fall bulbs?

Yes, there are many bulbs that can be planted now that will bloom this summer.  Included in this category are: Dahlias, Cannas, Oriental Lillies, Galtonia, Lily of the Valley, Crinum, and Surprise Lillies.

Should I feed my Spring flowering bulbs now?

Assuming you bought quality bulbs, your first season of bloom is assured.  For the seasons thereafter, when the leaves appear sprinkle some compost, cow manure, or water once with Fertilome Root and Bloom at half strength around the base of the plant.

Can I cut off the leaves when my blooms fade?

No. No. No. Next year's flower strength resides inside the green leaves.  Wait until the leaves yellow then remove.

When can I dig up and move my Daffodils?

The ideal time is eight weeks after flowering if you must move them in the spring.  The Fall is usually the best time to move or transplant.

Moss' Greenhouse and Nursery has what you need to beautify your garden. From annuals and perennials to shrubs and trees, Moss’s has a wide variety from which to choose.