The Garden Plot

Gardening

Adrian Higgins (The Washington Post)

Got a chronic case of green thumb? Like getting your hands dirty? Adrian Higgins, garden editor for The Post's Home section, is here to help. Higgins is a firm believer in "tough plants for tough times" -- the varieties that combine good looks with stiff resistance to disease and pests. He currently rules over a garden filled with spring bulbs, daffodils, ornamental onions, perennials, asters, yarrows, hostas and day lilies. Higgins, an avid organic gardener who believes chemicals are a last resort, also tends his own herb and vegetable gardens where he grows peas, garlic onions, lettuce, rhubarbs, radishes, carrots and more.

Submit your questions and comments before or during the discussion.

Higgins is the author of two books, "The Secret Gardens of Georgetown: Behind the Walls of Washington's Most Historic Neighborhood" and "The Washington Post Garden Book: The Ultimate Guide to Gardening in Greater Washington and the Mid-Atlantic Region."

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

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Boston, Mass.: Is it too early to prune roses in Zone 6. We are having frosts at night and still have a few piles of snow in the garden; but the days are in the 50s.

Adrian Higgins: If anything a wee late. Best done before buds break. If yours is a rose bush, prune to leave four or five main canes, about 18 inches above the crown. Remove crossing and diseases branches first. Snip about a half inch above an outward facing bud. Wear gloves.

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Purcellville, Va.: My "garden" is hard-packed, non-draining clay. Last year I tilled-in several pick-up loads of mulch, and placed several more loads on the surface. However, the water still sits on the surface after a rain and most things grow very poorly or not at all. Is there anything I can do to grow anything other than weeds? Thank you for taking my question.

Adrian Higgins: Sometimes the soil conditions are so bad that it takes two to three years of soil amendment to make it workable. Stay with it. If it doesn't turn into a nice, draining tilth you should select plants that will take flood conditions and build perhaps an elevated deck through the swamp.

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Washington, D.C.: Welcome back! Now I know spring is really here... Trying my hand at starting some begonias from bulb this year, instead of plunking down for plants later in the spring. They'll be in containers -- is it too early to start them outside? Should I wait till after the last frost date?

Adrian Higgins: Tuberous begonias are pretty hardy, planting them now should be ok with a sufficient mulch. They don't like the heat and humidity of summer, give them good drainage and be careful to water the roots but not the foliage.

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Washington, D.C.: I am a huge carnivorous plant enthusiast. I moved to DC from Boston three years ago and I thought there would be more carnivorous plant botanical gardens in the area since we are so close to many bog wetlands. This has not been the case. There are more nurseries and clubs for like-minded individuals in New England than here; so I have found. Do you know of any gardens, growers or enthusiasts sharing my interest in carnivorous plants in the Washington, DC area? Thanks!

Adrian Higgins: I thought there was a carnivorous plant group in Washington. I would check with the Virginia Native Plant Society, they may have some links on their website. Also, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond has a good display of sarracenias.

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Annandale, Va.: Good morning! I'm going to start a butterfly garden. Could you recommend some flowers that would do particulary well? I'm planning on buying a "butterfly bush". Thanks for any ideas!

Adrian Higgins: That's a good start. One thing people overlook is the plant needs of the caterpillars. There are a number of books on the topic, there is also a Washington Butterfly Club whose meetings are announced regularly in the Home section of The Post. Lantanas and zinnias, trite as they are, offer good nectar sources for adult butterflies.

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Washington, D.C.: Hello. I just got my first community garden plot, and since I live in an apartment, this means I am a gardening newbie. Last weekend I planted lettuce, spinach and sugar snap peas (please tell me I'm not too late). Now I'm wondering--when should I put in my tomato plants? (cherry tomatoes, most likely). When should I plant my herbs? (basil, oregano, chives, etc.) And no, for the tomatoes and herbs I would not be starting them from seed. Thanks, I'm so excited about my new garden!

Adrian Higgins: Congratulations. Keep abreast of the weeds. The crops you mentioned are fine, though you may want to harvest the spinach young, it will get seedy and bitter in high summer. You can sow again in August for a (better) fall crop. Most of your herbs can go in now, but not the basil. Even in DC I would wait until the first week of May.

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Indian Head, Md.: Adrian - Is there a "full size" tomato that comes close to the super sweet taste of Super Sweet 100 Cherry Tomatoes? I'm always blown away by the flavor of the Super Sweet 100s, but would love to find it in a tomato that I could slice for a BLT. Thanks!

Adrian Higgins: I don't know if there is one as sweet as that. A good choice would be Sweet Cluster, a hybrid sold by Tomato Growers Supply Co (1-888-478-7333. Personally I like tomatoes to have a bit of tang to make them more interesting.

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Washington, D.C.: I love "Arnold's Promise" witch hazel. I recently walked through one of the Smithsonian's gardens where several were in full bloom and they were beautiful and smell wonderful. I had planted a small one at home (Southern Maryland) several years ago, in full sun, but it didn't thrive and after 2 or 3 years, finally died, having only bloomed the first year. I'd love to have one of these beautiful plants in my garden and want to try again. Does this plant have any special requirements or does it suffer from any particular pest problems? Can you offer any advice to help my next "Arnold's Promise" thrive?

Adrian Higgins: Witch hazel is a tough bird. It is a woodland plant and does best in organic rich soil, but it won't take standing water. Perhaps that was the problem.

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HELP!!: Mr. Higgins: I think my ficus is dying. It hasn't been moved in over a year and had been growing beautifully, we have been watering it once a week, it gets great sun but its leaves are yellowing and falling off at an alarming rate. What to do??? As a second question, any preference on what type (size, style) of pots to get for an indoor herb garden. Thanks for your help.

Adrian Higgins: In winter dormancy, once a week watering may be a little too much. Make sure the soil is not still moist before rewatering. It would do best if placed outdoors in a shady location. It should regenerate its leaves this spring.

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Alexandria, Va.: What, please, can I do about Morning Glory? About stopping the thousands of seedlings that come up every year and eventually throttle everything in their path? I do love those blue flowers, but the cost is too great to everything else. Am I destined to twice daily "weedings" or is there something more I can do?

Adrian Higgins: Yes, just stay vigilant and tug at one every time you are in the yard. They will soon be gone.

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Annapolis, Md.: Whether because of the promise of spring or daylight savings time I feel exuberant at this time of year, ready to tackle anything garden or otherwise. Such a contrast to winter months. Is there anything written about this phenomenon - is it mostly a gardeners' thing?

Adrian Higgins: That's the beauty of spring. The slate is wiped clean, we all start with the greenest of thumbs and the greatest of intentions. I strive to learn from last season's mistakes, and then forget them. Sadly, not all the best garden work is done in the spring, such as lawn renovation or dormant pruning, but strike while the iron is hot.

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Annapolis, Md.: Have you suggestions on where to get high quality seeds locally (other than from the mail-order)catalogs? I am thinking particularly about salad makings...

Adrian Higgins: Most of the independent garden centers have some good seed selections. Even the mass merchandisers might have want you want.

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Olney, Md.: I was surprised to read recently that day lilies are considered to be invasive plants. Is that true? I had thought about planting them.

Adrian Higgins: The old Hemerocallis fulva, the tawny lily, spreads by rhizomes so it can make itself comfortable in the absence of competition. But most named varieties are not invasive, certainly not in my experience.

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Arlington, Va.: You mentioned that it's a little late to prune roses. Should I still prune them now even though they have some leaves on them?

Adrian Higgins: Yes, but hurry, before buds are evident.

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Washington, D.C.: Adrian, I have three inkberry hollies that I planted the requisite distance apart, but they have really grown into each other, and have become quite leggy. Is it okay to prune these at this time of year? What's the best way to do it so that I cut back on the overall circumfrance without being left with twings with no leaves (since the leaves are concentrated mostly at the ends of the branches)? Thanks!

Adrian Higgins: Yes, trim them back, and they will get bushier.

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Crofton, Md.:

I have a bunch of daffodils in my back garden. For the last three years there has been a lot of foliage, but no flowers. They get morning sun and are in a bed where other plants do well. Any suggestions?

Adrian Higgins: They need more sunlight, and possibly dividing. After the leaves fade, dig the bulbs, let them cure in the sun for a day or two, and then put them in a net bag over the summer in a cool, well ventilated room. Plant them in a sunnier spot in September.

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Silver Spring, Md.: My wife always insists that I bury fish guts and shrimp shells in the ground to improve the soil. Is there any benefit to adding that stuff to the soil?

Adrian Higgins: Absolutely. Fishmeal will add minerals and structure to the soil. But keep it well buried to avoid raccoons and cats.

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Gaithersburg, Md.: Hi Adrian, I planted bulbs last year - my first time. Once they bloom and are done, what can I grow in those pots ? Do I need to remove the bulbs from the pot? Would they flower a 2nd time ? I planted Paper Whites and crocuses. Thanks.

Adrian Higgins: I would dig out the bulbs, throw out the paperwhites, which are not garden hardy, and save the crocuses, which are, and plant them in the garden.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Adrian, I had a beautiful clematis growing up my porch when I bought my house last summer. (The previous owner had an incredible green thumb.) I kept it alive by watering it, but being a complete novice, I didn't do anything with it in the late fall or during the winter. What are the chances it will come back this year? Is there anything I should do for it now?? Thanks so much!

Adrian Higgins: Cut back the woody vine to about 12 inches promote low branching. Keep it watered and fed this year.

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D.C. Suburb: Welcome back, Adrian! We really missed you. We recently had landscape designers create a "Master Plan" for our yard. We're really eager to execute it, but we do not have a lot of money for the hardscapes (patio, steps, walkways, etc.). Should we hold off on these areas until we have enough to do the hardscapes first? Or can we go ahead with the plantings and do the hardscapes later? Thanks!

Adrian Higgins: You should do the hardscape first, otherwise the construciton will compact the soil of all your lovely beds. Also, if you don't do it now, it won't get done, human nature being what it is. I would pick a small and much used corner of the yard and pour your resources into that. The rest can wait.

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Williamsburg, Va.: Dear Adrian, I ask this question given your knowledge as a master gardener. My field of work is international development, helping folks who want to help themselves. In Haiti farmers live on a shoe string and production is minimal due to lack of resources. My question: Can you guide me to learning more about high intensity agriculture for growing high yield vegetables grown in very small plots in urban/rural areas for daily family food consumption and sales. Thanks, Lee Hougen

Adrian Higgins: I would check out the websites of urban garden programs such as GROW in Washington, Philadelphia Green in Philly and the community garden at the New York Botanical Garden, where I saw people raising large amounts of ethnic vegetables in tight quarters.

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Arlington, Va.: I am a recent transplant to the DC area from Houston, Texas, and I am really enjoying the new gardening opportunities I have in this climate. However, I am still trying to translate my Houston-based garden timetable to my new home in Arlington. When should I plant roses? Will my hostas come back this spring (as they did in Houston) or are they annuals here? When should I plan to move/transplant daffodils? Thanks for the advice!

Adrian Higgins: Welcome to our region. I think I've already answered the daffodil question. The roses are best planted in September but are only available now (this has to do with the psychology of selling plants while everyone has spring fever). With proper soil preparation, and correct planting, the roses will do fine now, however. The hostas return just in time for the browsing deer. Nature is clever.

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Raleigh, N.C.: I have a 10x10 area of my front yard that lacks sufficient drainage - the water just pools there for days after a heavy rain. Currently it is just a patch of mixed grass and weeds. I would like to fix this area and make it more attractive, but want low maintenance and low cost. I was thinking of just creating a "bed" of plants that like soggy soil (weeping willow comes to mind). What are some pitfalls of this strategy, or can you offer some alternatives?

Adrian Higgins: The pitfall is that often (not always) the same conditions that induce flooding will cause drought in summer. If that's the case, you have to put in plants that will endure both conditions, and the choices are narrowed. Persicaria Firetail might be a good choice.

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Olney, Md.: I'm trying to decide what tree to plant in our backyard. The ground is wet after a rain since it's in a drainage area. Clay soil, .25 acre lot. Mainly morning sun. Is river birch a possibility?

Adrian Higgins: Heritage is a variety that is heat tolerant. I think people have decided that this tree in maturity is not the beauty it is in youth. Think about the swamp white oak or bald cypress, if you have the room.

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Arlington, Va.: Adrian, When will this region be reliably frost free? Thanks.

Adrian Higgins: I would say Arlington April 15, D.C. April 11, Reston April 22, Frederick May 1, Leesburg May 4. Don't hold me to it.

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Arlington, Va.: What's the lovely, tall shrub in my neighbor's yard that's blooming now with floppy white flowers about the size of a child's fist? It comes out before any leaves on it or surrounding landscape, so it always has a gray backdrop of the trees in the park or cloudy spring skies, and it's very dramatic.

Adrian Higgins: Star magnolia, perhaps.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Dear Adrian: I would like to purchase a gift for my aunt who is recovering from knee surgery. She suffers from arthritis in both knees and I thought I'd get her something to make her gardening easier. Could you recommend something? I've seen the weed twister by Ergonica advertised on TV but I'm not sure if it's any good. Thank you!

Adrian Higgins: A padded kneeler would be most useful, I would think.

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Eden's garden: welcome back! Does plucking blooming weeds (clover, dannylions) have any positive effect in keeping them down? I need a walkway border to keep people from cutting across my lawn but it is mostly shade (some late after. sun). Something not too big... ideas? Thanks!

Adrian Higgins: Yes, removing weed flowers (or better yet whole weeds) before they go to seed will prevent hundreds of potential new seedlings from spreading. Barrier plantings for a path? Sounds like hostas or even boxwood might do well there.

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Bethesda, Md.: Hi, I would like to know what flowers I can plant in the shade. Currently, the area is surrounded by evergreens and tall trees. Since the trees do not have leaves now (spring), the area receives some sun. However in the summer months, the area will be well shaded. Thanks.

Adrian Higgins: There are unbelievably large numbers of perennials and shrubs and bulbs that do well in the shade. Google Perennials for Shade, that's a title that sticks in my addled head at the moment.

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Annapolis, MD: Whether it is the arrival of daylight savings or the promise of Spring, as a gardener I literally wake up about this time of year and find I am enthusiastic about almost everything garden or otherwise. Is this exuberance a typical way of life for gardeners - that is we hide for the winter months and only come alive again with the right season? Could you speak to this?

Adrian Higgins: Joking aside, there is a deep response in all animals (and plants) to the coming of spring. We are no different. From a dull, practical standpoint, it is much easier to face the season if you spent February cleaning and pruning your beds.

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Philadelphia, Pa.: Hi Adrian, I'm having some sod installed later this month. Once it has been laid, is there any particular maintenance to insure it develops properly, other than keep the soil moist to promote root growth? Thanks for you help. I always appreciate your wealth of info.

Adrian Higgins: Make sure it is laid on a cultivated bed, that it is pressed gently so there is root contact with said bed, that you water it deeply, but not daily, and that you keep people off it until it is established.

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Vienna, Va.: Over the last two years we have been much troubled with Japanese Stiltgrass, which is trying to take over our entire yard. What can you suggest for controlling this pest?

Adrian Higgins: I would suggest digging it out, or applying ROundup later in the year.

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Alexandria, Va.: Adrian - I have a large Hemlock tree encroching on my driveway that I'd like to prune/trim so I can drive in and out without the tree scraping my car. What's the best way to prune a Hemlock? If I trim the outside branches off, will new ones grow from the trunk and fill in the space?

Adrian Higgins: I would consider cutting it down. The tree has a pest called wooly adelgid that will denude and kill it without frequent treatment. The cones and others material are messy and drop on your car. Not a good choice for above a vehicle.

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Beltsville, Md.: My backyard is becoming overrun with clover. What can I do to eliminate the clover and prevent it from coming back? Thank you.

Adrian Higgins: Get a soil test, clover is often a symptom of high acidity. I reduce my stands of clover by dusting them with lime and then taking a core aerator and aerating the dickens out of the patch and then seeding with a turf type tall fescue. Leave some for the honeybees.

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Newburgh, Ind.: What's the practical difference among daffodils, narcissus, and jonquils? Is it size? scent? color pattern? How does a home gardener make the distinction? Thanks.

Adrian Higgins: Daffodil is the common name for narcissus, of which there are about a dozen recognized forms, including jonquils. In the south, jonquils became the term for all daffodils because it is the type that does best in warmer soil. They're daffodils, and if folk say otherwise, they're putting on airs.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Is there ANYTHING I can do to get rid of bamboo? Thanks

Adrian Higgins: Rent a panda.

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Asheville, N.C.: I have a rosemary plant that looks like it's dying. It has been in my garden since last summer. It stayed green all through the winter, but now that spring is here, it seems to be dying. What can I do to help it live?

Adrian Higgins: Winter dieback is manifest in the sping. Rosemaries that are not established will do poorly this year because of the nature of the winter. I plan on replacing all of mine, sadly. Well lads and lassies, another fine hour has come to a close. Thanks for all your questions, sorry I couldn't answer them all, but keep them coming. And enjoy the spring!

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