GARDENING Q&A

RICHARD NUNNALLY TIMES-DISPATCH COLUMNIST
Published: January 9, 2009

-- Q:I have a large fig bush about 70 years old. It produces abundantly, but I think it needs trimming and perhaps fertilizing. When should I do it and how?

Answer: I get quite a few questions on how to get figs to bear fruit. If yours "produces abundantly," I wouldn't change a thing.

The textbooks would tell you to trim it back in the spring after the danger of frost is over. They also would suggest fertilizing at the same time with manure or compost. But if I had a 70-year-old fig bush producing like yours, I'd leave it alone and make fig preserves and give the rest to my aunt to make fig pickles.

Q:I have a blue spruce tree that was planted two years ago at about 8 feet tall. It grew to 10 feet and was picture-perfect. Last year, the bottom slowly turned yellow, and needles started to fall off toward the center of the tree. During the summer, we determined the roots were waterlogged from the sprinkler. As far as we can tell, there is no insect infestation. Is there any hope that it will recover?

Answer: It's hard to tell about the lasting effect of the waterlogged roots. Hopefully, that problem has been corrected, which will help. However, the symptoms you described with the bottom and inside of the plant looking the worst isn't typical of wet roots. Because wet roots "suffocate" a plant, the first signs are usually at the top or at the ends of the branches.

The damage you described is typical of the kind of damage done by spider mites. They would have attacked the plant while it was under stress from the water. I suggest you have some samples examined by your local extension agent. Unfortunately, mites are dormant now, so they will be able to find only eggs or shed skins.

A proper diagnosis now will allow you to be ready to deal with them in early spring.

Q:In the spring when I seed my lawn, can I apply a fertilizer with a pre-emergent? Will it kill the weeds but leave grass unaffected?

Answer: I don't encourage spring seeding, because the young grass barely has time to get started before the summer heat hits. However, sometimes it has to be done. In that case, there is one pre-emergent that will allow you to plant grass and control crabgrass. It is called Tupersan and can be used on new seedlings or on newly seeded lawns. It will not kill fescue, but it cannot be used on Bermuda grass. Unfortunately, you'll find it costs more than most of the other pre-emergents available to homeowners.

Q:During the winter, how much water should be given to potted boxwood plants on a covered porch? I have two in pots and wondered if I should be watering them despite the freezing temperatures.

Answer: Your boxwood will need occasional watering. While they will go dormant, their roots still need moisture. How much depends on the size of the plants and the type of soil. Don't overwater them, but don't let them dry out. Many garden centers have inexpensive moisture meters you can put into the soil once a week to determine if it's time to water.
Richard Nunnally is a freelance writer and host of WCVE's monthly gardening show, "Virginia Home Grown." Questions can be sent to or P.O. Box 3690, Chester, VA 23831.