Answers gleaned over time

THE GARDEN FANATIC

“There are some things which cannot be learned quickly, and time ...

must be paid heavily for their acquiring.”

-- ERNEST HEMINGWAY

“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the

drink, taste the fruit ... “

-- HENRY DAVID THOREAU

One of the advantages of living permanently in Laguna is that you

begin to acquire knowledge about its planting seasons. In my case,

the learning came slowly, not for a lack of interest, but rather for

the youthful excuse of lack of time and too many competing interests.

But the lessons of experience were not completely wasted during my

youth and I am proof that with enough time, you are bound to learn a

little.

My pulse quickens with excitement for spring gardening ... to

breathe the fresh air of March and taste the first strawberry from

the garden. I anticipate and then savor the precious moment when Mr.

Nuthatch appears. I smile at Catharine’s joy in seeing her tulips

sprout. And I enjoyed answering your questions for the Plant Man this

month.

Q: Dear Plant Man, my rose is still in it’s plastic bag. Is it too

late to plant it?

A: Not yet, but hurry.

Q: Plantman, should I fertilize my garden now?

A: Spring-like weather is upon us and your plants are hungry. If

you don’t fertilize your garden on a regular basis, this is the most

important month to do it. I would recommend that you try Gro Power

Plus or Gro-Rite because they are easy to apply and you’ll see

immediate results.

Q: Plant Man! Is it too late for bulbs?

A: March is the “other” bulb season. There is plenty of time to

start gladiolus, dahlias, the fragrant tuberose, and of course

tuberous begonias. They will all benefit by being mulched to keep the

soil moist during our unusually sunny late winter.

Q: What do I do with my old bulbs?

A: Hyacinth, narcissus, or other spring-flowering bulbs that have

flowered may be saved, by allowing the foliage to remain on the

plant. Once the foliage has matured, remove the bulbs and keep them

dry until time for planting in the fall.

Q: Dear Plant Man, I haven’t pruned my roses yet. Am I too late?

A: Absolutely not. Prune lightly to shape, and don’t forget to

fertilize and apply a dormant spray.

Q: Help! My plants are being eaten by deer. Help!

A: Try this formula. 1) Blend 2 eggs with 1/2 cup of water at high

speed for three minutes. 2) Add an additional 2 cups of water with 2

tablespoons of Tabasco sauce. Blend and refrigerate overnight. Spray

generously over your plants and repeat after heavy watering or rain.

Q: Plant Man, is it safe to start my tomatoes and herbs?

A: If you’re missing those home grown tomatoes, I would recommend

that you set out varieties like Early Girl and cherry tomatoes, which

do well in Laguna during March. You can, of course, plant herbs in a

protected, sunny part of your garden.

Things haven’t changed much for me lately. I still have a lack of

time and too many competing interests. I wish I could spend more time

with Catharine and my family and share a spot of catnip tea with

Rousseau and Ollie. I promise I will, but first I’m going down to the

garden to smell the roses. See you next time.

* STEVE KAWARATANI is the owner of Landscapes by Laguna Nursery,

1540 S. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. He is married to local artist,

Catharine Cooper, and has three cats. He can be reached at 497 2438,

or e-mail to landscapes@ln.coxatwork.com.