Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question not listed here, please ask our Garden Advisor.

1. “I would like to plant tomatoes in my garden this year. When should I plant them?”
   Tomatoes, like peppers, and some flowers and herbs should be started indoors. Seeds need to be growing 6-10 weeks, depending on the variety, before transplanting into the garden. This time give the seedlings a chance to establish indoors before you move them outside. Seed packages will have specific information, so follow the dates on the individual packages. As an alternative, you can purchase tomato and pepper plants at the garden center, where you will find a multitude of varieties.

2. "Are there any advantages to applying mulch to my gardens?”
   Mulch has many benefits, including helping to keep moisture in the soil, reducing weeds, and it adds increased attractiveness to the garden. Mulch comes in many different shapes and colors. Ask more at the garden center, we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have on mulch and show you examples.

3. "When should I prune my evergreens?" The best time of year to prune evergreens is in late June to early July when spruce and pine have pushed out most of their growth for the year. Junipers and arborvitae continue to grow throughout the season. Prune them once or twice throughout the summer. Do not prune evergreens in fall or winter. The wounds will not have time to seal before going into winter.
   
   
4. "How should I overwinter my perennials?" Newly planted and tender perennials should be mulched six to eight inches with marsh hay, straw, or other material when the ground is frozen. By mulching, the ground is going to continuously remain frozen. Freezing and thawing of the ground can be detrimental to the shallow rooted perennials.
   
   
5. "What is marsh hay?" Marsh hay is a product available in late summer-fall. It is grown on a wet marsh and baled. Marsh hay does not contain weed seeds in it, making it a great mulch for wintering over plants.
   
   
6. "I planted a tree this year and want to know what to do with it for the fall?"
   This fall you will want to wrap your tree with Tree Wrap. Tree Wrap is a paperous material that will help prevent your tree from frost cracks. Start at ground level and overlap going to the top branches of the tree.