Q: Is there a good control for whiteflies on poinsettias before I bring mine indoors from the patio?

A: Whiteflies are tenacious, and those masses on the backs of the leaves are eggs. Systemic insecticides work fairly well. You can also use a yellow sticky trap, available from organic garden supply dealers.


Q: I appreciated your reply to my photinia question. I cut successive amounts off a large branch. As you predicted, I did not find any green tissue. If samples of a few more bushes give negative results, I'm going to remove and replace them in the near future. Thanks.

Lifestyle Channel

A: You're welcome. I'm glad you're willing to make the change. I see so many people who struggle along, trying to save declining redtips. Once the Entomosporium fungus moves in, it kills the plants. Nellie R. Stevens hollies are good replacements if you need large shrubs (8 to 12 feet tall). Willowleaf hollies are good in the 6- to 8-foot range.


Q: I lost a Bradford pear this year. I'd like to replace it. How and when should I do that?

A: Fall and early winter are great times to plant new trees. You'll find good supplies in nurseries, and they'll have half a year to get established before next summer. The pear will probably try to resprout from its roots. If at all possible, have someone grind or pull the stump out for you. Don't feel like your new tree has to go in exactly the same location.


Q: I'm saving pepper seeds for spring. As they're drying, would it help if I sprinkled them with medicated foot powder to prevent mold or mildew?

A: Letting them dry thoroughly, then storing them in a sealed bag or bottle in the refrigerator should be all you need to do.


More Information

Other books that make good gifts for area gardeners:
"Texas Trees: A Friendly Guide" by Patti Leslie and Paul Cox (Corona Publishing, $18.95);
"The Southern Kitchen Garden" by William D. Adams and Thomas R. Leroy (Taylor Trade Publishing, $19.95);
""The Texas Bug Book" by Malcolm Beck and Howard Garrett (University of Texas Press, $29.95);
"Butterfly Gardening for the South" by Geyata Ajilvsgi (Taylor Trade Publishing, $38);
"Outwitting Deer" by Bill Adler (The Lyons Press, $14.95); and
"Roses in the Southern Garden" by G. Michael Shoup (Antique Rose Emporium, $35).

Q: I stuck some poplar branches in the ground after pruning my tree last winter. To my surprise, they sprouted roots and have grown vigorously. When can I dig them and replant them? Some of their branches are bigger than the main stem. Do I cut these off, or just transplant the entire thing?

A: If I'm understanding your question, the rooted "cuttings" have started to branch. If so, you'll probably want to remove some of the lower branches as you transplant them while they're dormant this winter (January is ideal). If the new trees are more than 2 or 3 feet tall, they may suffer a little setback from the roots that will be lost.



Mail questions to Neil Sperry, c/o Features, San Antonio Express-News, P.O. Box 2171, San Antonio, TX 78297-2171 or email him at SAENgardenQA@sperrygardens.com. For more of his advice, become a Neil Sperry fan on Facebook.