Master Gardeners: Your questions, their answers

Shamrocks can go inside or out Q: We received a shamrock plant as an early gift for St. Patrick’s Day. Can we keep it as a houseplant or does it have to be planted outside?

Plant shamrocks outside when there's no danger of frost.

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Shamrocks can go inside or out

Q: We received a shamrock plant as an early gift for St. Patrick’s Day. Can we keep it as a houseplant or does it have to be planted outside? If outside, should we plant it in the shade or sun? Kevin & Catherine

A: The shamrock could be kept as a houseplant or you could plant it outside when there is no danger of frost. Just plant the shamrock in part shade to keep the leaves from getting sun scorched.

It will go into a rest or dormant period after blooming indoors. You should allow it to complete this normal cycle, and as it declines, hold back the water until the plant shuts down completely. Then remove the tubers from the present pot and place in a nine-centimetre (six-inch) container and keep slightly moist. Be sure to cover the tubers with at least 2.54 cm (one inch) of soil. As new growth begins, increase the watering also fertilize at least monthly with a dilute solution of all-purpose houseplant fertilizer. Give the plant plenty of bright indirect light, along with some diffused morning sunlight if possible.

If you did plant it outside, bring in before frost, giving it proper care so you can enjoy it for years to come.

Don’t fret over brown tips on spider plants

Q: My spider plant has ends that are turning brown. Do I cut them off or pull them off? Wanda, Puce

A: You can also do nothing and your plant will be just fine, other then look a little ragged.

The brown tips are a most likely a reaction to the chlorine or fluoride in your water. It could also be from the soil mix, or simply a salt burn from the soluble salts in the fertilizer you are using.

Our spider plants have had brown tips for years and are still producing a profusion of baby spiders. We use aquamarine water, or let tap water stand for a few days before using on your plants.

If you have the time and patience, you could trim the leaves. Where you make the cuts will most likely turn brown.

Fireplace ashes good for 1 application

Q: Could I spread fireplace ashes on my garden? Would it help, hurt, or do nothing to the crop?  Jillian, Emeryville

A: The pH of ashes is alkaline. A one-time application of ashes will not hurt, but constant applications would raise the pH, and would affect some of your plants.

Relocate plants in dormant season

Q: When is the best time to relocate my plants in the landscape?  Wilber, Oldcastle

A: It’s best to relocate your plants during their dormant season, anytime from October to March. By the way, if you could wait until next year, it would be best to root prune the plant a year before you move it, to encourage the growth of a strong root system within the root ball area.


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