Replanting after repairs may not be worth time



Dear Neil: I have several potted geraniums. Their labels say "Water every day. Fertilize every two weeks. 6 hours of sunlight." I have done all of that, and they look terrible — brown, curled leaves and no flowers. Is that too much sun, or what else might have gone wrong?

A: You're right on target. Geraniums really struggle with full sun in the Texas summertime. What you've described is exactly how they react, and it's why many of us prefer to use them primarily early spring into early summer. In fact, moving them into the shade doesn't help. They may not get as browned in the shade, but they'll get very spindly. Don't kick yourself for what has happened. Geraniums really prefer temperatures in the 60- to 80-degree range. (Doesn't sound much like Texas, does it!) If you'd permit a personal comment: I spent one year of my life writing text for nursery labels, and it was unbelievably difficult, given no more than 17 words, to describe a plant and how it should be grown, and to have that information relevant nationally. Your best source of advice when you're considering plants will always be a local, independent nursery person.

Dear Neil: Attached is a photo of my pineapple plant with the small pineapple on top of it. Should I move it to a larger pot? I'm afraid that I'll damage the fruit in such a move. Also, I have some other pineapple plants that I started in water. What should I do with them?


Dear Neil: You mentioned in a recent article that Johnsongrass would go away if it were kept mowed at less than an inch or two. I don't think your idea is accurate. It comes back from its roots.

A: I appreciate your note, and I do acknowledge that Johnsongrass is a perennial with a very heavy, vigorous root system. However, I'll stick with my comment. It does not tolerate close mowing. That's why you'll see very little of it in well-managed, frequently mowed lawns. Dallisgrass, by comparison, is able to withstand closer mowing than even bermudagrass, so it will persist in its heavy, dark green clumps. As I mentioned in that prior answer, where you have clear access to Johnsongrass in beds and other open areas, a glyphosate herbicide will control it.


A: There are no signs of insect galls or any type of disease on the leaves you sent. In fact, they just look like normal, brown leaves. It's difficult to tell what might be causing them to fall without seeing the tree, but it could be just that particular tree's reaction to higher temperatures and lower humidity. Live oaks vary more from one tree to the next than almost any other species. I would guess it's just a genetic difference. Keep it moist at all times, and see if the problem lessens at all next year. Good luck!

If you'd like Neil's help with your plant question, drop him a note to Gardener's Mailbag, PO Box 864, McKinney, TX 75070 or e-mail your questions to Watch here for his reply.