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PLEASE NOTE: In the autumn of 1995, we hatched the idea for a free, local gardening publication. The following spring, we published the first issue of Michigan Gardener magazine. Advertisers, readers, and distribution sites embraced our vision. Thus began an exciting journey of helping our local gardening community grow and prosper.
After 27 years, nearly 200 issues published, and millions of copies printed, we have decided it is time to end the publication of our Print Magazine and E-Newsletter.
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NPR:
Foods that have been genetically modified — that is, foods that have new genes inserted into their DNA to give them desirable traits like pest or drought resistance or greater nutrition — have been controversial for years. And that’s in part because they are currently not required to be labeled in the U.S., although the vast majority of people polled say they should be.
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I have noticed that my ground is covered with green mold, or at least I’m assuming it’s mold. Could you tell me what the problem might be and how to correct it? This is an area that gets full sun for at least 8 to 10 hours a day.
What you are describing sounds like moss. Moss usually grows in moist, dark areas that have a low pH soil (acidic). Since the area you describe is sunny, it probably has acidic or moist soil. You can either apply a moss killer to the area or scrape the surface to remove the moss. After the moss is dead or removed, you will want to improve the soil compaction (compact soil stays moist longer) by adding topsoil and peat moss to the area. You will also want to apply lime to help raise the pH level of the soil. Improving soil compaction and raising the pH level should prevent moss from showing up in the future.
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My Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ and my spring poppies just cannot hold themselves upright. They are laying all over the ground like someone sat in the middle of the stems. Any idea why? Is it time to divide the clumps?
We are assuming that you are referring to the large, Oriental poppies. After blooming, Oriental poppies tend to decline and go dormant for the hot summer months. They will flatten out as this process occurs. If it does look unsightly, you can stake them as they grow early in the season, and the growth will hide whatever you use to support them.
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ will get very heavy toward the tops of the stems as they go into bloom. Water collects there when it rains, and that is generally when most plants tend to “flop.” Growing the plants in a location that remains fairly dry (or very well-drained) and receives no less than about six hours of direct sun should help the plants remain somewhat shorter, and more able to support themselves. Staking them is also an option; doing so before they get too large to hold themselves up is best.
Also, most perennials benefit from being divided every three to five years, depending on the growth rates of the individual plants. So if your clumps are large, it may be time to divide them. This tends to work rather well in the case of the Sedum.
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