There was mold in some spots, as well as dead patches in my lawn last spring. Is there anything I can do to prevent this from occurring this spring?

Owen and Kush Washington, Indiana

Snow mold disease can be very common on lawns when you experience heavy snowfall throughout your winter. It can even be worse if the snowfall happens in early winter when the lawn hasn’t gone completely dormant. Things to consider as preventive measures in the fall are making sure that you have cleaned up all the dead leaves or any debris on your lawn and giving the lawn a final mowing after it has stopped growing. Excessive shady areas and poor drainage will also nurture snow mold as well, particularly if the grass is too long or if there is excess nitrogen fertilizer present.

What are heirloom vegetables and where can you buy them?

Paul and Lori, Glen Rock, Wyoming

Heirloom vegetables (or plants) are vegetables whose seeds have a history of being passed down within a family of gardeners for many generations. These seeds are pure and usually produce more beautiful and delicious produce because they have not been genetically modified. Surprisingly enough you can purchase these seeds quite readily through nurseries, greenhouses and online although retail garden centers may not carry them.

I love cut flowers as a center piece at my dinner table or outside picnic events. Is there a trick to cutting them so that they stay nicer longer?

Vivian, Tucson, Arizona

Consider cutting them in the early morning or late afternoon. Cut above the lowest five-leaflet leaf. This is usually about three-five inches above the base of the stem. Then immerse the stems in a tall container of warm water –not cold so you don’t shock them- and put them in the refrigerator for about an hour before you arrange them in a vase for your table. Make sure you change the water daily and you should get better mileage out of them.

I live in a part of the country that is prone to drought from time to time. I hate the idea of having to replant my perennial flower beds every couple of years if our area suffers from lack of rain. Is there such a thing as drought-resistant perennials?

Janice and Ruth Ann, Hastings, Nebraska

It’s very important to match plants to the climate you live in and I would choose plants that can stand lots of sun. The plants I’m going to suggest also prefer well drained soil as well. Sedum comes to mind immediately and they flower in purple, scarlet, deep pink and even bronze colors. Lavender with their purple spikes are a good choice, as well as Yarrow ‘Coronation Gold” (blooms summer to early autumn). Bearded irises of every color would be great choices to give you your spring color and their fronds will make nice back drops until mid July when you cut them back. Silver Artemisias ‘Silver King’ will provide a tall growing plant, along with your purple Coneflowers. Common Rosemary and Thyme, while not the herb variation, will add interest to you garden as well. And don’t forget about those resilient Black Eyed Susans, Hens and Chicks and Creeping Phlox that come in a wide variety of colors. These plants spread out from year to year at different rates so give them some room.

I live in the Midwest and was wondering if my mums, sedum and lilac bushes will survive in their pots over the winter instead of putting them in the ground? I bought them before I found out we were moving in the spring, so I thought I’d cover them in plastic as well to keep them over the winter.

Skip and Bette, New Hampton, Iowa

Well, if you were living in a warmer climate I’d say yes, but any climate that is going to experience hard freezes, potted perennials probably won’t survive. Get them in the ground and consider them a nice surprise for the new owners of your house. Chances are you’ll have other perennial ideas for landscaping at your new house as it may pose some different soil and light challenges for you.

How many hours of light per day do plants really need?

Jesse, Malden, Massachusetts

Different plants react differently to light exposure and some plants simply need more light than others. “Short day” plants like the Christmas cactus, chrysanthemums and poinsettias won’t even think about flying unless they receive 12 hours of light each day. Then there are the “day neutral” plants like tomatoes, corn and cucumbers that will flower no matter how much light they get each day. Most of your annual flowers and vegetables are considered “day long” plants and will thrive when the night cycle is shorter like your petunias, geraniums, lettuce, spinach and potatoes. As a result, they thrive on a full 18 hours of light per day. However, if you’re doing some indoor gardening and have a mix of plants, 14 hours of light per day is the rule of thumb.

Plants come with labels that note their requirement, such as “full sun,” “part shade,” and “full shade.” How important are these labels?  Is there any room for deviancy on these instructions? Kitty and Jim, Valparaiso, Indiana

Don’t get too hung up on those labels. They’re basically a guideline for what the best environment would be for that particular plant. Full sun would mean that the plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day usually around noon when the sun is at its highest, like petunias, irises, phlox and sedum. Part shade plants need three to six hours of direct sun, but not during the heat of the day like begonias, gardenias, and poppies. Full shade plants enjoy that morning or late afternoon sun for a few hours like hostas, lily of the valley and ferns.

Is an Easter cactus the same as a Christmas cactus?

Sacia, Oxnard, California

These two cacti are often confused, and although they are different, they basically require the same care. A Christmas cactus has a scalloped or rounded leaf, where an Easter cactus has a more pointed look to their leaves. Both cacti bloom in respect to their holiday name: Christmas cacti blooming in December-January and Easter cacti blooming in April-May. The Easter cactus comes in a wide variety of colors. Both cacti enjoy being outside in the summer shade but once the temperature starts to dip into the low 60s, it’s time to move them inside.

Can you get too much Miracle-Gro on your plants?

Seth, Silver City, New Mexico

Many people are under the impression that Miracle-Gro is idiot proof – but face it, too much of anything just isn’t good. Fertilizer is designed as a plant booster, or as a way to re-vitalize your soil or plant needs – much like humans that take vitamins. Over fertilizing can cause excess leaf and stem growth and sometimes it will even burn your plants. Adding organic matter to your soil is a much safer approach. When using fertilizers always read the directions and never assume anything.

Do You Have a Question about What’s going on in your garden or greenhouse?  Submit your question for Barbara Sue (include your city and state) by contacting us at: phone (563) 557-7571, fax (563) 557-7641 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or write us at Garden and Greenhouse, 6170 Forest Hills Drive, Dubuque, IA 52002.  Barbara Sue will do her best to publish your question with an answer in the next available issue.