The Springfield News-Leader in Springfield, Missouri, partners with the Master Gardeners of Green County each week to bring readers a question-and-answer column with some of the expert horticulturists in the region.
Here’s a sample of some of the recent questions amateur gardeners had for the masters of the craft.
I have a good-sized crepe myrtle that must be moved. When is the best time to do this?
These are best moved when dormant, in late fall or winter, as long as the ground is not frozen. Before moving a tree or shrub of fair size, some earlier prep will help reduce transplant shock and increase chance of a successful move. No other digging should be done at this time. After bloom has stopped, the tree can be cut back by about half. In early September, the plant can be dug out, digging as large a root ball as possible, and plant immediately, back filling with soil, watering well, and allow the roots to get settled and established. When moving the root ball, it should be placed on a tarp and moved. The planting hole should be at least twice as large as the root ball. Keep the planting site well-watered over winter, unless the ground is frozen. Root stimulators can be added at planting and also in the spring.
When is a good time to divide and transplant maiden grass? Mine has died out in the middle, is looking rather poorly.
Maiden grass, as well as other tall ornamental grasses, should be cut back to about 5 inches in late winter/early spring, before new growth starts to appear. The clumps can be divided in early spring, as long as the ground is soft enough for digging and new growth has either not started or is minimal. These grasses do best if divided every three to four years. Two spading forks can be used to pry pieces apart, however I have used an axe in the past to cut through the dense roots between clumps.
Digging out the clumps can be a very daunting task! The roots are very, very dense and require lots of muscle and determination. Fortunately, the roots are also very tough and it takes a lot to actually damage the plants enough to kill the roots. Even a small piece will be enough to start a new clump. When dividing, avoid the hollowed out center, concentrating on the viable edges.
I am new to Missouri, but want to plant peach trees. When is the best time and what varieties do best here?
Growing peaches in Missouri can be tricky, especially in the more northern sections, since late frosts can kill blooms and lead to no fruit harvest. This is a problem with other fruit trees as well. Many areas in Missouri are marginally adapted for peaches due to low winter temperatures (-10 degrees F or lower). Low-lying areas should be avoided as they will be colder during a temperature drop, since cold air sinks…