Question:
I know it’s late, but I've just pruned my roses. There was lots of new growth, so I just thinned them a bit and removed the dead wood. Should I spray them sprayed with dormant spray? I've had Black Spot in previous years and some mildew, so I'd like to prevent them this year.Answer:
- You’re not too late when pruning roses in late February and early March. The only adverse effect from pruning now is you’ll delay flowering; however; based on what you did, I’m not sure that this will be an issue.
- Also, you could go back and reduce the height and bring in the sides if you like. But, it is too late to apply dormant spray. If applied now, you run the risk of burning the new foliage.
- Dormant spray cleans up overwintering spores but does not prevent the diseases from occurring later in the year. Rust, Mildew and Black Spot are the air-borne fungus that infects roses when moisture remains on the foliage after the sunset.
- They’re a serious problem when the rainy season extends into late April. So far, it’s been a dry winter, but we still could have some wet periods, so the rose diseases still may be an area-wide problem.
- Also, clean up any of the debris that has accumulated under the bushes. You need to be pro-active with your fungicide to keep the rose leaves pristine
- While there are many fungicides available to control Rust, Black Spot, and Mildew, none of them will eradicate the diseases. Fungicides, to be effective, must be applied before the diseases show up.
- When we see the problem(s), it's too late to prevent them. The infection occurred ten to fourteen days earlier.
- Bayer Advanced 3n1 Rose And Flower Care is a unique solution to avoiding rose diseases. It’s a systemic, fungicide available that gives six-weeks control per application for Rust, Black Spot and Mildew on roses as well, like many other plants. It also controls Aphids and many other insects along with feeding your bushes.
- This three and one product is not sprayed on the plant but applied to the roots. It’s available in a granular and liquid form.
- One application should be sufficient to keep your roses disease free with a minimal amount of effort. I’d apply it in the next couple of weeks or now if rain is in the forecast. Bonide Systemic drench can also be used, but it will only control the diseases.
Question:
Since we moved in last fall, our Meyer Lemon has been ripening by the droves, but now I don't see any new fruit forming. What should I do to encourage more fruit production?Answer:
- Meyer lemon bloom throughout the year usually on the new growth with the fruit maturing accordingly. To promote the new growth, I’d feed it Citrus Food monthly, March through November. You should see flowers and then fruit forming in about six weeks.
- This might be an excellent time to shape the lemon bush by pruning it before the production begins again.