Sam Says – January

If it snows – especially heavy wet snow – prevent limb breakage by knocking snow off early. Evergreen magnolias, pyramidal cedars, arborvitaes and sweet gum trees are most vulnerable. Don’t forget to keep plants under eaves well-watered. Winter damage on trees and...

Sam Says – November

As soon as frost has killed the foliage on your Dahlias, you can dig them up. Trim the stems off at about six inches and wash the soil off. Once they have dried store the tubers in boxes of peat moss, sawdust, wood shavings or shredded newspaper. Store them in a place...

Sam Says – October

Cut back on watering Christmas cactus, Clivia and Epiphyllums to promote bud set. October is the time for planting spring-blooming bulbs and garlic. Try adding crushed oyster shell or chicken grit (available from farm feed stores) to the soil to help keep your bulbs...

Sam Says – September

Keep fallen fruit under trees picked up and disposed of to help reduce insect and disease problems next year. If infestations were severe, raking up fallen leaves as soon as they drop will also help prevent insects and disease. For garden areas not being used for...

Sam Says – August 2018

- Watch for powdery mildew on Dahlias, Squash, Grapes, Hollyhock, Sunflowers, Roses and other ornamentals. It’s a common plant disease caused by a fungus. It appears as grayish white powdery spots and patches on leaves and stems. Leaves eventually turn yellow and...

Sam Says – July 2018

Sam Says for July 2018   Remove the anthers from Asiatic lily flowers as soon as the flower opens. Doing so will keep the flowers In bloom longer. Be very careful not to get the brown pollen on you or your clothes, it will stain. Prune and add lime to lilac...