The Ask Mr. Greenthumb Gardening & Real Estate radio show #5. Stan DeFreitas Mr. Greenthumb and his son James DeFreitas discuss topics on Gardening and Real Estate and take live caller questions. Join Stan and James every Sunday Live from 7am – 9am on AM 860 The Answer. Call us with your questions: 813-289-1-860 or toll free 877-969-8600
On this Video Podcast Stan explains St. Augustine Grass, how to care for it, and make your yard the healthiest greenest yard it can be.
This video is about how to perform an Air Layering. Stan shows how you can create a whole new plant from an existing plant bundle.
On This episode, James builds a weatherproof elevated gardening container that will last a lifetime. Stan shows off many different types of plants that you could grow in an elevated gardening box.
This episode Stan goes back to the Black Kow facility and interviews the amazingly dedicated owner of Black Kow Michael Lange. Stan and Michael discuss the process of manufacturing manure, the labor, the effort that it takes to go from the pile to the bag.
Susan wrote:
Hello, I live in Vail, AZ. I planted some sweet potato slips in late May.
I’ve noticed that my vines are flowering and not looking real good anymore. How
do I know when they are ready to harvest and how do I do that? What is the
differance between a vining plant and a bush plant? Thanks so much for any help
you can give.
Dear Susan,
The sweet potato vine is an aggressive fine but can have problems with white flies
and fungal problems. Starting the plants off in a good potting soil is usually wise.
Some people like yellow sticky traps to catch white flies which you might find
available at local nursery/garden supply stores. Harvesting takes normally about
140 days from start to harvest. Rake up or pitch fork tilling up the soil where the
sweet potatoes have grown.
A vining plants tend to have long stems or tendrils that help them attach to either a
trellis or another structure. Bush plants typically stay compact growing in one area.
My Best,
Stan
Chris wrote:
I am growing a few tomato plants and I have a couple that the tops aren’t
growing as well as the bottoms. I have pics of them but don’t know how to send
them with the message.
Dear Chris,
This is typically caused by a fungus. Look for a fungicide that labels itself
for tomatoes and vegetables. Apply this weekly. At this time of year, get
ready to think about planting the fall garden in October.
My Best,
Stan
B. C. Crawford wrote:
yellow straight neck squash have A light greenish tent. Thry have no other
damage showing.
Dear B. C.:
Check the pH of the soil, make sure this is in a good growing range of 5.5 to 6.5. If you
are in the area I will be doing “free” pH testing at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg Times
Home Show on June 10th, 11th, and 12th. Also, make sure you are using a complete
fertilizer, such as MiracleGro.
My best,
Stan
