Gardentalk

Keeping plants off the ground helps with pollination, air circulation, and prevents slugs from chewing up the leaves.

It's okay to leave stubby stems and branches for azaleas and rhododendrons, but not for maple trees. And, don't forget to sharpen your tools.

Diluted dish soap sprayed on leaves and tape coated with vaseline can usually kill or deter catepillars.

As temperatures climb, some plants can't tolerate the heat in a greenhouse this time of year.

Master Gardener Ed Buyarski admits he could never keep a rising bud alive himself. But his kiwi is also peeling and his garlic is at least 18 inches tall now.

If you notice your plants and vegetables are wilting or if the soil is dry and crumbly, don't wait. Hydrate as soon as you can.

Cut potato seeds into golf ball or ping pong ball sized pieces with an eye or two, plant the seeds with the eyes or sprouts pointing up, and cover with about a half inch of soil.

Tips and pointers for those brand new gardeners hoping to use their yard or deck to help supplement their fresh vegetable supply while they are hunkering down.

Master Gardener Ed Buyarski answers more listener questions in this week's edition of Gardentalk.

Evergreens could be trimmed back almost anytime. But flower buds are just emerging on blueberry plants, and any severe pruning now could affect this season's production.