Archive Nut, Prune and Olive Programs

Analyze first The decision to fertilize should be based upon the health of the plant, the desired rate of growth, and a soil analysis. A soil analysis will tell you the soil pH and the amounts of nutrients in the soil that are available for plant growth.

North Carolina Department of Agriculture A product label is all of the written, printed, or graphic matter on a product container.

Back Bud A dormant bud on bare branches below their leafy ends, or on the trunk. Depending upon the plant, pruning the leafy portions of branches can activate these back buds below each cut. Bareroot A plant with little or no soil on its roots.

> Before you start pruning > Understand new wood & old wood > When to prune > Make a pruning plan > What to prune and remove > How much to remove #1.

Pittosporum tobira, mock orange. Photo: Wikimedia Commons Shrubs are extremely versatile and hard-working, often forming the framework of a landscape. Some are low-growing and others are as tall and large as trees. They make excellent privacy hedges, foundations, and evergreen backdrops.

You don't need a green thumb to grow rock purslane (Calandrinia grandiflora). PlantMaster If you've been unsuccessful at gardening, take heart. There could be many reasons for that, starting with the condition of your soil or other cultural factors in your garden.

Deer tend to avoid plants that are smelly, wooly, prickly, or poisonous. Photo: Marie Narlock It's possible to have a lovely unfenced garden even if there are deer in your neighborhood.

Have a shady nook that needs attention? There is a world of gorgeous plants up for the job. They come in every imaginable shade of green from pastel to chartreuse, emerald, and deep forest green. Shade plants are often slower growing than sun-loving species.

Some perennials bloom exuberantly in the heat of summer. Photo: Creative Commons When temperatures rise, everyone feels the heat even your garden. If you live in a hot summer area, be sure to use strategies to avoid heat stress in plants.

If you feel like you need a jackhammer to bust into your garden soil, you've got clay. This is a familiar garden complaint in Marin. If you want to make your clay soil more workable, you can amend it with organic material.