Articles by Dr. Francis Gouin

Insect Survivors Are Waking

Spray horticultural oil now to control them

The mild winter is likely to be followed by early invasions of scale insects, spider mites and other bugs that over-winter in the cracks and crevices on the bark of trees and shrubs. Roses, Alberta spruce, blue spruce and roses are the most susceptible species for spider mites. Scale insects will attack euonymus, crab apple, cherries including cherry laurel, oak and pine. Wax scale insects especially like hollies. A thorough spraying now with a four percent concentration of...

Article - The Bay Gardener by Dr. Francis Gouin; by Dr. Francis Gouin; 4/4/13

Good for the Body and the Soul

But it takes science for it to work

Gardening is the most popular of all hobbies. In addition to giving you hours of relaxation, it is good exercise. Gardening forces you to go outside, bringing you closer to nature. Whether you are growing vegetables, flowers or woody plants, gardening provides great satisfaction. Dorothy Frances Gurney says it all: The kiss of the sun for pardon; The song of the birds for mirth; One is nearer God’s heart in...

Article - The Bay Gardener by Dr. Francis Gouin; by Dr. Francis Gouin; 3/28/13

Are Azaleas Hiding Your Windows?

Prune hard, now!

A Bay Weekly reader lamented over how tall her azaleas had grown. She could no longer see out of the living room windows and would have to pay to have them replaced. I told her that all she had to do was cut them back to at least two inches below the ledge of the window. The plants would rejuvenate. The expression on her face clearly indicated that she thought me a complete idiot. Plants are survivors. If you know which species can be rejuvenated and which cannot, you can...

Article - The Bay Gardener by Dr. Francis Gouin; by Dr. Francis Gouin; 3/21/13

Prune Blueberries Plants

Cut before month’s end so you have plenty of fruit to pick later

If you want your high-bush blueberry plants to produce the giant fruit photographed and described in nursery catalogs, then you have to prune them severely. If the plants are not pruned yearly, before April, you’ll get clusters of small berries that are a chore to pick. Don’t believe the myth that pruning lowers harvest yields. Research has proven time and again that pruning does not affect the yield but does vastly improve quality. You’ll harvest more...

Article - The Bay Gardener by Dr. Francis Gouin; by Dr. Francis Gouin; 3/14/13

The Science of Pruning

Read this before you start cutting

What should I prune when? is one of the most common questions I am asked. I answer that we prune for quality — with exceptions. In general, prune summer- and fall-flowering plants in the early spring so the plant can produce an abundance of new branches on which flowers will develop and bloom. Buddleia or butterfly bush, roses, hydrangea, crape myrtle and elaeagnus fall into this category. Early spring pruning gives these plants encouragement to...

Article - The Bay Gardener by Dr. Francis Gouin; by Dr. Francis Gouin; 3/7/13

Bringing Spring In the Door

Snatch branches from pussy willows and flowering shrubs

Pussy willows are busting out all over. Forsythia buds are starting to swell as are flowering quince, cherries, almond, weigela and crab apples. Cut those pussy willows ASAP and tie them in small bunches. Then hang them upside down in a darkened shed or garage so they will dry straight. If you dry them standing, the catkins will bend outward and separate from the stems more easily. Do not put the stems of fresh-cut pussy willow in water. Looking for Gita Beans...

Article - The Bay Gardener by Dr. Francis Gouin; by Dr. Francis Gouin; 2/28/13

Winter Chores for Spring Fruit

Prune blackberries and raspberries; mulch strawberries

With the weather cool but comfortable to work outside, the time is right to prune both blackberries and raspberries. With regards to blackberries, remove canes that produced fruit last year by pruning them close to the ground. This is quick and easy if the plants are of the thornless varieties but can be painful if the varieties you are growing have thorns. Wear heavy leather or canvas gloves and heavy clothing with long sleeves to avoid being scratched. The most common...

Article - The Bay Gardener by Dr. Francis Gouin; by Dr. Francis Gouin; 2/21/13

A Garden to Dream of

Consider your space as you plan your vegetable garden

For the best harvest, plan before you plant. Crowded plants that have to compete for light do not produce a good crop and often have disease and insect problems. Here’s how I plant my garden to give each plant the best chance. Sweet corn should be planted in blocks, not single rows. Four to five short rows of sweet corn sown six to eight inches apart in two-foot-wide rows will produce higher quality ears due to better pollination. Such crops as...

Article - The Bay Gardener by Dr. Francis Gouin; by Dr. Francis Gouin; 2/14/13

Be Good to Your Cyclamen

And it will be good to you

A Bay Weekly reader asked how to care for a potted cyclamen she received from a friend. Cyclamen make excellent potted plants, as they come in a large selection of colors and flower for a long time with minimal care. However, the cyclamen has a dormancy requirement, and it will tell you when it is ready to take a rest. Looking Ahead to Tomatoes As I consider seeds, what tomatoes can I expect to do best in Maryland? Last year I had tomatoes but not until September...

Article - The Bay Gardener by Dr. Francis Gouin; by Dr. Francis Gouin; 2/7/13

Are Your Seeds Fresh and Lively?

Here’s how to tell

If you want to be sure your seeds will sprout, buy fresh ones this season. Fresh seeds have a higher percentage of germination and germinate faster than old seeds. New Life for Old Vines? Is it possible to move very old grapevines? I have a friend who wants to remove his, and if so I might want them. –Lois Noonan, by email No. Grape vines have very coarse roots. and it would be nearly impossible to dig enough roots for the plants to survive. Ask...

Article - The Bay Gardener by Dr. Francis Gouin; by Dr. Francis Gouin; 1/24/13