Ask The Gardener: Tomato protection, late start, weed killer and more

Everybody Gardens editor Doug Oster gets asked a lot of questions. A lot. And he doesn’t mind offering gardening advice. But rather than just limiting those answers to the person who asked, we thought it might be a good idea to share that wealth of knowledge with everybody.

There are three ways to send in your questions:

Email askdoug@535mediallc.com
Submit your question on our “Your Garden” section of our site
Send us a message on Facebook.

(The questions may be lightly edited for grammar/clarity/etc.)

Question 1: Tomato protection

Gary: I would like to know what you suggest for keeping squirrels from eating our tomatoes in the garden? We built a frame and put up some fine netting, but in just a couple of days it snared a bird unintentionally. We certainly don’t want to do that. Is there a style or type of netting that will keep squirrels out without harming the birds or other animals that think our garden is their grocery store?

Doug: Since the frame is already there, I would just use a fine chicken wire or you could even go to screening. The birds will be able to see the color of both. Bury about six inches in the ground so they don’t dig under.

Question 2: Starting in July

Nick: I am moving back to western Pennsylvania soon and want to start a garden early in July. I know I will not be able to start with seeds, but my question is, what can I plant that late, even when buying plants already grown for several weeks?

Doug: There’s lots of planting to do in July. From seed think bush beans, lettuce, other greens, Swiss chard and many other vegetables. I plant through September and harvest well into the winter. From plants, things like hanging baskets, annual flowers, perennial flowers and more will work.

Question 3: Roundup alternative

Don: I missed your alternative for using Roundup on the radio recently. What should I use that’s a safe lawn fertilizer with weed killer?

Doug: It’s called corn gluten meal, and you can find it at any nursery. It needs to go on in the next few weeks. It’s used as a crab grass control. It stops seeds from sprouting, so it needs to go on before the crabgrass sprouts. Another thing that works more like Roundup is Burn Out. It’s an organic version that uses clove oil and strong vinegar, good for spot weed control or in a patio.

There are a bunch of good organic lawn products out there. Jonathon Green is easy to find at most good nurseries and even True Value Hardware stores.

Question 4: Japanese cutleaf maple

Mary: I’m writing because we have a small Japanese cutleaf maple that a friend used to prune beautifully before he moved to the West Coast. Because every year it turns into the Cookie Monster, I’m very much hoping to find someone to prune it this year. Would you have any suggestions?

Doug: Any certified arborist will be able to do the job. I use Davey Tree. It’s important to choose someone who is qualified, and I know the arborists at Davey know their stuff.