Question: I’ve started growing a zucchini plant in a container. The blossoms are all falling off. What’s wrong with it? Answer: Actually, there may be nothing wrong with it. It’s normal for plants in the squash family to lose blossoms early in the growing season. ...

Question: I’m interested in the Master Gardener Program, but have difficulty taking care of my own gardens, let alone another garden. Would the Master Gardener program apply to me? Answer: There is a perception that the primary role of Master Gardeners is to maintain gardens for the public. ...

Q uestion: I have Japanese Beetles that are damaging my roses. What is the best way to get rid of them? A nswer: Adult Japanese Beetles are very active from mid-July through August and they especially like roses. These beetles are about half-inch long and are metallic green and bronze in color. ...

Answer: In our area, there are a number of vegetables that can be called “cool season crops”. These are vegetables that prefer the cooler temperatures of spring for seed germination and plant growth. They can tolerate some frost and light freezes of a short duration...

Question: I love planting mums in the fall. How can I get them to come back next year? Answer: Everyone loves the color of mums in the fall and that is often when people plant them. But, the reality is that the best time to plant mums is in the spring!...

Question: What can be done to eliminate squash bugs? I’ve tried Sevin, but it doesn’t seem to help. Answer: Adult squash bugs are difficult to eliminate with insecticides. From anecdotal reports and research, Sevin has limited effectiveness for this application. Since squash bugs can multiply rapidly, the best strategy is to tackle squash bugs at their earliest stage. The Master Gardener Demonstration Vegetable Garden was affected by squash bugs this year...

A: This is another of those, "Yes, but..." questions. Tomatoes can be grown in containers, even hanging containers. People plant tomatoes in clay, wood, metal and plastic containers. Containers range from pots to buckets, tires, whiskey barrels, plastic fabric bags, crates, tubs and even the occasional retired wheelbarrow. ...

Q: I've heard that the Master Gardeners are working on a new vegetable garden. I'd like to know more about it. A: Yes, we are designing and building a demonstration vegetable garden at the Greene County 4H fairgrounds. It's being constructed right now. We hope to have seeds and plants in the ground soon-- if it ever stops raining long enough!...

Q: Can I grow a Pecan tree in Greene County? The short answer is, yes, you can. There is a big, beautiful Pecan tree on Gabbard Avenue in Linton that drops a load of pecans every year. However, there are a few things to consider if you are thinking about trying to grow a Pecan tree in your back yard. ...

Q: What can I do in my garden right now to get ready for spring? A: Short answer, not a lot. There are a few things that can be done now to help your garden get off to a great start. Whether you are a 'till or no­ till' kind of gardener, it's not too late to cover your garden with a layer of composted manure (horse, cow, chicken, turkey), leaf mold or similar degraded soil amendment. This can be tilled in or turned under in a few months when the soil warms up and dries out enough to be worked...

A. Maybe your first question should be, "Why would I want to become a Master Gardener?" The process of becoming a Master Gardener is interesting, informative, and for me was quite enjoyable. As someone new to the county, becoming a Purdue Master Gardener was a great way for me to meet members of the community and to do useful volunteer work that connected me to the county and to the community...

Q: What is a Master Gardener? A: I'm guessing most people think a 'Master Gardener' is all about flowers and maybe Greene County's annual Flower and Patio Show. That is somewhat true, but an incomplete picture. A little history... in 1972 in Washington State an educational program was developed in response to a great demand for home gardening information. ...