Yes, this will be on the test: Garden cram week | The Compleat Home Gardener
Published 11:00 am Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Near the end of July, the bounty of flowers and vegetables can be a joy but garden problems also crop up. To cram in as much as possible this week here are questions with very short answers.
Q. Can I use dog manure to improve my garden soil?
A. No! You could spread diseases.
Q. When must I prune my tomatoes?
A. Not necessary unless they out grow their space.
Q. Can you grow melons in our area?
A. No. But I know someone will write to prove me wrong.
Q. How can I keep deer out of my orchard?
A. An 8 foot deer fence is the only practical solution – until you go on vacation and they break down the fence. Sadly I know this from experience.
Q. Can I grow geraniums in the shade?
A. No. They will hate you and it shows.
Q. When is the best time to divide perennial plants?
A. Spring or Fall. But some plants will survive a summer operation if you remember to water.
Q. My clematis vine turned brown and looks dead. Will it come back to life?
A. No. Clematis wilt wins. But if you cut the vine to the ground it may come back from the roots next year.
Q. Something has been eating the roots of my vegetables. Is it moles?
A. No. Moles eat meat – worms and grubs. Set mouse traps for voles.
Q. How long have you been writing this garden column?
A. Going on 46 years. Now the second longest running gardening column in the USA. It all started with the Courier Herald.
Marianne Binetti has a degree in horticulture from Washington State University and is the author of “Easy Answers for Great Gardens” and several other books. For answers to gardening questions, visit plantersplace.com and click “As The Expert”. Copyright for this column owned by Marianne Binetti. For more gardening information, she can be reached at her website, www.binettigarden.com.
