Q: We have three blue spruce that are about 5 years old and late this summer we noticed needles were turning brown close to the trunk. Is this something we can treat? – Nicole H.
A: Although we discussed the situation a few weeks ago, similar questions keep coming, so I know it’s still on the minds of evergreen owners.
The good news is that most evergreen photos show normal seasonal needle shedding, which usually begins late summer through autumn. It’s more visible and pronounced this year on many trees.
Unlike deciduous, leafy-type trees that shed all their leaves annually, evergreens hold onto their foliage for multiple years. Although we call them “evergreens,” the needles don’t cling on forever, instead they cycle out as they age.
Spruce trees maintain their needles for about five to seven years. Some spruce species and pine-type evergreens hold needles up to 10 years before dropping, according to University of Saskatchewan and Colorado State University.
Evergreens don’t drop all their needles at once, creating a bare tree, instead, the older inner needles cycle out, due in part to interior shading, with newer, outer needles remaining.
This normal cycling out of needles accounts for the layer of needles found on forest floors. The dropping of needles inside oldest branches often goes unnoticed.
Fall needle drop is more dramatic some years than others, often depending on the year’s growing condition. Because our summer was hot and dry, it appears area evergreens are having a prolific needle cycling experience, but the healthy needles at branch tips is a good sign.
Q: I bought a gerbera daisy this spring, and it grew and bloomed well in a pot outside. I’ve kept it from freezing. Can I bring it indoors for winter, and move outside again next spring? – Amy S.
A: Gerbera daisies are one of the happiest-looking flowers around. In fact, one cultivar is named ‘Happipot,’ which was the world’s very first dwarf Gerbera daisy series developed in 1977 especially for container growing.
Yes, they winter very well indoors in a sun-filled window. Water them exactly as you would other houseplants, keeping in mind they can be thirsty.
Gerberas will often bloom during winter indoors. Watch for aphids and spider mites, and apply insecticidal soap as needed or preventatively.
Q: We had a nice crop of potatoes this year. What is the best temperature to store them at? – Mike N.
A: Besides the correct temperature, potatoes must be kept in the dark. When exposed to light, potatoes turn green, producing compounds that shouldn’t be consumed.
The best storage temperature varies a little, based on how long you wish to store the tubers, and their desired use. For example, potatoes used for fries are stored slightly warmer to avoid starches turning to sugar, which turns potatoes dark when fried.
Most homegrown potatoes are best stored at around 40- or 42-degrees F., for maximum storage life. Most refrigerators run colder, which converts starch to sugar, giving potatoes a sweeter, or off taste.
If you have a gardening or lawn care question, email Don Kinzler, NDSU Extension-Cass County, at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu. Questions with broad appeal may be published, so please include your name, city and state for appropriate advice.
Don Kinzler, a lifelong gardener, is the horticulturist with North Dakota State University Extension for Cass County. Readers can reach him at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.
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