Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

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Wednesday - June 13, 2007

From: Iron Station, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives, Edible Plants
Title: Mulching vegetables with straw
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I have a small garden with 4 different veggies, tomatoes, hot peppers, squash & cucumbers. which plants is it OK to put straw under? which plants will straw hurt the stalks or other possibilities? thank you

ANSWER:

Our focus and expertise here at the Wildflower Center are native plants of North America. Although many garden vegetables have been cultivated from native plants, they are now very different from their 'wild' cousins. Your best bet for vegetable gardening information is from your North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. On their web page they have a wealth of information on growing and caring for a large number of garden vegetables. You can also contact the Lincoln County Center of the Cooperative Extension Service for specific information about gardening in your area.

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Wednesday - June 13, 2007

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