Plant Care

Something is eating the flowers and buds off the tops of my plant. What can I do?

You may have deer, rabbits or other animals feeding on your garden. Consider using Shot Gun Repels-All, Go Away Deer & Rabbit Repellent, MoleMax or Shot Gun Hot Pepper Wax Animal Repellent.

After I prune my trees do I need to put something on the fresh cut?

Depends on the size, for cut surfaces over an inch in diameter, apply Bonide Pruning Sealer immediately after pruning to protect the tree from invading insects and diseases. For small cut suckers or sprouts use Sucker Punch to stop them from resprouting.

I have several old stumps in my yard is there a product I can use to aid in stump removal?

You can use Bonide Stump-Out®, the active ingredient in this product is Sodium Metabisulfate. The product will only work on seasoned wood, stumps that have been dead and cut down for over a year. Make sure you follow the label directions and you will be able to remove the stumps easily.

What can I use when transplanting a plant to help it form a good root system?

Feeding your new plant properly is very important, you should use Bonide Root & Grow® Root Stimulator or Plant Starter Solution when planting new plants or transplanting existing plants. The products will help the plant get a head start in its new environment.

The leaves on my azaleas are turning yellow. What should I do to keep them healthy?

The leaves could be yellowing due to a deficiency of iron, the problem is also known as chlorosis. To correct this, apply Liquid Iron and Aluminum Sulfate. Azaleas need a soil with a low pH, below 6.5, to be able to absorb the iron through the roots. A soil test is highly recommended to make sure the soil is at the correct pH for the plant.

There are sunken brown spots on the bottoms of my tomatoes. What causes this?

Most likely it is blossom-end rot, which is caused by the lack of available calcium in the soil. Usually it occurs in the summer when it’s hot and dry when the tomatoes get too dry between watering. Use Bonide Rot-Stop® Tomato Blossom End Rot to add calcium to the plant by simply spraying it on the plant. Watering the tomato deeply in the early morning will also help decrease this issue.

I want to ensure that my tomato plants will produce a lot of healthy tomatoes. What can I do to get good tomatoes?

To help ensure a good crop of tomatoes, use Bonide Tomato-Blossom Set Spray. Spray the blooms and surrounding foliage to increase blossom set, which will increase yield and production. Use a fertilizer like Garden Rich Fish Fertilizer.

How can I make my Hydrangeas turn blue?

If it is a variety of hydrangea that is able to turn blue, you can use Aluminum Sulfate or Bailey’s Color Me Blue. Check the pH of the soil to make sure it is below 5.5, otherwise the flowers might be purple.

Can you mix Bontone Rooting Powder with water?

No, Bontone Rooting Powder is not water soluble.

How do I use Bontone Rooting Powder?

Dip the end of a cutting in the powder, then place in moist soil.

Can I use Bontone Rooting Powder for bulbs or seeds?

Yes, place some Bontone Rooting Powder in a bag, add the seed or bulbs, shake gently to coat the seeds or bulbs lightly.

Why should I use Root & Grow?

Root & Grow reduces transplant shock and promotes vigorous plant growth.

What is the dilution rate for Root & Grow?

Mix 3 1/2 tablespoons of Root & Grow to 1 gallon of water.

Can Root & Grow be used on houseplants?

Yes. Water with mixture every 6 - 8 weeks.

Can Root & Grow be used on vegetables?

Yes, but not in California.