Backyard Problem Solver www.jerrybaker.com Index Page numbers in italics denote Top Ten lists

135, 141, 149, 153, 335, 338, 345, 347, A 169, 190, 195, 198, 349, 351, 352, 353, Abelia, 65, 66, 67 223, 229, 235, 248, 356, 357 Acid (sour) soil, 5, 6, 121, 194 271, 303, 307, 313, Ants, 198, 226 Adelgids, 60 314, 323, 324, 327, Aphids, 85–86, 96, 141, 154, Aeration, 3, 116, 216, 253, 269 332, 333, 335, 337, 168–169, 187, 206, 256, Ageratum, 133, 137, 140, 143, 338, 339, 340, 341, 257, 302 219 342, 343, 344, 345, secret behind, 220 Ajuga, 124, 126 346, 348, 349, 350, Apple, 58, 217 Akebia, 185 351, 353, 354, 355, Apple juice, in tonics, 195, 343 Alfalfa meal, 25 356, 357 April tasks, 308–310 Alkaline (sweet) soil, 5, 6, 61, Anemone, 164 Arbors and arches, 32, 179 83, 184 Angelonia, 137, 138 Arborvitae, 36, 46, 74, 266 All-Around Disease Defense Animal pest control, 23, 35, Artemisia, 146 Tonic, 175, 177 (recipe), 128, 194, 198, 227–248, Asarina, 178, 180, 182 250, 256, 332 (recipe) 271. See also specific Ash. See Wood ash All-Purpose Bug & Thug Spray, animals Asparagus, 211 207 (recipe), 332 (recipe) Animal traps, 235, 240 Aster, 18, 145, 151, 155, 157, All-Purpose Pest Prevention Annuals, 21, 132–143, 147, 158, 221, 312 Potion, 235 (recipe), 332 311 Stoke’s, 151 (recipe) for containers, 138 Astilbe, 148, 154, 155, 303 All-Purpose Plant Food, 61 deadheading, 34, 36, 78, Athlete’s foot powder, 246 All-Purpose Varmint Repellent, 267, 314 Aucuba, 69, 73 243, 332 (recipe) drought-tolerant, 137 August tasks, 318–319 All-Season Clean-Up Tonic, 60 easy, 138 Avon Skin-So-Soft, 225 (recipe), 62, 84, 101, 124, for edging, 137 Azalea, 35, 65, 67, 69, 83, 85, 143, 188, 195, 221, 301, problems and solutions, 162, 246, 307 332 (recipe) 140–143 All-Season Green-Up Tonic, 27 six ways to play it safe with (recipe), 59, 85, 112 (rec- color, 133 B ipe), 123, 147, 168, 190, vines, 47, 180, 181, 182 Baby powder, 76, 135, 246, 340 269, 301, 333 (recipe) Ant Ambrosia, 226 (recipe), Baby shampoo, 187, 219, 229, Alum, in tonics, 128, 345 333 (recipe) 330 Aluminum foil, 23, 214, 217, 230 Ant Control Tonic, 226 (reci- in tonics, 15, 30, 53, 55, 60, Amaryllis, 164 pe), 333 (recipe) 77, 82, 85, 87, 92, 97, Amazing Aphid Antidote, 85 Antiseptic mouthwash 107, 110, 116, 119, (recipe), 333 (recipe) secret behind, 330 131, 136, 157, 161, Ammonia in tonics, 30, 56, 60, 82, 92, 165, 169, 190, 195, secret behind, 330 107, 121, 131, 161, 200, 221, 248, 271, in tonics, 13, 27, 30, 55, 56, 192, 207, 210, 271, 307, 313, 314, 323, 77, 80, 89, 108, 110, 314, 315, 320, 323, 324, 327, 332, 333, 112, 114, 116, 131, 327, 330, 332, 334, 334, 335, 337, 338,

358 I n d e x Backyard Problem Solver www.jerrybaker.com 339, 340, 341, 342, Bean mosaic virus, 257 Birds, 47, 57, 58, 68, 69, 212, 343, 344, 345, 348, Bearberry, 65 214, 216, 247–248 349, 350, 351, 353, Beauty Bath for Bulbs, 161 Bittersweet, 71 354, 355, 356, 357 (recipe), 334 (recipe) Black flea beetle, 198 Baby’s breath, 146, 157, 161 Bedding plants, 16, 106, 134, Black spot, 98 Bachelor button, 135 272 Black Spot Remover Tonic, 98 Bacillus popillae (Milky Spore), Bedtime Snack Tonic, 7 (reci- (recipe), 334 (recipe) 97, 127, 158, 209 pe), 272, 334 (recipe) Black-eyed Susan, 32, 145, Bacillus thuringiensis var. Bee balm, 148, 155, 303 148, 150, 155, 180, 182, kurstaki (Btk), 58, 216, Beech, 44, 45, 309 246 224 Beer Blanket flower, 148, 150 grease, in tonics, 226, secret behind, 330 Blazing star, 150 333 in tonics, 8, 27, 55, 77, 80, Bleach, in tonics, 89, 244, 348, Bacteria, in the compost pile, 92, 108, 110, 112, 114, 351 7, 8 116, 135, 136, 145, Bleeding heart, 18, 148, 150 Bagworms, 60 149, 153, 190, 192, Blight, 202, 250–251 Baking powder, in tonics, 226, 222, 229, 271, 305, Blood meal, 240, 243 333, 340 307, 321, 324, 333, Blossom end rot, 251 Baking soda 336, 337, 338, 339, Bluebell, 164, 166 to strengthen seedlings, 341, 343, 344, 346, Bluegrass, 103, 127, 253 262, 310 348, 351, 352, 353, Kentucky, 102, 114, 118, in tonics, 85, 117, 135, 155, 354, 355, 356, 357 216 174, 207, 244, 332, Bees, 99, 225 ‘Park’, 127 333, 340, 343, 347, 351 Beet, 193, 218 Boltonia, 150, 151 Baking Soda Spray, 85 (reci- Beetle Juice, 158, 201 (recipe), Bon Ami cleansing powder, 235 pe), 140, 333 (recipe) 208, 209, 334 (recipe) Bonemeal Balanced Plant Food, 303 Beetles. See also specific as soil amendment, 194, (recipe), 333 (recipe) beetles 228 Balconies. See Container gar- pest control, 208–209 in tonics, 7, 55, 76, 110, dens in tonics, 201, 334 122, 135, 160, 184, Balled-and-burlapped plants, Beginning gardeners, plants 308, 317, 334, 336 , 22–23, 49, 53 for, 13 340, 341, 342, 346, Bamboo, 173, 180, 292 Begonia, 16, 141, 143 348, 352, 354, 356 Banana and banana peel, 93, tuberous, 138, 164 , 198 228, 308, 347 wax, 137, 138 Boric acid, in tonics, 226, 333 Barberry, Japanese, 70, 73 Bells, 247 Bottles, soda, 236, 239. See Bare-root plants, 21, 22, 49, 89 Beneficial animals, 58, 194, also Milk jugs Bark mulch, 29, 31, 59 206, 212, 214, 216, 224, Bourbon , 198, 199, 219, 225, 255, 244, 259 secret behind, 331 311, 319 Beneficial bacteria. See in tonics, 76, 198, 303, 340, Basket of gold, 296 Bacillus thuringiensis var. 341, 351 Bats, 206, 224 kurstaki; Milky Spore Boxwood, 65, 74, 83, 87, 325 Bay tree, 319 Beneficial insects, 96, 154, 158, Dwarf, 65 Bayberry, Northern, 65 206, 220 Bricks, 171, 277, 283, 285, 288 Bean, 11, 13, 181, 197, 211, Berries, 244, 253 Broadcast spreader, 109, 118, 219, 221, 253, 310 ginkgo, 42 131 bush, 257 Bicycle wheel, as a trellis, 181 Broccoli, 196, 212, 213, 239, pole, 193, 257 Billbugs, 104 309, 318 scarlet runner, 13, 180, 182 Birch, 304 Brussels sprouts, 196, 323 snap, 193 river, 51, 59 BTK biological pesticide, 58, Bean beetle, 198 Bird feeders, 58, 239 216, 224 I n d e x 359 Backyard Problem Solver www.jerrybaker.com Bug Away Spray, 210 (recipe), Cardinal flower, 148 Clay soil, 3, 4 211, 335 (recipe) Carrot, 191, 196, 215, 232, 323 Cleansers, 230, 231, 235 Bugs, 210, 211 Carrot flies, 198 Clean-up of the garden, 210, Bulb Cleaning Tonic, 165 Carrot worms, 215 211, 253, 272, 302, 314, (recipe), 335 (recipe) Castor oil, in tonics, 128, 233, 322 Bulb planter, 165 235, 332, 341, 345 Clematis, 178, 184, 185 Bulb Snack, Organic, 160 (reci- Cat litter, 236 Clematis Chow, 184 (recipe), pe), 161, 165, 345 (recipe) Catalog shopping, 11, 19, 21, 336 (recipe) Bulbs, 159–169 36, 183, 255, 258, 302 Cleome, 135, 139 animal pests, 238, 240, 241 Caterpillar Killer Tonic, 215 Cloches, 305, 309 dividing, 165, 166, 167, 321 (recipe), 217, 335 (recipe) Clock flower, 182 naturalized, 162, 163, 166 Caterpillars, 58, 61, 198, Club root, 194 planting, 163, 165, 320 212–217 Cocoa shells, 31 problems and solutions, Cathedral bells, 182 Coffee cans, 78, 118, 217, 235 167–169 Catmint, 145, 146, 148, 150, 303 Coffee grounds, 81, 307 for spring, 159, 160, 163, Catnip, 227, 230, 319 Cola 164 Cats, 227, 230–231 secret behind, 330 for summer, 159, 160, 164 Cauliflower, 212, 213, 323 in tonics, 8, 30, 108, 110, Burlap, 63, 202, 265, 270 114, 145, 192, 229, Burning bush, 65 to repel animals, 242, 245 305, 314, 323, 324, Bushes. See Shrubs in tonics, 169, 213, 231, 336, 339, 341, 343, Butterfly, black swallowtail, 239, 245, 335, 337, 345, 351, 352, 355 215 342, 344, 349, 353 Cold, 262–263 Butterfly bush, 35, 66, 67 Cedar, 297, 327 brown blossoms from, 62 Bye-Bye, Birdie Tonic, 248 Japanese, 46 covers for plants, 262, 263, (recipe), 335 (recipe) red, 46, 266 271, 304 worms, 215 damage to walkways, 278, Celosia, 135, 143 279, 282 C Chard, 211 snow shoveling, 303 Cabbage, 196, 212, 218, 255, Cherry, 44, 217 transporting plants in win- 309, 318 ornamental/flowering, 47, ter, 326 Cabbage moths, 198 48, 51, 61 USDA Plant Hardiness Cabbage Worm Wipeout, 212, Sargent, 45 Zone Map, 328 213 (recipe), 335 (recipe) wild, 47 winter preparations, 136, Cabbage worms, 198, 212– Chickabiddy vine, 182 163, 263, 270–271 213, 224 Children Cold frames, 263, 264 Caladium, 164 play in the garden, 38, 57, Cold-resistant, 139 Calcium, 27, 191, 251 180 Coleus, 138 Calendar of care, 300–327 safety tips, 235, 241, 291, Collars for seedlings, 214 Calendula, 219 326, 331, 333, 351 Colloidal phosphate, 228 Campanula, 150 , in tonics, 229, Color tips, 41, 124, 133, 139, Canary creeper, 139, 180, 182 231, 234, 239, 332, 337, 145, 162, 163, 225, 295 Candytuft, 122, 124, 126, 246 345, 349, 353 Colorado potato beetle, 201 Canna, 163, 164 Chinch bugs, 104 Colorful foliage, 50, 73 Canola oil, 207 Chipmunks, 240 Columbine, 148, 153, 218 Cans, 78, 118, 214, 222, 323 , 319 Compost, 93, 191 , 169, 228, 239 Chlorosis, 86. See also Iron amount to use, 9 Carbaryl, 187 Chrysanthemum, 34, 145, 151, animals in, 226, 242, 268 Cardboard rolls, as seedling 154, 218, 312 avoid diseased plants, 256 ­collar, 214 Cinquefoil, shrubby, 70 clean-up materials in, 136,

360 I n d e x Backyard Problem Solver www.jerrybaker.com 210, 211, 272 Corn syrup Daisy, Shasta, 148, 156 decomposition, 7, 8, 9, 226, for cut flowers, 317 Damping-off, 15, 254 305 secret behind, 331 Damping-Off Prevention seven steps to cleaner soil, in tonics, 27, 80, 89, 110, Tonic, 15 (recipe), 254, 260 112, 135, 136, 149, 337 (recipe) smells from, 8, 191 319, 333, 336, 339, Dandelion, 119, 129 as soil amendment, 13, 147, 344, 346, 349, 353 Daylily, 148, 150, 151, 153, 154, 184, 304 Corncobs, 31, 238 162, 303, 312 in tonics, 27, 53, 76, 160, Cornmeal, in tonics, 226, 333 Daylily Transplant Tonic, 153 251, 336, 346, 349, 356 Cosmos, 133, 135, 137, 208 (recipe), 337 (recipe) Compost bins, 9 Cotoneaster, 65, 68, 82, 87 Deadheading, 34, 36, 78, 267, Compost Feeder Tonic, 8 bearberry, 70 314 (recipe), 305 (recipe), 336 rockspray, 70 December tasks, 325–327 (recipe) Cottonseed meal, 25 Deciduous, 69 Compost Tea, 21, 27 (recipe), Covers for plants, 262, 263, Decks, lawn adjacent to, 101 251, 336 (recipe) 267, 271, 304 Deer, 35, 245–246 Concrete, 279–280, 281, 282, Crabapple, 47, 48, 51, 62, 217 Deer Buster Eggnog, 283, 284, 290, 321 Crabgrass, 107, 119, 306 245 (recipe), Coneflower, 147 Crabgrass Control Energizer 337 (recipe) purple, 148, 152, 246 Tonic, 107 (recipe), Delphinium, 146, 150, 155, Construction projects 337 (recipe) 312 installing a wooden fence, Cranesbill, 126 Dethatching lawn, 103, 108, 289–290 Crocosmia, 164, 166 216, 253 molded concrete walkway, Crocus, 162, 163, 164, 165, Dianthus, 126, 132, 213, 246, 279–280 166, 238, 246 323 stepping stone walkway, Crown rot, 155 Diatomaceous earth (DE) 281 Cucumber, 197, 208, 219, 252, addition to soil, 156, 222, stone wall, 293–294 257, 310 235 zoning ordinances and Cucumber beetle, 194, 208 in tonics, 192, 356 restrictions, 291 Cucumber mosaic virus, 257 Dichondra, 103 Container gardens Cultivar, 20 Digging, tip for easier, 4 annuals, 132, 136, 138, 311 Cup-and-saucer vine, 182, 186 , 199, 215, 319 bulbs, 163 Cups, as seedling collar, 214 Dioecious, 71 ground covers, 122 Cut flowers. See Flower arrange- Disease, 249–260. See also hanging baskets, 318 ments specific diseases , 311 Cutworms, 205, 213–214, 215, in cuts from tight tying, 32 shrubs, 87 224, 320 from dull lawnmower, 113 vegetables, 193 Cypress from mice and rats, 241 winter preparations, 136, Italian, 44 mulches to reduce, 28 163, 263, 270–271 Leyland, 46, 266 and pruning, 34, 79, 82 Container Plant Food Tonic, Nootka, 42 from too much watering, 28 318, 319 (recipe), 336 sawara, 73, 74 vegetables resistant to, 189, (recipe) 252, 255, 257 Containers, 139, 303, 319 Dish soap. See Liquid dish soap Copper sulfate, in tonics, 345 D Dividing bulbs, 165, 166, 167, Coral bells, 18 Daffodil, 159, 164, 165, 239, 321 Coreopsis, 148, 155, 246, 303 246, 312 Dividing ornamental grasses, threadleaf, 146 miniature, 124, 163 173, 175 Corn, 11, 197, 240, 243, 244, naturalized, 162, 163, 166 Dividing perennials, 149, 153, 248, 253 Dahlia, 159, 160, 164, 221 308, 321

I n d e x 361 Backyard Problem Solver www.jerrybaker.com Dog food, dry, in tonics, 53, 251, 308, 309, 317, chemical/inorganic, 25 171, 307, 346, 356 327, 339, 340, 341, don’t overfeed, 25, 26, 52, Dog-Be-Gone Tonic, 228, 229 342, 346, 347, 348, 76, 108, 112, 121, 134, (recipe), 337 (recipe) 349, 352, 354, 355, 147, 191 Dogs, 227–229 356, 357 fish, 25, 191, 228 Dogwood, 44, 47, 48, 51, 107, Euonymus, 84, 87 for ground cover, 23, 124 309 Evergreens labels, 26 redtwig, 73 as a backdrop, 41, 144, lawn, 109–111, 269, 308, Dollar spot, 253 146, 293 321, 323, 327 Dormancy, 19, 21, 35, 89, 103, definition, 69 organic, 25, 191–192. See 105, 159, 160, 165 ground covers, 124, 125 also Compost Dormant oil, 63, 82, 86, 187 grove, 46 for perennials, 147, 306 in tonics, 117, 343 problems and solutions, for roses, 92, 308 Double Punch Tea, 168, 60–61 for shrubs, 76, 306, 309, 319 169 (recipe), 338 (recipe) pruning, 36, 78 in tonics, 346 Drain tile, 214 shrubs, 74 5-10-5, 311, 342 Drainage trees, 46 15-30-15, 136, 303, 319, soil, 143, 144, 161, 162, 333, 336, 353 171, 268, 269 fish, 17, 53, 77, 92, 135, walkways, 278 F 153, 190, 303, 307, Drop spreader, 109 Fabulous Fertilizer Formulas, 337, 339, 345, 348, Droppings, big-cat, 246 321 350, 354, 356, 357 Drought, 54, 115, 137, 170, Fairy Ring Fighter Tonic, 130, garden food, 7, 55, 192, 171, 267, 271, 316 131 (recipe), 338 (recipe) 308, 311, 334, 342, Drought Buster Tonic, 112 Fall Clean-Up Tonic, 270, 271 348, 356 (recipe), 338 (recipe) (recipe), 338 (recipe) lawn, 27, 55, 112, 117, Drying flowers, 316 Fall Garden Bedtime Tonic, 149, 333, 338, 339, Dusty miller, 137, 143, 246, 322, 333 (recipe), 339 355 323 (recipe) Rose/Flower Food, 92, Dutchman’s pipe, 185, 186–187 Fall Lawn Food Mix, 117 (reci- 348 pe), 269, 339 (recipe) for trees, 55, 319 Fan flower, 138 for vegetables, 191–192 E Fantastic Flowering Shrub for your compost pile, 8 Earthworms, 268, 272 Tonic, 87 (recipe), 339 Fescue, 102, 103, 105, 114, Ecology of the garden, 7, 57, 252 (recipe) 118, 120 Edging areas, 137, 146, 269, February tasks, 304 blue, 172, 176 284 Fenceposts, 289, 290, 297–298 fine, 102, 105, 114, 120 Edibles, 189–202 Fences and fencing, 286–298 Kentucky 31, 103 Eelworms, 259–260 against animals, 233, 236, tall, 102, 105, 114, 118, Eggplant, 197, 208, 258, 318 237, 238, 240, 241, 120, 323 Eggs, in tonics, 245, 332, 337 245, 248, 270 Fiberglass, corrugated, 265 Eggshells, 27, 191, 214, 251 materials for, 287–288 Fir, 60 Electric pruning shears, 33 problems and solutions, Douglas, 44 Elm, Chinese, 42, 45 296–298 white, 46 Epimedium, 126 stone walls, 293, 296–297 Flags, to scare birds, 247 Epsom , 77, 93, 109, 154 , 319 Flats, planting in, 14–15 secret behind, 331 Ferns, 125 Flea beetle, 209 in tonics, 53, 55, 76, 110, Fertilizer, 24–27 Flies, 142, 153, 198, 202, 218– 117, 119, 122, 131, for bedding plants, 16 219, 225 135, 160, 190, 200, for bulbs, 161 Flooding, 268–269, 285

362 I n d e x Backyard Problem Solver www.jerrybaker.com Flour Garden design Gopher-Go Tonic, 233 (recipe), and skunk control, 244 bulbs, 161, 162–163, 165 341 (recipe) in tonics, 142, 188, 213, fencing, 286, 290 Gophers, 232–233 231, 335, 349, 354, 357 gates as focal points, 291, Grafted plants, 20 Flower arrangements, 66, 316, 295 Granite meal, 25 317 ground covers, 122, 124 Grape, 179, 209, 291 Flower Flea Fluid, 157 (recipe), lawn space, 101 Grapefruit, as a bug trap, 215 339 (recipe) ornamental grasses, 171 Grass Clipping Dissolving Flower fleas. See Leafhoppers perennials, 145 Tonic, 114 (recipe), Flower Power Tonic, 134, 135 roses, 88 341 (recipe) (recipe), 339 (recipe) shrubs, 68–69 Grass Seed Starter Tonic, 118, Flower Soil Prep Mix, 134, 135 size of plants. See Size of 119 (recipe), 341 (recipe) (recipe), 144, 340 (recipe) mature plant Grasses. See also Lawn; Flowering ground covers, 126 steps, 276 Ornamental grasses Flowering shrubs, 66, 67 trees, 40–41, 43, 44, 47 bahia, 120 Flowering trees, 47–48, 62 use of surface tree roots, 59 Bermuda, 102, 103, 104, Focal points, gates as, 291, walkways, 275 106, 114 295 where to get ideas, 301–302 blue. See Bluegrass Forsythia, 35, 65, 66, 67, 107, Garden journal, 29, 301 blue oat, 172 162, 306 Garlic, 199 buffalo grass, 102, 104 Foundation plantings, 71 as a pesticide, 141, 158, centipede, 102, 104, 120 Four-lined plant bug, 210 198, 213 colonial bent, 105, 216 Foxglove, 145, 146, 148, 152, to repel animals, 128, 234, crabgrass, 107, 119, 306 246, 312 245 feather reed, 172 Fragrant plants, 48, 90, 162, in tonics, 85, 99, 169, 221, fountain, 172, 174 168, 181, 198 229, 231, 245, 332, maiden, 170, 172, 176, 177 Freezes, 263 333, 337, 338, 340, mondo, 125 Fringe tree, 48, 48, 51 342, 344 oat, 172 Frost, 261–263 Garlic Tea Tonic, 99 (recipe), pampas, 170, 172, 175, trees, ornamental, 47 157, 340 (recipe) 304 Fuchsia, 138 Gates, 291, 294–295 perennial ryegrass, 102, Fungi Gelatin, in tonics, 55, 319, 336, 105, 114, 118 as decomposers in soil, 7, 355 St. Augustine, 102, 104, 120 252 General Foliage Plant Food, silver spike, 172 disease, 83, 98, 117, 127, 303 (recipe), 340 (recipe) switch, 172 136, 143, 152, 155, Geranium, 16, 138, 140–141, zoysia, 102, 104, 114 174–175, 177, 250– 219, 311 Gravel, 29–30, 281 251, 253–255 scented, 225, 319 Greenhouses, mini, 15 fairy rings on the lawn, 130 Get-Up-and-Grow Tonic, 109, Ground covers, 23, 101, 103, Fungicides, 177, 253 110 (recipe), 340 122–126, 124, 310 Fung-onil, 253 (recipe) evergreen, 124, 125 Fungus Fighter Tonic, 152 Ginkgo, 42, 45, 51 flowering, 126 (recipe), 174 (recipe), 251, Gladiolus, 159, 160, 164, 168 grass. See Lawn 340 (recipe) Glyphosate, 175 problems and solutions, 130 Fusarium, 255 Golden star, 126 Ground Cover Starter Mix, 122 Golden-rain tree, 48, 51 (recipe), 123, 341 (recipe) Goldenrod, 151 Groundhogs, 198 G Golf ball, in sprayer buckets, Grubs, 209 Garbage can, to control orna- 110 Guara, 151 mental grass spreading, 173 Gomphrena, 137 Gum, in tunnels, 128, 234

I n d e x 363 Backyard Problem Solver www.jerrybaker.com Gypsum, 229 Honeysuckle, 179, 187 Iris, 246 as soil amendment, 27, everblooming, 185 bearded, 161, 164, 166, 167 194, 269, 270 Hornbeam, 45 Dutch, 164, 166 in tonics, 7, 53, 55, 110, European, 42, 44 Iris borers, 167 122, 131, 135, 192, Horticultural oil, in tonics, 117, Iron 251, 311, 334, 340, 221, 343 as an essential nutrient, 59, 341, 347, 349, 352, Hose guards, 171 61, 83, 86, 191, 303 356, 357 Hoses, 75, 250, 315 in tonics, 303, 341 Gypsy moths, 58, 224 Hosta, 148, 151, 246, 303 Iron sulfate, in tonics, 87, 339 Hot Bite Spray, 169 (recipe), Ivy, 122, 124, 125, 130 342 (recipe) Boston, 179, 185 H Hot Bug Brew, 82, 342 (recipe) English, 59, 124, 130, 250 Hackberry, 47 Hot green pepper, in tonics, 342 common, 44 Hot sauce, in tonics, 107, 169, Hair 221, 229, 234, 239, 245, J as animal repellent, 240, 246 337, 342, 344, 345, 347, January tasks, 301–303 in the compost pile, 191 353 Japanese beetle, 97, 127, 158, as nematode deterrent, 214 Hot-water bottle, for a kneeling 198, 209 in tonics, 171, 307, 346 pad, 172 Jasmine, 179 Hair spray, 317 Houseplant Repotting Mix, Confederate, 185 Hand clippers, 36 317 (recipe), 342 (recipe) Joe-pye weed, 151 Happy Tonic, 198 (reci- Houseplants, 302, 317, 319, July tasks, 316–317 pe), 285, 341 (recipe) 326, 327 June beetle, 127 Hardening off, 14 Humus, 6, 190 June tasks, 314–315 Harvesting, 316, 318 Hurry-Up-the-Harvest Tonic, Juniper, 36, 68, 74, 78, 87, 176 Hawthorn, 45 195 (recipe), 343 (recipe) Chinese, 73 Heat check, 142 Hyacinth, 159, 162, 164 columnar, 71 Heather, 70 Dutch, 163 creeping, 65, 70, 122, 125 Hedges, 33, 69, 81, 170, 175, grape, 160, 162, 163, 164, 313 165, 166 Heeling in, 21 Hybrid varieties, 12 K Heirloom varieties, 257 Hydrangea, 67, 83, 84, 221, 246 Kale, 196 Helen’s flower, 151 climbing, 179, 185 Kiddie pool, 318 Helianthus, 151 Hydrogen peroxide, in tonics, Kiwi, 193 Heliopsis, 148, 151 53, 55, 77, 90, 92, 97, Kneeling pad, 172 Hemlock, 36, 44 107, 153, 165, 198, 244, Knock ‘em Dead Tonic, 208 Canada, 46, 266 303, 307, 335, 337, 340, (recipe), 343 (recipe) Herb Soil Booster Mix, 311 341, 344, 348, 349, 351, Kool-Aid, grape, 248 (recipe), 342 (recipe) 353, 354, 355, 356 Herbicides, 103, 107, 119, 123, Hyssop, 198 129 L Herbs, 198, 199, 210, 215, 225, Lacebugs, 85 285, 311, 319 I Lacewing, 154 Heuchera, 148, 152 Imidacloprid, 127, 209 Ladybeetles, 96, 154, 220 Holdfasts of vines, 179 Impatiens, 16, 124, 133, 135, Ladybugs. See Ladybeetles Holly, 68, 69, 71, 83, 284 137, 138, 143, 208, 311 Lady’s mantle, 150 Foster, 266 Indoor seed sowing, 14–15 Lamb’s ears, 125 Japanese, 65, 74, 83 Injuries, saving your back, 23 Lamium, 122, 126 Hollyhock, 158, 253, 312 Interior latex paint, in tonics, Lampshades, 263 Honey, for sticky bug trap, 208 56, 347 Lantana, 137

364 I n d e x Backyard Problem Solver www.jerrybaker.com Larkspur, 132, 218 Lemon peel, in tonics, 97, Liriope, 124, 125 Laundry soap, dry, in tonics, 348 Loam, 3 117, 339 Lemon-scented ammonia, in Lobelia, 137, 138, 142 Laurel, mountain, 85 tonics, 223, 345 Locust, black, 42 Lavender, 311, 319 Lemon-scented dish soap, in Loosestrife, 146 English, 199 tonics, 223, 345, 353 Loppers, 36 Lawn, 100–121, 117 Lethal Weapon, 220, 221 Low-care ornamental grasses, aeration, 3, 116, 216, 253, (recipe), 344 (recipe) 170–177 269 Lettuce, 191, 193, 196, 202, Lungwort, 148 cool-season grasses, 102, 237, 309, 323 105, 120, 320 Leucothoe, drooping, 73, 74 dethatching, 103, 108, 216, Lighting, 69, 244, 254, 275, M 253 276, 307, 323 Maggots, 194 disease, 104, 117, 127 Ligustrum, 266 Magnesium, 27 fertilizing. See Fertilizer, lawn Lilac, 35, 67, 68, 85, 252 Magnolia five fine ways to shrink, 101 Lily, 159, 162, 164, 166, 246, ‘Little Gem’, 46 grass clippings, 8, 114 257 star, 65, 67 Milky Spore for, 97, 127, Asiatic hybrids, 166 sweet bay, 46, 48 158, 209 Oriental, 162, 168 Mail order. See Catalog shop- mowing, 102, 103, 111, spider, 160 ping 113–114, 121 tiger, 169 Mailing tube, as seedling collar, pests, 97, 104, 127 Lily lice, 168 214 problems and solutions, Lime Manganese, 191 127–129, 131 as soil amendment, 6, 184, Manure reseeding, 118, 216, 320 194 as caterpillar repellent, 214 for shady areas, 120, 121 in tonics, 87, 110, 131, 135, as soil amendment, 6, 8, traffic considerations, 104, 184, 311, 336, 339, 25, 228, 260 105, 121, 172 340, 342, 347 in tonics, 17, 27, 184, 336, types of grasses, 102–105 Linden, 42 350 warm-season grasses, 102, Linoleum, as seedling collar, 214 Manure Tea, 27 (recipe), 104, 106, 120, 321, Liquid dish soap, 219, 229 336 327 bottle as a bug trap, 208 Maple, 44, 59, 304 Lawn Freshener Tonic, 116 secret behind, 330 Japanese, 44, 51 (recipe), 343 (recipe) in tonics, 8, 13, 15, 17, 27, red, 42, 45 Lawn Fungus Fighter Tonic, 55, 56, 76, 80, 85, 89, trident, 42 117 (recipe), 253, 343 90, 92, 108, 112, 114, March tasks, 305–307 (recipe) 128, 135, 145, 149, Marigold, 34, 133, 138, 143, Lawn Saver Tonic, 229 (recipe), 153, 157, 177, 192, 311, 319 343 (recipe) 201, 202, 223, 229, French, 137, 142, 223, 260 Lawn Snack Tonic, 109, 110 231, 233, 234, 235, , sweet, 319 (recipe), 117, 244, 271, 303, 305, Masonry, 277, 279–281 344 (recipe) 315, 319, 321, 323, May tasks, 310–313 Lawn sprayer, 110 332, 333, 334, 336, Mealybugs, 186–187, 302 Lawnmower, sharpening blades, 337, 338, 339, 341, Melampodium, 135, 137 113 342, 343, 344, 345, Melon, 191, 193, 197, 310 Leaf mold, 6 346, 347, 348, 349, Meow-va-lous Tonics, 231 Leaf spot, 152, 177, 250–251 350, 351, 352, 353, (recipes), 344 (recipe) Leafcutter bees, 99 355, 356, 357 Merit, 127, 209 Leafhoppers, 157, 221, 256 Liquid Iron, 59, 83, 86, 339 Mesh, plastic, 248 Leafminers, 153, 202, 216 Liquid Mole Repellent, 128 Mexican bean beetle, 205, 209

I n d e x 365 Backyard Problem Solver www.jerrybaker.com Mice and rats, 23, 241–242, in tonics, 55, 356 Nasturtium, 13, 137, 208 244, 271 Motor oil, 217 climbing, 182 Micronutrients, 26 Mousetraps, 235 Natural disasters, 261–272 Mildew, 84, 250. See also Mouthwash. See Antiseptic Natural Plant Food, 303 (reci- Powdery mildew mouthwash pe), 345 (recipe) Mildew Relief Tonic, 97 (reci- Move on Moles Tonic, 128 Natural predators of insects, pe), 344 (recipe) (recipe), 345 (recipe) 194, 206 Mildew resistant plants, 252. Mowing Naturalized bulbs, 162, 163, 166 See also Powdery mildew ground cover, 124 Neighbors and fences, 290 Milk height of, 313, 314, 316 Nematodes, 259–260 as a disinfectant, 258 the lawn, 102, 103, 111, Netting, against birds, 248 in tonics 113–114, 121, 313, 314 Nicotiana, 139, 258 buttermilk, 188, 354 mower maintenance, 309, Nierembergia, 133, 137 powdered, 152, 174, 340 325 Nitrogen, 25, 26, 61, 109, 134, skim, 221, 344 Mulch 191, 229 sour, 142, 357 around edge of lawn, 106 No Mo’ Nematodes Tonic, Milk jugs, 28, 136, 236, 264, for ground covers, 123 260 (recipe), 265, 305 how to refresh, 194, 314 346 (recipe) Milk slugs, 202 on newly seeded grass, 118 November tasks, 324–325 Milky Spore, 97, 127, 158, 209 for paved walkways, 279 Mini-blinds, 269 for perennial bed, 19, 147 Mint, 198, 199, 210, 226, 319 for roses, 93, 98 O Mixes. See Tonics for shrubs, 19, 80, 83, 85, Oak, 44, 58, 59, 217 Molasses 318 pin, 42 secret behind, 331 tonic for, 30, 195 red, 45 as squirrel bait, 240 for trees, 19, 57, 63, 318 white, 45 in tonics, 27, 80, 112, 152, types, 29–31 Oatmeal 174, 333, 340, 346, 353 for water conservation, 28, dry, in tonics, 53, 171, 307, Molds, for concrete, 279–280 267 346, 356 Mole Chaser Tonic, 233, 234 as winter protection, 263, for squirrel bait, 240 (recipe), 345 (recipe) 271, 272, 325 Obedient plant, 146, 151 Moles, 128, 232, 234 Mulch Moisturizer Tonic, 30 October tasks, 322–323 Moley Smoke Bombs, 128 (recipe), 195, 314 (recipe), Oil of , in tonics, 231, Monthly calendar of care, 345 (recipe) 344 300–327 Murphy’s Oil Soap, in tonics, Okra, 197 Moonflower, 182, 186 107, 121, 141, 155, 207, One-third mowing rule, 114 Morning glory, 11, 179, 180, 210, 215, 239, 315, 320, , 213, 218 181, 182, 186, 239 332, 335, 345, 347, 353, ornamental, 164, 166 Mortar, 277, 283, 321 354, 357 in tonics, 85, 98, 221, 229, Mosquito Lemon Aid, 223 Mushrooms, 31, 130 333, 334, 337, 342, 344 (recipe), 345 (recipe) Mustard, in tonics, 231, 344, Opossums and raccoons, 243 Mosquitos, 198, 223–225 349 Orange peel, 97, 141, 348 Moss, 121 Myrtle , 199, 319 Moss Buster Tonic, 121 (recipe), crape, 48, 66 Oregon grape, 68, 69, 70, 74 345 (recipe) wax, 266 creeping, 70 Mothballs Organic Bulb Snack, 160 as animal repellent, 35, 128, (recipe), 161, 165, 240, 244 N 346 (recipe) for mulch, 93 Nails, for fencing, 289 Organic matter, 4, 5, 6, 268. as pesticide, 62, 167 Narcissus, 163 See also Compost

366 I n d e x Backyard Problem Solver www.jerrybaker.com Ornamental grasses, 170–177 Perennial Perk-Me-Up Tonic, Pink, moss, 296 as ground cover, 125 149 (recipe), 346 Pipe, plastic, 292 low maintenance, 172 (recipe) Pittosporum, dwarf, 70 problems and solutions, Perennializing, 163 Planning. See Garden design 174–177 Perennials, 18, 144–158, 170 Plant Food Pyramid, The, 25, pruning, 173, 174, 304 for cold climates, 150 26 dividing, 149, 153, 308, 321 Plant lice. See Aphids for late season bloom, 151 Plant Shampoo, 142 P for partial shade, 148 Planting Pachysandra, 122, 125 problems and solutions, balled-and-burlapped plants, Paint, in tonics, 56, 347 152–158 22–23, 53 Painting fences, 287, 298 for the sun, 148 bare-root plants, 22, 89 Pansy, 132, 138, 139, 140, 143, vines, 184, 185 bulbs, 163, 165, 320 163, 213, 246, 320, 323 for warm climates, 150–151 changing location of, 136 Paper bag, to sprinkle pow- Periwinkle, 122, 124 early spring, 305 der, 212 Pesticides, commercial, 58, grafted plants, 20 Parasitic wasps, 158 127, 198, 209 lawn, 103 , 199, 215, 255, 309 Pests, 204–227. See also Animal ornamental grasses, 171 Parsley worms, 215 pest control; specific pests potted perennials, 19 Parsnip, 215 five ways to outsmart, 206 roses, 89, 90 Paths. See Walkways hand-picking, 60, 158 seeds. See Seed sowing Patios, 101, 321. See also plant diversity to discourage, shrubs, 19, 75 Container gardens 205 tips and tricks, 10–23 Pavers, 277, 279 plant rotation to discourage, transplants, 17 Pea, 11, 13, 181, 196, 304. See 206, 216, 255 trees, 19, 53–54 also Sweet pea traps for, 58, 141, 156, 202, vegetables, 193, 251, 310 Pea enation virus, 257 208, 215 Plastic sheeting, 260 Peach, 61, 217 Petroleum jelly, as squirrel Plum, 61 Peach tree borers, 61–62 repellent, 239 ornamental, 47 Pear Pets, 227–232, 235, 236, 240, Poinsettia, 326 Bradford, 48, 51 241, 242, 244, 331 Pollution, 63, 131, 302, 330 ornamental, 47 Petunia, 16, 133, 138, 140, Pollution Solution Tonic, Pearlwort, 285 141, 208, 257, 258, 311 131 (recipe), Peat moss, 6, 254, 296 pH of soil, 5, 6, 27, 61, 83, 92, 347 (recipe) Pecan shells, 31 121, 194, 322 Poplar, Lombardy, 44 Pencil sharpening shavings, 327 Phlox, 32, 155 Poppy, 18, 210, 237 Peony, 18, 32, 34, 145, 150, annual, 137 Iceland, 258 156, 158, 162, 312 creeping, 124, 126, 285 Oriental, 150 Pepper, 191, 193, 197, 257, garden, 252, 312 Portulaca, 132, 133, 135, 137 258, 310, 318 Phosphate, rock, 228 Potassium, 25, 26, 93, 228 green, in tonic, 342 Phosphorous, 25, 26, 161, 228 Potato, 191, 196, 201, 208, hot, 239 Photinia, Frazier’s, 266 211, 258. See also Sweet hot green, in tonics, 342 Pine, 60–61, 69, 325 potato jalapeño, in tonics, 229, 337 Japanese black, 46 Potato blight, 250 oil, in tonics, 177, lacebark, 46 Potato bugs, in tonics, 201 332 mugo, 74 Potted plants, 19, 49, 52, 89, Perennial border, 146 Swiss stone, 266 254 Perennial Passion Powder, 306, white, 44, 46, 61 Potting soil and mix, 13, 14, 307 (recipe), 346 Pine cleanser, 230, 231 254, 317, 342 (recipe) Pine needles, 31, 93 in tonics, 342

I n d e x 367 Backyard Problem Solver www.jerrybaker.com Powdery mildew, 96–97, 140, vine, 179 155, 252 Q Rose, 34, 67, 88–99, 228, 246 Powdery Mildew Control Queen Anne’s lace, 215 bare-root, 21, 89 Tonic, 155 (recipe), 252, climbing, 95, 179, 291 347 (recipe) ‘America’, 95 Privet, golden, 73 R ‘Belle of Portugal’, 95 Problems and solutions. See Rabbits, 23, 194, 236–237 ‘Blaze Improved’, 95 also Disease; Pests Rabies, 241 ‘Golden Showers’, 95 annuals, 140–143 Radish, 193, 196, 309 ‘Iceberg, Climbing’, 95 bulbs, 167–169 Rain, flooding and mud, ‘Joseph’s Coat’, 95 fences and walls, 296–298 268–269, 285 ‘Lady Banks’, 95 lawns and ground covers, Raking, 29, 106, 108, 253, 322, ‘Leontine Gervais’, 95 127–131 324 ‘Madame Alfred ornamental grasses, 174–177 Raspberries, 21, 257 Carriere’, 95 perennials, 152–158 Raspberry mosaic virus, 257 ‘Zephirine Drouhin’, 95 roses, 96–99 Recordkeeping. See Garden diseases, 96–97, 98 shrubs, 82–87 journal floribunda, 94 spring rains, 269 Redbud, 48, 51 ‘Angel Face’, 94 trees, 58–63 Redwood, dawn, 42 ‘Auguste Renoir’, 94 vegetables, 200–201 Resistant plants, 189, 252, 255, ‘Betty Prior’, 94 vines, 186–188 257, 267 ‘Europeana’, 94 walkways, 282–285 Rhododendron, 65, 67, 69, 83, ‘Guy de Maupassant’, 94 Pruning, 33–36, 120, 304 85, 86–87, 307 ‘Iceberg’, 94 annual transplants, 134 Rhubarb, 194, 202, 347 ‘Intrigue’, 94 bare-root plants, 22 Rhubarb Bug Repellent Tonic, ‘Playgirl’, 94 and disease, 34, 79, 82 202 (recipe), 347 (recipe) ‘Singin’ in the Rain’, 94 don’t overprune, 78 Ringworm, 241 ‘Toulouse Lautrec’, 94 hedges, 33, 81, 313 Rise-’n’-Shine Clean-Up Tonic, fragrance, 90 ivy, 130 106, 107 (recipe), hybrid tea, 89, 91 ornamental grasses, 173, 347 (recipe) ‘Dainty Bess’, 91 174, 304 Robust Rose Food, 308 (recipe), ‘Double Delight’, 91 to promote bloom, 34, 312 348 (recipe) ‘Fragrant Cloud’, 91 renewal, 79, 80 Rock garden plants, 296–297 hybrids, 70 roots, 77 Roofing shingles, 265 ‘Just Joey’, 91 roses, 93, 308 Root development, 17, 18, 40, ‘McCartney’, 91 shrubs, 77–80, 85, 284, 306, 42, 59 ‘Midas Touch’, 91 313 Root maggots, 218 ‘Mister Lincoln’, 91 tomatoes, 200 Root Pruning Tonic, 77 (recipe), ‘Pascali’, 91 trees, 56–57, 304, 325 348 (recipe) ‘Peace’, 91 use for cut branches, 229, Root rot, 83, 136 ‘Scarlet Meidilland’, 70 236 Rootbound plants, 16 ‘Tropicana’, 91 vines, 183 Roots Lenten, 148 walkways, 284 bulb, 161 mulch, 93, 98 Pruning tools, 36, 284, 313 depth, and watering, 28 pests, 96, 97, 99, 158, 209, Pruning Wound Bandage holdfasts of vines, 179 221 Tonic, 56 (recipe), 79, mangled, on mail-order planting, 89, 90 304, 347 (recipe) plants, 22 problems and solutions, Pumpkin, 243 with nematodes, 259 96–99 Pyrethrin, 97, 154 and planting, 53, 75, 305 pruning, 34, 35, 93, 308 Pyrethrum, 216 pruning, 77 seven super steps, 92–93

368 I n d e x Backyard Problem Solver www.jerrybaker.com shopping tips, 89 Spider mites bedding plants, 16 shrub, 65, 67, 69, 70, 95 Sawdust, 7, 8, 191 drought-resistant plants, 267 ‘Carefree Wonder’, 95 Saws, pruning, 36 grass, 103, 118 ‘Fair Bianca’, 95 Scale, 82 plan for final size of plants. ‘The Fairy’, 95 Scat Cat Solution, 231 (recipe), See Size of mature plant ‘F.J. Grootendorst’, 95 349 (recipe) roses, 89 ‘Graham Thomas’, 95 Sealants, 279, 289 seeds or seedlings, 12 ‘Mary Rose’, 95 Seaweed, 25, 31, 191, 228 shrubs, 72 ‘Mutabilis’, 95 Sedge, 172 trees, 49 ‘Othello’, 95 blue, 172 vegetables and , 189, ‘Red Meidiland’, 95 Japanese, 172 193, 257 ‘Royal Bonica’, 95 Sedum, 122, 124, 126, 297 vines, 183 types, 89 Seed and Soil Energizer Tonic, Shrub Pest Preventer Tonic, 82 wind protection for, 265 13 (recipe), 350 (recipe) (recipe), 322, 333 (recipe), Rose Ambrosia, 92 (recipe), 98, Seed sowing, 11, 12, 13, 351 (recipe) 99, 348 (recipe) 14–15, 118, 135, 186, 269 Shrub Stimulator Tonic, 76 Rose Aphid Antidote, 96, 97 Seed Starter Tonic, 15 (recipe), (recipe), 351 (recipe) (recipe), 141, 154, 168, 181, 350 (recipe) Shrubs, 64–87 187, 348 (recipe) Seedling Starter Tonic, 16, 17 balled-and-burlapped, 22–23 Rose Clean-Up Tonic, 92 (recipe), 350 (recipe) with colorful foliage, 73 (recipe), 349 (recipe) Seedling Strengthener, for container gardens, 87, Rose Revival Tonics, 89 17 (recipe), 322 (recipe), 349 (recipe) 350 (recipe) coordinating with bulbs, 162 Rose Start Up Tonic, 90 Seedlings drought protection, 267 (recipe), 93, 349 (recipe) bedding plants, 16–17 evergreen, 74, 322 , 199, 311, 319 clean containers for, 254 fertilizing, 76, 306, 309, 318 Rot Go Tonic, 251 (recipe), collars for, 214 flowering, 67, 263 349 (recipe) cutworm damage, 213 planting, 19, 75, 306 Rotation to discourage insects/ damping-off disease, 15, 254 problems and troubleshoot- disease, 206, 216, hardening off and protec- ing, 82–87 255 tion, 14, 262, 265 pruning, 77–80, 84, 284, Rubbing alcohol, 98, 186–187, mini-greenhouse for, 15 306, 313 334 strengthening before trans- roses, 65, 67, 69, 70 Rue, 198 planting, 262, 310 for slopes, 65, 66, 70 Rush, wood, 172 thinning, 13 watering with plastic milk Rust, 174, 253 Semi-evergreen, 69 jugs, 28 September tasks, 320–321 windbreaks, 266 Serviceberry, 47 winter preparations, 263, S Sevin, 187 270, 271 Sage, 198, 199, 319 Sex and shrubs, 71 Silver lace vine, 185, 188 Russian, 147 Shade, 39, 120, 121, 172, 179, Size of mature plant, 21, 36, 43, Salmonellosis, 241 292 50, 71, 72, 81 . See also Epsom salts perennials for, 148 Skunk-Away Pet Bath, 244 damage, 63, 229, 270, 324 trees for, 45 (recipe), 351 (recipe) to strengthen seedlings, 262 Shampoo, in tonics, 77, 110, Skunk-Odor-Out Tonic, 244 Salvia, 133, 138, 142, 219 340, 348. See also Baby (recipe), 351 (recipe) Sandy soil, 3, 4 shampoo Skunks, 244 Sanvitalia, 138 Sheets, for plant protection, Sleepytime Tonic, 272, 324 Sap suckers, 220–221. See also 265, 271 (recipe), 351 (recipe) Aphids; Leafhoppers; Shopping tips Slopes, 65, 66, 68, 70, 176, 276

I n d e x 369 Backyard Problem Solver www.jerrybaker.com Slug It Out Tonic, 222 (recipe), Spring Soil Energizer Tonic, 192 Super Shrub Soil Mix, 75, 76 352 (recipe) (recipe), 352 (recipe), 356 (recipe), 354 (recipe) Slug traps, 141, 156, 202, 222 Spring Wake-Up Tonic, 109, Super Shrub Tonic, 77 (recipe), Slugs, 123, 141, 156, 194, 202, 110 (recipe), 352 (recipe) 306, 307 (recipe), 354 222, 244 Sprinklers, 115, 116, 315 (recipe) Slugweiser, 123 (recipe), Spruce, 46, 60, 74 Super Slug Spray, 141 (recipe), 352 (recipe) Norway, 266 156, 354 (recipe) Smokebush, 73 Squash, 191, 193, 197, 208, Super Spider Mite Mix, 188 Snails, 194, 222, 244 243, 310, 318 (recipe), 221, 354 (recipe) Snapdragon, 132, 323 Squash bugs, 198 Supporting your plants. See also Snow mold, 127 Squeaky Clean Tonic, 315 Arbors; Trellises Snowdrop, 162, 164, 166 (recipe), 353 (recipe) flowers, 31–32, 312 Snowflake, 162, 166 Squill, 162 with stakes, 32, 54, 63, 195, Snow-on-the-mountain, 137 Siberian, 164, 166 265, 267, 310, 312 Soap, 246. See also Baby sham- Squirrel Beater Tonic, 239 trees, 54 poo; Laundry soap; Liquid (recipe), 353 (recipe) vines, 179, 180, 184 dish soap Squirrels, 169, 238–239 Sweet alyssum, 137, 138, 142 Soapwort, 122, 125, 297 Statues, of bird predators, 247 Sweet pea, 13, 139, 179, 181, Sod plugs, 103 Stem rot, 143 182 Sod webworms, 216 Stepping stones, 279–281 Sweet potato, 197, 208 Soda bottles, 236, 239 Steps, 276, 277 Sweet potato vine, 182 Soil, 2–9 Sticky bug traps, 58, 208 Swiss chard, 202 acidity or alkalinity. See pH Stonecrop, 148, 151 Sycamore, 44, 45 of soil Stonework, 277, 278, 281, 285, drainage, 143, 144, 161, 288, 293–294, 296 162, 171, 268, 269 Straw, 30, 83, 93, 118, 263, T erosion, 68 272 Tachinid flies, 158 heaving damage, 272, 278 Streetside planting, 40, 42 Tangletrap, 208 preparation, 2–3, 7, 19, 75, Stress Reliever Tonic, 327 Tansy, 198, 213 123, 145, 190, 321 (recipe), 353 (recipe) Tapeworm, 241 for roses, 90 String or jute, as a trellis, 181 Tarnished plant bug, 211 for seed starting, 13, 14, 254 Striped cucumber beetle, 198, , 319 seven steps to cleaner, 260 208 Tea water percolation calcula- Stump Remover, 63 bags, 34 tions, 116 Subsoil, 4 mint, to repel ants, 226 Soil amendments, 6, 34, Sugar secret behind, 331 81, 154, 161. See also for cut flowers, 317 in tonics, 198, 341 Compost; specific amend- against nematodes, 260 chamomile, 15, 82, 121, ments secret behind, 331 177, 271, 315, 323, Soil Soother Tonic, 145 in tonics, 55, 123, 192, 222, 332, 337, 338, 345, (recipe), 352 (recipe) 226, 307, 308, 333, 351, 353 Sourwood, 45 346, 348, 352, 354, instant, 17, 53, 55, 76, Sowbugs, 224 356 77, 97, 107, 110, Spider mites, 84, 143, 188, 221, Sulfur, 6, 27, 191 117, 135, 153, 161, 267 Summer Rejuvenating Tonic, 169, 190, 192, 303, Spinach, 191, 196, 218, 309 136, 353 (recipe) 317, 319, 321, 324, Spiraea, 35 Sun damage, 49, 63, 309 333, 334, 336, 337, Japanese, 73 Sunflower, 135, 138, 140 338, 339, 340, 342, Spirea, 68 Super Shrub Restorer, 80 343, 344, 345, 348, bridal wreath, 65 (recipe), 353 (recipe) 350, 351, 352, 355,

370 I n d e x Backyard Problem Solver www.jerrybaker.com 356, 357 (recipe) (recipe), 251, 336 weak, 116, 313, 327, All-Season Clean-Up, 60 (recipe) 341, 343, 353, 354 (recipe), 62, 84, 101, Container Plant Food, 318, Tent caterpillars, 217 124, 143, 188, 195, 319 (recipe), Terrific Tree Chow, 55 (recipe), 221, 301, 332 (recipe) 336 (recipe) 354 (recipe) All-Season Green-Up, 27 Crabgrass Control Energizer, Terrific Turf Tonic, 313 (recipe), (recipe), 59, 85, 112 107 (recipe), 354 (recipe) (recipe), 123, 147, 168, 337 (recipe) Thatch Buster Tonic, 108 190, 269, 301, 333 Damping-Off Prevention, (recipe), 253, 269, (recipe) 15 (recipe), 254, 355 (recipe) Amazing Aphid Antidote, 337 (recipe) Thrips, 99, 156–157, 168, 256 85 (recipe), 333 (recipe) Daylily Transplant, 153 , 198, 199, 311, 319 Ant Ambrosia, 226 (recipe), (recipe), 337 (recipe) creeping, 126, 285 333 (recipe) Deer Buster Eggnog, 245 Tie materials, 32 Ant Control, 226 (recipe), (recipe), 337 (recipe) Timely Tree Tonic, 55 (recipe), 333 (recipe) Doggone Dogs, 228, 229 355 (recipe) Baking Soda Spray, 85 (recipe), 337 (recipe) Tiphia, 158 (recipe), 140, Double Punch Garlic Tea, Toads, 194, 206, 224 333 (recipe) 168, 169 (recipe), Tobacco, flowering (nicotiana), Balanced Plant Food, 303 338 (recipe) 139, 258 (recipe), 333 (recipe) Drought Buster Tonic, 338 Tobacco mosaic virus, 258 Beauty Bath for Bulbs, 161 (recipe) Tomato, 191, 193, 197, 200, (recipe) Fabulous Fertilizer Formulas, 208, 213, 219, 221, 238, Bedtime Snack, 7 (recipe), 321 255, 257, 258, 310 272, 334 (recipe) Fairy Ring Fighter, 130, 131 diseases, 202, 250–251 Beetle Juice, 158, 201 (recipe), 338 (recipe) ‘Early Girl’, 200 (recipe), 208, 209, Fall Clean-Up, 270, 271 leaves, in tonics, 98, 334 334 (recipe) (recipe), 338 (recipe) mulching, 31 Black Spot Remover, 98 Fall Garden Bedtime, 322, pests, 198 (recipe), 334 (recipe) 333 (recipe), 339 ‘Quick Pick’, 200 Bug Away Spray, 210 (recipe) resistant varieties, 255 (recipe), 211, Fall Lawn Food Mix, 117 Tomato blight, 202, 250–251 335 (recipe) (recipe), 269, 339 Tomato Booster Tonic, 200 Bulb Cleaning, 165 (recipe), (recipe) (recipe), 355 335 (recipe) Fantastic Flowering Shrub, (recipe) Bye-Bye, Birdie, 248 87 (recipe), 339 (recipe) Tomato worms, 198 (recipe), 335 (recipe) Flower Flea Fluid, 157 Tonics, 332–357 Cabbage Worm Wipeout, (recipe), 339 (recipe) All-Around Disease Defense, 212, 213 (recipe), 335 Flower Power, 134, 135 175, 177 (recipe), 250, (recipe) (recipe), 339 (recipe) 256, 332 (recipe) Caterpillar Killer Tonic, Flower Soil Prep Mix, 134, All-Purpose Bug & Thug 215 (recipe), 217, 335 135 (recipe), 144, 340 Spray, 207 (recipe), 332 (recipe) (recipe) (recipe) Clematis Chow, 184 Fungus Fighter, 152 (recipe), All-Purpose Pest Prevention (recipe), 336 (recipe) 174 (recipe), 251, 340 Potion, 235 (recipe), Compost Feeder, 8 (recipe), (recipe) 332 (recipe) 305 (recipe), 336 Garlic Tea, 99 (recipe), 157, All-Purpose Varmint (recipe) 340 (recipe) Repellent, 243, 332 Compost Tea, 21, 27 General Foliage Plant Food,

Index 371 Backyard Problem Solver www.jerrybaker.com Tonics (Cont.) Mosquito Lemon Aid, 223 Rose Start Up, 90 (recipe), 303 (recipe), 340 (recipe), 345 (recipe) 93, 349 (recipe) (recipe) Moss Buster, 121 (recipe), Rot Go, 251 (recipe), 349 Get-Up-and-Grow, 109, 110 345 (recipe) (recipe) (recipe), 340 (recipe) Move on Moles, 128 safety tips, 331, 333, 351 Gopher-Go, 233 (recipe), (recipe), 345 (recipe) Scat Cat Solution, 231 341 (recipe) Mulch Moisturizer, 30 (recipe), 349 (recipe) Grass Clipping Dissolving, (recipe), 195, 314 Seed and Soil Energizer, 13 114 (recipe), 341 (recipe) (recipe), 345 (recipe) (recipe), 350 (recipe) Grass Seed Starter, 118, 119 Natural Plant Food, 303 Seed Starter, 15 (recipe), (recipe), 341 (recipe) (recipe), 345 (recipe) 181, 350 (recipe) Ground Cover Starter Mix, No Mo’ Nematodes, 260 Seedling Starter, 16, 17 122 (recipe), 123, 341 (recipe), 346 (recipe) (recipe), 350 (recipe) (recipe) Organic Bulb Snack, 160 Seedling Strengthener, 17 Happy Herb, 198 (recipe), (recipe), 161, 165, 346 (recipe), 350 (recipe) 285, 341 (recipe) (recipe) Shrub Pest Preventer, 82 Herb Soil Booster Mix, 311 Ornamental Grass Chow, (recipe), 322, 333 (recipe), 342 171 (recipe), 346 (recipe), 351 (recipe) (recipe) (recipe) Shrub Stimulator, 76 Hot Bite Spray, 169 (recipe), Perennial Passion Powder, (recipe), 351 (recipe) 342 (recipe) 306, 307 (recipe), 346 Skunk-Away Pet Bath, 244 Hot Bug Brew, 82, 342 (recipe) (recipe), 351 (recipe) (recipe) Perennial Perk-Me-Up, 149 Skunk-Odor-Out, 244 houseplant, 303 (recipes) (recipe), 346 (recipe) (recipe), 351 (recipe) Houseplant Repotting Mix, Pollution Solution, 131 Sleepytime, 272, 324 317 (recipe), 342 (recipe), 347 (recipe) (recipe), 351 (recipe) (recipe) Powdery Mildew Control, Slug It Out, 222 (recipe), Hurry-Up-the-Harvest, 195 155 (recipe), 252, 347 352 (recipe) (recipe), 343 (recipe) (recipe) Slugweiser, 123 (recipe), Knock ‘em Dead, 208 (reci- Pruning Wound Bandage, 352 (recipe) pe), 343 (recipe) 56 (recipe), 79, 304, Soil Soother, 145 (recipe), Lawn Freshener Tonic, 116 347 (recipe) 352 (recipe) (recipe), 343 (recipe) Rhubarb Bug Repellent, 202 Spring Soil Energizer, 192 Lawn Fungus Fighter, 117 (recipe), 347 (recipe) (recipe), 352 (recipe), (recipe), 253, 343 Rise-’n’-Shine Clean-Up, 356 (recipe) 106, 107 (recipe), 347 Spring Wake-Up, 109, 110 Lawn Saver, 229 (recipe), (recipe) (recipe), 352 (recipe) 343 (recipe) Robust Rose Food, 308 Squeaky Clean, 315 (recipe), Lawn Snack, 109, 110 (recipe), 348 (recipe) 353 (recipe) (recipe), 117, 344 Root Pruning, 77 (recipe), Squirrel Beater, 239 (recipe), (recipe) 348 (recipe) 353 (recipe) Lethal Weapon, 220, 221 Rose Ambrosia, 92 (recipe), Stress Reliever, 327 (recipe), (recipe), 344 (recipe) 98, 99, 348 (recipe) 353 (recipe) Manure Tea, 336 Rose Aphid Antidote, 96, 97 Summer Rejuvenating, 136, Meow-va-lous, 231 (recipes), (recipe), 141, 154, 168, 353 (recipe) 344 (recipe) 187, 348 (recipe) Super Shrub, 77 (recipe), Mildew Relief, 97 (recipe), Rose Clean-Up, 92 (recipe), 306, 307 (recipe), 354 344 (recipe) 349 (recipe) (recipe) Mole Chaser, 233, 234 Rose Revival, 89 (recipe), Super Shrub Restorer, 80 (recipe), 345 (recipe) 349 (recipe) (recipe), 353 (recipe)

372 Index Backyard Problem Solver www.jerrybaker.com Super Shrub Soil Mix, 75, Total Pest Control, 97, 154, Trichinosis, 241 76 (recipe) 187 in tonics, 56, 347 True bugs, definition, 210 Super Slug Spray, 141 (recipe), Transplant Tonic, 321 (recipe), Trumpet creeper, 185 156, 354 (recipe) 355 (recipe) Tulip, 159, 161, 162, 163, 164, Super Spider Mite Mix, Transplants and transplanting, 169, 238, 246, 312 188 (recipe), 221, 354 22, 134, 147, 152, 306 Tunnels, 263, 264, 305 (recipe) hardening off seedlings, 14, Turnip, 191, 232 Terrific Tree Chow, 55 262 (recipe), 354 (recipe) how to move, 17, 262 Terrific Turf, 313 (recipe), plants which make poor, U 354 (recipe) 11, 12 Ultrasonic repellers, 241, 242 Thatch Buster, 108 (recipe), rotation to discourage Urine 253, 269, 338, 355 insects/disease, 206, as animal repellent, 243 (recipe) 216, 255 secret behind, 331 Timely Tree, 55 (recipe), Transporting plants in winter, in tonics, 233, 235, 315, 355 (recipe) 326 332, 341, 353 Tomato Booster, 200 Tree Chow Energizing Tonic, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone (recipe), 355 (recipe) 55 (recipe), 355 (recipe) Map, 328 Transplant, 321 (recipe), Tree Planting Booster Mix, 355 (recipe) 52, 53 (recipe), 337 Tree Chow Energizing, 55 (recipe), 356 (recipe) V (recipe), 355 (recipe) Tree Snack Mix, 55 (recipe), Variety, 20 Tree Planting Booster Mix, 356 (recipe) Vegetable oil, in tonics, 177, 52, 53 (recipe), 337 Tree Tanglefoot, 58 221, 332 (recipe), 356 (recipe) Tree Transplanting Tonic, 53 Vegetable Power Powder, 192 Tree Snack Mix, 55 (recipe), (recipe), 356 (recipe) (recipe), 356 (recipe) 356 (recipe) Tree Wound Sterilizer Tonic, Vegetables, 189–197, 200–202 Tree Transplanting, 53 56 (recipe), 79, cool-season, 196, 309 (recipe), 356 (recipe) 356 (recipe) harvesting, 316, 318 Tree Wound Sterilizer, Tree wrap for sunscald, 49, 63, planting, 193, 310 56 (recipe), 79, 356 309 problems and solutions, (recipe) Trees, 23, 28, 38–63 200–201 Vegetable Power Powder, 192 damage by animals, 235, warm-season, 197 (recipe), 356 (recipe) 236 Vegetative propagation, 20 Veggie Tonic #1, 190 evergreen, 46 Veggie Tonic #1, 190 (recipe), (recipe), 357 (recipe) flowering, 47–48, 263 356 (recipe) Veggie Tonic #2, 190 freeze protection, 263 Veggie Tonic #2, 190 (recipe), (recipe), 356 (recipe) groves, 45–46, 106 357 (recipe) Weed Killer Prep, 119 planting, 19, 53–54 Verbena, 140, 151 (recipe), 129, 357 problems and solutions, annual, 137 (recipe) 58–63 lemon, 319 Whitefly Wipeout, 142 pruning, 56–57, 304 Vermiculite, 254 (recipe), 219, shade, 45 Viburnum, 35, 65, 67, 68, 86, 357 (recipe) small, 51 253 Winter Walkway Protection, staking, 54, 63, 310 Vinca, 137, 246 270, 271 (recipe), 279, for streetside planting, 40, Vinegar, 230, 339 324, 357 (recipe) 42 in tonics, 15, 207, 332, 350, Winterizing, 320 (recipe), windbreaks, 266 351 357 (recipe) Trellises, 32, 47, 179, 181, 183, Vines, 178–188, 221, 290, 291 Tools, 14, 36, 56, 258, 324 193, 197, 292, 304 annual, 47, 180, 181, 182

Index 373 Backyard Problem Solver www.jerrybaker.com perennials, 184, 185 trees, 54, 63 Winterizing Tonic, 320 (recipe), problems and solutions, Weed barrier film, 30 357 (recipe) 186–189 Weed Killer Prep Tonic, 119 Wisteria, 178, 179, 184, 185, support for, 179, 180, 184, (recipe), 129, 357 (recipe) 291 290 Weed pullers, 129 Witch’s broom growth, 187 Viola, 163 Weed sprayer, 110 Wood ash Viral disease, 169, 256–258 Weeds, 317 as insect repellent, 194, 214 Vitamin B-1 Plant Starter, in control tips, 11, 78, 123, seven uses for, 194 tonics, 90, 349 147, 206 in tonics, 135, 340 Vitamin tablet with iron, in dandelion, 119, 129 toxicity to toads, 224 tonics, 303, 340 and lawns, 106, 114, 119 Wood chips, 7, 8, 29 Vodka, in tonics, 303, 340 moss, 121 Woodbine, 185 Voles, 235 mushrooms, 130 Woodwork of house, protecting, Volunteers, 135 Weeping willow, 44 183 Whirligigs, 232, 233, 246 Wormwood, 198, 215, 335 Whiskey W secret behind, 331 Walkways, 268, 274–285, 321. in tonics, 13, 15, 53, 55, 77, Y See also Lawn, traffic consid- 90, 135, 190, 319, 336, Yarrow, 148, 152 erations 339, 349, 350, 355, Yeast, in tonics, 123, 222, 226, Walls, stone, 293, 296 356, 357 333, 352 Wasps, 158, 225 White cabbage butterflies, 198 Yellowwood, American, 48, 48 Water, boiling, 226 White cabbage moths, 198 Yew, 65, 71, 74, 325 Water conservation, 28, 315 Whiteflies, 142, 219 Yucca, 246 Watering Whitefly Wipeout Tonic, 142 amount, 315 (recipe), 219, 357 (recipe) container plants, 136, 254, Willow, 217, 253 Z 318 weeping, 44 Zinnia, 34, 132, 133, 135, 137, hanging baskets, 318 Wind, 54, 63, 254, 262, 265– 138, 140, 246, 252, 311 lawn, 103, 115–116, 121 266, 270, 305, 310 Zone hardiness map, 328 newly planted perennials, 19 Wind chimes, as bird repellent, Zoning ordinances, 291 newly planted shrubs, 75 247 ornamental grasses, 171, 176 Windbreaks, 41, 265, 266 percolation calculations, 116 Window washing, shrub protec- with plastic milk jugs, 28, tion, 66 136 Winter. See Cold; Wind roses, 92, 98 Winter Walkway Protection seeds, 13 Tonic, 270, 271 (recipe), timing of, 28, 195, 250, 279, 324, 357 (recipe) 253 Wintercreeper, 70, 73, 125

374 Index