Lemongrass

Q Does lemongrass grow in the low desert?

A Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical herb that thrives in the low-desert, notes Arizona Herb Association member and Master Gardener Carolyn Hills. If you can’t find a lemongrass plant at your local nursery, buy a fresh stalk (at least 12 inches tall, with some root nubs at the base) from your favorite Asian food market. Plant it 6 inches deep in a 1-gallon pot filled with rich soil. Place the pot in full sun and keep the soil moist. In about one month, you should have a beautiful lemongrass plant to transplant into your herb garden or landscape.

Q Is there a “green” pest-control product on the market that works? We have small children and don’t want to use toxic sprays.

A Many earth-friendly gardeners follow the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The ecologically based system takes into consideration all possible control methods and forms a long-term strategy that does not rely on regular spraying of synthetic pesticides. You didn’t mention what specific pests you are worried about, whether they are indoors, outdoors or harming garden plants. Depending on the pest, there are various control methods you can easily and effectively implement without using chemicals, notes University of Arizona Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Cathy Cromell.

Examples include improving the health of plants with proper watering (some pests target stressed plants for attack); modifying the pest’s habitat by removing readily available food sources (such as pet food); or sealing access points to the home with caulking. The first step in IPM is to identify insects that are present. You can contact Master Gardeners at your local County Cooperative Extension office for help in identifying insects and specific IPM control methods. In Phoenix, the hotline is (602) 827-8200, Ext. 301. Also, the University of California offers detailed advice on IPM methods at ipm.ucdavis.edu.

Q I planted tomatoes along my concrete-block fence, but the plants are not thriving. On the other side of my fence is a row of trees that tower above it, shading the area. Is that a likely problem?

A Tomatoes—like most vegetables—need sufficient sunlight, at least six to eight hours of full sun daily, says Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Olin Miller. If the trees are casting too much shade, your tomatoes won’t thrive. An ideal location receives morning sun, with protection from harsh late afternoon sun as summer arrives. If your gardening space is limited, you might consider growing tomatoes in containers that can be moved about for the most favorable light in your landscape.