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- James L. Crowder
Soil Issues/Expert Profile
Expertise
I can answer questions about soils, soil amendments, drainage and proper planting. I can answer questions about insects and diseases, weed control, etc. I have extensive background in homeowner labeled pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) and their proper use. I can also answer questions about the growing requirements of specific plants.
Experience in the area
I have 40 years experience in the lawn and garden business split fairly evenly between the retail nursery business and wholesale distribution of consumer lawn and garden products. From 1990 to 2000 I co-hosted a weekly call-in talk radio program in Memphis, TN.
Organizations
Garden Writers Association
Publications
Green Thumb Magazine - out of print
Education/Credentials
40 years of learning everday.
Awards and Honors
Past president of the Memphis Horticultural Society. Past president of the Memphis Bonsai Society. Memphis Horticultural Society 2008 Horticultural Excellence Award
Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:
No plant wants to die before its time. A dead plant either got something it didn't want, or wanted something it didn't get.
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sev | 10/05/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Joan | 08/20/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you so much. Joan |
| Sandy | 08/18/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you!! |
| Gary | 06/27/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks for taking the time and trouble ..... |
| Morris | 06/23/12 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Recent Answers from James L. Crowder
2012-10-04 soil issue:
Hi Cindy, I couple of things happen to soil in raised beds over 2-3 years. The soil breaks down into smaller and smaller particles which compacts with time and it slows water and air movement through
2012-10-03 No lawn growth:
Hi Sev, Without seeing the area and examining the soil, it's difficult to diagnose your problem, but here's a list of things that can cause an area to perform poorly. Insufficient sunlight(most grasses
2012-09-14 fine roots in soil:
Hi Anthony, I suspect what you are seeing is the mycelium of a fungus. It can indeed be thick enough to prevent water and roots from penetrating the soil. I would treat the area with a good soil fungicide
2012-08-30 Killing a yuka:
Hi Paul, with enough salt you can kill the yucca, but you would render the soil useless and the runoff may be toxic to other plants nearby, possibly not in your yard. In theory, if you remove all the
2012-08-19 soil:
Sorry I misunderstood your question. Normally cayenne pepper is not toxic to plants but in high amounts it can be. I would till the area and blend in 20-30% organic matter and horticultural activated
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