Epsom Salts with Eucalyptus for Plants? Not!

·50 min·4 clips

Charlie Dobbin explains why you should wait until June to apply mulch and how it affects soil temperature.

The episode opens with Charlie Dobbin and Dean Holland welcoming listeners and sharing phone numbers for call-in questions. They announce several upcoming gardening events, including the Agent Court Garden Club meeting on May 12th, the Burlington Hort Society plant sale on May 24th, and the Milne House Garden Club flower show at the Toronto Botanical Gardens on May 15th. The hosts discuss the Japanese Canadian Centre's Ikebana show for Mother's Day and the Brampton Hort Society plant sale. Caller Judy from Puslinch asks about mulch types and timing, leading to advice on waiting until June to avoid trapping cold soil. Sharon from Gravenhurst inquires about growing clematis in pots, with Charlie recommending annuals like morning glory or scarlet runner beans instead. Diane from Dorchester seeks advice on using sheep manure for sandy soil, sharing a success story with rhubarb. Marilla from Vaughan asks about pruning her 35-year-old Japanese maple, prompting Charlie to suggest hiring a certified arborist and warning about value loss. John from Mississauga questions using Epsom salts with eucalyptus for tomatoes, and Charlie advises plain Epsom salts only. Maureen from North York asks about a dwarf flowering cherry tree, and Charlie provides planting guidelines. Donna from Ajax seeks help reviving a waxed amaryllis, with instructions to remove the wax and repot. The episode concludes with quick calls about pansies, rhubarb care, and a spindle tree issue, along with reminders about Charlie's email and the LandscapeOntario.com resource.

As heard by us

A sandy-soil question grows into a practical discussion of moisture, mulch, and plants that crowd out natives.

Gardening advice lands best when it starts with the problems people actually bring to a yard. Diane from Dorchester has sandy soil and wants something other than mulch; Wilma has a puzzling issue with a spindle tree and is asked to send a photograph.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Want a grounded answer on sandy soil, sheep manure, and the hostas waiting for help?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from The Garden Show with Charlie Dobbin