Ask The Expert

Experience counts for a lot in gardening and landscaping, and John Specca, owner of Corner-Copia, has lots of experience to share. Submit your landscaping and gardening questions here.

QUESTION: How long will mums last? Anything in particular that needs to be done to take care of them?

Mums should last about a month. The best care for mums is to plant them in the ground as soon as you can. Keep them watered daily for the first week or two. Full sun if possible.

QUESTION: Last time I tried planting roses they didn't do so well. I want to make sure I do it right this time. What's your advice?

Roses like sun. Pick a site that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day. The site should also drain well. Don't plant them too close to trees or bushes because their roots will all be competing for the same nutrients. The soil also makes a big difference. Give the roses a good start by digging out the beds to a depth of 18 inches to two feet. Mix the soil with 25% peat moss and about 10% compost. Good luck.