Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Erie Master Gardeners are part of a larger group of gardeners in Ontario. Read all about what a master gardener is, what they do and how to become a master gardener here. 

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This plant can grow up to 15-16" tall. Cut it down and lay the stems and leaves out flat in the sun to dry. If necessary dry in the oven on low heat. Grind up and use as a sweetener. 3/4 tsp equals 1 cup of sugar. Stevia is 100-300 times sweeter than sugar. In some countries it is banned as it may cause cancer. Answered by Len Master Gardener

These walnuts are the ones used as garland to decorate Christmas trees. Remove the outer prickly skin and soak the nuts in water so the shell is easier to crack. Then remove the brown thin skin off the walnuts. People with sensitive stomachs should keep the skins on for eating. Answered by Len Master Gardener

These spots are a fungal disease, sometimes called tar spots. They have little impact on the health of the tree. Spraying the trees with a smaller canopy with a fungicide may be helpful but not practical for a tree with a large canopy. The fungal spores are spread by wind and rain. It is recommended to remove all leaves and to clean up the area to prevent the spread of the fungus. Do not compost the debris. Instead dispose of it in the garbage. Answered by Len Master Gardener

No, the trunk will not send out new shoots.

To rejuvenate or reduce the size of the tree wait until the normal fruit tree pruning time of February and March. Then remove 1/3 of the branches including some old and some newer branches. It can take 2 to 3 growing seasons to fully rejuvenate or reduce the size of the tree.

Answered by Len Master Gardener

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