Question:  I have some winter honeysuckle that I need to cut back.  Can I leave only a few inches of stump without killing it?

Answer:  Winter honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima) is an old fashioned landscape favorite that many of our grandparents were familiar with.  Like many other tried and true shrubs, it is a versatile and hardy plant.

            Winter honeysuckle, a native of China, is closely related to the invasive Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and many other shrub and vine honeysuckles found in the landscape trade.  Like most members of the genus, you can cut it all the way to the ground and it will re-grow rapidly.

            Although considered a deciduous shrub, winter honeysuckle is at least semi-evergreen in zone 7 and higher.  The creamy white flowers, while not showy, are the most fragrant you will find on a shrub honeysuckle.

            This species gets its common name from its bloom time, which is mid to late winter.  Its winter blooming habit and fragrant flowers make it obvious why it has been cherished by generations of gardeners.

            This shrub does its best in full sun but will adapt favorably to considerable shade.  It may actually benefit from some afternoon shade if planted on a dry site.

            Winter honeysuckle can be used as a clipped hedge, or it can be allowed to seek its natural growth form as a background plant.  With adequate pruning, it can look good against a fence or wall.

            Prune winter honeysuckle after it finishes blooming.  These shrubs generally benefit from regular pruning to stimulate blooming and prevent them from becoming a tangled mass.

            Unless you plan to prune aggressively, locate this plant where it will have room to grow.  At maturity, it will reach six to eight feet in height and up to ten feet across.

            This is the kind of plant that should be placed where you pass by it frequently so you can enjoy its fragrance.  Budding branches can be brought indoors to add further enjoyment.

            Winter honeysuckle is not fussy about soil types.  It can even tolerate alkaline soils, making it suitable for planting near a concrete driveway where pH is likely to be higher than normal.

            Propagate winter honeysuckle from seed sown in autumn or spring, or from cuttings taken in the summer or late fall.

 

Answer:  Sprouts from mung bean (Phaseolus aureus) have been used since ancient times.  Other good candidates for sprouting include alfalfa, barley, buckwheat, cabbage, celery, clover, lentils, mustard, peas, pumpkin, radish, sunflower, wheat and rye.

            Many seeds suitable for spouting can be found at health food stores or ordered from mail order seed companies.  Be certain to avoid seeds that have been treated with fungicide and do not use them if in doubt.

            Wash the seeds thoroughly and soak them for six hours in lukewarm non-chlorinated water or overnight at room temperature.  Place seeds on a single layer of paper towel, fold the towel in half and wrap in plastic to keep it moist.

            Place in a warm location, about 70°F, out of direct sunlight.  When seeds sprout, within a few days, peel them off the towel, rinse and they are ready to eat.

            Additional tips for seed sprouting, including methods for greater quantities and longer sprouts, can be found at www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-8106.html.