Q: Is it a good idea to work coffee grounds into the soil in flower beds? Does it help?
Bob Morris
![Bob Morris](https://www.reviewjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/bob_morris_980x550_040417eb_001.jpg?w=900&h=550&crop=1)
Bob Morris is a horticulture expert living in Las Vegas and professor emeritus for the University of Nevada. Visit his blog at xtremehorticulture.blogspot.com. Send questions to Extremehort@aol.com.
Q: You mentioned that male asparagus plants produce more than female asparagus plants. How do you tell the difference?
Q: I have had a large poinsettia since last Christmas. Is there a way to encourage blooms this year? It seems I read somewhere to put it into a dark place without water for a period of time. Anything you can tell me will help.
Q: I’m composting in plastic trash cans with holes. It’s taking a very long time to make compost, despite adding carbon to my grass clippings and kitchen waste. I water and turn it every few days. What am I doing wrong?
Winter fruit tree pruning starts as soon as leaves drop from the trees. It’s easier to see the branching structure of the tree — I call it the tree’s “architecture” — after the leaves are gone. This is also the time for the major pruning of landscape trees and shrubs.
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