GARDEN

Hydrangeas can be late bloomers

Q. Two of my neighbors and I have Endless Summer hydrangeas that show no sign of blooming. Several others in this neighborhood have some bloom. Mine is 4 by 4 feet, with wonderful leaves; it is well watered and gets at least six hours of sun a day. The neighbors’ hydreangeas are in full sun. We did have a late heavy frost. Any ideas?

A. It is likely that the heavy freeze killed the growth that would have produced the first round of blooms on these hydrangeas in early summer. Fortunately, this plant has the capacity to bloom on new growth that emerged this summer. These flowers would show up in late summer to early autumn. Look for new growth on the plants, which should bear the flowers.

Stop blossom end rot

Sudden ripening of underdeveloped tomatoes is usually a sign of blossom end rot. Look for a blackened base on the fruit. The disease is caused by calcium deficiency and is linked to uneven watering and excessive fertilizing, especially with high nitrogen feeds. Remove affected fruit, lightly cultivate around the base of the plant to break up soil crusts, and apply an organic mulch. In the absence of rain, water deeply twice a week.