I would like to plant some raspberries this spring.  Is it best to buy “new” plants or can I transplant some from a neighbor’s garden? 

Purchase virus-free raspberry plants from a reliable garden center, nursery or mail-order company. Plants obtained from an old patch are often diseased. Virus-infected plants may appear healthy, but grow and yield poorly. 

How can I propagate a pussy willow? 

Pussy willows (Salix species) are easily propagated by hardwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings should be collected in late February or early March. The cuttings should be pencil-size in thickness and 12 to 18 inches long. Since the ground is normally frozen at this time of year, the cuttings should be stored in a cool location until they can be stuck directly into the ground. Tie the cuttings together in a bundle, place them in a plastic bag containing lightly moistened peat moss, and then store them in a garage, refrigerator or other cool location. Place the cuttings in the ground as soon as the ground thaws out in spring. Keep the soil evenly moist until the cuttings are growing vigorously. 

I would like to grow onions for storage over winter.  Which onion varieties are best for storage? 

The storage or keeping quality of onions is determined by the cultivar (variety), harvesting and curing procedures, and storage conditions. 

Onion cultivars that are good keepers include ‘Copra,’ ‘Sweet Sandwich’ and ‘Stuttgarter.’  ‘Walla Walla,’ ‘Candy’ and ‘Yellow Sweet Spanish’ are only suitable for short-term storage. 

To maximize their storage life, onions must be properly harvested and dried or cured. Onions should be harvested when most of their tops have fallen over and begun to dry. Carefully pull or dig the bulbs with their tops attached. After harvesting, dry or cure the onions in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location. Cure the onions for 2 to 3 weeks until the onion tops and necks are thoroughly dry and outer bulb scales begin to rustle. After the onions are properly cured, cut off the tops about 1 inch above the bulbs. 

Finally, onions must be stored properly. The cured onions should be placed in mesh bags, old nylon stockings, wire baskets or crates and stored in a cool, dry location.  Storage temperatures should be 32 to 40 degrees F. 

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