Martha and John Bauman, the Garden Doctors, believe in fun, practical and environmentally prudent approach to gardening. They are here to answer your gardening questions and help you achieve postive results in your garden.

My summer blooming bulbs are starting to look bad. When can I cut off the foliage and do I have to dig them up? If I do how do I store them?

We are not sure exactly which summer blooming bulbs you have. Let's assume you have some of the three most popular, begonias, dahlias and gladiolus. With all bulbs, wait until the foliage looks like it can't die anymore then cut it off right at the top of the bulb. This will let the nutrient go back into the bulb and make it stronger for next season. Tuberous begonias should be dug up because they rot easily without foliage. If your soil drains fairly well and doesn't stay too damp or cold in the winter, you can leave your dahlias and gladiolus in (every 2-3 years dig them up, divide and replant them). If you dig up your bulbs, clean off old roots and soil, spread out to dry, sprinkle with bulb dust and then store (in a box or bag) in a cool dry place until you plant again next spring.

My houseplants have tiny little bugs coming from the soil. What are they?

They are fungus gnats. They are generally found when there is an excess of moisture and decaying organic matter. They are probably not causing any harm to your plant but the conditions that support them might. Make sure the soil dries fairly well between waterings. If the gnats remain, saturate the soil with an appropriate indoor plant insecticide.