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This is a great time of year to plant those warm-weather vegetables and flowers

In the vegetable garden, beans, carrots, and turnips can still be planted as well as other crops. Check the labels and look for varieties that are more heat tolerant this time of the year, since we are just weeks away from an increase in temperatures. Advertisement Here are some readers' questions that came in that I want to tackle: Q: I have about six peony plants that are probably at least 25 years old. They bloomed very well until 3 years ago. Now there aren't even any buds. What do you suggest? Advertisement — Jackie Goggin A: There are likely a couple of reasons. The most likely explanation is that trees have grown and started to shade the area. Peonies love sunshine, and if it's too shady, they're not going to flower. Also, if you've been putting a lot of mulch down and it's built up and the peonies are now planted too deep, that's another recipe for poor flowering. You could also try giving them some fertilizer for flowering shrubs in March if the other two reasons don't seem to be applicable. If you need to move them, do so in September and don't plant them too deep. Also, move them somewhere where they get at least 6 hours of sunshine, and they should be pretty happy. A tree peony bud. These buds have a woody stem and need to be pruned carefully. Dave Epstein Lots of buds are an example of a successful peony plant about to bloom. Dave Epstein Peonies will not flower if planted too deeply. Also be sure the mulch is not too high. Dave Epstein Q: is there any particular place in my yard i should put a hummingbird feeder? North side, south side, sunny, partial sun, etc.? Also, the last time I put up a hummingbird feeder, black ants were its only visitors. How do I fix that? — Mike R. A: I've been enjoying the hummingbirds over the past several weeks and if you're wondering where to place yours, my the best advice is to put it in a spot where you can easily change it, it's near other flowers if possible and also near some other trees and shrubs, where the hummingbirds can land and rest. One of mine is outside my office window, so I can enjoy it there. Place your hummingbird feeder outside a window you frequent for the most enjoyment. Dave Epstein Q: Just wondering if birdhouses should be cleaned out each spring? Do birds like to start from scratch? — James Roy A: If you have birdhouses, they absolutely should be cleaned out each spring. I would be very careful about doing it now as you could mistake this year's nest for an old one. Wait until late summer at this point, unless you're 100 percent sure there are no birds using it. Advertisement Q: I have a Rose of Sharon shrub that appeared next to my driveway several years ago. The seed must have been blown by the wind or dropped by a bird. It's about 8 feet tall now, and I'd like to move it to a less crowded, sunnier location. What's the best time to transplant? — David W., Newburyport A: One of the things about Rose of Sharon is that it does spread. The roots are very difficult to deal with, and they certainly do not want to be moved this time of the year after they've leafed out. I would recommend putting a reminder in your calendar and digging it out as soon as the ground thaws in the spring. The roots will have an easier time re-establishing themselves. I would first cut it back to about 4 feet to make it easier to move. Also, try to gather as much of the root system as possible. Rose of Sharon can easily and successfully spread by seed. Dave Epstein Q: I have a northern magnolia, but I fear I might need to trim it so it doesn't get too big. I don't have many sunny spots and I planted it right in front of my bay window within 6 feet of my home. I want to keep it there, but I don't want it to get too big. Is it ok to trim it down? If so when? — Raja D. A: Most of the magnolias have now finished flowering, and although you can definitely prune just after flowering, it's not the best time. Magnolia is typically pruned in the dormant season when it's not actively growing. That said, as long as you're not cutting off more than a third of it, the plant should be OK. Keep in mind, it might sprout some very long new growth. If you can hold off, wait until the second half of February next year. You might lose some flowers, but it's a better time to prune. Advertisement Gardening season is fully underway, and with adequate precipitation and lots of daylight, this has definitely been a sweet spring in the garden. Have gardening questions for Dave? Send them to weather@ and we will include them in an upcoming column.