Spring Garden Series

Penn State’s Lehigh and Northamption County Master Gardeners are offering classes to launch the vegetable gardening season.

If you are browsing those beautiful seed catalogs now, the first sessions on planning and seed starting should push you out of the winter doldrums. These timely topics are offered on February 24 in Northampton County and February 27 in Lehigh County.

The “Mission Possible” series in March “Mastering Home Vegetable Production” continues with planting, spacing, watering, feeding, rotation as well as pest management.

Small space? Container Vegetable Gardening will be covered February 27 in Lehigh County and March 10 in Northampton County.

Both locations will end with “Win with Tomatoes and Peppers”.

Each class costs $6 or $30 for all 6 hour-long sessions at one of location. Space is limited and usually fills quickly. If you are a beginning vegetable gardener or an old hand looking for a refresher or some new ideas, you can’t beat this deal.

See the brochure “Spring Garden Series: Victory in the Vegetable Garden” for all the details.

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Dreaming of Spring

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Every spring I have plants to move or divide. I set up a word document each year to use as my garden journal. I keep lists (there I go with the lists again).

During the growing season when I’m working in the garden and see a plant that needs to be divided, I add it to the “To Be Divided” list. I also have a “Move” list. The “Give Away” list includes requests from friends.. There is also a “To Buy” list but that’s another story.

I’ve been checking my lists. It almost makes me feel like I’m gardening.

To Move.

The pretty hosta will be divided added to the new garden. (See September 29, 2009 Post “New Garden”.) It should add some brightness to this shady spot.

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This little ruffled pink azalea will also move to the new garden. Last spring I thought it was dead. It doesn’t do well crowded where it is. I hope it will have a better chance with more room to grow.

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The liatris (Liatris spicata 'Purple Spikes’) was dug in behind the garage temporarily several years ago. It’s time for a permanent home. I’ll move it next to the liatris that I relocated last spring.

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Give Away.

Sheffield Pink mum – I always have requests for this pretty mum.

Dead Nettle (Lamium) (picture top of post) – a great dry shade plant. A friend has a perfect place for it.

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Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria) – Another temporary “dig in”. I found someone who would like the plant. I have a huge clump in my front garden and certainly don’t need any more.

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Tansy (Tanacetum) – I have a request for this ferny-leafed plant. I forgot to divide it last year so the request will be filled a year late.

To Be Divided.

Several plants need to be divided and will be looking for a new home.
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Liriope (lilyturf) next to the hydrangea – this tough little grass is overgrown and crowded. I will need to divide it with a hatchet or sharp saw.

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Forget Me Not (Brunnera macrophylla) – Over the years this plant has spread and reseeded to the point of taking over. The profusion of blue flowers is lovely in April but there are just too many of them.

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Tall (6 ft.) yellow rudbeckia (Rudbeckia nitida 'Herbstsonne) – This plant was divided an moved last October when I planted the Sky Pencil Holly in its place. Some of the divisions were “dug in” and need to find a permanent home.

I keep dreaming of spring. Now, back to my winter list. I’ve already checked off five and a half items.

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Happy New Year

January – sigh.

As I looked through my garden pictures from last year I realized it will be at least 2 months before I can work outside again. And fully 2 or 3 months before the garden really comes to life.

The Snow Glories were blooming on March 11, 2009.

The first yellow crocus popped up between the leftover fall leaves.

The pretty purple helleborus was full of buds waiting to open.

The daffodils were budding.

Donna at Momma Mia Days (link at right) got me over the early winter doldrums with her colorful post from her trip to San Diego.

So I made a list. I have books and catalogs to read, a lot of house cleaning to do, income taxes to start, Mom’s apartment to clean and organize, flower shows and meetings to attend and garden plans to make.

I realized I have a choice. I can sit here wallowing in self-pity because it’s cold, icy and miserable outside or I can get some things done so I’ll be ready to garden in March.

On one hand, it looks like a long winter ahead. On the other hand, there may not be enough time to complete everything on my list.

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Beautyberry

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Amid the stark winter landscape at the New York Botanical Garden dotted with brilliant evergreens both tall and small, a stand of beautyberry pops into sight.

I believe the shrubs are Callicarpa dichotoma. I was so captivated by the great color and form that didn’t check the tag. (More info from Dave's Garden here and Iowa State University Extension here.)

I wonder if I can find a place for these beauties in my garden. Plant lust never ends.

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I will be away until after the New Year. I won’t be able to post. I will be answering comments and reading my favorite blogs.

I wish you all a very merry holiday and a successful New Year filled with excitement and laughter!

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(Photo taken at NY Botanical Garden.)

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First Snow

The first snow of the season fell on December 5. It created -


Feathery clumps on hemlocks,

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Fluffy cotton balls on shrubs.

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Snow hats on posts and lanterns,
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And popcorn on the lawn.

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NY Botanical Garden

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I joined a group from the Bethlehem Garden Club to visit the 18th Annual Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden.
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From Statue of Liberty to Coney Island, over 140 miniature buildings and bridges filled the Haupt Conservatory’s entire wing. Model trains and trolleys zipped by. The display, created by the award-winning designer Paul Busse of Applied Imagination, delighted young and young and at heart.

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The buildings made of twigs, bark, nuts, vines fungi, berries, pine cones, seeds and other natural materials create a wonderland display of both the huge and the small.

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Our group was surprised by the New York Yankees car flying past the Empire State Building, the Chrysler and other familiar skyscrapers. We wondered if it would have been Phillies train if our favorite Phils had won the World Series.

Kalanchoe, cyclamen, cactus, begonia, croton, gardenia, miniature evergreens and all manner of plants are set to scale with the buildings and trains creating a natural wonderland.

The train show continues until January 10. It was a delightful way to spend a December morning.

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Bethlehem

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A rainy day at Bethlehem’s City Center Plaza.

Magnolia buds anticipate spring.

A bird’s nest sits vacant.

The advent candles and children’s tree stand alone in the cold drizzle.

But light seems to shine on the Crèche -- even on a rainy day.
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(See the list of “Things To Do” for the holiday season at Christmas City Organization’s site.)

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Confederate Jasmine Vine

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(Trachelospermum spp.)

I won this huge jasmine in a raffle. I hope it doesn’t become the subject of a Garden Bloggers Death Day post someday. It is a (very large) house plant in my zone 6.

There are 86 questions and answers on the Gardeners Supply Plant Care forum. Almost too much information.

I’ve never grown a jasmine and I don’t know anyone who has. I’m trying to get it to live and bloom – enticed by stories of heavenly fragrance. I’ve only had it for two weeks. So far, so good.

If staring at the plant is any help, mine should do just fine.

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Holiday

Thanksgiving Prayer

by Susan D. Anderson

I’m thankful for my mother, and

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I’m thankful for my dad.

I’m thankful for my sisters, and

for all the fun we’ve had.

I’m thankful for my brother, Tom,

(even when he’s jerky.)

But most of all, I’m oh-so-thankful

not to be a turkey


Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

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Leaf Trick

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I apologize for posting a day late. This blog started out as a complaint against Mother Nature. No matter how many times I rake the leaves out of the corners and from under bushes, she insists on blowing a new bunch right back.

Then I read the Susan Harris’ post “The Great Dead-Leaf Debate – who knew?” at Sustainable Gardening blog. Susan presents the alternatives in 2 parts.

Susan also mentions the “leaf it be” movement. You know - letting leaves decompose where they fall

Here are my reasons why I will never be part of the “leaf it be” movement:

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- When I worked on farms, no one had the time or the energy to worry about leaves (although we did sometimes clean up the perennial beds). We were too busy tossing bales, feeding animals and cleaning up after animals. The leaves had to take care of themselves. That was then and this is now. It’s different in city life.

- Leaves accumulated in corners do no good. They make a slimy, messy pile and a perfect hiding place for rodents and insects.

- A rug of maple leaves on the lawn will smother grass. It may do the same to groundcovers and perennials. Even though we’ve reduced the size of our lawn over the years, we still need a place for kids to play kick ball and throw a Frisbee. So we need some lawn. We leave some shredded leaves on the lawn but there are way too many to shred them all.

- Leaves block storm drains and cause flooding. It’s a driving hazard. I’ve seen it happen. . (There’s nothing more foul than a flooded, stagnant intersection with rotting leaves floating on top.)

- Leaves on sidewalks become slippery when wet. I don’t want to see granny with feet flying above her head.

- Leaves stuck in tender shrubs by the whimsical wind do not decompose. They have to be picked out by hand. They look messy and will still be there when we harvest the tomatoes next summer.

- Leaves can rot wooden decks. Decks are too expensive to let rot.

- And, raking is good exercise on a crisp, fall day. It promotes family togetherness. (The younger family members may try to make grownups feel guilty at their forced servitude with a rolling of eyes and deep sighs. Don’t fall for it.)

My compost bin is full. I have a large pile of leaves to add all year.

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If I can’t use all the leaves from my yard, why not let the city make compost for everyone? We picked up a nice truckload this fall. And, it’s is so much better than dumping them in the landfill.

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IPM - Part 3

“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightening and a lightening bug” - Mark Twain

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Integrated Pest Management – IPM (continued)

After a lot of searching, reading, getting confused, starting over, I ran almost ran out of energy. I’ll try to summarize the rest of my research. So hopefully I’m using the “right word” not the “almost right word” ----- or the completely wrong word ---- or omitting an important point. I’ve included a link in each section if you would like more information.

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Mechanical Control of the Adult Beetle

Mechanical methods are very straightforward. Just pop the little buggers into a bucket of soapy water. (And hope they don’t fly away before they hit the suds.) It is suggested this be done in the early morning when they are sleepy.

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Chemical control of grubs

It’s possible to reduce the number of Japanese beetles by attacking the larval stage if the insecticide is applied at the right time. (See part 1.)

One product advertised for Grub control is Grubex manufactured by The Scott Company.

According to Pesticide Action Network (PAN) the hazard warning label is: “III Caution” or slight toxicity.

The active ingredient is halofenozid which is listed as a “potential” groundwater contaminant. It is easy to apply with the proper spreader setting. One bag costs about $20 and covers 5,000 sq. ft.

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Biological control of grubs

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Milky Spore - Bacillus popilliae

Bacteria can also be used to combat grubs. Milky Spore Bacillus popilliae is specific for Japanese beetle larvae. The US EPA fact sheet includes a description of the active ingredients, its uses and risks.

Milky spore is found naturally in the soil and is not harmful to humans. It does not affect beneficial insects. On the downside, it is relatively expensive and may require application for 3 or 4 years before it is effective. But it may be effective for 10 years.

At Gardener’s Supply a 10 oz can of Milky Spore powder costs $39.95 and covers 2,500 sq. ft.

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Nematodes - Heterorhabditis bacteriophora

“Biological Control: A guide to Natural Enemies in North America,” Cornell University notes: Relative effectiveness depends on several factors. They have to be kept alive during shipping and application.

Nematodes are roundworms that have a very short “shelf life” Nematodes need to be kept wet and breakdown rapidly in sunlight and are effective in a narrow range of temperature. When used correctly they can be very effective

You can buy 1 million nematodes in Grub Guard (Steinernema sp. and Heterorhabditis sp.) at Gardener’s Supply for $19.95.

The biggest drawback to using nematodes seems to be the difficulty in application.

Grub Guard –Norganics.com is a manufacturer of organic fertilizers in Bradford Vermont. “Grub Guard nematodes are shipped alive and should be released into a thoroughly moist soil or growing media as soon as possible.”

Thirteen instructions for application, mixing and dilution are listed.

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Bt - Bacillus thuringiensis

University of Virginia Extension lists several varieties of Bt. It would be necessary to find the right variety for grubs.

Bt occurs naturally in soil. Bt products are applied much like synthetic insecticides and treatments are inactivated within one to a few days in many outdoor situations. Repeated applications may be necessary for some crops and pests.

Bt products need to be handled with care. Inhaling dusts or mists may cause allergic reaction or if rubbed on the skin may cause irritation. It is advised that you wear gloves, long sleeves and long trousers during application and wash thoroughly afterwards.

There are several online sites that offer Bt products for sale.

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CONCLUSION

This series of posts was really not about the Japanese beetle. As I worked on the series I tried to follow one pest through the IPM process as honestly, objectively and logically as I could.

The posts are really about the ease or difficulty of the IPM process.

Did I make this process harder than it needs to be? Am I missing something? I don’t know.

I learned a lot during the process. There are now more things that I won’t have to search out again. Somehow a great idea like Integrated Pest Management should be easier for the average gardener. I think it is worth the effort if we are truly concerned about the environment.

What are your thoughts about Integrated Pest Management?

(Comments, arguments, corrections welcome)

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