July
18, 2001
Homeward
Bound...
We are back in Maryland now and are missing home. I
have decided that two weeks away from my garden and bed is way
too long! It is raining here and the temperatures are so
mild. I cannot believe the heat spell that Kansas City is
experiencing. It sounds pretty horrible! I am sure
that once we arrive home it will take some time to readjust to
the heat and humidity. I hope that all of your gardens are
holding up. I am anxious to assess the state of my
garden. I am sure that it is fine but it is like worrying
about one of your children.
I have been
helping Kevin's mother Mary out in her garden so I have
been getting my gardening fix. I would love to have the
space she does. They live in a small community called
Buckeystown and it is filled with wonderful turn-of-the-century
homes. Mary and Larry Marsh's house was built in 1907 and
is a fabulous Victorian home. Mary's home and gardens have
been featured in Country Living as well as local magazines.
It is always such a joy to visit here in Buckeystown because
there are many more homes and gardens like Mary's. If any
of you Savvygardeners venture this way I would certainly put
Frederick and Buckeystown on the list of places to visit.
Frederick is conveniently located one hour from both D.C. and
Baltimore. It is a great day trip away from the hustle and
bustle of the bigger cities. I love it here (especially the
weather) but I miss Kansas City and am ready to be home.
~
Shelly
Hot And
Bothered Tomatoes...
This
can be a frustrating time for area tomato growers. The
really hot weather we've been experiencing can cause our tomato
plants to drop their blossoms before fruit sets. Many
gardeners believe that tomatoes love hot weather. Actually
they prefer daytime temperatures in the 70's and 80's coupled
with nighttime temperatures in the 60's and 70's. Our
temperatures have been well above ideal lately. Some
gardeners respond by using "Blossom Set" but according
to the Missouri Botanical Garden Extension Service (MOBOT) they
may be wasting their time and money. Blossom Set
contains a hormone that solves the blossom drop problem when it
is due to overnight temperatures falling below 60 degrees.
During hot weather, above 90 degrees, it is not effective.
According to MOBOT there is no real solution to the problem and
no cultivars exist which seem better than others.
Source
The
Right SPF For Veggies?
Hard
working gardeners aren't the only ones subject to sunburn.
Exposure to the sun will turn your potato tubers and carrot
shoulders green giving them an unpleasant taste. This will
occur when they are not planted deeply enough or have not been
sufficiently mulched. The green portions of the potato
actually contain a bitter alkaloid that is moderately poisonous.
Simply cover the exposed tubers and/or shoulders with soil or
mulch and they should retain their intended taste and goodness.
Invigorating
Irises...
To promote growth, vigor and optimum flowering, iris clumps
may be raised and divided every three years or so. Dig up
the rhizomes carefully to avoid damage to rhizomes and their
roots. Examine them for the presence of worm-like insects
called iris borers, which may seriously damage or destroy the
plant. If they are found, remove them, cut out the affected
tissue and dust with a garden insecticide, such as Sevin, before
replanting. Select sound rhizomes with two or more growing
points. Rhizomes may be cut apart with a sharp knife, or
snapped apart by hand. Be sure to preserve as many rhizome
roots as possible. The best time to divide iris is in
mid-summer while the plants are dormant. Late July through
mid August is preferred.
Source
Seeking
Shade...
Looking for a good, low exertion chore for the hot weather?
Try inspecting your shade trees and the grass below them.
They may be getting so full of branches that not enough sunlight
filters through to your grass. If your grass is just not
making it under a particular tree you can stand in its shade and
make some notes for future pruning. You'd be surprised how
well grass will respond to even a moderate amount of increased
sunlight.
Fall
Crops Begin Now...
A fall harvest of cabbage, vine crops, broccoli, cauliflower, and
Brussels sprouts means setting transplants in late July.
For lettuce, radish, carrots, beets, turnips, kale, and spinach,
you should sow seeds in late July to early August.
Brussels
sprouts are especially good fall crops as their flavor is
enhanced by a mild frost. They are hungry little guys so
make monthly applications of 5-10-10 fertilizer at a rate of 1/2
cup per square yard from the time the plants are 4 inches tall
through harvest.
What's
Hot On The Hotline...
If you're like the recent callers to the Hotline weeds and
spider mites are on the top of your list of concerns. The
Extension Master Gardeners at Johnson County Extension have some
good advice on both of these pests in this
week's What's
Hot on the Hotline...
On The
Cutting Edge...
If you've noticed a brown or grayish cast over your lawn it
is likely due to your mower blade. Mower blades that
shred grass rather than cutting it can cause this unattractive
problem. Usually the blade just needs sharpening.
Also make sure that the blade is installed properly. An
unbalanced blade or one installed upside down isn't doing you any
favors.
Finally... "The
most noteworthy thing about gardeners is that they are always
optimistic, always enterprising, and never satisfied. They
always look forward to doing something better than they have ever
done before." ~
Vita Sackville-West, English Poet and Novelist, 1892-1962 |