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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

 

 

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