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July 23, 2003

Home Again...
Just having returned from vacationing on the east coast we are still trying to acclimate ourselves into the routines of home.  Wow!  How the gardens have changed.  Of course our cool season grass has buckled under the extreme heat and is dormant sporting that ever so popular shade of dull brown (photos).  I must admit that most everything else is in pretty good shape thanks to Cole, the young man who was in charge of caring for the gardens while we were away. Cole has helped me out the past couple of years and he seems to be handling the pressures of keeping the Savvygardener's garden alive just fine. Not an easy task for a fourteen year old. Thanks Cole!

The weather was so different back east. They have had so much precipitation this year that they are all pretty tired of it. It is hard to remember that just last year they were in the midst of a terrible drought. This summer the sun shines occasionally and it seems to rain every other day with the temperatures hovering in the low to mid 80's. Not bad you might say. If you love the heat and humidity (Do those people really exist?) then you would be disgruntled. But if you have a fabulous garden like Kevin's mother you are pretty happy with the way summer is moving along. Now don't get me wrong, they don't have it perfect. The bug problem is outrageous! Gnats, mosquitos, Japanese beetles and the list doesn't stop there. Ugh!!! Too buggy to be in the garden. Now that is a horrible thing!

Sad news.  Many of you probably heard about Toni Sena, the bicyclist killed as a result of a police chase on July 10.  It turns out that she was also an avid gardener and Savvygardener reader. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. We've posted some information for anyone interested in contributing to her memorial funds.  Click here.  I am reminded of the following quote, author unknown, "Live each day as if it were your last and garden as though you will live forever."

~ Shelly  

Drinks For The Droopy?
It's not uncommon to venture out to the garden at the end of a hot day to find some pretty droopy plants.  Don't immediately assume that they need to be watered.  It may be that there is adequate moisture in the soil but your plant's roots just can't keep up with the needs of the leaves.  If the soil is already moist you are better off letting the plants catch up on their own overnight.  If they're still droopy in the morning give them a drink.

Proper Propagation...
Readers have been asking about plant propagation through cuttings.  This is a simple way to add perennials to your garden without spending much money.  You are also assured that the new plant will have the same characteristics of it's parent.  Want to know more?  Read our article, Growing Garden and Landscape Plants from Cuttings.

Orange Means Hot...
This heat is going to affect tomato harvests.  Tomatoes ripen best when temperatures stay below eighty-five degrees.  When the temperatures hover in the mid-nineties several problems can occur.  The ripening process slows down and color compounds do not form properly.  Instead of a bright red tomato you may wind up with an orange-red one.  Try picking the tomatoes at the first flush of color and ripening them indoors.

Source

Plucking Petunias...
Deadheading petunias is a sure-fire way to keep them blooming all summer long.  But sometimes gardeners have trouble knowing which ones stay and which ones go.  Spent blossoms often look very much like unopened petunia buds.  If you're unsure just remember that spent petunia blossoms are shrunken and have little substance to them and come off with a gentle tug.  Immature buds feel full and hang on a little tighter. 

Source

Sweet & Corny...
Corn lovers know that standard sweet corn is at its peak for only a day or so (supersweet corn maintains its peak quality for a little longer).  Timing is everything.  For the sweetest corn harvest when silks begin to dry, and kernels exude a milky (rather than watery or doughy) juice when punctured.

What's Hot On The Hotline...
K-State Research and Extension has established and maintains a Horticulture and Forestry Research-Extension Center at the west edge of Olathe.  This remarkable facility is home to a number of important horticultural research activities including the “Prairie Star” program.  Find out more about this program and their annual open house in this week's What's Hot On the Hotline...

Telltale Turf...
Did you know your lawn might be sending you signals that it is thirsty?  Before more serious symptoms arise many turf grasses in need of moisture will lie flat after being walked on.  Look behind you as you cross the yard.  Leaving footprints?  Time to water!

Remember it is better to give your lawn a good soaking only once or twice a week rather than many lighter waterings.  Also, always water in the early morning.  Afternoon watering wastes water and evening watering promotes turf diseases.

Finally...
"For him in vain the envious seasons roll Who bears eternal summer in his soul."

~ Oliver Wendell Holmes, The Old Player

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