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July 23, 2003 |
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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
The Tastiest Tomato Contest
Has Been Scheduled!
Click Here!
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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 |