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Lawn Ranger

August 6, 2003

Totally Tasty!
I have to admit that the First Annual Tastiest Tomato Contest was a big hit!  We had 18 entries and lots of people out to just watch the fun! What a day! It started with a guest appearance on the Gard'n Wise Guys show at 8 AM and from there we hustled over to KCTV-5 to plug the contest at 9:30. From the TV station we went right to Family Tree Nursery to start preparing for the contest. All of the participants were eager and excited about the prospect of having Kansas City's Tastiest Tomato. Kevin, Jan Olson, John Bruntzel and I were judges and as always the banter was at its best! Talk about a tough job. There were some really great tasting tomato's but the winner was clear! I guess it's not a bad position to be in considering the fondness I have for this particular fruit (or is it a vegetable?). If you didn't enter this year do not despair, we will hold the contest again next year and you too can compete for the title of growing Kansas City's Tastiest Tomato!

I would like to talk about how great the weather has been but since it hasn't I guess I will move on. What a nice surprise late Tuesday evening. I was already in bed when we received a brief shower and listened to the rain gently falling against the skylight! It has been a long time since hearing that sound and it made me feel quite happy knowing that the gardens were getting a small drink from Mother Nature. We received only a ¼ of an inch but hey, ¼ inch is better than nothing! Continue watering and keep praying for more rain!

~ Shelly  

Beat The Heat...
Ugh..The heat is on.  And on, and... It's only early August and that means several more weeks of pretty hot weather.  Remember, exposure to too much hot weather can be dangerous.  Here are some tips to help you beat the heat :

  • Tasks that occur outdoors in sunny areas should be done in early morning or late afternoon whenever possible, not during the midday heat. Most watering, pruning, dead heading, etc., is better for plants when done in early morning. Many chemicals, especially insecticides, are better applied late in the day when the wind is down and beneficial insects are not present.
  • Allow yourself to acclimate to the heat slowly. Over a period of a week or two, gradually increase the amount of time spent in hot, still areas or in direct sun.
  • Be sure to stay hydrated, drinking as many liquids as possible. Don't wait until you are thirsty to have a drink, as thirst is an indicator that your body is already dehydrated. Water is preferred, except when heat cramps occur (then drink a lightly salted beverage like a sports drink). The water's temperature should be cool, not cold.
  • Though tempting, do not work in the yard in a tank top or without a shirt due to the potential for sunburn and skin cancer. Wear loose fitting, light colored clothes. Keep the fabric content high in cotton to aid sweat evaporation. Neckbands, headbands, wristbands, visors, and hats can increase evaporation to keep the body cool.
  • Lastly, take frequent breaks to reduce the amount of time spent in the sun or heat. After working for an hour, take a break to cool down and have a drink in the shade to reduce the build up of heat stress on your body.

Source

 

Growin' Garlic...
Garlic is a cook's best friend.  Home-grown garlic is an extra special treat.  Making sure your garlic is harvested correctly is simple but important:

Garlic should be harvested when the foliage begins to dry.  Using a garden fork or shovel, carefully dig the bulbs with the foliage still attached.  Dry the garlic on an elevated wire screen or slotted tray in a warm, well-ventilated location for 3 to 4 weeks.  When properly cured, cut off the dry foliage ½ to 1 inch above the bulbs, trim off the roots and brush off any loose soil.  Place the bulbs in a mesh bag and store in a cool (32 to 40°F), dry (60 to 70% relative humidity) location.  Properly cured and stored garlic should keep for 6 to 7 months.

Source

Recipe for Aging Gracefully...
If you like the worn-in look of an established garden but find yourself looking at brand new pots, statuary, and stepping stones try some moss. The gray/green patina of moss makes almost anything look like it's been there for a long, long time. This is a wacky little tip that scores of gardeners swear by for accelerating the growth of moss just about anywhere:

  1. Find some moss, preferably a dense, low-growing variety and put a handful in a container.
  2. Pick out and discard any small stones.
  3. Add a couple of cups of buttermilk. (I told you it was wacky.) Buttermilk apparently contains something that moss really likes.
  4. Put the mixture in a blender and puree until smooth.
  5. Add water as appropriate to create a consistency that pours like latex paint.
  6. Pour or brush this concoction anywhere you want to encourage moss growth.

Remember that for moss to survive it must be kept damp. A hot, sunny location will prove to be more trouble than it's worth.

 


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Thump Goes The Melon...
Watermelon growers probably have some pretty big fruit by now.  You don't want to harvest your melons too early!  Just check for these tell-tale indicators of ripeness: 

  • The underside ground spot turns from whitish to creamy yellow.
  • The tendril closest to the melon turns brown and shrivels.
  • The rind loses its gloss and appears dull.
  • The melon produces a dull thud rather than a ringing sound when thumped.

Honk If You Have Hornworms...
Tomato hornworms are serious garden pests.  They like to eat the leaves of tomato plants and will do so completely to the mid-rib of the leaf.  Fortunately they can be dealt with without drenching the entire plant in pesticide.  The trick is early detection and removal.  While it's hard to see a green caterpillar on a green leaf the black droppings from the caterpillar are a bit more obvious.  When you see the droppings look closely for the caterpillar and remove it immediately.

 


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What's Hot On The Hotline...
Along with the hot weather of summer come some recurring pleasures that offer an opportunity to share in the accomplishments of others, and to wonder at the diverse and rewarding products of their hard work and talent. In other words, it’s County Fair time, and our area of mid-America is second to none in the variety and enthusiasm our County Fair exhibitors show!  Read all about the fair in this week's What's Hot On the Hotline...

Ozone, Mow Zone...
Small gasoline engines like those found on lawnmowers, weed whackers and leaf blowers lack pollution controls. According to the Mid-America Regional Council the average lawnmower produces as much pollution in one hour as 40 late-model cars!  Do yourself, and your fellow gardeners, a favor by not mowing on ozone alert days.  If you have to mow, try to do it after 7 PM.

Source

Finally...
"Lush growth and vibrant color are seldom possible without courageous pruning."

~ Eat Your Peas for Gardeners

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