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Week 23
(8/10/06)
No doubt about it. As I look
around at the yellowing / falling leaves on many of our trees, as I
see lawns galore with their gray green colors (except for the bright
green weeds!), as I see many annuals and veggies looking a little shop
worn right now, as I see 1/2 inch cracks in the soil, and as I see my
electric bill skyrocketing, I know it's early August, and we're all
suffering from the heat and the drought! But looking on the bright
side, September is right around the corner and fall will be here
before you know it! By the way, 23 more days and counting! I am
pumped!
[Just curious - did
Noah keep his bees in archives?]
*Whether it's the weather -
It's been hot (did
I hear the second hottest July in recorded history?), and it's
definitely been dry. Please water your plants. Its no laughing
matter. Your plants are thirsty - join them for a drink!
[Have you ever
imagined a world with no hypothetical situations?]
*What's bugging you?
- Really not a whole lot bugging me at this stage. I continue to
watch bagworms destroy evergreens and wonder why the homeowners can't
see the needles disappearing from their plant. That's not a normal
thing to happen! Also getting a lot of calls about nests of bees or
yellow jackets in the ground. Please be careful when dealing with
these situations! Dr. Dave Shetlar (The Bug Doc) is reporting unheard
of population levels of both horseflies and deerflies around the
state. The larvae of these biting flies feed on insects and other
invertebrates in swampy areas, which is why horse and deerflies are
usually more of a problem around water. But they are strong fliers
and can travel several miles in search of blood meals! The Bug Doc is
also reporting high populations of mosquitoes in many areas of
Ohio, so be
aware! By the way, The Bug Doc says that there is one good thing
about hot muggy weather. House flies, lesser house flies, and blow
flies are attacked by a fungal disease that can drastically lower the
populations! So if you see a dead one with fuzzy stuff growing on it,
that's the fungus! Very cool, eh?
This week,
Buggy Joe Boggs is reporting lot's of scale activity, which can make
now a good time to treat with insecticides. Euonymus scale,
oystershell scale, pine needle scale, calico scale, elm scale, cottony
maple scale, magnolia scale - kind of reminds me of that scene in
Forest Gump talking about shrimp! BJB is also reporting summer
caterpillars still on the lose, green june beetles still getting
recognition in the lawns, Japanese beetles still feeding here and
there, and late season bores are ready to get bored. -Catch the
'Buggy Joe Boggs Report' Saturdays at 8:42am on 55KRC radio.
[Why do signs
that say "Slow Children" have a picture of a running child?]
*Question mark and the Mysterians
- Here are a few gardening questions from this weeks emailed news bag:
“I’m seeing a
large shrub blooming in our area right now, that reminds me of the
crepe myrtle that grows in the south. Any idea what is it?” -It’s
Crepe Myrtle, and you’re seeing it grown in our area more and more!
Plant breeders are working on hardier varieties for zones northern 6
and lower 5, and over the past few years, these plants have done quite
well! You’ll find the standard varieties and the new dwarf varieties,
which are perfect for close to the foundation or in containers. And,
if by chance your crepe myrtle dies back over the winter, it generally
will come back from the roots, and flower that summer.
“I’m seeing garden
mums available for planting now. Isn’t it too early?” -Actually
they can be planted now, but if you’re looking for fall color from
your mums, be sure to chose plants that are showing no flower colors
whatsoever. Once they begin to show color, with the summer’s heat,
they may only last about 4 weeks or so, which is fine if that’s what
you’re looking for. But if you’re planting mums NOW, for colors LATER
in the fall, again choose plants with small flower buds, and no colors
showing whatsoever!
“I just found some
bagworms on my pines. Is it too late to spray?” -You can try one
last spray of Sevin, Eight, Orthene, etc., but keep an eye on those
bagworms and make sure you killed them - it is getting late for
spraying. If they remain active, then you need to begin hand-picking,
and make sure you destroy them as you pick them from the evergreens.
"My lawn is
looking pretty bad. When do I get started trying to get it back into
shape?" -September is turf month and believe it or not, it’s only a
few weeks away. That means it’s time for you to begin to evaluate the
condition of your lawn, and what things will need to be done - core
aerating, seeding, over seeding, fertilizing, and in some cases, total
lawn renovation. Make your plans now, so you’re ready to go at the
end of this month. September is turf month!
“I am now seeing
many spider webs on plants and shrubs. How do I eliminate them?”
-Don’t! Even though I think spiders are pretty creepy dudes and
dudettes, they are the good guys and gals of the garden. They help to
reduced bug populations in the garden, and right now, as bug
populations soar, so do the spider populations. Hose them out and try
to get them to move elsewhere, but I suggest leaving them alone. Yes,
you can use a general garden insecticide if you wish, but I don’t
recommend it, and you’ll probably never totally eliminate them.
Spiders are everywhere.
“Can I move my
iris now? Daylilies?” -Yes and yes! Now’s the right time for
digging and dividing iris, so the timing is perfect. Daylilies are
spring, late summer, or whenever you need to move them! Don't forget
that late summer is a great time for moving and dividing many of the
perennials; peonies and poppies included. Good luck!
“When can I cut my
daylilies back? They look horrible.” -Right now. Feel free to cut
them back to the ground if really nasty and they’ll flush up new
growth for the rest of the season. Cut them back, light feeding,
water, and rejuvenate!
"I'm going to
slice seed for my neighbors - what is the best time this fall to do
this?" -Assuming the conditions are right, you could start as early
as the last week of August and then going through the first 2 weeks
of September. You can continue to seed into late Sept. / early
October if needed, but the window is closing during that time. Or you
can slice seed late fall for a dormant seeding. Remember to apply a
starter fertilizer when applying new grass seed, and help keep even
moisture in the ground for those new seeds to germinate and grow.
“What’s the
name of the rhizoming tall fescue, and where can I find it?” -Titan
Limited, and Natorp’s sells it. If you’re out of town, go to
www.titanlimited.com for other sources. Have it on hand and ready
to go the first week of September. Titan Limited is perfect for
over-seeding existing tall fescue lawns, or for seeding brand new
lawns. I like to use Titan Limited blended with anywhere from 1-3
other types of top quality turf type tall fescues. Usually a 50-70%
Titan, and the rest the other tall fescues. As far as I'm concerned
(and Buggy Joe Boggs), a blend is better than just using one type.
“Why are my
tomatoes cracking on the top? Are they still edible?” -Cracking will
vary by variety, but it is the results of irregular watering. If the
tomatoes are dry, then suddenly lots of water, the insides grow faster
than the skin and they crack on the top. Of course, they’re still
edible, but just don’t last as long.
“Why aren’t the
tops of my tomatoes ripening?” -Funny you should ask. High
temperatures and extreme sunny days will cause irregular coloring (or
ripening) of the fruit. And yes, they’re still very much edible.
[If you're a
vegetarian, can you still eat animal cookies?]
This week's Success Tip for your garden
- Here's a gardening tip from our gardening friend, HGTV's Rebecca
Kolls! Be sure to visit Rebecca's web site
www.rebeccasgarden.com.
Dear Gardener,
Are your tomato
plants skimpy on tomatoes? You're not alone. Many gardeners are
scratching their heads as blossoms seem to mysteriously fall from the
plant. It's called "blossom drop" which can be the result of several
things, but is primarily connected to weather. For most gardeners, the
last blast of sizzling summer heat is the culprit. When temperatures
stay consistently above 85-90 degrees, or overnight lows hover above
70 degrees with a lack of water, tomato plants will drop their
blossoms resulting in no fruit. Other reasons include: pollination
issues - simply, the flower is not getting pollinated. If you don't
have a lot of bees, it's a good idea to consistently give the plants a
good shake when in bloom (they'll pollinate themselves). Too little
or not enough nitrogen in the soil can also cause blossom drop
(typically it's too much nitrogen).
Next year, be
sure to look for heat tolerant cultivars which will help with summer
heat. Don't use pesticides and mix plant nectar rich flowers with the
vegetables, and watch the level of nitrogen...typically amending the
soil with compost, peat moss and manure early spring is all the plants
need to take off with only supplemental feeding once the plants set
fruit. Use low nitrogen fertilizer.
You can find
more information and tips like this in "Seasons by Rebecca" magazine.
Click here to subscribe
As the summer begins to slowly wind down, do not hesitate to cut back
those lanky or weak looking annuals, give them a good feeding with a
water soluble fertilizer such as Miracle Gro, and perk them back up
and in flower as we head into the late summer and fall season. If you
haven't fed the vegetables, feed them as well. Many of these plants
will rally quite nicely as the temperatures begin to cool a bit and
look great for September and early October.
[Why is the time
of the day with the slowest traffic referred to as 'rush hour'?]
*From the Garden to the Kitchen / Hey Rita, what's cooking?
- I knew the minute my peppers started ripening, I’d get requests for
your Mom’s famous pickled peppers. I don’t have to tell you that
these are the best and easiest pickled peppers you'll ever eat. And
if you grow peppers, you know how abundant they are this time of year.
Now I usually don't add 2 cups sugar; I'll start out with half a cup,
taste the brine, and go from there. If you have extremely hot
peppers, though, the 2 cups of sugar is not too much. My sister,
Christine, makes a version of these pickles and uses no sugar at all.
And guess what new addition I’ll be putting in my jars this year,
Yardboy? Lovage, that wonderful celery substitute. I am already saying
“Yum”!
Nell Wilson’s
famous pickled peppers
Sterilizing Jars:
Wash jars and lids, then place in big pan, covered with water. Bring
to a boil and boil 15 minutes. Keep in hot water until you're ready to
fill them. Meanwhile, make brine and prepare peppers:
Brine: 6 cups
clear vinegar, 5% acidity, 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar (see note
above)*. Place brine ingredients in non-reactive pan (that means
either stainless, enameled or anodized aluminum, not the old fashioned
aluminum pans). Bring to a boil.
To Prepare
Peppers: Wash. Leave whole with a slit down the center, or cut into
slices as desired. I like to remove seeds if I slice them, but this
is optional. Remember the membrane that the seeds are attached to is
the hottest part of the pepper, and the seeds are the second hottest
part. Place peppers in sterilized, hot jars, packing tightly. Pour
boiling brine over, covering peppers. Add seasonings, such as garlic,
bay leaf, slices of sweet bell, herbs, etc. as desired, or leave
plain. Seal and let cool away from drafts. Store away from heat and
light. No need to process these as the vinegar, if you use 5%, keeps
bacteria out. That's all there is to this wonderful pickled pepper
recipe. Making your own is so easy and much more crisp and tasty than
the store-bought variety. Chill in refrigerator before serving.
-Rita Nader
Heikenfeld, CCP / Macy’s Regional Culinary Professional / Herbalist /
Author / Local TV and Radio Cooking Expert / Adjunct Professor U.C.
Clermont College / Community Press Papers / [life@communitypress.com attn:
Rita or
www.abouteating.com]
[Why do they
call it "Chili" if its hot?]
*Yardboy's
plant to ponder
- Country Living Gardener has named 6 flowering shrubs for its
Editor's Choice Collection. The plant choices include Weigela 'Wine &
Roses', 'White Chiffon' rose of Sharon, 'Limelight' hydrangea, Itea
'Little Henry', Physocarpus 'Summer Wine', and one of my newest
favorites, Sambucus 'Black Lace'. All worth checking out for
possibly adding to your landscape!
[Can you be a
closet claustrophobic?]
A
little bit of this and a little bit of that
- What’s growing in my mulch? Mulch is a staple in our landscapes.
It helps to protect against extreme temperature fluctuations in the
soil, helps with moisture retention, weed reduction, and it looks
good. But depending on the type of mulch you use, there are things
that show up and that can be downright scary! As mulches break down,
especially the shredded hardwoods, bacteria and fungus help in the
process. You never see the bacteria, but you will see the fungus!
-Slime mold commonly known as ‘Dog Barf Fungus’. It grows in low flat
piles, and can be pink, orange, brown, and usually fade to white. It
is not harmful to plants - it just looks bad. Fluff up your mulch to
keep it airy, or if it shows up, simply scoop it up and throw it
away. -Birds nest fungus. Starts out with miniature mushroom looking
structures, and they eventually open up exposing these egg like
looking structures, thus the name bird’s next fungus. Again, no
control besides fluffing the mulch or scooping them up and throwing
them in the trash. -And how about mushrooms? They come in all sizes
and shapes, and again, are a part of the process, especially in the
shredded hardwoods, or where there is any organic matter breaking down
in the soil. Again, no control for mushrooms, besides fluffing the
mulch, kicking them over, or getting out the golf clubs and practicing
your gold swing on them. -Last is a very nasty one called Artillery
or Shotgun Fungus. This one shoots tar-like spores on the sides of
cars, siding, furniture, you, the dog, and it's nearly impossible to
get off. If this one shows up, immediately remove the mulch and
replace with fresh, new mulch, or leave the area alone for a while (no
mulch) and then reapply new mulch later. This one can be picked up
from both wood mulches and from manure based mulches. Again, this one
is a nasty one!
Brooklyn,
New York—August 7, 2006—The
world’s largest and stinkiest flowering plant is set to bloom for the
first time at Brooklyn Botanic Garden this week. Amorphophallus
titanum, also known as the corpse plant due to its signature,
putrid scent, is expected to bloom Thursday, August 10 after 10 years
of cultivation. The plant has not bloomed in
New York
since 1939. The birth and bloom of BBG’s titan—nicknamed “Baby” by BBG
gardeners who have bestowed it with tender loving care for a decade—is
a historic, once in a lifetime event.
High-Resolution
Photos Available on bbg.org/photos
Live Web
Cam
on bbg.org/titan
[Is it possible to
be totally partial?]
Classes, Seminars, and upcoming Special Events
-
MARK
YOUR CALENDARS! NATORP'S WHOLESALE NURSERY OUTLET
SALE
IS COMING IN SEPTEMBER!
For 5 days, Natorp's will open their
wholesale nursery on
Snider Road
in Mason to the public! Come straight to the source for over 30,000
shrubs, evergreens, pre-dug and container trees, and over 125,000
potted perennials. Cash n Carry, and ready for immediate pick-up.
(Installation pricing will be available for larger trees). Dates are
9/15, 16, 17 and 9/23 &24. Hours are Friday 11am-7:30pm, Saturdays
9am-5pm, and Sundays
12-5pm.
For more information, visit our website at
www.natorp.com. (Sorry, due
to daily changes in inventory, we are unable to provide a plant
availability list. You’ll just have to come and see all the great
plants available at really great prices!) Tell your friends and
family, tell the neighbors, and tell everyone at work. This is one
sale you won't want anyone to miss!
"City of Mason
Farmer's Market" - Every Saturday thru Oct. 14 - 8:00am until 12:00pm
- Mason Middle School parking lot on the corner of Tylersville and
Mason Montgomery Rd. - Enjoy fresh picked seasonal produce 'direct
from the farm' and the folks who grew it - Come visit with old friends
and meet new ones at your Mason Farmer's Market, and enjoy fresh
picked great tasting home grown produce!
"Gardening with
Perennials" - presented by The Perennial Plant Association and OSU -
Monday, September 11, 8:30am to 5:00pm - OSU's Kottman Hall Auditorium
(2021 Coffey Rd) - $75 fee - Speakers include Adrian Bloom, Dr. Denise
Adams, Tracy DiSabato-Aust, Paul Tukey, Troy Marden, and Dr. Steven
Still. This is one power-packed information filled day of learning.
1-614-771-8431 to register or for more information.
Tomato Tasting
Party, Thursday, August 17, 6:30pm at the Boone County Extension
Office. For admission, you need to bring one or more tomatoes for
sampling (make sure you know the variety). FREE - Call 859-586-6101
"Landscape
Drawing for the Professional" - August 25, 2006, 8:30am to 5:30pm, U.C.
Campus, $140 fee, (513) 247-9997 for questions, 556-4678 to register.
Workshop is designed for the student or professional in horticulture,
landscape architecture, architecture, or any design field.
Refreshments and lunch are included. U.C. Horticulture Program.
[If you try to
fail and succeed, which do you do?]
Okay, that's it
for this week. Now, do yourself a favor. Go out and have the best
weekend of your life. See ya. RW the Yardboy.
[Catch Natorp's
own grown yardboy Ron Wilson during the week: -55KRC The Talk Station
'In the Garden with Ron Wilson' every Saturday from 6-9am - Satellite
Radio / XM TalkRadio 165 every Saturday from 6-9am -610 WTVN
(Columbus) every Saturday from 10-12pm -Friday mornings at 8:06am on
55KRC's 'The Morning Show' with Jerry Thomas and Craig Kopp -Thursday
and Saturday mornings on Local 12 News (WKRC) Homeworx Team -Garden
expert for 'HomewoRx' with Gary Sullivan on Local 12, Sunday at
11:30am. Be sure to listen to 55KRC The Talk Station for the
best in talk radio! (Home of programming director Tony 'Big
Dog' Bender, and executive producer Joe 'the original Joe Pro, who
without Joe, the show just wouldn't go' Strecker.)
[The only cure
for insomnia is to get more sleep. -Big Dog's Point to Ponder.]
SPECIAL
ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM GRANNY'S GARDEN: We are seeking a few
volunteers to assist with harvesting and general weeding during the
next three weeks. Cucumbers, tomatoes, beans and squash are
starting to come in. We need to keep things picked so they will
continue to produce into the fall. This time of year, it is
particularly important to keep the weeds pulled so they will not go
to seed. These activities will take place in the morning 7-
10 a.m.
or evenings
7:30-dark. You
will receive a share of the produce. We need volunteers the
morning of Monday, August 21, between
8:30-10:30
to pick flowers for the kids to give their new teacher's when they
meet them later that day. We need to pick nearly 1,000 flowers! Many
hands will make it go fast. We also need help with passing out the
flowers later that day 3- 5:30 p.m. at Loveland Early Childhood Center
and at the Primary School. We are planning a Community Service
Day in the gardens as part of Make a Difference Day on Saturday,
October 28th. 19 a.m. to 3 p.m. We invite families, individuals and
Scouts to come on out and help us put the gardens to bed for the
winter. We need to build new garden boxes, mulch the paths and work
on the nature trail. We are seeking donations of tomato cages,
canning jars, outdoor furniture, patio umbrellas and large trash cans
with lids for winter storage of hoses. Respond to rgpaolo@fuse.net
if you can help. Thank you! |
