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It’s emailed gardening
question week, and today I have 2 very timely and very good questions being
asked!
Our first Local 12
emailer asks, “We’re headed out to pick out our pumpkins for Halloween. Any
thing we should look for when picking out pumpkins?”
Great question! When
picking out your pumpkin, look for pumpkins that have 2-4 inch stems that
are firm and firmly attached (and remember to never carry your pumpkin by
the stem!). Inspect the pumpkin for and fresh cuts, bruises or soft spots.
Check the bottom of the pumpkin thoroughly as this is where most bruising
and cuts occur. These will allow for bacteria to enter the pumpkin and
start them rotting. I also look for the darker orange pumpkins, and a bit
rougher rather than really smooth. These seem to last the longest.
Now remember to wait to
carve your pumpkin until the day or 2 days before Halloween. Once the skin
is punctured, bacteria begins to go to work , shriveling up those pumpkins,
and we want to make sure that carved pumpkin lasts at least through
Halloween.
Our next emailer asks,
“I have a container outdoors that I would like to do something with for the
rest of the year, without planting fall flowers. Any suggestions?”
Absolutely! Simply grab
a pair of pruners, and start looking around the yard. Cut yourself a few
evergreen branches, get a mix a greens if you can, some branches with fruits
or berries, branches with interesting bark like burning bush, and whatever
else looks interesting. Take your collection of cuttings and begin
sticking in your container to make a nice natural arrangement.
As the holidays come
along, you can place items in the planter that go with the holiday, and
after the holiday season is over, this planter will look good for you all
winter long. |
