Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Flowers and the Hospital

The article below is from Dr. Charles Halls Blog.
I think most Master Gardeners felt sure of this trial's results.

Effects of Flowering and Foliage Plants in Hospital Rooms

According to a new study recently published in HortTechnology, plants and flower in hospital rooms have definite healing benefits, especially for anyone recovering from surgery.

Researchers studied ninety patients recovering from appendectomy, assigning them randomly to hospital rooms with or without plants. During recovery, the patients were able to see eight varieties of flowering plants or foliage.

Scientists measured recovery times, heart rate, temperature and blood pressure, perceived level of pain, fatigue and anxiety levels. The results showed that plants and flowers facilitated recovery from abdominal surgery, as evidenced by less pain medication use, lower heart rate and systolic blood pressure, and decreased anxiety levels in the hospital patients who were exposed to plants and flowers.

In addition, the patients indicated greater satisfaction with their hospital rooms, when compared to the control group. The study concluded that plants and flowers are good medicine when it comes to promoting recovery from surgery

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Overton Seminars

FYI: The Overton seminars for 2009 has been published. All the seminars are from 1PM - 5PM.

January 15 - Jayla Fry, Texas MG Coordinator (the Texas MG program, and
Intro to Earth-Kind Landscape Gardening

January 27 - Scott Ludwig - Extension IPM Entomologist - (Entomology and
Pesticide Safety)

February 3 - Karl Steddom - Extension Plant Pathologist - (Plant
Pathology
)

February 19 - Jim McAfee - Extension Turfgrass - (Turfgrass/Weeds)

keith

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

High Phosphorus Fertilizer Does NOT Mean More Blooms


Phosphorus for Blooming Plants

Mitchell, C.C.; Pinkston, C.B.; and Wheeler, E.J.

Garden centers and retail fertilizer companies often promote high P fertilizers for blooming plants with no regard to soil test P levels. Master Gardeners in Cullman and Marshall Counties in northern Alabama wanted to determine if applying a high P fertilizer to a soil that was high in P would actually improve flowering for summer annual flowers. Identical experiments were conducted in 2006 at two locations in North Alabama. Soil test prior to establishment indicated that both sites tested very high in extractable P; no additional P was recommended. Ten treatments replicated 4 times were applied that included various N: P ratios, two commercial fertilizers for blooming plants and poultry broiler litter (a 3-3-2 grade fertilizer). The highest N and P rate applied was equivalent to 120 lb. N and 120 lb. P2O5 per acre applied twice during the growing season. Annual blooming plants were planted in each plot and monitored during the growing season. Additional P fertilization had no effect on number of blooms, bloom quality or vegetative quality. Nitrogen fertilization alone up to 120 lb. N per acre produced healthier plants and more blooms at both locations. This applied research activity provided local Master Gardeners with an opportunity to contribute to agricultural experiment station research.

Next Class Meeting November 21


Composting will be the topic of the next class. The class will include a tour of the Angelina & Neches River Authority Neches Composting Facility located 8 miles west of the city of Jacksonville on Highway 79. Those wishing to car pool should meet at the Agri-LIFE Extension in Rusk at 10 a.m. Those wishing to just make the tour, should plan to meet us a little before 11 at the composting facility. It is located just north of the Anderson/Cherokee county line.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Master Gardeners Team With Texas Forest Service

Cherokee Master Gardeners planted wildflower plots at the Jacksonville office of the Texas Forest Service. Seeding took place on October 3.

Maypop - Passion Flower

The photo on the left is of the bloom of the perennial passion flower discussed at the last meeting of the 2008/2009 class. It is an evergreen vine here most winters in Cherokee County.
The one below does not make it through our winters.
~Joe

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

greetings from 2008/09 class


Many thanks to The Davis's for having us to your home for our last class.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Help Needed At Texas Forest Service Garden Plot

Helpers are needed Tuesday afternoon to plant the vegetable garden for the fall 4th graders Ag. Field Day. Help is needed at 2 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon September 30. On the 30th the well prepared rows will need to have beds shaped and the transplants put in the ground. Joe Smith Plant Farm has donated the plants.

Someone will be needed to water the plants everyday the first week. Even though it is more labor, if we give each plant a pint or so of water and place it only in a bowel of soil at the base of the plant, it will go a long way in keeping weeds from sprouting. This will eliminate most of the weeding that might otherwise be needed later. A few furrow irrigations should then finish the crop.

We will need someone to scout the garden for aphids and Lepidoptera larvae a couple of times a week.

Jason the Ellis the District Forester reports the wildflower seed he ordered have arrived. If we can catch him and and get the seed, wildflower plots may also be planted tomorrow.

Joe

Friday, September 12, 2008

Seed Request for Wildflower Plot - Texas Forest Service

Anyone who has any seeds that are native to our area - or grow well in our area, please compile a list and let Joe know . . .

I have many that I need to pull out and organize.

OR - Maybe we can keep an on-going list here.

ANY IDEAS WILL BE APPRECIATED . . .

Thanks,
Emma

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Assessing Tree Damage

Hoping we won't need this web site but if there is tree damage in your landscape this is a good site to review.

Joe

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP29100.pdf

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Autumn Clematis



Here is our Autumn Clematis that was mentioned at our last CCMGA meeting. A lot of the blooms were knocked off by the recent rains, but is still quite showy. Wayne and Kathie

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Yard Long Beans

Does any one have experience with yard long beans?

~Joe

Thursday, August 21, 2008

A Program for Make Up or Re-Certification

Herbs in the Landscape and in the Kitchen

with

Sharon Lee Smith

Saturday

September 13, 2008

9 am—Noon

Agriculture Building

Wilson Drive

Nacogdoches

Sharon Lee Smith, co-owner of Blue Moon Gardens, will explore herb

gardening from growing, maintenance, pruning, harvesting, and plant

selection for East Texas to use in the landscape and the kitchen. Each

participant will also create a mixed herb container to take home.

Cost for the seminar is $25 for SFA Garden members and $35 for nonmembers.

To register for the seminar, please call the Education Office at 936-468-

1832 or email erodewald@sfasu.edu

~Joe

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Gretel Eggplant


2009 AAS Vegetable Winner
The earliest white eggplant perfectly describes ‘Gretel.’ Any gardener will agree, the earlier the better; since waiting for the best tasting, most nutritious food from our gardens is not easy. The glossy white mini-fruit are produced in clusters and can be harvested in 55 days depending upon growing conditions. Like all eggplants, ‘Gretel’ will grow rapidly under warm temperatures, over 55°F day and night temperature. The pure white fruit are sweet with tender skin even if they mature beyond the ideal fruit size of 3 to 4 inches. This trait means gardeners have a longer timeline to harvest fruit. ‘Gretel’ plants are relatively small, about 3 feet wide and tall. Since the plant is small it is adaptable to the popular trend of growing edibles in containers. It is recommended to use a rather large container about 16 inches deep. This AAS Winner was bred by Seminis Vegetable Seeds, Oxnard, CA.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Recertification Information

In 2009 as in 2008, association meeting time during which educational training takes place will be accepted toward the 6 hours per year needed for Cherokee Master Gardener recertification. Most meeting will have 30 minutes of such time.

One hour of volunteer service per meeting will be accepted toward the 12 hours per year of needed volunteer service time for recertification. It is felt that this encourages participation of trainees and interns, aids those who for health reasons can not take part in as many projects as the wish, and aids in sustaining ample volunteers.

Master Gardeners must submit record of service or training for recertification credit.

Should this be found to be limiting volunteer participation in community education programs it will have to be changed. Of course many other projects and trainings are acceptable.

~Joe

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Trees and Extreme Drought, East Texas and Alabama

Trees Going Dormant Due to Extreme Drought

Bare Tree1.jpg
Homeowners and gardeners across the state are worried about their trees’ shedding leaves weeks before normal.

Dr. Ken Tilt, a horticulturist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, says the ongoing drought is taking its toll on trees.

“One survival mechanism for trees is early leaf drop,” says Tilt. “If there is no leaf exposure, demand for water decreases. They are going dormant to survive.”

He explains that leaf drop is just one way trees conserve water in drought. Sometimes leaves roll up to reduce the exposed area to wind, sun and heat, which reduces water loss. The primary mechanism is the closing of pores in the leaves that allow water movement into the air.

Essentially the plant shuts down—halting photosynthesis and growth. Leaves and stems may wilt or droop. Leaf edges may burn and turn brown from the heat and dry conditions.”

Tilt says the lack of photosynthesis may have another effect.

“People should also not be surprised if we have early fall color this year. When photosynthesis stops, the green will fade exposing the other pigments in the leaves.”

leaves on ground.jpg
Shane Harris, an Extension regional horticulture agent, says leaf drop is happening around central Alabama.

“I have had a number of calls from people who are worried about their trees,” he says. “I’ve seen yellow poplar and several kinds of oak, including water, red and post species dropping leaves.”

Tilt and Harris agree that early leaf drop does not necessarily mean the tree is dead or dying. They also agree that it is an indication of extreme stress that will affect trees after normal weather patterns resume.

“Some plants tolerate this stress better than others,” says Tilt. “Some will leaf out in spring but others may die.”

He says that site conditions and moisture content are two factors in how a specific tree responds to drought.

Harris says that a favorite tree of Alabama gardeners is very susceptible to drought.


“Dogwoods have shallow roots and suffer the most from heat and drought,” says Harris. “Dogwood leaves may turn brown along the edges, turn completely brown, or the tree may die outright.”
burned leaves.jpg

Drought has long-lasting effects on trees.

“A tree might not die this year but stress is cumulative,“ says Tilt. “Root disturbance, storm damage, soil compaction or another drought are all types of stress. In most cases where the tree dies, it’s the result of a number of years of problems and stresses and not just one particular thing. “

Tilt emphasizes that stress makes trees more susceptible to disease and insects.

“A severe drought might not kill a mature pine, but it weakens the tree tremendously,” says Tilt. “That makes the tree more vulnerable to pine beetles, which can kill it. While the beetles are the agent of the tree’s death, it was drought-related stress that opened the door for the beetles.”

Tilt and Harris say the obvious answer to drought stressed trees is irrigation.

“But irrigation can be a challenge because restrictions and bans on landscape irrigation are often in place during droughts,” says Tilt.

He suggests homeowners placing mulch over trees’ root zones and to use systems such as rain barrels to capture and recycle any rain that falls.

Joe

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Naconiche Nursery

Just to let you know that the Naconiche Nursery is closing it's doors for business and next week will be their last week in business.

Message:
Naconiche Gardens is closing shop. This is not due to the lack of fantastic
customers, the lack of interest in the art of 'real' gardening, nor the lack
of amazing plants to be grown. Instead, it is because of something that I
never would have believed: I am old!, and, I can find too few qualified
workers to run Naconiche in the manner in which it was intended. I have
searched for workers, I have searched for buyers. Now I need to "get on with
it". Therefore; if there are plants here that you want - "speak now, or
forever hold...." I will be around through next week for sure. The closing
of Naconiche will happen soon - don't delay if you want something please!
You can call, you can email, or you can come out to the nursery. I am more
than a bit sad at the turn, but feel I have no other route to take. Please
know how I have enjoyed every gardener, new or seasoned, that has come to
visit the nursery.


Sue Ripley

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

CCMGA Fall Field Trip

Listed are some options for our Fall Field Trip. We will discuss these options and make a selection at the August CCMGA meeting. Other suggestions for a Fall Field Trip would be appreciated.

Caldwell Zoo
Tyler, Texas
Admission: Adults $8.50; Seniors $7.25
Distance: 30 miles

Tyler Rose Garden
Tyler, Texas
Admission: Free
Distance: 30 miles

SFA Arboretum
Nacogdoches, Texas
Admission: Free
Distance: 65 miles

American Rose Society Gardens
Shreveport, Louisiana

Admission: Adults $5.00; Seniors $4.00
Distance: 107 miles

Dallas Arboretum
Dallas, Texas
Admission: Adults $8.00; Seniors $7.00
Parking: $5.00/vehicle
Distance: 130 miles

Holistic Garden and Greenhouse
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas

Admission: Free
Distance: 140 miles

Hodges Garden
Florien, Louisiana

Admission: $5.00
Distance: 150 miles

Fort Worth Botanical Gardens
Fort Worth, Texas
Admission: Adults $3.00, Seniors $2.50
Distance: 155 miles

Monday, July 28, 2008

Looks what's blooming, the Chitalpa was planted this spring form a one gallon pot.

x Chitalpa tashkentensis is the grex name for a cross between Catalpa bignonioides (Catalpa) and Chilopsis linearis, (Desert Willow). Chitalpa is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 6. It is well adapted to hot, dry locations as long as the soil drains well.

Chitalpa is a small to medium tree with open, upright branches and good form. Flowers are orchidlike and produced in July or August at the ends of new growth.

Name: x Chitalpa tashkentensis

Common name: Chitalpa.

Description: Open, shrubby tree with orchidlike flowers in summer. For arid sites.

Dimensions: 25-30 feet tall; 10-15 feet wide.

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9.

Keith

Friday, July 18, 2008

Exam Question Often Missed

Most, I think would agree that a plant placed in a dark closet will soon die.
That has been my experience.

A True/False question often missed was:
Poinsettias placed in a dark closet to grow during November soon die.

I do realize some of you are now thinking why do you place your plants in a dark closets to grow?
I don't, but have gotten questions from those who do or are considering doing so.

~Joe

Exam Results

The 125 question final exams are graded.

All did well.

There were no 100s.

Scores went from 88.8 to 76.

All did better than on the pre-test.

In the next few days I will put some of the question most often missed on the blog.

100s were not expected.

Joe

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Interns Visit SFA Arboretum and Complete Coursework



CCMGA 2008 interns enjoyed a perfect morning visiting the gardens and learning from Dawn's expertise. Before allowing us to visit two excellent Nacogdoches nurseries, we completed our "final exam" at an undisclosed location while Joe and Keith monitored closely.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Needed Rain

Two tenths of one inch of rain fell at my home in Ponta.
I know it will be gone in a few hours but it sure seems to have changed the world.
Dogwood leaves look much better.

~Joe

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Ducher Named EarthKind Rose

Ducher (pronounced "doo shay"):
Joseph Pernet was a French rosarian born near Lyon. In 1879 he began his career with the Ducher nursery and in 1882, he married the owner's daughter. He then took on the name "Pernet-Ducher" under which he continued rose breeding until his death in 1928. Between 1907 and 1925, Monsieur Ducher won the Gold Medal thirteen times at the Annual Concours de Bagatelle International Rose Competition held in Paris.

The Ducher rose was introduced 1n 1869 and is considered the only white China rose available. The flowers are a soft ivory-white color with very round buds that may have a hint of pink on the outer petals. The flowers are extremely fragrant. Ducher is a relatively small China rose reaching a height of only 3 – 5 feet. This also makes it a very good candidate for use in containers. Many gardeners have observed that Ducher has lighter green foliage than some of its close relatives.

Cultivar Name Ducher
Blossom Color – Ivory White
Blossom & Fragrance Double – Very Fragrant
Blooming Period May – First Frost
Mature Height 3 - 5 feet
Mature Width 2 - 5 feet
Rose Category China
Growth Habit Shrub

Landscape Uses:
Ducher is a relatively small shrub rose that works well in the landscape or in a container. These plants require a well drained soil and do best in full sun. This repeat bloomer makes an excellent specimen plant and the fragrant blossoms are extremely attractive.

Joe

Barnyard Good for All That Grows?

With today’s interest in being organic, may folks seem to think “Barnyard Is Best”. Following is an excerpt from the July Pecan Press in which Dr. George Ray McEarchern discussed nitrogen sources for pecan orchards.

“Barnyard manure can be ruled out. In 1949 A.O Alben at the USDA Pecan Station in Shreveport learned manure from the Fort Worth Stockyards caused zinc rosette to the extent that it was discontinued. F. R. Brison called it the barnyard effect when trees failed to grow in soil containing manure. I learned pecan trees can actually die from barnyard manure at a sheep show lot in Lamesa and at a dairy feedlot in El Paso. So manure, even if it is free is not a workable source of nitrogen for pecans."

Last Class Meeting and Tour

On Tuesday July 15 the 07/08 class will have its final meeting. It will include a tour of the SFA arboretum and Nacogdoches area nurseries. We are scheduled to start at 9 a.m. at the arboretum. Those interest in carpooling will want to meet in the parking lot north of the Panda Cafe - south of the Tractor Supply shopping center at 8 a.m. As always, County Master Gardeners are welcome at any class.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Shade and Good Turf - New Zoysiagrass

http://today.ttu.edu/2008/06/new-texas-tech-grass-made-for-the-shade-2/

Often I find a good Master Gardener is accurately described as informed and skeptical. That is I think a good response to the article at the link above. Never-the-less we will want to follow this zoysiagrass with interest.

~Joe

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Produce Safety Data

Food Scientists Confirm the Effectiveness of Commercial Product in Killing Bacteria in Vegetable Washwater

June 26, 2008

BOISE, Idaho-Research conducted by food science faculty at the University of Idaho and Washington State University indicate that a commercially available fruit and vegetable wash, when used in a food-manufacturing setting, can dramatically decrease the number of disease-causing organisms in produce-processing washwater. That could reduce by manyfold the potential for cross-contamination within the water by such "gram-negative" bacteria as Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7.

The product, sold commercially as FIT Fruit and Vegetable Wash, not only proved much more effective than the commonly used chlorine dioxide but is made from ingredients like citric acid and distilled grapefruit oil that are generally regarded as safe. Chlorine dioxide, whose use in food plants can put workers at risk, was compromised by soils and plant debris in the washwater and killed only 90 percent of the target organisms in the food plant and followup laboratory studies. By contrast, FIT killed 99.9999 percent, according to associate professor of food science Dong-Hyun Kang of
Washington State University. "If you had a million bacteria, you would have one left.
~ Joe

Monday, June 23, 2008

Naconiche Gardens Data

Cherokee Master Gardeners received a letter today informing of a customer appreciation sale at Naconiche Gardens June 20 through July 4. They say everything in a pot is on sale except items in the propagation house.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Mammoth Sunflowers


These sunflowers have been around since 1000BC. They face the east each morning waiting for the sun to come up. They follow the light all day, ending up facing the west. They spend all night going back to the direction that the light will begin again, facing the east. If you pull the leaves from the stem, they can no longer follow the light. Some of them grow to b 25 feet tall with a flower face of 3 inches. During the years of Malaria, they were plant to kill the germs that were in the air. After Chernobyl, the Russians planted them to soak up t;he radiation form the soil and water. It was determined that they soaked up as much as 95% of the radiation. If planted in a corn field, the ants will herd up all the aphids and push them toward the sunflower. The aphids then climb on the stalk of the sunflower but are unable to kill the p;ant because the stalk is so strong. This leaves the lady bugs free to protect the other plants. Wayne and Kathie

Class to Meet June 24 at Wayne and Kathie Davis Home

The next Class meeting will be on Tuesday Morning June 24 at the Davis home in Sardis. We will begin at 10 a.m. Pant propagation will be the topic of study.Wayne and Kathie home is at 8217 FM 1857 just south of the Sardis Church. As always past class members are welcome.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Tomato Varieties

Varieties entered in the 2008 Tomato Fest Best Home Grown Tomato Contest were:

Celebrity
Pick Rite
Mt. Spring
Early Girl
Marglobe
Big Beef

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Largest Tomato


How large was the largest tomato at the 2008 Tomato Fest?

Quite large.

2 pounds 9 ounces

It was the largest I recall in the last 8 years. - Joe

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Potato Problems

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pdf/em/em8948-e.pdf

Most Cherokee County gardeners report a very good Irish potato crop this year, but in the last day or two I have gotten a few questions about things like elephant hide and hollow heart.

If you would like to know more about potato disorders, insects and disease you might visit the web site above.

Joe

Salmonella and Tomatoes

http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html

On Tomato Fest week end in Jacksonville, Master Gardeners should be able to provide some of the latest info on Salmonella and tomatoes. The above link should be helpful.

I need a couple of folks at the Norman Center between 8:30 and 9 on Saturday to help set up. Others will be needed between 9 and noon. So far I have one at 8:30.

Joe

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Much Needed Rain

Tuesday morning brought much needed rain to north Ponta. 1.3 inches in my gage. Was the rain wide spread?

Joe

Azalea Lace Bugs

This University of Georgia photo is an typical example of azalea lace bug damage. Each year I see two or three beautiful Cherokee County azalea plantings devastated by this insect. Master Gardeners should recognize it.
The web site below should be helpful. ~ Joe


http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/aimg43.html

Monday, June 9, 2008

Learn About Breeding Roses

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/rose/rosebreeding/index.html


At the June meeting Agri-LIFE Extension horticulturist, Joe Daniel used the web site shown above to provide basic information on plant breeding using roses as an example. Check it out.


Name Badges Arrived the Day of Meeting

By 2 p.m. the day of the June meeting the badges were at Joe's office. Gardening teaches patience and in life we often needs them.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Sardis May 31st






For those of you who were unable to come to the annual daylily and perennial forum and sale at Wayne and Kathy Davis', you really missed out on a great time! Unfortuately, I had such a great time, I forgot to slather on the sunscreen and got burned to a crisp, but a great time was had by all. Joe discussed daylilies in general, including propagation and care, and I had the honor of discussing cottage gardening. At the end of the 'symposium', the Davis' awarded door prizes (daylilies, of course!), and then we were able to buy our favorite daylilies. May I add, that they are sold by the clump and not per fan for the low, low price range of $5-30, depending on the variety. What a steal! So, try not to miss next year's event!

While I was there, I was amazed at the size of the giant/lumber bamboo. Wayne informed us that it can get up to 60 feet in height! I was lucky enough to go home with one of the rhizomes. I took a few great pics, so I'll post them here. The first is a comparison of the very common 'golden bamboo', which is probably what most of us think of when we think 'bamboo', to the enormous giant bamboo. The second pic is my hand, used for size comparison, on one of the stalks. The third is just a really neat pic I got from the ground up. And, don't forget...bamboo is really a type of grass! -amanda



Thursday, June 5, 2008

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Turk's Cap Feeder?



Could this little Lepidoptera larva and its friends be feeding so ferociously?
If so, what should be done? Most of the Turk's Cap leaves are gone.

Walnut Caterpillars


FYI - Over the past couple days while on a north TX trip I received a few calls concerning a major outbreak of walnut caterpillars in DeWitt county. This insect has a tremendous appetite and if enough colonies are in a tree, they can literally strip the foliage of a tree in a few days. Walnut caterpillars feed in colonies and do not construct webs. When they molt they will molt in a group, usually on the trunk or a main scaffold limb. I have attached a picture of a small colony on a pecan branch to help you ID the insect. If anyone sees or hears about this in your county I would like to hear about it so we can determine the range of the out break.
Thank you for your assistance.
Bill
Bill Ree
Extension Program Specialist II - IPM (Pecan)
P.O. Box 2150
Bryan, TX 77806-2150
Ph: 979-845-6800

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Volunteer Needed to Learn and Teach Flower Drying

I would like for one or two Master Gardeners to learn and teach drying and preserving flowers and plant materials. It would be a wonderful addition to our classes. The web site below is a good starting place.

Joe

http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1115/

Curling of leaves ...



double click picture for detail


I have a row of yellow and red Bell peppers and I noticed yesterday that the leaves are curling up. I checked for bugs and didn't see anything. As noted in the photos, there are splotches on leaves if that gives anyone an idea.

If someone can get us some quick remedy it would be greatly appreciated as we are leaving tomorrow evening to hopefully see the shuttle launch on Saturday and be gone all next week ... Don't mind a call if you don't mind. You know the area code 586-2182 ..


Charles and Pam failed to actually publish until afternoon ... sorry thanks anyway

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Compost Teas Vs Manure Tea

Compost Teas

Compost teas are made by putting a small quantity of mature compost (in a perforated bag) into water and allowing it to steep (also known as brewing). This creates a compost tea solution that can be applied to the crop as a foliar source of nutrients. Some research has also found suppression of certain plant diseases when applied to crop foliage. Compost teas should only be made with fully mature compost to reduce pathogens. Adding sugar or molasses materials during the steeping process has been reported to increase the incidence of pathogens in the compost tea. Compost tea must be aerated during the "steeping" process and used immediately after steeping to reduce the risk of pathogen contamination. Do not apply compost teas to edible parts of the crop or apply near harvest time.

Manure tea is made using non-composted or improperly composted manure and may contain high levels of pathogens. Do not apply manure tea directly to crops. After field application, observe the appropriate waiting periods before harvest of food crops (example: 4 months).


http;//www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/05-021.htm


Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Dollar Weed Managenent

The weed in the photo from N.C. State was discussed by Cherokee Master Gardeners. Following is some additional data.


This perennial weed is commonly found in very wet areas. Dollarweed can float in water. Plants reproduce from rhizomes, and have leaves that are on long stalks. Solid scalloped leaves are attached to the stalk on the underside and form an inverted "umbrella" shape. Clusters of white flowers form in late summer.

CULTURAL PRACTICES Perennial broadleaf turf weeds are capable of living more than two years. They thrive in weak, thin turf; golf fairways and roughs; home lawns; playfields; and industrial grounds. Proper turf maintenance is the key to control of this weed. First, select adapted turfgrass cultivars for your area and then properly fertilize, mow, and water to encourage dense growth.

This weed is an indicator plant for poor drainage.

HERBICIDE INFORMATION Dollarweed is a difficult weed to control for an entire growing season. Repeat spring applications of trifloxysulfuron (Monument), metsulfuron (Manor, Blade, etc.), or imazaquin (Image) in tolerant turf, as well as two, three, and four way broadleaf herbicides offer postemergence control.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Daylily-Cottage Garden Clinic

Horticultural Hints

Daylily Clinic

You are invited to view the daylily collection of Wayne and Kathie Davis and attend a Hemerocallis Clinic on Saturday May 31 at their home in the Sardis community of Cherokee County. The name hemerocallis comes from the Greek terms hemero (for a day) and callis (beauty). It is the genus of the daylily. Daylilies are perhaps the best sun-loving perennial for the south. The Davis family are avid gardeners and in recent years greatly expanded their daylilies. Joe Daniel, Cherokee County Extension Horticulturist will be discussing the propagating and using daylilies in the landscape. The Davis garden is located at 8217 FM 1857 not far from the Sardis church. The program will begin at 10am. Cherokee County Master Gardener Amanda Childress will also be presenting cottage garden tips at the meeting. Anyone who drives by the Childress home on San Antonio Street in Jacksonville knows her garden tips will be top notch. For additional information contact the Cherokee County Office of the Texas AgriLIFE Extension at (903) 683-5416.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

CCMGA Newspaper Column

This morning, I spoke with Richard Nelson, the editor of the JDProgress about the Master Gardeners’ column. Following are the specifics:

Cherokee County Master Gardeners Monthly Column in the Jacksonville Daily Progress

Who? – Members of the Master Gardeners Assn. will send information to me about a specific subject. It does not need to be a finished article or even written in complete sentences. I can put it into a finished form if necessary. If you do not type, I will be happy to interview you about your chosen topic. Although I will be the contact person, all members of the association will contribute to this effort. Each of us has his/her area of expertise or interest.

What? – We need articles on topics relevant to Cherokee County . Possibilities include specific plants (annuals, perennials, shade, sun…), shrubs, trees, small ponds, landscaping, walkways, walls, garden fences, composting, irrigation, pests, weed control, vegetables, fruit trees, greenhouses, propagation (cuttings, seeds…), internet resources, dealing with drought (xeriscape, etc.), local water problems, winter tasks, etc. The possibilities are endless. Other topics that come to mind for our area are how to prune shrubs (especially, how NOT to murder Crepe Myrtles!), how to use (and not fight) the natural beauty of East TX as a backdrop to home landscaping, what to do with a native vine invasion (Virginia Creeper!), safely dealing with poison ivy, etc. Photos – We can include a photo with each article. Photo suggestions – close ups of specific plants and/or a picture of the Master Gardener who submitted the article with whatever subject (plant, greenhouse, compost pile, etc.). I will be happy to take the picture or you can send it to me along with your article by email. Pictures should have high contrast, be uncluttered and very clear. If you cannot send the picture by e-mail, I can borrow it, scan it, and then return it to you.

Mr. Nelson said they never know how much space they will have, but roughly 500 words would be a safe length for the articles.

When? – The newspaper wants to have at least 2 articles on hand each month in case something happens and we are slow submitting one for the next month. I, on the other hand, would like to have a whole FILE of future articles – even a year in advance! – so that I can get him two this first month (June, ’08), and one each month thereafter. Because it is now late spring/early summer, you might want to take photos of blooming plants, etc. while you can – even if you don’t write the article (or send me the info. so that I can write the article) until later. In other words, get busy now and do not think one article is enough!!! Our column will probably run the last Sunday of the month.

How? – As mentioned above, you can send your article (or info.) and photograph to me at this address moak@suddenlink.net , bring it (them) to the next Master Gardeners’ meeting, or mail it (them) to me –

Kathy Moak

220 Beach St.

Jacksonville, TX 75766.

If you need for me to take a photo, give me a call – (home) 903-586-4548 (cell) 903-752-1331.

Why? – The purpose of this monthly column is to assist Cherokee County residents with gardening/landscaping while at the same time promote the Master Gardener program. This regular newspaper column is an excellent opportunity to do both. However, the effort will not be successful without the cooperation of each and every Master Gardener.

I am looking forward to receiving your articles!

~Kathy Moak

Virtual Garden

For those of us stuck at the computer, here's a cute virtual garden. Who knows, you may win something.
http://www.wish-bone.com/Digital-Garden.aspx
Have fun. Pam Miller

Friday, May 16, 2008

More than one way to skin a cat.



Keith came out to take advantage of our offer of free bamboo. We're anxious to see what he creates from it. Wayne and Kathie

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Attention Getter

This plant was the most asked about at the our recent visit to Keith's garden.
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Cestrum
Species: aurantiacum

Grows 5-6 ft tall, accepts full sun and is drought tolerant. In this zone 8A, it does freeze down in the Winter but does return in the Spring. It is attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Place for photos

I recently linked some to my photos of the Colorspot visit to my personal Dropshots site but there were too many other photos on the site. However I have since generated a ccmga site for photos by anyone in the group. It's great place to store any you would like or take any for use elsewhere. The signon user name is the same as the blogspot, except for the blog letters and similarly the password is the same except for the "blog" letters. Comments can also be added to each picture if you wish. Here's the link to the site

http://www.dropshots.com/ccmga#

Like anything else ... there is a bit of a learning curve... but you can do it.

Charles (added late ... sorry)

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Bamboo stakes

If anyone wants stakes for tomatoes, bean poles, trellises, etc, we have plenty - all sizes. Just come and get them. Wayne and Kathie, 743-5494

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Fun and games @ Gardendale


The entertaining saga of the Gardendale "garden". While visiting my mother in law in early April, I discovered a garden plot in a corner of the Gardendale facility. It appeared the site had been "lightly" tilled and someone had planted some onions and peppers along one edge of the garden ... no rows, no hills just in the flat tilled soil. At the opposite end was an envelope of watermelon seeds.
I made a few contacts and met Gene and Pee Wee at the home. I suggested helping them by making up a few rows and tilling up the garden a bit more. I had planned to do that the next week, but when my wife stopped by the next day, they were all excited. Therefore, on April 21, I brought the tiller over and tilled the area and some additional space. I had also just learned Joe’s best technique for making up rows at the HOPE garden and applied the same principles.
The next day I met Gene at the garden and he asked me to get him some seeds at the feed store and some jalapeno pepper plants. His $5 yielded him more than $10 worth of plants a

nd seed. The seed (kale, mustard greens, brocolli, green beans, etc.) were each more than enough for either of the 20' completed rows.
When I returned the following week, I found that both rows had been planted and it appeared that all the seed had been used. So much for a semi-professional garden. About a week later I checked the garden in preparation for making more rows and finding a home for more of the plants left over from the HOPE garden. What I found was a few new rows planted a

long the edge of the garden and a nearby picnic table with numerous tomato plants and other seeds. It appeared we had new donations. A few days later we had two rows of tomatoes planted about 8" apart.

By now I had concluded that I was too busy to manage this project and Gene and Pee Wee had much more time than me. I have driven by and watched them just watching the garden grow. I’m confident if I were in similar circumstances, I would probably be doing the same. At least we provided great therapy for some of them.



Last week I went over and staked some of the tomato plants that appeared to be doing well. No more that every third one. Later that day I had complaints from Gene that he had vision problems that kept him from seeing the stakes and had tripped over one. Today (5/7/8) ... I discovered that most of the stakes had been removed and at least one of the healthy plants had been yanked up with the stake ... Oh! Well! maybe we'll get a few things out of this garden in a few months.
Charles

Dollar Value of Volunteers

Agri-LIFE Extension Administration has made the decision to use $19.51 per hour for the "Dollar Value of Volunteer Time."

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Garden Signs

I don't believe everything I read. Sometimes people read and write just for fun. At this year's garden tour I discovered that such fun can be found in Jacksonville gardens.

Joe

H.O.P.E. Vegetable Garden


Squash at the H.O.P.E. garden is off to a great start. It will soon be time for very regular harvesting. As I recall there are 3 types and 4 or 5 rows.

Monday, May 5, 2008

The Bee Lady


Hello, fellow gardeners! I thought this may interest you. About a week ago, my husband came running in the house yelling at me to go outside and look. Well, as soon as you stepped out the door, you could hear a steady buzzing sound and the air was absolutely full of honeybees. They were madly circling around a pecan in our alleyway. After about 15 minutes, they settled into this makeshift hive on a branch.

We called Joe, who had some recommendations on beekeepers in our area. We finally found one who was interested, and after setting up a very precarious ladder (!), he and his helpers removed the bees and took them home to their own hives. It is estimated that there were close to 30,000 bees in this particular swarm. Dimensions of the swarm were somewhere around18-20 inches in diameter, and it was approximately 20-24 feet off of the ground.

FYI: Bees swarm when the queen leaves the hive in search of a new 'home'. The worker bees follow her, protect her, and even carry honey with them to feed her. They often will rest on a branch, as seen here, before reaching their final destination. Unfortunately, sometimes they will nest in a house, so that is why I thought it important to find someone to remove (and take good care of!) this swarm. I didn't really want my house to turn into a giant bee hive. For those of you with cable/high-speed connection, be sure to see this video about a woman whose house is filled to the brim with millions, yes, millions of honeybees.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/05/01/anderson.bees.in.wall.wrdw?iref=videosearch

Also, it is worth mentioning that pollinators, namely honeybees, are responsible for 1/3 of our food supply! So, "bee" kind to the bees!!!





- Amanda Childress aka "The Bee Lady"

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Butterfly Garden at OLOS





Work is preceeding on phase1 of the butterfly garden at Our Lady of Sorrows parish. One bed has been planted and is awaiting edging while the second bed is prepared for planting. Thanks to all who have helped with the project so far.

Linda