At the Garden Gate. March 2012

Transcription

1 At the Garden Gate Mahaska County Master Gardeners Speaker Series-Bonus Session Tuesday, February 28 Seed Savers Exchange with Diane Ott Whealy, co-founder To be held at the Mahaska County Extension Office at 3 pm. March 2012 Please let us know In 2009, our office changed newsletter formats to comply with the postal regulations for no exposed staples. This month we are using the previously used newsletter format, without staples. If you have a preference for a newsletter format: please let us know. Mahaska County Master Gardeners Speaker Series All sessions to be held at the Mahaska County Extension Office at 7 pm. They are free and open to the public. Master Gardeners will hold a food drive for the Ecumenical Cupboard at each session. March 13 Coal Mine Reclamation with Judith Krebsbach, project coordinator, Iowa Mines and Minerals Bureau March 20 Bats; with Russ Benedict March 27 Barn Quilts in Washington County with Julie Mangold, co-chair Come Ask a Master Gardener your gardening questions 6-6:30 pm prior to each speaker session. Weather Announcements If the weather is inclement or forecast to become inclement during the event, the event will likely be postponed/ cancelled. To confirm if an event is being held, please call our office (during office hours) or listen to KBOE radio weather announcements. Inside this Issue: Bird Houses 2 Lil & Junior Gardeners 2 New USDA Hardiness Map 2 Vegetables suitable for Early Planting 3 ISU Extension Publications 3 March Gardening Guide 4 Iowa Birds Come learn about Iowa birds from Marilyn Obermire. This event will be Tuesday, March 6 at 7 pm. It is no cost and open to the public. All who are interested are welcome to attend. Practice Sun Safety 5 ISU Extension & Outreach Week 5 Upcoming Events 6 Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or disability.

2 At the Garden Gate Page 2 It is time to put out your Bird Houses There is still time to make new bird houses for this nesting season. A good resource for plans is ISUE publication NCR 338 Shelves, Houses and Feeders for Birds and Mammals or Woodworking for Wildlife, from the Minnesota DNR, available from many sources. The monthly session for both the Lil Gardeners Clover Kids and Junior Gardeners special interest 4-H club will be Monday, March 26. We will meet at DeJong Greenhouse (633 North 9th, Oskaloosa) for a tour at 5:30 pm. To insure they are prepared for the number in our group, please indicate to Suzette you will be attending. Lil Gardeners and Junior Gardeners are special interest 4-H clubs. If you are already a member of one 4-H club in Mahaska county, you do not pay an additional enrollment fee to join. If only joining one of these 4-H groups, you will need to pay the enrollment fee ($15 for Lil Gardeners and $30 for Junior Gardeners). For more information, please contact Suzette Striegel at the Mahaska County Extension Office. New USDA Hardiness Zone Map The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released a new version of the plant hardiness zone map giving gardeners and researchers new, updated information to consider as they make plant selection decisions. This is the first update to the plant hardiness zone map since Plant hardiness zone designations represent the average annual minimum temperatures at a given location. The new version has 13 zones, two more than the previous map, which were determined by data measured at weather stations during the 30-year period Each zone is a 10-degree Fahrenheit band, further divided into A and B 5-degree Fahrenheit zones. Zone 5 has a -10 to -20 degree annual minimum average. Compared to the 1990 version, zone boundaries in the new edition of the map have shifted northward across Iowa and much of the eastern United States. Locations on the new map are generally five degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the previous map. The additional five degrees has resulted in a shift of half a zone for many locations in Iowa. Some locations have gone from Zone 5a to Zone 5b, while others have gone from Zone 4b to Zone 5a. The small northward shift of the zone boundaries shouldn't greatly change the selection of plants for Iowa gardens. According the USDA, some of the changes in the zones are a result of new, more sophisticated methods for mapping zones between weather stations. These include algorithms that considered for the first time such factors as changes in elevation, nearness to large bodies of water, and position on the terrain, such as valley bottoms and ridge tops. The hardiness zone map is only a guide and other location details factor into making plant selections. For example, it is not safe to assume that the same plants can be grown in Mason City and Ames just because both cities are located in Zone 5a. Mason City is often several degrees colder than Ames in winter. For example, Mason City has had below zero temperatures several times this winter, including -17 degrees Fahrenheit on Jan. 2; while the minimum temperature in Ames this winter has been -4 degrees. Also consider the differences between rural and urban areas, low-lying areas near streams and hilltops, and other local factors that affect temperatures when making their plant selections. Over the next few years, gardeners in the northern one-third of the state may experiment with a few plants labeled as hardy in Zone 5a, but the most reliable choices for that part of the state are still Zone 4 plants. (Continued on page 3)

3 At the Garden Gate Page 3 The USDA map provides a Geographic Information System (GIS)- based interactive format of the map. Specifically designed to be Internet -friendly, the map website incorporates a "find your zone by ZIP code" function. The intent is to increase accuracy and detail. The new map jointly developed by USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Oregon State University's (OSU) PRISM Climate Group is available online at ISU Extension & Outreach (ISUE)) Publications of Interest RG 403 Choosing a grass species for Iowa Lawns RG 405 Turfgrass management calendar: Cool Season Grasses PM 607 Suggested Vegetable Varieties for the Home Garden PM 780 Pruning and Training Fruit Trees PM 820 Garden Soil Management PM 873 How to Construct a Cold Frame or Hotbed PM 874 Starting Garden Transplants at Home PM 1958 Pruning Ornamental Shrubs This article was prepared by Richard Jauron and Jennifer Bouseellot, Iowa State University Department of Horticulture. It originally appeared in Horticulture and Home Pest News February 2, The current HHPN can be found at hortnews/. At this site you may also sign up to be notified when new issues are published. Vegetables Suitable for Early Planting Early spring is the proper time for several vegetables. Cool season vegetable crops, such as cabbage, lettuce, and peas grow best in cool temperatures. Others, such as onion, require a long growing season and should be planted in early spring for maximum crop yields. This listing is designed for central Iowa, northern Iowa would be about one week later, and about one week earlier for southern Iowa. Radishes - Spring radishes are a cool season crop. They can be planted as soon as the ground can be worked in late March or early April. Most cultivars mature in 20 to 30 days. For a continuous harvest, sow seeds every 7 to 10 days until late spring. High (Continued on page 4) RG 105 Garden Tips-Guidelines to Seasonal Chores RG 310 Caring for Roses in Iowa RG 318 Early Spring Blooming Perennials RG 501 Pruning Raspberries RG 502 Pruning Grapevines SUL 5 Pruning Trees; Shade, Flowering, and Conifer PM 2004 Home Landscape Design These publications (as well as many others) are available to purchase at any county Extension office or at the ISUE online store. Their website is now Many of ISUEO publications are available for download at the same site.

4 At the Garden Gate Page 4 March Gardening Guide Sow petunia and impatiens seed indoors for May planting Purchase new garden gear like gloves, hat and trowels Pot up dahlias, cannas, and tuberous begonias indoors Plan vegetable garden on paper Sow pepper and eggplant seeds indoors for May planting Remove the dead growth from asparagus patch Clean garden furniture Start stretching exercises Don t remove mulch from strawberries until the new growth appears These items were taken from the 2012 ISU Extension Garden Calendar More Garden Tips: Prune grapevines, raspberries, currants and gooseberries Prepare garden tools and equipment for use Clean up dead debris from perennial gardens Wash sand and salt from driveways and sidewalks Prune deciduous trees Apply dormant oil spray when temperatures are above 40 degrees Prepare garden markers as seeds are started and/or ordered. Check garlic plantings, fertilize lightly when new growth is visible Purchase and plant bare root stock before plants begin leafing out. DO NOT till or work garden soil when it is wet. Check tools and outdoor furniture for rust. If there is some, remove it and repaint with rust inhibitive paint. (Continued from page 3) temperatures cause bolting (flowering) and the roots become soft. Broccoli, Cauliflower and Cabbage - Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage are cool season vegetables, which grow best in temperatures between 60 and 70 F. However, exposure to prolonged periods of temperatures below 50 F may cause premature head development or buttoning. In central Iowa, plant broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower in mid-april. Lettuce, Spinach, Collards, and Kale - Quality of these plants are reduced with the onset of hot weather due to seed heads and bitter taste. Onions - Plant onion seeds, sets, and plants as soon as the ground can be worked in the spring (late March or early April in central Iowa). Long-day varieties are the best choice for Iowa gardeners. Peas - Garden, snow and snap peas should be planted as soon as the ground can be worked in spring. The crop should be mature in approximately 60 to 70 days. Carrots - Carrots can be sown from early spring to early August. For an early crop, sow seeds in early to mid-april. Potatoes - Plant certified disease-free potatoes as soon as the ground can be worked in spring. Large potato tubers should be cut into pieces, each containing 1 or 2 growing points or "eyes". Small potatoes may be planted whole. Beets and Swiss Chard - These are other vegetables to plant early through August 1. For more information on planting vegetables, see Extension publications PM 534, Planting and Harvesting Times for Garden Vegetables or PM 819, Planting A Home Vegetable Garden. This article is modified from an article prepared by James Romer, former Iowa State University Extension Horticulturist. It originally appeared in Horticulture and Home Pest News (HHPN) March 21, More archived articles may be found at ipm/hortnews/. Practice Sun Safety The sun doesn t wait until warm temperatures to begin damaging your skin. Practice your sun safety habits as soon as spring gardening work begins. (Continued on page 5)

5 At the Garden Gate Page 5 (Continued from page 4) Tips: Doing your gardening tasks before 10 am or after 4 pm. Wearing tightly woven fabrics, the darker the better. Wearing long sleeves and pants. Wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Everyday. Reapply as needed, (often every 2 hours). Keep sunscreen with you: in the vehicle, even in your tool tote while gardening. Protect your lips as well. Avoid wearing fragrance, they may make you sun sensitive (photosensitive). Ask your pharmacist if your medications will make you photosensitive. Invest in a hat that you will wear, preferably a wide brimmed one. Wear sunglasses. For more information about skin cancer contact: The Skin Cancer Foundation 149 Madison Avenue Suite 901 New York, NY SKIN-490; How-To: Forcing spring flowering tree and shrub branches On a warm winter day cut 12 inch or longer branches that contain numerous buds. Species good for forcing include magnolias, crabapple, forsythia and lilac. Other plants to try include cherry, pussy willow, serviceberry, flowering quince redbud, and honeysuckle. The branches should then be set in tall containers of water in a dimly lit cool location until blooming. The branches will need sprayed or misted to keep from drying out. Time until bloom varies upon the plant species and collection date. For more information, see Horticulture and Homes Pest News February 6, forcebr.html. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Week is March Mahaska County Extension Council and staff will be promoting Extension's presence and role in the local community at two events. Join them on Wednesday March 28 for a Learning Lunch 11:30 am 1:30 pm; the presentation over viewing the programs, training and services Extension offers at 12:30 pm. There will be lunch provided for a free will offering to benefit the 4-H & FFA Fair Premium Fund, RSVP to Cheryl at or xmahaska@iastate.edu by March 27. Garden Hose Buying Tips 500 pounds per square inch is highly recommended. Heavy Duty Cast Brass Couplings are more crush resistant. Female ends with beveled sides are easier to handle when making connections. A four inch plastic hose collar will keep hose from kinking at the faucet. 5/8 inch diameter is practical for home gardeners. Reinforced (often synthetic mesh) with a higher numbers of plies (four is highest) is best. Rubber is the best choice over the plastic, nylon or vinyl options. Buy the hose for its location. Have the correct length, as too short or too long can be hard to work with. Consider cheaper hoses for use in places when damage can easily happen. Garden Hose Use Tips Always coil hose when not in use. Do not drink from a hose unless you know what materials it is made from. (Continued in side column) (continued from main column) They will also host OACDG Business After Hours on Thursday March 29 from 4-6 pm. Both events will be held at their office, 212 North I Street Oskaloosa. If you want more information about any of the Mahaska County Extension horticulture events or have horticulture questions, please contact Suzette Striegel, Mahaska County Extension Horticulturist by calling or ing striegel@iastate.edu.

6 Upcoming Events ~Mahaska County Office Staff~ Suzette Striegel, Horticulturist Bob Wells, Agricultural Economics Specialist Amy VerMeer-Brainard, County Youth Coordinator Heather Smith, Program Assistant Cheryl Roulet, Office Assistant Ranae Banicky, Early Childhood Education Coordinator ~Office Hours~ Monday Friday 8:00 am 1 pm, 1:30 4:30 pm February 28 Bonus Speaker Series 3 pm Seed Savers Exchange with Diane Ott Whealy March 6 March 13 March 20 March 27 March 23 Master Gardener Meeting 6 pm Iowa Birds with Marilyn Obermire 7 pm Speaker Series 7 pm Coal Mine Reclamation with Judith Krebsbach Speaker Series 7 pm Bats with Russ Benedict Speaker Series 7 pm Barn Quilts in Washington County with Julie Mangold Lil Gardeners & Junior Gardeners 5:30 pm; Meet at tour location All events listed will be at the Mahaska County Extension Office, unless indicated. Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Mahaska County 212 North I Street Oskaloosa IA 52577