http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/ Inspiration and information for the home gardener en Copyright 2009 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:56:26 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Penn State University’s County Extension has given its Master Gardeners a mission for 2009—to teach pollinator friendly gardening practices to home gardeners. It’s a big job, but somebody’s gotta do it. We were asked to accomplish this task for a very good reason--our pollinators are in deep trouble. Their numbers are dwindling fast enough to cause alarm. I’m talking all of them, not just honey bees. Did you know that birds, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps and bats are pollinators too? We need them all—they perform the invaluable service of pollinating veggies, flowers, fruits and nut trees. While Master Gardeners are busy teaching home gardeners how to protect pollinators, Penn State is pulling out all the stops on researching the cause of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). CCD is a mysterious disease that’s causing the loss of large numbers of honey bees. CCD even has Haagen-Dazs concerned. The ice cream company has donated $150,000 to aid PSU’s CCD research. “The plight of the honeybee could mean many of the ingredients used in our top flavors, like Vanilla Swiss Almond and Strawberry, would be difficult to source," said Haagen-Dazs brand manager Josh Gellert. CCD is a mysterious disease. Adult bees leave the hive in the morning and never return. No dead bodies are ever found—they just vanish into thin air. A number of reasons have been postulated for CCD, but research thus far has not given a definitive answer. One of the latest theories is that chronic exposure to multiple pesticides has weakened the bees’ immune system, leaving them vulnerable to many diseases. Another theory is that pesticides have damaged their nervous systems, causing the bees to forget where they live. Maryann Frazier, senior extension associate in entomology at Penn State, says "Some of these (chemical) compounds could react with each other to cause toxic effects or could combine with viruses or poor nutrition to weaken immunity and cause colony collapse. We also need to do more research to understand these chemicals' sub-lethal effects on bees." Any way you look at it, our pollinators need our help! Next week, I’ll write about what you can do to protect pollinators in your garden. In the meantime, check out an excellent book on the subject --Fruitless Fall by Rowan Jacobsen. The book is fascinating reading and will give you a new perspective on the life of the bee. Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON. UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS February 14, 2009 Seed Starting Step by step procedures for growing seeds with great success. Cost: $10 March 14, 2009 Hostas Learn about these shade-loving plants from hosta expert Walter Cullerton, who grows hundreds of varieties on his property. Cost: $10 The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save. For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022. Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our web site for a registration form. ]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2009/02/be_pollinator_friendlypart_1.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2009/02/be_pollinator_friendlypart_1.html Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:56:26 -0500 by Lorraine Altrichter, Delco Master Gardener About four or five years ago, at one of our plant swaps, some wonderful person brought a few blackberry plants and I was lucky enough to get one. That plant flourished and from its trailing canes, I rooted four more plants. My blackberry crops have gotten heavier and heavier. The 2008 crop yield was so large I am just now finishing the last of the berries. Ironically, the Morrison Black Raspberries (that my husband planted in the 70’s and were struggling in the encroaching shade of my neighbor’s wild maple forest) are now making a comeback. When my neighbor moved, I got his permission to take down five huge Norway Maples that had killed my vegetable garden and stunted lots of other plants, including my Lilacs. With the trees gone since spring of 2008, I once again had a small but hopeful raspberry crop. Encouraged by all the health benefits attributed to eating berries and riding on my luck with the berry plants, I decided to try blueberries. Last Spring I planted a blueberry bush. That summer, I actually harvested enough blueberries to sprinkle over my cereal for three breakfasts. I planted another blueberry bush in the Fall. So far, I have not had problems with birds eating my crops. The squirrels seem to ignore them. I wish they ignored the pears and the apples, but these they take before they even ripen. I haven’t had any diseases or insect problems. Occasionally there is the beetle or two that I snatch away, but nothing major. I’m sure that 2009 will bring birds, bugs and pestilence but really, up to now, the berry bushes ask for very little. Take away the old canes of the raspberries and they’re happy. The blackberries have to be pruned back to keep them in check, but that’s all. Keeping the fruit, if you get too much at one time, is easy too. I wash them off, pat dry, spread them out on a cookie sheet and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, I pack them in small zip top freezer bags. Then I just take out what ever I want to eat at a time. They stay separate and don’t clump. If you enjoy berries, I highly recommend having some in the garden. Think of all the money you’d save! That thought always makes me smile. Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON. UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS February 14, 2009 Seed Starting Step by step procedures for growing seeds with great success. Cost: $10 March 14, 2009 Hostas Learn about these shade-loving plants from hosta expert Walter Cullerton, who grows hundreds of varieties on his property. Cost: $10 The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save. For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022. Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our web site for a registration form. ]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2009/01/berriesa_delight_in_the_garden.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2009/01/berriesa_delight_in_the_garden.html Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:52:49 -0500 video at the EPA's web site. Also check out the EPA's Rain Gardens web cast. Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON. UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS February 14, 2009 Seed Starting Step by step procedures for growing seeds with great success. Cost: $10 March 14, 2009 Hostas Learn about these shade-loving plants from hosta expert Walter Cullerton, who grows hundreds of varieties on his property. Cost: $10 The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save. For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022. Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our web site for a registration form. ]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2009/01/green_roofs_rain_barrels_and_r.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2009/01/green_roofs_rain_barrels_and_r.html Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:19:01 -0500 Winter is the perfect time for a gardener to dream, plan and learn. Now that the holidays are over and we’re in the chill of winter, are you cruising for something to do till gardening season begins? How about reading an inspiring gardening book? My recommendation is The Green Gardener’s Guide by Joe Lamp’l. It's one of my favorites. Joe covers every aspect of green gardening. And his advice will simplify your gardening life. If you prefer to do your reading online, check out Penn State’s Sustainable Horticulture web page. It’s loaded with links to fact sheets, articles, an organic grower’s guide, an organic column, and vegetable and small fruit presentations. If you’d like to get an early start on planning your green gardening education, here are a few of our Second Saturday classes to add to your calendar: February 14, 2009—Seed Starting April 11, 2009—Vegetable Gardening July 11, 2009—Earth-friendly Pest Control August 8, 2009—Composting (better register early for this one!) September12, 2009—Green Lawn Care Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON. UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS February 14, 2009 Seed Starting Step by step procedures for growing seeds with great success. Cost: $10 March 14, 2009 Hostas Learn about these shade-loving plants from hosta expert Walter Cullerton, who grows hundreds of varieties on his property. Cost: $10 The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save. For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022. Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our web site for a registration form. ]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2009/01/dream_plan_learn.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2009/01/dream_plan_learn.html Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:02:05 -0500 for you. And if you can’t stand the sight of the little wrigglers, just give the job to your nine year old. Kids love worms. Worm composting--also known as vermicomposting--is easy. If you have an 18” x 24” space somewhere in your house for a worm bin, you can process ten and a half pounds of kitchen scraps per week. All those hard workers need is a dark, cozy home with plenty of food, moisture, oxygen, and a comfortable temperature (65-78 degrees). Just toss your kitchen scraps into the bin and in about two months, you’ll have nutrient-rich compost for your veggie or flower garden. Worm castings (the finished product) are very good for the soil. They supply a perfect balance of minerals and nutrients, and improve soil structure, porosity, aeration, drainage and moisture-holding capacity. And good soil is what plants need to thrive. Please note that not all earthworms are created equal. Sorry, you can't go dig up plain old worms from your back yard for your worm bin. The best species to use is Eisenia fetida (red wiggler). They can consume half their own weight in organic matter every day. The result is lots of black gold. And there you have it—an easy, inexpensive and low-maintenance composting method. Do I need to mention that it’s environmentally friendly? More info can be found at Cornell’s Worm Composting web page. If you prefer scientific lingo, go to A Comparison of Vermicomposting and Composting. Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON. Here's a heads up on an interesting event: On January 10, 2009, Mark Gormel (Horticultural Coordinator for The Brandywine Conservancy) will present The Seven Steps Toward Successful (and Ethical) Seed Collection. For more info, go to Habitat Resource Network. UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS January 10, 2009 Plants by Mail Mail order is an excellent way to purchase varieties of both common and unusual plants. There are many new web sites and plant catalogs that will make you a better gardener, all from the warmth of your home. Cost: $10 February 14, 2009 Seed Starting Step by step procedures for growing seeds with great success. Cost: $10 The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save. For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022. Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our web site for a registration form. ]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2009/01/worm_composting.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2009/01/worm_composting.html Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:49:22 -0500 peak oil. The logical conclusion is to take veggie gardening to the next level and make your landscape edible. The cutting edge of landscaping right now is making more out of every single bit of land by planting edibles. You can go whole hog (pun intended) and plant your entire landscape with edibles or plant just a few veggies among your ornamentals. Either way, you’ll be doing yourself and your family a favor. So what’s an edible landscape? Think fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, vegetables, herbs and edible flowers! And what would you get out of the effort you extend? Just the freshness and exquisite flavor of nuts, fruits, herbs and vegetables from your home garden, food grown without pesticides and herbicides, food security for your family, savings on grocery bills, different fruits and veggies not available in stores--and last but not least—the pleasure of being outside, communing with nature and having fun. And here's another great idea--make it a family project! It's an opportunity to teach your kids where food actually comes from. For more info, go to Edible Landscaping and NGA’s Edible Gardening site. Check this list of edible plants and trees. Or (if you live in Delaware County) call our Delco Master Gardener hortline at 610-690-2671 Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON. UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS January 10, 2009 Plants by Mail Mail order is an excellent way to purchase varieties of both common and unusual plants. There are many new web sites and plant catalogs that will make you a better gardener, all from the warmth of your home. Cost: $10. The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save. For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022. Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our web site for a registration form. ]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/12/edible_landscaping.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/12/edible_landscaping.html Sun, 28 Dec 2008 12:13:57 -0500 Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON. UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS January 10, 2009 Plants by Mail Mail order is an excellent way to purchase varieties of both common and unusual plants. There are many new web sites and plant catalogs that will make you a better gardener, all from the warmth of your home. Cost: $10. The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save. For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022. Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our web site for a registration form. ]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/12/winter_garden_images.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/12/winter_garden_images.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:07:40 -0500 By Joe Daniels, Delaware County Master Gardener * Keep composting. * Order seeds/summer bulbs. * Check stored bulbs, corms and tubers for mold and rot. * Clean and service your garden tools. * Carefully knock off heavy snow from shrubs. * Keep bird feeders filled. * During a thaw, check beds for plant heaving and replace soil around exposed roots. Message from Marion This entry is short because I know you all are busy busy busy with the holidays and don't have much time to spend out in the garden. I took advantage of yesterday's mild 60 degree weather to spread shredded leaf mulch on my beds. It was a wonderful break from all the hectic activity of the season. Hope you'll find a few moments to do the same. Happy Holidays! Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON. UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS January 10, 2009 Plants by Mail Mail order is an excellent way to purchase varieties of both common and unusual plants. There are many new web sites and plant catalogs that will make you a better gardener, all from the warmth of your home. Cost: $10. The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save. For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022. Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our web site for a registration form. ]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/12/gardening_tips_for_the_winter.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/12/gardening_tips_for_the_winter.html Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:11:14 -0500 Story of Stuff) Gift membership to The Nature Conservancy The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. Gift membership to the Arbor Day Foundation The Foundation’s mission is to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Gift membership to the Audubon Society Audubon's mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. For the ultimate green gift, give a tree planted in one of our national parks. Check it out at the Arbor Day Foundation. Why is that the ultimate green gift? Because trees are essential to our life on the planet. Trees are like the lungs of the earth--they breathe in carbon dioxide and contaminants and breathe out oxygen. One tree can absorb approximately 48 pounds of CO2 a year and release enough oxygen to sustain two human beings. In addition, trees provide habitat for birds and other wildlife, help to reduce ozone levels in urban areas, and reduce urban runoff and erosion by storing water and breaking the force of rain as it falls. If you’d like to take your holidays to an even higher level of green this year, try the following tips: Instead of a buying a cut tree, buy a live conifer and plant it in your garden after the holidays. Be sure to dig the hole before the ground freezes. Instead of buying holiday ornaments, decorate with nature’s ornaments—flowering plants, greens, pinecones, seedheads, pods, nuts etc. For holiday waste reduction tips, go to Integrated Waste Management And don’t forget yourself. How about the gift of some quiet time in nature this holiday season? Happy Holidays to all! Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON. UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS December 13, 2008 Wreath Making Create a one-of-a-kind holiday wreath using fresh greens. Bring pruners and rubber gloves. All other materials will be provided. Sign up early--this is a very popular workshop. Cost: $15 January 10, 2009 Plants by Mail Mail order is an excellent way to purchase varieties of both common and unusual plants. There are many new web sites and plant catalogs that will make you a better gardener, all from the warmth of your home. Cost: $10. The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save. For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022. Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our web site for a registration form. ]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/12/are_you_one_of_the.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/12/are_you_one_of_the.html Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:06:05 -0500 Garlic Mustard, one of the worst invasive plants in our area. The green rosettes of garlic mustard are highly visible in the late fall and winter landscape, so you won’t have any trouble finding them. Just be sure to get the whole root or they’ll grow back. If you’re in doubt about the identity of the plant, crush a leaf and take a sniff. Garlic mustard smells like—surprise--garlic. Some of the many native wildflowers that grow in the same habitat as garlic mustard are spring beauty, wild ginger, bloodroot, Dutchman's breeches, hepatica, toothwort and trillium. These lovely Spring natives are being destroyed by garlic mustard, which aggressively monopolizes light, moisture, nutrients, soil and space. Maybe you think you can live without Spring natives. But some wildlife species can’t, because they are dependent on Spring native plants as a food source of foliage, pollen, nectar, fruits, seeds and roots. That’s reason enough for me to rip up garlic mustard by its obnoxious roots. Hopefully, you agree. If you do, please join me in getting rid of this destructive invasive weed. Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON. UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS December 13, 2008 Wreath Making Create a one-of-a-kind holiday wreath using fresh greens. Bring pruners and rubber gloves. All other materials will be provided. Sign up early--this is a very popular workshop. Cost: $15 The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save. For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022. Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our web site for a registration form. ]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/12/eradicate_garlic_mustard.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/12/eradicate_garlic_mustard.html Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:45:30 -0500 When you look at all those fall leaves on the ground, do you think, “Oh, no—it’s leaf clean-up time” or, “Wow, what a bounty for the compost pile!” I hope it’s the latter. Autumn leaves are just begging to be put to use in your garden. When composted, leaves turn into black gold—Mother Nature’s fertilizer. If you have the time, shred your treasure with a lawnmower or leaf shredder—they’ll decompose faster. Shredded or otherwise, leaves can be heaped in a pile or tossed into a compost bin. No compost bin? Make your own with chicken wire or palettes, or buy one of the many types available. Start composting now and you’ll have black gold next fall to spread on your veggie and/or flower garden. Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON. UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS December 13, 2008 Wreath Making Create a one-of-a-kind holiday wreath using fresh greens. Bring pruners and rubber gloves. All other materials will be provided. Sign up early--this is a very popular workshop. Cost: $15 The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save. For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022. Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our web site for a registration form. ]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/11/compost_those_leaves.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/11/compost_those_leaves.html Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:56:09 -0500 presentation. Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON. UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS December 13, 2008 Wreath Making Create a one-of-a-kind holiday wreath using fresh greens. Bring pruners and rubber gloves. All other materials will be provided. Sign up early--this is a very popular workshop. Cost: $15 The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save. For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022. Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our web site for a registration form. ]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/11/dont_recycle_plastic_bags.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/11/dont_recycle_plastic_bags.html Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:45:04 -0500 Thinking about doing some tree pruning this winter? Stop! Don’t even think about pruning that tree till you check out the pruning guide at the Arbor Day web site and PSU's Tree Pruning Guide. If you're uncertain about any aspect of pruning, consult a professional arborist. It's never worth the risk of damaging or killing one of our valuable trees. And while I'm on the subject, here are some of the reasons our trees are so valuable... Trees are essential to our life on the planet. Trees are like the lungs of the earth. They breathe in carbon dioxide and contaminants from the air and breathe out oxygen. One tree can absorb approximately 48 pounds of CO2 a year and release enough oxygen to sustain two human beings. In addition, trees: ~provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. ~help to reduce ozone levels in urban areas. ~ reduce urban runoff and erosion by storing water and breaking the force of rain as it falls. ~absorb sound and reduce noise pollution. ~shade asphalt and reduce what is know as the “Heat Island” effect. ~significantly increase your property values ~act as windbreaks for your home in the winter to help you save on heating costs. ~help cool your home in the summer. The Arbor Day Foundation states that the overall effect of the shade created by planting a healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners running 20 hours a day. For all that trees do for us, they deserve the best of care, don't you think? Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON. UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS December 13, 2008 Wreath Making Create a one-of-a-kind holiday wreath using fresh greens. Bring pruners and rubber gloves. All other materials will be provided. Sign up early--this is a very popular workshop. Cost: $15 The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save. For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022. Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our web site for a registration form. ]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/11/tree_pruning.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/11/tree_pruning.html Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:55:48 -0500 Note from Marion: Everywhere I go, people are talking about starting a backyard vegetable garden. So I thought I'd get a jump on next year's garden plans (and inspire all you veg fans) by posting Joe's article on new and exciting veggies. It'll give you something to think about during the cold bleak winter season. By Joe Daniels, Delaware County Master Gardener I was browsing through some seed catalogs and noticed some new and interesting vegetable varieties. It seems like vegetables are becoming as colorful as our annuals and perennials. Here are a few I found... 'Purple Peacock' Broccoli/Kale......Filled with those purple pigments (anthocyanins) that are oh so good for us, this broccoli and kale combo that looks like kale but cooks up like broccoli makes a colorful addition to the garden. Imagine planting some bright orange marigold near it, or some 'Bright Lights' Swiss Chard. 'Flavorburst’ Bell Pepper.....These big, flavorful peppers appear in midsummer and are meatier than most peppers, which makes them great for grilling. Pick when green or wait until maturity when they turn a golden yellow. They sound like a great choice for an ornamental vegetable garden. Eggplant 'Hansel'.....This eggplant grows in clusters of 3 to 6 glossy, dark purple fruits. Harvest early for baby eggplant or wait until maturity. These are compact plants growing only 36 inches high and great for container gardens, along with some small peppers and a few onions. It's a meal in a container. Mini Green Iceberg Lettuce....Iceberg lettuce has gotten a bad rap lately, but this mini iceberg whose heads are about the size of tennis balls are actually quite tasty, according to the catalog and how convenient to take the whole head for lunch in a small container. Corn 'Bon Jour'....A bi-colored sweet corn with golden yellow and creamy white kernels. It's tasty for up to a week after picking. Try a few new varieties of vegetables in your garden next year. It'll add some spice to your gardening life and your table. Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON. UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS November 8, 2008 Nature Ornaments Use natural materials to make ornaments for your holiday decorations. This is a hands-on workshop. Bring scissors or pruner and a box to carry home your creations. Cost: $15 December 13, 2008 Wreath Making Create a one-of-a-kind holiday wreath using fresh greens. Bring pruners and rubber gloves. All other materials will be provided. Sign up early--this is a very popular workshop. Cost: $15 The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save. For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022. Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our web site for a registration form. ]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/10/fun_garden_vegetables_for_2009.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/10/fun_garden_vegetables_for_2009.html Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:46:27 -0500 By Joe Daniels, Delaware County Master Gardener The cool weather has finally returned and our thoughts go to cleaning up the garden from hopefully another successful season. . .even with the lack of rain this summer. Here are a few items that should be on your "To Do List:" Water, Water, Water This is very important for trees and shrubs especially because of the dry summer we have had this year. Evergreens continue to lose moisture during the colder months and trees and shrubs with moister ( but not waterlogged) soils survive better than those in drier soil. Vegetable Gardens After you have finished harvesting all those delicious vegetables from your garden be sure to pull up any plants that are diseased (discard but don't compost them). If you know for certain that any of the plant stalks and vines are disease-free and healthy then you can leave them and compost them back into the soil. If you have any mature green tomatoes, wash them off, wrap them in news paper and in a few weeks they should be ready for eating. Annuals Many annuals die down after blooming and definitely by the first frost. Pull them up and toss in the compost unless they are diseased. In that case trash them. Continue weeding Weeds continue to set seed late into the fall. to avoid a new crop of weed seeds, pull them up now. Prepare soil for next spring. Turn the soil and make sure you remember what was planted where so you can rotate crops next spring. Remove all garden debris that is diseased. Till the soil (except in places where you still have root crops) and add fresh compost, aged manure, peat or even leaves and rotting fruit. Rotting crabapples make great organic mulch. Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON. UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS November 8, 2008 Nature Ornaments Use natural materials to make ornaments for your holiday decorations. This is a hands-on workshop. Bring scissors or pruner and a box to carry home your creations. Cost: $15 The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save. For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022. Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our website for a registration form. ]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/10/preparing_the_garden_for_winte.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/gardenerjournal/2008/10/preparing_the_garden_for_winte.html Sat, 18 Oct 2008 09:16:49 -0500