tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/inquirer/gardenshed/40 2008-03-07T19:59:40Z News and views about gardening from your friends in Gloucester County, N.J. Movable Type 3.35 tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/inquirer/gardenshed//40.5992 2008-03-07T19:44:57Z 2008-03-07T19:59:40Z

Buying locally grown and produced plants, animals, fruits, and vegetables, and puchasing the products and services of these from local farms is one of the greatest ways to celebrate National Agriculture Day on March 20. Farmers and the farmland...

Jerry Frecon Buying locally grown and produced plants, animals, fruits, and vegetables, and puchasing the products and services of these from local farms is one of the greatest ways to celebrate National Agriculture Day on March 20. Farmers and the farmland they preserve are so important in every commmunity. There is a National Agricultrul Day Organization that can be accessed at www.agday.org/. Each year they plan a wide variety of activities and events on National Agriculturel Day and during National Agriculture Week from March 16-22. Teachers, agricultural and non agricultural organizations and governmental agencies are encouraged to procclaim and celebrate this national week and day for our country and worlds' farmers. Most people know so little about farming it is important to constantly educate them on the benefits of sustaining and preserving farms and farmers. Jerry Frecon Agricultural Agent tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/inquirer/gardenshed//40.5990 2008-03-07T19:28:09Z 2008-03-07T19:43:13Z

Rutgers will be holding its 32nd annual Home Gardeners School on Satruday March 15 in New Brunswick on the Cook Campus of the College of Environmental and Biological Sciences and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. For registration information...

Jerry Frecon Rutgers will be holding its 32nd annual Home Gardeners School on Satruday March 15 in New Brunswick on the Cook Campus of the College of Environmental and Biological Sciences and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. For registration information contact Kenneth M. Karamichael at 732 932-9271 x 660 or email karamichael@njaes.rutgers.edu There will be 28 different gardening topics. Some examples are: Accessorizing Your Landscape; Amazing Annuals;Container and Patio Gardens; 5 Easy Steps to Build a Better Garden Soil ;Healthy Eating; HeirloomTomatoes; Weeds in Nature:Invasive Plants of New Jersey. A full brochure is also available at www.cookce.rutgers.edu Jerry Frecon Agricultural Agent tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/inquirer/gardenshed//40.5988 2008-03-07T19:10:28Z 2008-03-07T19:27:15Z

Arbor Day is always the last Friday in April. This year it will be celebrated on April 25. Arbor Day is an excellent opportunity to inspect and help envigorate the trees on your property, or any woodlot or park...

Jerry Frecon Arbor Day is always the last Friday in April. This year it will be celebrated on April 25. Arbor Day is an excellent opportunity to inspect and help envigorate the trees on your property, or any woodlot or park in your community. Work with those involved in maintainence and make suggestions or help with repair, treatment, or even planting of new trees Think about how planting new trees might improve the appearance of a property, or provide conservation. Find out from shade tree comissions, soil and water conservation districts, cooperative extension offices, or local and county environmental commisions about the availability of trees and programs on tree planting and education for Arbor Day. There may be events to encourage the planting of trees at schools, parks, or government facilities. All our communties and properties benefit from tree planting and the care of healthy trees. Get involved and plant a tree for Arbor Day. Jerry Frecon Agricultural Agent tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/inquirer/gardenshed//40.5316 2008-01-27T03:42:20Z 2008-01-27T04:13:59Z

Two fruit growing classes will be held this spring for for those interested in producing juicy sweet fruit unlike any you can buy in a store. Home fruit growing is difficult but the reward of harvesting tree ripened fruit...

Jerry Frecon Two fruit growing classes will be held this spring for for those interested in producing juicy sweet fruit unlike any you can buy in a store. Home fruit growing is difficult but the reward of harvesting tree ripened fruit is worth the effort. The first class will be held Thursday morning March 27,2008 at the office of Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Cooperative Extension, Camden County Office in Clementon New Jersey. The second will be held on Wednesday morning, May 14, 2008 at the office of Rutgers NJAES, Cooperative Extension, Gloucester County in Clayton, New Jersey. Preregistation is required by calling our ofice at 856 307-6450 Ext 1, or by visiting our web site at http://gloucester.njaes.rutgers.edu. Jerry Frecon Agricultural Agent]]> tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/inquirer/gardenshed//40.4416 2007-11-22T23:14:03Z 2007-11-23T19:01:18Z

There are many reasons to buy local Christmas trees versus buying artificial trees made in a factory. Buying local trees preserves local farmers and local farmland. Christmas trees support a complex eco system that helps our environment. Trees absorb carbon...

Jerry Frecon The New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers Association has a web site of registered New Jersey Choose and Cut growers at www.njchristmastrees.citymax.com/page/page/3965401.htm We also maintain a list of Gloucester County growers on our home page at http://gloucester.njaes.rutgers.edu. Treat yourself to a visit to one of these local farms and buy varieties like Douglas fir, Norway spruce, Frasier fir, Blue spruce, White pine, Serbian fir and Concolor fir, and enjoy the beauty, and fragrance of a local tree. Jerry Frecon Agricultural Agent ]]> tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/inquirer/gardenshed//40.4242 2007-11-13T01:41:45Z 2007-11-13T01:44:28Z

Mulching trees and shrubs can be a good thing but too much mulch can kill roots and eventually plants by reducing soil air(oxygen). When you pile mulch high and deep it causes root death through oxygen deprivation, or the...

Jerry Frecon Mulching trees and shrubs can be a good thing but too much mulch can kill roots and eventually plants by reducing soil air(oxygen). When you pile mulch high and deep it causes root death through oxygen deprivation, or the production of toxins that kill roots. One of the primary reasons for mulching in all seasons is to retain moisture around the plant , stabilize or even cool the soil, and reduce weeds. Research has shown that fine mulch needs to be no deeper than two inches and a bulky mulch 4 inches to eliminate light needed for weed seeds to germinate and provide these other benefits. To figure out how much mulch you need simply multiply the area you wish to mulch by the depth of the mulch and then divide this number by 12. If you want to calculate cubic yards divide by 324 rather than 12. Another reason to apply mulch is for winter protection. This is usually done after the soil has cooled or frozen. All season mulch is applied after the soil warms up a little in the spring or of course any time later. Wait until the soil is moist to apply for moisture retention. Mulches may have other imperfections. Mulch is a great place for overwintering insects, diseases, and rodents. If mulch gets too dry it may actually repel watering. Each mulch has advantages and disadvantages that will be discussed in a future blog. Jerry Frecon Agricultural Agent tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/inquirer/gardenshed//40.4012 2007-10-29T15:36:00Z 2008-01-27T04:25:34Z

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Halyomorpha halys is an new species of stink bug invading peoples homes in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This invasive new pest was first discovered near Allentown, Pa. in 1996 and is being studied by entomologists...

Jerry Frecon The bugs are harmless but a nuisance to home owners because they congregate on warm surfaces and invade homes. Unlike most other stink bugs they give a pheromone(scent) that causes them to aggregate in large numbers. Unlike box elder bugs and Asiatic lady bugs that act similarly, when you crush or damage them they stink. You may get other stink bugs in your home but nothing as persistent or aggressive at the Marmorated Stink Bug hiding in your walls and openings around your air conditioner. At our Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station we are trying to track the invasiveness so request anyone seeing the bug to register on our web site at www.njaes.rutgers.edu./stinkbug/ This site contains some excellent information on identification and control measures. Jerry Frecon Agricultural Agent ]]> tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/inquirer/gardenshed//40.3797 2007-10-16T18:21:28Z 2007-10-16T18:24:35Z

Now that your gardens have passed their peaks and your harvests are coming to an end it is time to think about next years’ plantings. You may wonder “Why should I thing about next year?” Well. The best gardens are...

Jerry Frecon Now that your gardens have passed their peaks and your harvests are coming to an end it is time to think about next years’ plantings. You may wonder “Why should I thing about next year?” Well. The best gardens are the result of long-term planning. Fall gardening activities include soil preparation, planting and mulching. Fall plantings of bulbs, trees and shrubs can make for a beautiful spring. Bulbs such as tulips, crocus, hyacinths and daffodils need to be planted in late-October to November. This is done in order for the bulbs to go through a cold period to promote blooming in the spring. Hate that ugly yellowing leaves of your daffodil and tulip foliage – when you plant your bulbs in the fall, simply interplant all the bulbs with perennial flowers. Fall interplanting is an easy project that makes your spring and summer garden look great. Trees and shrubs can be planted from September through November before the ground freezes. Like in spring, fall is a good time for planting trees and shrubs because they are less likely to go through heat and drought stress. In winter, roots of trees and shrubs can be protected by mulching. Also flower bulbs, asparagus roots, rhubarb and other perennials also appreciate a blanket of mulch to keep them warm through the winter months. Mulch should be 2-4 inches deep. A variety of materials can be used, such as compost, straw. Leaves, wood chips and grass clippings. We tend to forget our gardens after gardens after the harvests are over. However, by caring for our landscapes now, they will reward us during the growing season with beautiful flowers and delicious garden vegetables. Gardening is an enjoyable and relaxing activity. Even after the harvests we can still spend time outside improving our landscapes. Things to do this month: Dig and store non-hardy summer flowering bulbs (cannas, dahlias, gladiolas). After digging, let them sit in a warm place to dry. Then store them in a dry, cool location. Divide daylilies, irises, astilbles, peonies and other spring flowering perennials. Seed Lawns no later than October 15th. Things to look for this month: Older needles on white pines turning yellow and dropping, a normal seasonal occurrence. Control Hemlock Woolly Adelgid on hemlocks and other types of pines with soaps or oils. Check for fall invaders, make sure you seal entry points and remove trash and other materials near your home where they can overwinter. tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/inquirer/gardenshed//40.3796 2007-10-16T18:16:01Z 2007-10-16T18:18:06Z

Rutgers, NJAES Cooperative Extension of Gloucester County is now offering the Jr. Master Gardener program. Jr. Master Gardeners is a new and innovative youth gardening project. It is modeled after the highly popular Master Gardener program, and offers horticulture...

Jerry Frecon Rutgers, NJAES Cooperative Extension of Gloucester County is now offering the Jr. Master Gardener program. Jr. Master Gardeners is a new and innovative youth gardening project. It is modeled after the highly popular Master Gardener program, and offers horticulture and environmental science education through fun and creative activities. The project is geared towards children in grades 3 through 8. The JMG program introduces young gardeners to the art and science of gardening, and helps them develop leadership and life skills to become good citizens within their communities, schools and families. The Gloucester County program will begin in November. For more information about becoming involved with Jr. Master Gardener contact Rutgers, NJAES Cooperative Extension of Gloucester County at 856-307-6450 ext 1 or email cummings@njaes.rutgers.edu. tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/inquirer/gardenshed//40.3477 2007-09-27T14:43:53Z 2007-09-27T14:47:26Z

Fall arrived on September 23 with cool weather on the way. That’s good news for our lawns in NJ, since our lawn grasses are primarily cool season species, such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass. These grasses thrive in the...

Jerry Frecon Fall arrived on September 23 with cool weather on the way. That’s good news for our lawns in NJ, since our lawn grasses are primarily cool season species, such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass. These grasses thrive in the fall, growing vigorously, recovering from the stresses of summer and preparing for winter—provided they have adequate water and nutrition, that is. To make sure that soil fertility is within the optimum range for plant growth, (don’t guess!) soil test. Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory, a service unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, analyzes soil samples to determine essential nutrient levels and soil pH and then provides appropriate recommendations for fertilizer and limestone, if needed. For more information about soil testing at Rutgers, see http://njaes.rutgers.edu/services. Instructions can be found under the link for Soil Testing Laboratory. For more information about lawn care, see Rutgers Cooperative Extension publications at http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/category.asp?cat=5. Jerry Frecon Agricultural Agent tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/inquirer/gardenshed//40.3205 2007-09-11T18:27:46Z 2007-09-11T19:09:42Z

Cooperative Extension of Gloucester County is now accepting applications for the 2008 Master Gardener training program. Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who assist Rutgers Cooperative Extension in delivering horticulture programs and information to the general public. Anyone with an interest...

Jerry Frecon Cooperative Extension of Gloucester County is now accepting applications for the 2008 Master Gardener training program. Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who assist Rutgers Cooperative Extension in delivering horticulture programs and information to the general public. Anyone with an interest in gardening and a commitment to volunteer service can become a Master Gardener. The program consists of 21 weeks of training. After the training is completed, Master Gardeners are required to volunteer 60 hours within one year of completing the program. Master Gardeners work as volunteers in a variety of areas including community beautification, horticultural therapy, childrens gardening, helpline and many others. The Gloucester County programs meets on Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. starting January 10, 2008. The cost for the program is a one-time fee of $175.00. For more information check out our website at http://www.gloucester.njaes.rutgers.edu or call Mary Cummings at 856-307-6450 #1 or email cummings@aesop.rutgers.edu. tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/inquirer/gardenshed//40.3168 2007-09-07T19:32:09Z 2007-09-07T19:59:07Z

September is the beginning of the Apple Harvest Season in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Local fresh apples are available at farm markets and other retail food establishments throughout the area. Many farms allow customers to come on the farm...

Jerry Frecon September is the beginning of the Apple Harvest Season in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Local fresh apples are available at farm markets and other retail food establishments throughout the area. Many farms allow customers to come on the farm to pick. These U-Pick apple farms not only have farm or Jersey fresh apples at reasonable prices, but also offer an educational or fun experience along with the apple harvest. These agritourism farms offer many intresteding and educational opportunites, and events for the entire family. Our From our Farms Guide to Agricultural Products in Gloucester County lists the farms that have U-pick apples. You can contact me for a copy. The New Jersey Apples Industry Council also has a fact sheet on apples available from extension offices or linked to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture website at http://www.state.nj.us/jerseyfresh/searches/apple.htm. We have a wide vareity of apples grown in the Middle Atlantic area, with some like Staryman Winesap, Jonathan, and Rome Beauty no longer availblee in your friendly supermarket. but ready for harvest on U-Pick fruit farms.. Apple harvest season for U-Pick orchards usually runs through Halloween. Jerry Frecon Agricultural Agent tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/inquirer/gardenshed//40.3017 2007-08-28T19:13:00Z 2007-08-28T19:19:58Z

In addition to our Master Gardeners program and our weekly Horticultural classes in Gloucester County in the spring, Rutgers offers a full day Home Garden School on our New Brunswick campus. This year's school is our 31st and is being...

Jerry Frecon In addition to our Master Gardeners program and our weekly Horticultural classes in Gloucester County in the spring, Rutgers offers a full day Home Garden School on our New Brunswick campus. This year's school is our 31st and is being offered on September 15, 2007 A full agenda of topics like; the Art of Pruning; Hands on Flower Arranging; Landscape Design; Care of Houseplants; The Art of Bonsai; Pests and Diseases, Proper Planting Techniques, Growing Grapes in You Backyard; Fall Planting; The Basics of Home Winemaking as well as many other topics will be offered. Registration information is available on line at the web site http://cookce.rutgers.edu/main/registration.html with the Rutgers Office of Continuing and Professional Education. You can also get information by phone at (732) 932-9271 Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or By FAX: (732) 932-8726. Jerry Frecon Agricultural Agent tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/inquirer/gardenshed//40.2931 2007-08-21T00:10:33Z 2007-08-21T00:20:46Z

Too often we fail to feed and water the roots of our trees. Lawns are regularly watered, but little emphasis is placed on watering trees. I have saved many trees that were thought to be dying simply by treating...

Jerry Frecon Too often we fail to feed and water the roots of our trees. Lawns are regularly watered, but little emphasis is placed on watering trees. I have saved many trees that were thought to be dying simply by treating them with my trusty “Ross Root Feeder.” I use the name Ross because I have never seen another company that manufactured or marketed a root feeder in our region. The Ross root feeder is easily attached to the garden hose. It has a handle for pushing a long 36 inch probe into the soil at varying depths around the tree. The handle has a cup with a valve. The cup has a screw on top so when the valve is closed, the top can be screwed off and a concentrated fertilizer (made by Ross and others) can be placed in the cup. When the top is secure and the valve is opened the water and fertilizer mix go down the probe and shoot out at the base in four directions. It can be used without the fertilizer to simply water trees. I like the feeder for three reasons: 1) It waters trees quickly at levels down to 36 inches where many feeder roots are located; 2) It also distributes a water soluble fertilizer down to the roots quickly; 3) By making holes in the soil around the tree it aerates roots after the water is used or drains away. I would never plant a tree without having a Ross root feeder. Jerome L. Frecon Agricultural Agent tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/inquirer/gardenshed//40.2563 2007-07-20T13:54:58Z 2007-07-20T14:16:56Z

If you love fresh juicy tasty peaches then you must come to the New Jersey Peach Festival. Beginnnig this Thursday, July 26, Jersey Fresh peaches can be seen and purchased in abundance at the official state festival at the Gloucester...

Jerry Frecon If you love fresh juicy tasty peaches then you must come to the New Jersey Peach Festival. Beginnnig this Thursday, July 26, Jersey Fresh peaches can be seen and purchased in abundance at the official state festival at the Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds, on Route 77 south of Mullica Hill in southern New Jersey. Not only can you buy and see all types of fresh peaches from over 40 local growers, there are many types of other peach products like peach pastries, cakes, peach slush, and that famous peach ice cream. Buy peach clothing and other goodies too! There are many educational exhibits on growing and marketing peaches, a large display of peach varieties and types, and hugh display of commercial boxes judged by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture for the treasured Governor's Cup. The New Jersey Peach Queen and Little Miss Peach are crowned on Friday evening and the Peach Bake Off with many new and tasty recipes is held on Saturday morning. After the little Miss and Mister Peach Blossom Parade on Sunday morning the Festival shuts down at 5 p.m. To learn more about Everything Peachy go to our web site at http:/gloucester.rce.rutgers.edu/fairfest/ Jerry Frecon Agricultural Agent