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Organic lawn fertilizer with an OMRI logo, Photo: Amy Norwood |
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Organic Gardening in a Nutshell by Amy Norwood
Monday, May 16, 2022
My Winter-Time Master Gardener Work by Ed Powers
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One of the African Violets grown in the winter enclosure. We did lose some of the violets due to the moisture level but most of them made it. |
Every late fall and winter are an interesting time for me as a Master Gardener at 8,000 feet. I enjoy gardening during the late spring and summer. My question after summer is what is next.
So, I begin by making sure I have pulled all my vegetables and letting my flowers go to seed. I then pull all the spent vegetables. After that I break up the soil and add any amendments I need for the next year. I put the raised gardens to bed for the winter.
I also grow African Violets, Ficus trees, and started several willows for bonsai work, several Christmas cactus and a few other assorted house plants. In any case they all require different needs. This keeps me very busy in the winter. The African violets must be kept at 67 and above and have at least 12 hours of combined artificial and natural light. They are housed in an area I can watch over them weekly.
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My 30 year old Ficus bonsai - with it are my 4 and 1 year old Ficus bonsai. Both are from cuttings of 30 the year year old tree. |
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I am rooting willow cuttings to grow as bonsai. They will sit in water for 4 weeks and then be planted in plain soil with no fertilizer. They must be kept moist until fully rooted and well leafed. |
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Hardening Off and Transplanting Seedlings
Hardening Off
Shade for new seedlings by Brooke Coburn
Transplanting
Transplant seedlings on an overcast, cool day, if possible,
after the danger of frost has passed. Loosen the soil and dig a hole for the
transplant. Carefully remove the seedling from the pot, keeping as many of the
roots intact as possible. Place the roots in the hole and move loose dirt back
around to support the stem of the plant. Water right away with a solution of
half strength fertilizer. Keep newly transplanted seedlings well-watered for
the first three to four weeks after transplanting until they develop a larger
root system.
Summary
Gradually acclimate seedlings to the outdoor environment by
providing protection from sun and wind. Transplant on a cool, overcast day, and
continue to provide sufficient water until the root system has developed. See
the links below for more information and to find your local frost dates.
Sources
Buying and Hardening Seedlings
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Drip Watering Pots and Plant Containers by Gardener Dave
Some years ago I swore off clay pots in my landscaping layout. My reason for this is: In our dry climate, small clay pots dry out “before you can put the hose away” – especially the unglazed ones. Glazed pots fare a little better, but beware of the darker colors as they absorb radiant heat and can cook plant roots if they are in full sun all day.
I still like the look of unglazed clay pots, especially in groups with the largest in the center, or large-to-small arrangement. The “Italian style” pots with the thicker rounded rims are my favorites. Hmmmm… now I’m talking about “my favorite unglazed pots”! What convinced me to use them again after I had sworn off?
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Watch Out for Hail Season! by Joyce D'Agostino
Thursday, April 21, 2022
Earth Day 2022 by Vicky Spelman
“This is the moment to change it all — the business climate, the political climate, and how we take action on climate. Now is the time for the unstoppable courage to preserve and protect our health, our families, and our livelihoods.”
“For Earth Day 2022, we need to act (boldly), innovate (broadly), and implement (equitably). It’s going to take all of us. All in. Businesses, governments, and citizens — everyone accounted for, and everyone accountable. A partnership for the planet.” ~EarthDay.org
Facts
Earth Day is celebrated every April 22, but some events take place on the weekends before or after the 22nd.
It was created in the United States to increase public awareness of environmental problems and is now celebrated around the world.
Earth Day is credited with starting the environmental movement in the United States. ~CNN
Some of the Oldest Living Things – CNN Travel
Blooming Rose - approximately 1,200 years
Hildesheim, GermanyPafuri Baobab Tree - approximately 2,0000 years
Kruger Game Preserve, South AfricaWorking Tree - approximately 2,500 years
Village of Vouves on the Mediterranean island of Crete
Still produces a yearly crop of olivesWild Herb - approximately 3,000 years
The Yareta, bright green blobs that resemble moss-covered boulders,
are actually flowering shrubs in the Andes MountainsLand Forest - approximately 80,000 years
The Trembling Giant of Utah consists of almost 50,000 quaking aspen trees
(Populus tremuloides) are genetically identical and share a single root system
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Cheap Versus Expensive Seeds by Nancy Shepard
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Ready to take the pledge Gardeners? by Vicky Spelman
"So, by now you have all your seed starting gear cleaned and ready. You have your seeds and sterile growing media and you have even filled your containers and watered them in so the media is moist and ready. Great job!
Next step…BEFORE you even dare to open a seed packet…. is to create name markers for each planted cell. Never ever think you will remember which is which. You will not. Your sprouts can all look alike at plant out in May! Save yourself some anguish and make your labels ahead of time! It’s a good idea also to write your starting date on the back. You won’t remember that either!
Friday, April 1, 2022
April Fools' Day gardening... by Vicky Spelman
Some fun April Fools' Day gardening pranks...
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image courtesy of Mr. Plant Geek |
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
A Different Approach to Growing Basil by Amy Norwood
Photo: Amy Norwood |
Thursday, March 17, 2022
Happy Saint Patrick's Day by Vicky Spelman
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Happy Saint Patrick's Day! |
My wish for all of you!
May green be the grass you walk on!
May blue be the skies above you!
Pure be the joy that surrounds you!
True be the hearts that love you!
☘🍀☘🍀☘
May all your gardens be healthy
May all your gardens have wonderful veggies!
☘☘☘☘☘.
Monday, March 14, 2022
What Do Our Master Gardeners Grow? Part 3
Plants I'll Always Plant: Verbena bonariensis
~Master Garden Cherie