National Pesticide Information Center (A cooperative effort of Oregon State University and the EPA)
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July Garden Calendar
HOME (Houseplants and indoor activities) Closely watch houseplants that have been set outdoors. They need more water than they did indoors. They can dry out rapidly in hot, summer breezes. Propagate houseplants by taking cuttings from vigorously growing plants. Place the cut end in rooting media (such as perlite, vermiculite, or peat moss soil mix). Enclose in plastic and keep out of direct sunlight. YARD (Lawns, woody ornamentals, and fruits) Keep newly established plants watered […]
Watering the Garden Just Right
Although recent rains have relieved some gardeners from their watering chores, the respite is sure to be temporary. Seasonal thunderstorms may deluge some gardens with water while other areas, even those close by, may stay fairly dry. Most garden plants will need 1-1.5 inches of water per week to maintain healthy leaves, flowers and fruit. When Mother Nature does not provide enough, it’s up to the gardener to supply the rest. Not too little, not […]
Spice Up Your Holidays
Some of the most popular spices used this time of year are harvested from various parts of exotic tropical plants, lending a special flavor to holiday recipes. Ginger is harvested from the rhizomes (underground stems) of a tropical/sub-tropical herbaceous plant, Zingiber officinale. Ginger is native to tropical Asia and is grown commercially in Hawaii and many other countries, including China, India, Thailand and Brazil. The rhizomes are harvested after the first year of the plant’s […]
Sour mulch can burn tender plants
Although the benefits of mulching garden plants are many, wood mulch that has been improperly stockpiled can lead to plant injury or even death. Young herbaceous plants are the most susceptible to such injury, which becomes obvious shortly after applying a hardwood bark mulch. Plants may look like they have been burned with fertilizer or pesticides, or possibly, are under severe water stress. All of the above could potentially be a problem, but apparently, we […]
Effects of Cold Weather on Horticultural Plants in Indiana (HO-203-W)
Purdue Extension Publication
This publication identifies the types of injury caused by cold weather, the factors that influence the degree of injury, and ways to prevent or reduce injury. Tables are included listing the symptoms of freezing injury on some vegetables, frost resistance of annual flowers, floral development stages for fruit crops, critical temperatures for flower bud kill, critical temperatures and cold injury evaluations for small fruit crops, application precipitation rates, and row covers and frost protection. An illustration is also included showing the USDA hardiness zones of the United States.
Peony Showtime
To admire a peony in full bloom is a fitting way to celebrate our full arrival into spring and preview a hint of the colors that summer will bring to our gardens. Although it is native to Asia, the peony has become a staple of Midwestern flower gardens – so much so that the Indiana Legislature in 1957 adopted the peony as the state flower. Zinnia was the state flower from 1931 to 1957 and […]
Common culprits of tree damage-April 2016
Question & Answer Common culprits of tree damage Q. This is a very beautiful large tree that I lost last year. It’s the second one I have lost in the past seven years. Would you be able to see from the photo what might be happening to my trees? I have more beautiful trees on my property that I would like to save if I can. – L.P., Elizabeth, Indiana A. While I can’t be certain […]
Leaves of Three, Let It Be’ Should Be ‘Leaflets of Three
Most gardeners have heard of the wise advice “leaves of three, let it be” referring to the pest plant poison ivy. While not quite as catchy, the saying really should be “leaflets of three, let it be.” Poison ivy leaves are compound rather than simple – a single leaf is divided into three separate portions, called leaflets. Plants with three leaflets are often referred to as being trifoliate. Another key identifying characteristic is that one […]
Hydrangea Popular, but Confusing
Hydrangeas are popular, but understandably confusing! There are about 25 species, though only five are primarily grown in the U.S. There are literally thousands of cultivars. Some species are classified as either mophead (all large, sterile florets) or lacecap (fertile, center florets surrounded by larger, sterile florets), depending on cultivar. The showiest part of the flower cluster is actually the bracts rather than petals. The bracts persist long after the petals drop and are often […]