buchanan county master gardener off …...here are some tips from iowa state university extension...
TRANSCRIPT
New Garden along Liberty Train in IndependencePhoto and article by Shirley Rozendaal
From left to right are Ken Harms, Donna Harms, and Jim Rozendaal planting the new garden along Liberty Trail in Independence.
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There's a new, long, narrow garden at the top of the ditch bank that parallels Liberty Trail. It is between 5th and 6th Street in Independence. Kenneth Harms donated three railroad ties to place along the west side of the garden to stabilize the soil and minimize erosion on the bank. He, along with a few good helpers, set the ties in place in 90 degree heat on September 4.
The plants in the garden are appropriate for our Zone, which means we planted many grasses and forbs that are native to our area. The garden also showcases Earthkind® Roses--roses that need few insecticides or herbicides to keep them healthy.
In addition, we are planting nectar and host plants that will attract our native butterflies, especially the monarch. So we are allowing the common milkweed to have a spot in our garden.
OFF SHOOTSB U C H A N A N C O U N T Y M A S T E R G A R D E N E R
October 2014 Issue 10
E-V
-E-N
-T-S October 21st
@ Heartland AcresPotluck 6:30
7:00 - Steering Committee MeetingElection of
Officers for 2015
Meetings open to all Master Gardeners and
general public
Submit articles to Buchanan County Extension by 1st
Wednesday of the month.
Buchanan County ISU Extension
2600 Swan Lake Boulevard, Suite A
Independence IA 50644
Phone: (319) 334-7161Fax: (319) 334-6641
E-mail: [email protected]
Office HoursMonday - Friday
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Why did the banana go to the doctor? Because she was not peeling well.
from http://www.gardendigest.com/humor.htm
2014 - ISSUE 10! BUCHANAN COUNTY MASTER GARDENER OFF SHOOTS! PAGE 2
Tulips may bring thoughts of warm weather, spring, new life -- even a sense of renewal. But to enjoy tulips in spring, the best time to act is now. Tulips and other spring-
flowering bulbs should be planted in October, giving them enough time to establish themselves for spring growth.
Here are some tips from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists on the best way to plant spring flowers this fall. To have additional questions answered, contact the ISU Hortline at 515-294-3108 or [email protected].
When is the best time to plant tulips?October is the ideal time to plant tulips, daffodils
and other spring-flowering bulbs in Iowa. When planted in October, spring-flowering bulbs have sufficient time to develop a good root system before the ground freezes in winter. If the ground isn’t frozen, tulips and other spring-flowering bulbs can be planted as late as late November/early December.
What are good planting sites for tulips?Tulips perform best in full sun. Planting sites should
receive at least six hours of direct sun per day. Tulip bulbs also need a well-drained, fertile soil.
How deep should I plant tulips?Plant spring-flowering bulbs at a depth equal to
three to four times their maximum bulb diameter. Accordingly, tulips and daffodils should be planted 6 to 8 inches deep, crocuses and grape hyacinths 3 to 4 inches deep. Large bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils, should be spaced 6 inches apart. A 3-inch-spacing is
adequate for crocuses, grape hyacinths and other small bulbs.
What is the proper way to plant tulips?Plant tulips and other spring-flowering bulbs in
clusters or groups to achieve the greatest visual impact in the garden. When planting tulips and daffodils, plant 10 or more bulbs of the same variety in an area. Smaller growing plants, such as grape hyacinths and crocuses, should be planted in clusters of 25 or more bulbs.
Which are the best tulips for perennializing?Most modern tulip cultivars bloom well for only
three or four years. However, there are some tulip types (classes) that bloom well over a longer period.
Darwin hybrid tulips are generally the longest blooming hybrid tulip. Darwin hybrid tulips are prized for their large, brilliant flowers. Flowers are available in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow and white. Blooms are borne on stems that are up to 30 inches tall. Darwin hybrid tulips bloom in mid-season.
Fosteriana tulips also perennialize well. They are noted for their large, elongated flowers. Flowers appear in early spring on 10- to 20-inch-tall stems. Foliage is typically green or gray-green. However, a few cultivars have mottled or striped foliage. Fosteriana tulips also are known as Emperor tulips.
Species tulips are generally the longest lived tulips. Some naturalize when given favorable growing conditions. Species tulips include wild tulip species and cultivars developed from these wild species. Species tulips are usually smaller than modern tulips. They also have smaller flowers. Species tulips are excellent choices for rock gardens and in the front of beds and borders. They sometimes are referred to as botanical tulips.
Buchanan County Master Gardeners, October meeting on the 21stThe Buchanan County Master Gardeners Meeting Tuesday, October 21st, will begin with Potluck at 6:00 p.m. at Heartland
Acres, Independence. The agenda includes the election of officers for 2015.
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Properly Planting Tulips in FallYard and Garden article originally published October 8, 2014, and written by Richard Jauron & Laura Sternweis
at <http://www.extension.iastate.edu/article/yard-and-garden-properly-planting-tulips-fall>
About the Author: Richard Jauron, Horticulture, 515-294-1871, [email protected] Greg Wallace, ISU Extension and Outreach, 515-294-1327, [email protected]
Free Garden Classes in Marion & HiawathaLinn County Master Gardener is offering free classes at the Marion Public Library during October & at the Hiawatha Public Library
during November.Details may be found at <http://www.extension.iastate.edu/linn/news/free-garden-classes-marion-public-library> and at <http://
www.extension.iastate.edu/linn/news/free-garden-classes-hiawatha-public-library>
2014 - ISSUE 10! BUCHANAN COUNTY MASTER GARDENER OFF SHOOTS! PAGE 3
Newsletter to Cover All Things Related to Small Farm Living
Many Iowans are choosing to live on small farms or acreages. Christa Hartsook and her husband Greg are raising three children on a small farm in Story County. She is the new small farm sustainability program coordinator with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Hartsook and the SFS program are reintroducing the Acreage Living newsletter in an online format. The first issue is posted at:<http://www.extension.iastate.edu/smallfarms/newsletter/fall-2014>
You may register for automatic email delivery of the newsletter at:
<http://www.extension.iastate.edu/smallfarms/sign-our-newsletter>
January 21st
February 18th
March 18th
April 15th
May 20th
June 17th
July 16-19
August 19th
September 16th
October 21st
November 18th
December
Great Spaces @ Heartland AcresPotluck 6:30
Steering Committee MeetingReview plans for Symposium
Sign up for committeesOpen to all Master Gardeners and general public
@ St. James Episcopal Church202 2nd Ave NE,
IndependencePotluck 6:30/Program 7:00
Open to all Master Gardeners and general public
@ St. James Episcopal Church202 2nd Ave NE, Independence
Potluck 6:30Program 7:00
Review MG Symposium 2014Open to all Master Gardeners and general public
@ St. James Episcopal Church202 2nd Ave NE,
IndependencePotluck 6:30/Program 7:00
Open to all Master Gardeners and general public
Great Spaces @ Heartland AcresPlant Exchange 6:00
Potluck 6:30Steering Committee MeetingOpen to all Master Gardeners and general public
@ Diane Dave's home1020 6th Ave, SW
IndependencePotluck 6:00/Garden Tour
Open to all Master Gardeners and general public
Buchanan County FairJoin us in the
Master Gardener booth in the Garden Gate Building
Great Spaces @ Heartland AcresPotluck 6:00
Steering Committee MeetingOpen to all Master Gardeners and general public
@ St. James Episcopal Church202 2nd Ave NE, Independence
Potluck 6 p.m.Program 7:00 - Independence
Tree Walk (RV park near Dairy Queen)Open to all Master Gardeners and general public
@ St. James Episcopal Church202 2nd Ave NE,
IndependencePotluck 6:30/Program 7:00
Open to all Master Gardeners and general public
No Regular Meeting
Happy HolidaysSee you in 2015
Master GardenerCalendar2014
Great Spaces @ Heartland AcresPotluck 6:30
Steering Committee MeetingElection of Officers for 2015
Open to all Master Gardeners and general public
Online Gardening Articles from ISU ExtensionSite addresses verified August 13, 2014
Many articles are now indexed in the Yard & Garden FAQs Database
<https://expert-hort.sws.iastate.edu/>Horticulture & Home Pest News Archives by topic
(also listed by author or date)<http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/archive/topic>
Reiman’s Pick (No archives - now published as one of four blogs)<http://www.reimangardens.com/education-ideas/blogs/>
Gardening Publications from ISU ExtensionAvailable from the ISU Extension Online Store:
<https://store.extension.iastate.edu/ProductArea?TopicID=10>
Many of these publications are free to download.
2014 - ISSUE 10! BUCHANAN COUNTY MASTER GARDENER OFF SHOOTS! PAGE 4
Enjoying Fall Pumpkin and SquashYard and Garden article originally published September 17, 2014,
found at <http://www.extension.iastate.edu/article/yard-and-garden-enjoying-fall-pumpkin-and-squash>
One of the best aspects of fall gardening is the harvesting of pumpkins and squash. The closely related members of the squash family are popular parts of the fall calendar, from Halloween through the making of favorite fall and holiday recipes. Tips from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists help gardeners enjoy these fall favorites. To have additional questions answered, contact the ISU Hortline at 515-294-3108 or [email protected].
When should I harvest my pumpkins?Pumpkins can be harvested when they have developed a deep,
uniform orange color and the rind is hard. Mature pumpkins can also be left in the garden or field until the vines are killed by a light frost or freeze.
When harvesting pumpkins, handle them carefully to avoid cuts and bruises. Cut the pumpkins off the vine with a sharp knife or pair of lopping shears. Leave several inches of stem attached to each fruit. A pumpkin with a three to five inch stem or handle is more attractive. Also, pumpkins with stems are less likely to rot. Do not carry pumpkins by their stems. The stems may not be able to support the weight of the pumpkins and may break off.
What is the proper way to store pumpkins?After harvesting the pumpkins, cure them at a temperature of 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 percent
relative humidity for 10 days. Curing helps to harden their skins and heal any cuts and scratches.
After curing, store pumpkins in a cool, dry location. Storage temperatures should be 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. When storing pumpkins, place them in a single layer where they don’t touch one another. Good air circulation helps to prevent moisture from forming on the surfaces of the fruit and retards the growth of decay fungi and bacteria. Placing the pumpkins in piles generates unwanted heat which may result in the rotting of some fruit. Promptly remove and discard any pumpkins that show signs of decay.
When do you harvest winter squash?Harvest winter squash when the fruit are fully mature. Mature winter squash have very hard skins that can’t
be punctured with the thumbnail. Additionally, mature winter squash have dull-looking surfaces.
When harvesting winter squash, handle them carefully to avoid cuts and bruises. These injuries are not only unsightly, they provide entrances for various rot-producing organisms. Cut the fruit off the vine with a pruning shears. Leave a one-inch stem on each fruit.
What is the proper way to store winter squash?After harvesting, cure winter squash (except for the acorn types) at a temperature of 80 to 85 degrees
Fahrenheit and a relative humidity of 80 to 85 percent. Curing helps to harden the squash skins and heal any cuts and scratches. Do not cure acorn squash. The high temperature and relative humidity during the curing process actually reduce the quality and storage life of acorn squash.
After curing, store winter squash in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Storage temperatures should be 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not store squash near apples, pears, or other ripening fruit. Ripening fruit release ethylene gas which shortens the storage life of squash.
When properly cured and stored, the storage lives of acorn, butternut, and hubbard squash are approximately five to eight weeks, two to three months, and five to six months, respectively.About the Author: Richard Jauron, Horticulture, 515-294-1871, [email protected] Greg Wallace, ISU Extension and Outreach, 515-294-1327, [email protected]
2014 - ISSUE 10! BUCHANAN COUNTY MASTER GARDENER OFF SHOOTS! PAGE 5
2014-2014 Master Gardener Officers and Project & Committee Membership
Iowa Master Gardener’s Upcoming EventsCompanion Planting in Any Location Oct. 22, 2014 - 6:30-7:30 p.m. Marion Public Library, 1095 6th Ave, Marion
Linn County Master Gardener (LCMG) Debbie Main will provide tips on which plants work happiest together and how to grow your plants as organically as possible. Free, no pre-registration required.
More information at: <http://www.extension.iastate.edu/linn/news/free-garden-classes-marion-public-library>Houseplants Oct. 29, 2014 - 6:30-7:30 p.m. Hiawatha Public Library, 150 W Williams St, Hiawatha
LCMG Rose Milden will provide tips to help you succeed in growing heathy and beautiful houseplants to enjoy year round. Free, no pre-registration required.
More information at: <http://www.extension.iastate.edu/linn/news/free-garden-classes-hiawatha-public-library>Growing Succulents in the Midwest Nov. 5, 2014 - 6:30-7:30 p.m. Hiawatha Public Library, 150 W Williams St, Hiawatha
LCMG Nancy Sutherland will provide tips on how to grow cactus and other succulents in Iowa. Succulents have few diseases or insect problems, can tolerate heat, and add texture and variety to your garden. Free, no pre-registration required.
More information at: <http://www.extension.iastate.edu/linn/news/free-garden-classes-hiawatha-public-library>Raised Beds/Square Foot Gardening Nov. 12, 2014 - 6:30-7:30 p.m. Hiawatha Public Library, 150 W Williams St, Hiawatha
LCMG Will Carew covers the principles of raised beds, shows many pictorial examples, and discusses construction techniques, trellis/cloche use and protecting crops from critters. The benefits of square foot gardening in a raised bed include increasing the growing season, decreasing weeding and saving time. Free, no pre-registration required.
More information at: <http://www.extension.iastate.edu/linn/news/free-garden-classes-hiawatha-public-library>International Master Gardener Conference September 22-25, 2015 Mid-America Center, 1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs, IA
Iowa and Nebraska will be hosting this event in Council Bluffs. Programs are being developed by Iowa State Extension and University of Nebraska/Lincoln Extension and Iowa and Nebraska Master Gardeners. Additional information including links to share your ideas for programs available at: <http://mastergardener.unl.edu/imgc2015>
Sign-ups for 2014 committees were held at the Steering Committee Meeting January 21st. If you haven't signed up for committees yet, please contact Terry Bowden, Steering Committee Chair, [email protected] or contact Ashley Sherrets at the Extension office to sign up for 2014 projects/committees.
Steering Committee OfficersTerry Bowden, ChairKen Harms, Vice ChairAnita Miller, Secretary
2015 Master Gardener SymposiumCharlene SwartsLynda FiesterShelley SchaferDenise HawkerKim HansenJoAnn CrainCindy WaltonDiane DaveTerry BowdenAnita Miller
Farmers Markets (dates TBA)Hazel KoutJoAnn CrainNancy WeberShirley RozendaalJean GillpatrickCharlene SwartsDiane Dave
Rowley Community Center & Welcome Sign
JoAnn CrainKenneth Harms
Fair - Flower ShowHazel KoutNancy WeberDenise HawkerCharlene SwartsRuth BrandtRudy KubikMary Lou Weepie
Hazleton Veterans/City ParkHazel KoutMary Davis
Fair - Master Gardeners BoothHazel KoutRuth BrandtBetty PayneCharlene SwartsJoAnn CrainNancy WeberShirley RozendaalKenneth HarmsMary Lou Weepie
Green Thumb Garden Camp - (June 5, 12, 19, & 26)
Kim HansenNancy WeberShelley Schafer (tentatively
Lee Mansion (see Denise, Shelley, & Kim)
Denise HawkerShelley SchaferKim HansenHazel KoutJoAnn CrainJean GillpatrickDiane Dave
OffShoots newsletterRuth Brandt, editor
OffShoots articles/interviews Diane Dave (March)Denise Hawker (June)Charlene SwartsAshley Sherrets
Independence Library (Planters & Butterfly Garden)
Connie Higgins (planters)Ashley Sherrets (planters)Kim HansenShirley RozendaalDenise HawkerShelley SchaferJean Gillpatrick
Master Gardener ScrapbookJean Gillpatrick
Winding Creek Meadows Raised Bed Gardens - Jesup
JoAnn CrainKenneth Harms
Project PhotographerShelley SchaferKim HansenDenise HawkerRuth BrandtAshley Sherrets
Educational Gardening Programs (for adults & youth as requested)
Anita MillerMary Lou WeepieAshley Sherrets (Facilitator/Extension representative)
Hospice Garden (see Diane)Diane DaveKim HansenDenise HawkerCharlene SwartsConnie HigginsDave Higgins
Jakway Heirloom GardenMary Davis
Wapsipinicon Mill Prairie GardenShirley RozendaalAnita MillerLeanne Harrison
Hort-lineTerry Bowden
Projects that currently have no volunteers.
Contact Ashley for more information
City of Independence: Main Street Planters (24)
Darrell E. Davis Adult Day Center (gardening activities for mentally challenged adults)
Nursing Home ProjectsAmish Garden Planting (with
students at Prairie Grove Elementary)
Buchanan County Health Care Center Vegetable Garden (produce will go to SPARK program, hospital cafeteria, staff, residents of long-term care, and patients)
Cedar Rock
Horticulture & Home Pest News <http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/> is published 19 times a year (monthly, October through February and biweekly during gardening season, March through September). Articles in the September 12, 2014, issue include: Basil Downy Mildew Confirmed in Iowa / Fall Lawn Care / Euphoric Bumble Flower Beetle / Impatiens Downy Mildew Strikes Close to Home Articles in the September 26, 2014 issue include: Clouded Plant Bug - Another Unusual Sight of 2014 / Forcing Hyacinth Bulbs Indoors / Millipedes Are Marching / Keeping Geraniums through the Winter / Enjoying Fall Pumpkin and Squash / Small Farm Living Newsletter Returns Articles in the October 10, 2014 issue include: Accidental Invader Season Is Upon Us / Mushroom or Plant? The Case of the Indian Pipes / Harvesting Parsnips, Salsify, and Horseradish
2014 - ISSUE 10! BUCHANAN COUNTY MASTER GARDENER OFF SHOOTS! PAGE 6
Buchanan County ISU Extension & Outreach
2600 Swan Lake Boulevard, Suite AIndependence, IA 50644
An advertisement for ant poison states "Will kill ants for 3 months." How do those ants come back to life?
from http://www.gardendigest.com/humor.htm