Extension Winter Garden Packet-2
Published: Nov. 26, 2007
NOTE TO EDITORS: This is the second installment of University of Illinois Extension's Winter Garden Packet. The next installment will be sent on Dec. 3 and the fourth and final one on Dec. 10. Please call if you have questions. Bob Sampson, Extension Communications Specialist, (217) 244-0225, rsampson@uiuc.edu .
November 26, 2007
Source: Martha A. Smith (309) 836-3366 Contact: Bob Sampson Extension Communications Specialist Phone (217) 244-0225; rsampson@uiuc.edu
Gardening with Children
Through gardening, children learn about nature and their role in it, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.
"Gardening helps them realize how they fit into the world and that peas and beans don't originate in the grocery store," said Martha Smith. "They learn that nature can be fickle and we are not in complete control, especially if a heavy rain washes away seedlings or rabbits munch on tender shoots.
"Gardening also teaches patience. It takes time for seeds to sprout and children--along with adults--have to learn to wait."
Smith said a child's natural curiosity combined with adult guidance can lead to a life-long hobby.
"Kids have a natural curiosity for nature and the outdoors," she said. "They enjoy digging in the dirt, hunting for worms, and watching seeds grow. Cultivating this interest blossoms into a lifelong love of gardening.
"Often, I hear University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners talk about how as a child they were forced to weed, water, and pick unearthly amounts of produce from their family gardens, wondering all the while what adults found so appealing in a garden. Years later, the value has been realized and gardening has become a favorite pastime, hobby, or obsession."
Gardening provides lessons for both children and adults, she noted.
"When gardening with kids, remember that children garden for their own reasons, which are not necessarily the same reasons adults garden," she explained. "Kids may not be crazy about harvesting beans or pulling weeds, but they love to water the garden--along with their shoes, and you, and the dog, and anything else that gets in the way of the hose.
"They enjoy spending time with adults, working alongside them and asking questions."
Adults need to be realistic in their expectations when gardening with kids. Don't expect perfection. Carrots will grow in uneven rows. Plant what the children like--this way the harvest will be a culinary success. Expecting a six-year-old to tend a 10-by-10-foot garden is a bit much. Start smaller and realize they can't do everything.
"Gardening also crosses over into other disciplines, including science and math, making activities in the garden a perfect way to teach children a variety of skills," she said. "Sharpen math skills by calculating the number of rows times the number of plants. Keep a count of yield, adding it up at the end of the year, keeping a written record to compare future plantings.
"Set a budget and keep track of money spent on the garden. How much are beans at the store and how much did you save by having a home garden? Compare flowers and how they differ from plant to plant. For younger kids, explore leaf and flower shapes, make leaf prints, and search for bugs."
Above all, she added, gardening will teach children one of life's biggest lessons: to be responsible.
"They soon learn that forgetting to water plants and pull weeds has consequences," she said. "Neglected plants won't do very well, while a well-tended garden can be a source of pride for children of all ages."
Children belong outdoors in the summer. Starting a children's garden project can be a win-win situation. Children have something to do throughout the summer and everyone is rewarded with fresh produce at harvest.
"Looking for resources to get ideas this winter for spring and summer gardening?" she asked. "Check out the National Gardening Association (http://www.kidsgardening.com). You will find lots of ideas for gardening with kids. Youth grants for schools and organizations are available. They have a great catalogue offering a wide variety of resources.
"Another interesting website is http://www.icangarden.com . Be sure to check out its feature 'kidz corner.'"
-30-
November 26, 2007
Source: David Robson (217) 782-6515 Contact: Bob Sampson Extension Communications Specialist Phone (217) 244-0225; rsampson@uiuc.edu
Amaryllis--A Holiday Favorite
Popular during the holiday season, the spectacular amaryllis can be enjoyed throughout the winter, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.
"The amaryllis has a single flower stalk with four-inch blooms at the top," said David Robson. "The blooms resemble lily flowers and come in an array of colors from red to pink, coral, and white. The foliage is bright green and strap-like, similar to a bromeliad.
"You may be lucky and get two or three flower stalks per bulb."
Robson provided some recommendations for the purchase and care of amaryllis.
"If buying a bulb--available from October to March--select a large, fat one at least 2-1/2 inches in diameter," said Robson. "Bulbs need to be that size to flower properly. Make sure the bulbs are free of any mold or rot. If the bulb feels soft and squishy, avoid it."
When planting, use a container that has one or more drain holes in the bottom. Amaryllis bulbs are potted so that one-half to two-thirds of the bulb is exposed above the pot rim. Use a pot that is no more than two to three inches bigger in diameter than the bulb. Leave one-half inch of the pot rim above the soil line so you can water without spilling over the edge.
"After potting, soak the soil thoroughly," he said. "When watering, make sure water comes out the bottom of the pot, but do not let the pot stand in this excess water. Pour the excess off. Too much water and the bulb may rot."
Flower stalks with several blooms on each should develop in about six to eight weeks if a top-grade bulb was used. Stake the stalks if necessary but be careful not to injure the bulb.
"Some people stake before planting. It is possible that one flower stalk will bloom out before another is formed," Robson said. "Make sure to keep the soil moist during the flowering period."
The cooler the night temperatures, the stronger the stem, the longer the flowers will last--and the more intense the colors will remain.
Getting the bulb to re-flower the next year isn't always simple, but it can be a rewarding challenge.
"Cut off dead blooms immediately," he said. "However, don't remove leaves that begin to grow after the flower stalks have developed. Keep the plant moist and in a humid location with bright light to full sun. Once the danger of frost is over, sink the pot with the bulb inside into soil outside in a sunny flowerbed and fertilize with a complete water-soluble fertilizer every four to six weeks.
"In late summer, gradually reduce the watering. When foliage has died down, trim it off. Place the pots inside where it is cool--40 to 50 degrees--and dry. Lay the pots on their sides. The bulbs need a six to eight-week rest period. This period is critical to set the flower buds."
Amaryllis should be repotted about every three years or so. Otherwise, do not disturb the roots.
"Pots should be two to three inches larger than the bulb at planting, but pot-bound bulbs seem to flower nicely year after year with minimal care," said Robson.
-30-
November 26, 2007
Source: Maurice Ogutu (708) 352-0109 Contact: Bob Sampson Extension Communications Specialist Phone (217) 244-0225; rsampson@uiuc.edu
Crop Rotation for the Vegetable Garden
In order to avoid soil fertility, pest, and disease problems, home gardeners need to practice crop rotation, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.
"Most homeowners tend to grow the types of vegetables they like year after year," said Maurice Ogutu. "Tomatoes and peppers are some of the vegetables commonly grown by many home gardeners. Due to the limited space in backyards, the ground cannot go fallow, leading to the growing of vegetables in the same area or spot year after year.
"Growing one type of vegetable from the same family in one area for a long period of time may lead to a decline in soil fertility and higher incidences of certain insect pests and disease problems. Soil-borne disease-causing organisms tend to persist in the soil for a long period of time, and some of these organisms tend to attack vegetables from the same botanic families."
Crop rotation is a way to avoid these problems.
"Crop rotation simply means growing vegetables from different families in one area of the garden in successive years," Ogutu explained. "Crop rotation is one of the oldest cultural practices reported in several early civilizations, such as Rome and the early civilizations of Asia and Africa.
"It is a very important factor when planning a vegetable garden."
Generally, it is recommended that vegetables from the same family be rotated by growing vegetables from other families until the third year when they can be grown on the same area. The choice and sequence of crop rotation depends on soil type, climate, and rainfall. For market gardens, it also depends on marketing and other economic variables.
"Although the edible parts of vegetables may be different, botanically vegetables may belong to the same family," he explained. "In order to come up with a good crop rotation program, it is important to know different botanical families of vegetables."
Ogutu listed some of the families and their respective vegetables:
Solanacea or nightshade family--tomato, pepper, eggplant, potato, tomatillo;
Onion family--onions, garlic, leek, shallot, chives;
Cucurbit or gourd family--cucumbers, muskmelon, watermelon, squash, pumpkin, gourd;
Mustard or cole family--cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, turnip, radish, Chinese cabbage, kale, collards, mustard greens, rutabaga;
Legume or pea family--garden pea, snap beans, lima beans, soybean;
Grass family (edible part is seed)--sweet corn, popcorn, ornamental corn;
Carrot family (edible parts are roots, leaves, and leafstalk)--carrots, parsnip, parsley, celery;
Goosefoot family--beet, Swiss chard, spinach;
Sunflower family--lettuce, Jerusalem artichoke, endive, salsify;
Bindweed family (edible part is root)--sweet potato;
Mallow family (edible part is fruit)--okra.
"It is very important to note that while home gardeners grow vegetables from just a few families or just one family such as tomato, pepper, and eggplant, it is necessary to rotate them with vegetables from other families," said Ogutu.
"This may not be applicable to home gardeners growing vegetables in containers and changing the soil at the end of the growing season."
-30-
November 26, 2007
Source: Jennifer Fishburn (217) 782-4617 Contact: Bob Sampson Extension Communications Specialist Phone (217) 244-0225; rsampson@uiuc.edu
Gift Ideas for Gardeners
A short list of items most gardeners will appreciate might come in handy this holiday season, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.
"With gardening being America's number one hobby, it is likely you have several gardeners on your gift list," said Jennifer Fishburn. "Not all homeowners consider themselves gardeners but, if they have a lawn and a few shrubs that they care for, they are a gardener."
One potential gift is a garden knife.
"A garden knife is a multi-functional tool that can be used for several gardening activities such as digging, weeding, and cutting," she said. "Desirable features of this tool would include a comfortable handle and sharp, stainless steel blade with a serrated edge.
"Another good feature to look for is a notched tip, ideal for getting out long roots of dandelions that invade flower beds. Be sure to get a protective sheath with a belt loop."
Fishburn added that some garden knife names to look for include multi-purpose garden knife, all-in-one knife, soil knife, and Hori-Hori Japanese digging tool.
"To provide a gift that a gardener and his or her family will enjoy--as well as our feathered friends--consider bird feeders and bird seed," she said. ""There are many types of bird feeders and several types of bird seed available."
Tray, platform, or hopper feeders make seeds available for all types of birds. However, many of these types of feeders also allow for spillage and can attract squirrels. Many tubular feeders, which have either openings for niger seed or sunflower seeds, attract specific bird species.
"If you're buying a bird feeder as a gift, bird seed makes a good companion gift. Black oil sunflower seeds will attract the largest variety of birds," she said. "Other large seeds that are favored include striped sunflower, niger seed, suet, and peanuts. To avoid the mess of seed hulls, consider purchasing sunflower hearts."
Once they have eaten, birds will want water.
"Birds need water--yes, even in winter," said Fishburn. "A bird bath should be shallow--less than three inches deep--have a gradual slope, and preferably a non-slip bottom.
"Don't forget a birdbath heater; this will keep ice from forming."
Back in the garden, hand pruners are another option. Every gardener needs a good durable set of hand pruners.
"Look for pruners with replaceable parts," she noted. "The scissor-type pruners--bypass pruners--are recommended over the anvil type. Anvil pruners--those with a blade on one side and a flat surface on the other--tend to crush the stem rather than provide a sharp cut. Include a holster for easy access."
How about a garden bench or statuary?
"You might be able to find some good sales on garden benches, statues, sun dials, and fountains," she said. "There are lots of sizes and material choices available for garden benches--wood, concrete, resin, wrought iron, and plastic.
"If the bench is concrete or resin, subject to cracking in cold weather, remind the recipient not to leave the item outside in the winter."
Gardeners can't refuse a good gardening book. Several great publications that are written for Illinois growing conditions are available at local University of Illinois Extension offices.
"One example is U of I Extension's Pocket Guide to Good Gardening," she said. "This pamphlet is small enough to fit in your back pocket and durable enough to weather many trips into the garden. Topics include general gardening tips and key garden safety concerns.
"U of I Extension publications can be purchased in local offices or online at Pubs Plus (http://pubsplus.uiuc.edu)."
Other gift ideas include new plant cultivars, a work apron, garden clogs, leaf shredders, a heavy-duty spade, kneeling pad, garden calendar, and software.
"A gift from the heart that doesn't cost a cent is a coupon for three hours of weeding, planting, mowing, or raking leaves," Fishburn said.
-30-
November 26, 2007
Source: Richard Hentschel (630) 685-2317 Contact: Bob Sampson Extension Communications Specialist Phone (217) 244-0225; rsampson@uiuc.edu
Bugged Houseplants
When bringing garden plants inside for the winter, you can bring unwelcome guests as well, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture specialist.
"Anyone who has houseplants that were set outdoors for the summer and has now returned them to the window sills, greenhouse windows, and sunny foyers needs to be on the lookout for insect outbreaks on their houseplants," said Richard Hentschel. "While most gardeners usually spray or treat their houseplants a week or two before bringing them indoors, it is easy to miss getting complete coverage, allowing the insects to survive.
"Once indoors without any natural predators that might parasitize or eat them, they are free to feed and multiply on those houseplants. Besides the insects that make it inside on the foliage, there are those creepy crawlies like 'pill bugs' or 'earwigs' that are in the soil in the pot and will venture out looking for other food sources."
Ants, too, may emerge, though they are unlikely to continue to survive, he added.
Even if you sprayed, insect eggs may not have been controlled--just the adults and nymph stages. Once the egg masses have been inside for just a few weeks, they can hatch and begin to cause trouble. The earlier you brought the houseplant indoors, the sooner in the fall you will see evidence of insects.
"One of the smaller insects and technically not an insect but a mite is the spider mite," he said. "Spider mites seem to flourish in hot, dry weather outdoors and will do the same once inside with our drier, forced-air heat that is found in most homes. Their feeding damage is the same yellowed, speckled spots on the foliage. Since there are no breezes in the home, a good telltale sign is the 'spider-webbing' you will see in the leaf stem angles, and along the mid-vein of the leaves and near the newly forming buds."
That, he added, is one way they spread from one plant to another.
Other typical insects found on houseplants are wooly aphids and mealy bugs--think aphid with a fur coat--and scales.
"Scales are the most difficult to control as they have a protective layer--scale--covering their soft bodies, which prevents sprays from reaching them," he said. "If you have a houseplant with scale already established, the best advice may be to throw the plant out and not spread the scale to other plants in your home."
Ranking from easiest to hardest to control goes aphids, mealy bugs, spider mites, and scale.
"There are many products available to the homeowner to control indoor plant insects," he noted. "Some are liquid sprays, others are in aerosol form. Some control on contact, others are absorbed by the plants, and the insects like scale are controlled systemically.
"A word of caution is in order as not all products are safe on houseplants. You should read the label very thoroughly before you buy and use the control product."
A good strategy is to clean the foliage monthly with a sprayer on the sink. If the plants are too large, perhaps the bathroom shower will work. This provides the opportunity to keep them dust free, allowing better food production and the opportunity for you to inspect the houseplants and get a jump on any insects bugging your houseplants.
"If you have insect-free houseplants, use caution when receiving and keeping holiday plants," he said. "They may harbor insects and, when intermixed with your existing houseplants, can spread throughout your plants.
"If you suspect your gift plants may have insects, keep them separated and do not keep them past the holiday season."
-30-