Neighbours talking over the garden gate has long been a tradition. They share gardening tips, complain about the weather and pests yet are ever eager to discuss their gardens. That is what I had in mind when creating this blog. So stop by my garden gate to find out the latest happenings in my garden.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
"All my life through, the new sights of Nature made me rejoice like a child." ~ Madame Marie Curie"

Saturday, July 31, 2010

A Tipi at the Organic Farm

tipi
Tipi
July 28, 2010

Home gardeners know that gardening is not  just the bare basics.  Garden decorations enter the picture at some point.  Some aren't even intended garden decorations but meant rather to serve practical purposes likes pest deterrents or critter protectors like toad home.  The organic farm has a wonderful tipi constructed on a bit of open space.  Despite adding character, the tipi could serve as a spot to harden young plants in the spring.  The canvas would shield from sunburn and wind while proving a bit of warmth.  I'm not sure if they are using it for this purpose so will be sure to ask the next time we visit.

Behind the row of evergreens which is a common windbreak in rural areas there is a larger traditional row garden (picture tomorrow) and a lovely pond that is just still in progress.  It will be gorgeous when finished.  They are planning on adding sitting areas for visitors to rest and ponder awhile.  They also have horses and while they no longer offer riding lessons they may will offer a trail ride.  They have free range chickens as well so I now have another source for buying eggs until I get chickens of my own.
 
Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Friday, July 30, 2010

Raised Beds at the Organic Farm

strawberry beds at organic farm
Strawberry Beds
July 28, 2010

Imagine my delight when we pulled onto the organic farm to see 2 raised beds planted using the square foot gardening method and larger raised beds for the everbearing and June bearing strawberries.  Pictured are 3 of the raised beds for strawberries.  I didn't get a picture of the smaller (4' x 4' ) square foot raised beds.  I will be sure to get a picture the next time as they do use the hard grid something I'm not quite fond of.  The raised strawberry beds are constructed much the same way as I make mine.  I noticed there were no corner or side supports and while some use the additional supports, I've never had a problem not using them. 

Two things differ from my raised beds.  I noticed they butted the beds fairly tight to the barn.  In larger beds and even the smaller square foot garden beds this reduces accessibility defeating one of the purposed for the raised bed.  Ideally with a square foot garden bed you should not have to reach more than 2 - feet in to be able to plant, tend or harvest.  While the 4' x 4' raised bed is the traditional size any length as long as the bed is 4' wide will work nicely.  A 2' x any length will work nicely as well.  Pathways between each raised garden bed originally were designed to give good access all the way around the beds.  When done properly the entire garden will be wheelchair accessible.  The second thing I noticed is the beds are wider than 4 -feet again presenting accessibility issues.  Other than that the beds all looked happy, healthy and well maintained!

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Thursday, July 29, 2010

Three Sisters Garden Bed

three sisters garden bed
Three Sisters Garden Bed
July 28, 2010

A few days ago a flyer arrived in our mailbox letting us know about a new organic farm operation in our area.  I'm always watching for this type of thing for the fruits and vegetables I either don't grow enough of or don't grow at all.  Yesterday we drove out to see the operation and oh my gosh it is fabulous!  The next few posts will give a bit more on some of the things I found interesting. 

The owners are absolutely wonderful, down to earth people interested in sustainable living.  I immediately liked them so will be visiting often!  I may even offer to volunteer on their farm just to be able to expand my gardening knowledge.  He is a fourth generation farmer on a heritage farm so it is really encouraging to see this type of farming happening!  It is a great way for those in the area to get to know about organic gardening.  They are planning on having workshops as well.

Pictured is one of the two three sisters garden beds planted on the farm.  Three sisters is an Aboriginal (Native Canadian) method of growing.  The three sisters are beans, squash and corn.  The beans provide nitrogen, while the corn provides shade.  The beans climb the poles which gives a higher yield as well.  I am now convinced I need to plant a three sisters bed.  If you look closely this bed is also raised but in a less formal way.  The support trellis like many on the farm is made from branches that likely would have ended up in the woodstove or firepit.  Looking at the creativity of their trellises it reminded me that we should be using more of these methods when growing organically rather than relying on store bought trellises, supports and cages. 

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Giant Hogweed

Warnings have been issued for southern Ontario regarding giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) aka giant cow parsley.  This is a  perennial, invasive noxious weed that reaches a height of 5 metres is a public health risk.  The sap contains furocoumarin, a chemical that renders skin extremely susceptible to UV exposure resulting in severe burns and blistering (phytophotodermatitis).  This can result in purplish to black scars lasting several year, blindness if the sap gets in the eyes and hospitalization.  This is definitely one weed to stay away from!  The problem is when small giant hogweed resembles Queen Anne's Lace so unsuspecting residents do realize this is a noxious weed that should carefully be destroyed. 

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Weeds, Weeds and More Weeds

The combination of copious amounts of rain daily with high temperatures and humidity have spurred a surge of weeds in the raised garden beds.  I seriously don't mind weeds in my gardens because some of them are edible and others act as companion plants to protect the fruits and vegetables.  However at this point I have no choice but to weed especially when the weeds start overshadowing the vegetables.  It wasn't a pretty sight but I managed to clean the beds out in short order.  On the bright side apparently the the vegetables and herbs enjoyed all the rain and hot weather because they are really looking nice!  So far it looks like the zucchini and a couple of the pickling cucumber planters didn't make it though.  I will have to repot them.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Monday, July 26, 2010

First Tomato of 2010

first tomato of 2010

First Tomato
July 24, 2010


I picked the first ripe tomato of the season on Saturday.  It is a Tiny Tim and as you can see from the picture of the tomato on 2 - inch ceramic tiles it does live up to its name.  While this little tomato won't be enough for a sandwich I used it in a loaf of Italian Garden bread.  I'm looking forward to many more tomatoes to come!

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Sunday, July 25, 2010

Turning Leaves

turning leaves
Turning Leaves
July 23, 2010

My Mom taught me to look to the sky for weather signs.  I learned from a very early age that turning leaves meant very nasty thunderstorms.  Combined with ominous stillness the turning leaves meant the eye of the storm is very close.  Outside the eye of the storm the winds gain speed.  Friday's storm brought the turning leaves pictured yet an eerie stillness before unleashing its furry.  The quiet seemed quite odd.  Even the birds stopped chirping as the skies darkened.  This was a very violent storm that took the life of at least one person in our area and was reported to be a small tornado to the south of us so we just caught the top side of it.  We didn't have any garden damage so that was nice.  It's surprising though given the strength of the winds!

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Saturday, July 24, 2010

Yesterday's Storm

We have had a very nasty bout of violent storms over the past few days.  Yesterday one of these storms blew up so I took a few video clips.  This video clip does not show the full force of the violence as I ended up having to take cover.  Cedar trees to the left just out of range of the camera moments later were bent almost in half.  The rain came down so hard the garden was barely visible.  While I was taking this video the rain was hard enough to send the wonderful scent of basil though the air.  Later the report came out that the storm was a suspected tornado to the south of us and a fisherman very close to our house who had been unfortunate enough to not heed the weather warnings had died after being struck by lightening.  As boaters we know that rogue lightening from these types of storms happens so it is not a time to be on the water.  From a gardening perspective I was concerned about damage in the garden but despite the high winds everything looks good.  We are bracing ourselves for more storms today.  They look like they will be just as violent!




Happy Gardening!
Garden Gnome ©2006-2010


Friday, July 23, 2010

Please Welcome the Latest Inhabitants of the Gnome Empire

newest gnomes in Gnome Empire
New Arrivals
July 22, 2010 

Many people don't realize that Gnomes come in a variety of sizes much like their human counterparts.  They also have a wide range of interests.  The smallest Gnome is an exclusive design from Cape Shore.  He is about 2 - inches tall.  Unlike working Gnomes this little one is all about lounging on the beach complete with drink in hand.  He sports sunglasses and a funky patterned shirt moving away from the plainer attire of garden and home Gnomes.  He is simply about as adorable as you can get! Gnolfing Gnome represents my husband's interests.  He might tag along in my husband's golf bag occasionally to bring a little luck.  Something tells me this little guy will be going places!

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Thursday, July 22, 2010

Horseradish

Horseradish
(Armoracia rusticana)
July 21, 2010

I have always wanted to grown horseradish but had never got around to it.  This year bought horseradish online from Ritchers Herbs in late June and planted it in two pots.  I planted in pots for two reasons.  First horseradish can be invasive in the garden and second our house is on the market so planted in pots will allow me to bring them to the new house if/when we move.  One pot (pictured) is outdoors while the other is in the sunporch.  The plant outdoors is growing nicely although there are a few signs of leaf damage.  The plant growing in the sunporch is also growing nicely but is smaller.  I'm looking forward to harvesting fresh horseradish root although it might not be this year.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Wednesday, July 21, 2010

A Brief Garden Update

My gosh the weather has been somewhat strange here.  The past few weeks we have had blistering heat followed by almost daily thunderstorms.  I've battled a few insects the first few weeks of the garden but now it seems that pests have gone by the wayside replaced with weather conditions.  Other than that the garden is looking rather good!  So here is a brief update:

  • progress - Marketmore cucumbers are progressing nicely having picked 5 large ones so far.  I've picked two pickling cucumbers so far.  A couple of the Tiny Tim tomatoes are ripening almost ready for picking.  The herbs are excelling by leaps and bounds!  The new beds are looking wonderful.  Most of the container plants are growing nicely.  For the most part the garden has become almost eerily pest free not that I'm complaining but just an observation.  I've picked 3 zucchini so far and have harvested herbs for drying.
  • problems - Weather seems to be my major problem here.  It has been so hot that containers need watering as many as 3 times a day.  Then we've been faced with high heat and humidity during the morning followed by periods of strong, severe thunderstorms in the afternoon and evenings.  Part of the problem is the container plants are actually having a chance to dry out in the morning before the afternoon rains hit. 
Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Waterball Garden Update

waterball garden update
Waterball Garden Update
July 16, 2010

Last month I posted on setting up a waterball garden using polyacrylamide decorative gel.  The waterballs had a wonderful, whimsical look so I used them to set up three vases of cuttings.  The gel works well and I have no complaints as far as starting non-edible plant cuttings.  They are quite pretty at first.  Pictured to the right are the crystal balls fully hydrated, shimmery and quite appealing.  Pictured to the left is one of the vases planted with pothos cuttings.  Cuttings need suitable light for rooting.  Within a couple of weeks the waterballs started discolouring with signs of algae.  By the time good roots were forming the waterballs were not as aesthetically appealing as they could be.  I plant on planting the rooted cutting in soil then will clean the waterballs through a series of fresh water washes.  I will use them again for rooting but in all honesty I think the waterballs are better for short term, fresh plant use for centerpieces and decorative elements.  I do like that no watering is necessary during the rooting period though so while the waterballs don't keep their great crystal looks while rooting they are still rather useful.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Monday, July 19, 2010

Queen Anne's Lace

Queen Anne's Lace
Queen Anne's Lace
July 14, 2010

Queen Anne's Lace aka wild carrot is a fairly common weed here.  The plant was introduced from Europe.  It is a biennial that blooms from May through October.  Some consider Queen Anne's Lace invasive as it can crowd out native plants but most find this pretty weed easy to control.  The tap root which is a carrot is edible although the leaves are toxic and can cause a rash.  The plant is actually a beneficial weed attracting pollinators and caterpillars of the Eastern Black Swallowtail.  It can be grown in gardens if desired to help attract beneficial pollinators and predators like Green Lacewing that attack aphids. 
Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Sunday, July 18, 2010

The First of the Zucchini Summer Squash

zucchini summer squash
Zucchini Summer Squash
July 16, 2010

I picked the first of the zucchini a couple of days ago.  The zucchini is growing in a 5 gallon container.  It has been looking quite promising but it will be interesting to see how the zucchini performs overall in the container.  I don't know the variety of this zucchini as the tag was missing when I bought it.  So far the squash is a bit misshaped but that could be due to a lot of factors.  The largest of the squash was a little over 10 inches so that is just perfect size for sautéing the way we like them.  I like picking zucchini before it reaches the 10 - inch mark for best flavour and texture.  Picking at this size encourages more fruit usually resulting in being able to pick one squash daily. 

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Saturday, July 17, 2010

Rose of Sharon (Athea) in Bloom

Rose of Sharon
Rose of Sharon
"Athea"
July 13, 2010

The Rose of Sharon is in bloom a bit earlier this year.  The bush has grown nicely apparently appreciating some of the clean out of surrounding bushes and trees we have done over the last couple of year.  I just love the double blooms on this Rose of Sharon!  Apparently the humming birds do too as one has been seen frequenting the garden.

Happy Gardening!
Garden Gnome ©2006-2010


Friday, July 16, 2010

My First Marketmore Cucumber

marketmore cucumber
First Marketmore Cucumber
(Cucumis sativus)
July 13, 2010

I picked the first Marketmore cucumber on Tuesday (July 13).  Marketmore matures in about 60 days.   produces a long 9 - 11 inch straight cucumber with white spines.  It is resistent to many cucumber diseases.  It's important to keep the cucumbers picked to prevent the seeds from maturing otherwise the vine will stop producing.

The cucumber came in just a little over 9½ - inches!  This is a beautiful looking cucumber if you ask me.  I've grown cucumbers in the past usually the seedless varieties and straight eights but neither performed the way this marketmore plant is performing.  I will certainly be saving seeds for next year.  The plant is loaded with cucumbers so it looks like I'm going to have a bumper crop.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Thursday, July 15, 2010

A Few Thoughts on 'Propagation Prohibited'

Yesterday I mentioned that the geraniums I had bought had propagation prohibited on the tag.  Essentially the plant developer holds the rights to that plant so you are not supposed to propagate the plant by asexually means such as cuttings or divisions.  You can however propagate the plant through pollination meaning you can collect seeds it produces.  On the surface the Plant Holder's Rights offers protection to the plant developer for their intellectual property.  However, it is up to the plant developer to enforce their rights.  They must go through the court system for damages if someone infringes on the Plant Holder's Rights.  Herein lies some of the problems with the Plant Holder's Rights.

  • The only policing of Plant Holder's Rights is the person (company) who owns the rights to their protected plant.  The onus is on them to provide evidence that you are asexually propagating their protected plant and selling or otherwise distributing it.  Unless the plant has been rendered sterile through the hybridization it would be difficult to determine visually if propagation had been asexual or sexual.  Genetically suspected plants could be tested but the reality is this is costly and not really feasible unless a lot of money is at stake.
  • They cannot legally enter onto your property to see if you are propagating their protected plant.  In extreme cases where there is sufficient evidence that you are selling their protected plant in amounts that would indicate that you were propagating large numbers of them, they might be able to get a warrant. 
  • Plant tags get lost all the time.  As a home gardener it is easy to remember the names of plants but whether one is protected or not is a detail easily forgotten especially over the years.  In a mature garden tags more than likely are non-existent.  Adding to this problem is people often move inheriting whatever plants the previous owner planted in the gardens.  Without plant tags the new homeowners have no idea whether a plant in the garden at the house the just moved into is a protected plant or not so may easily propagate the plant via cutting or division. 
How does the Plant Holder's Rights affect you as a home gardener in Canada?  Essentially as long as you are not propagating a protected plant for the purposes of selling it you are fine.  Taking a cutting or dividing the plant for your own personal use if fine especially as some plants must be divided otherwise they become too crowded and you end up losing the entire plant.  I would not recommend trading any plant from your cuttings or divisions and certainly do not sell any.  Trading does seem to be a bit of a grey area though as does giving away plants from cuttings or divisions.  Again it goes back to the problem that you may not even know a plant in your garden is protected.  You can certainly collect the seeds but realize that hybrids do not breed true.  This in itself can be an interesting experiment just to see what you do end up with and you might like the resulting plants even though they don't resemble the parental plant.  You have a better chance of getting a parental type if you cross pollinate two of the hybrid plants.  Some plant developers recognize this so have developed the plant to be sterile. If you want to avoid the whole issue of Plant Holder's Rights then don't buy any hybrid plant marked with PP, propagation prohibited, asexual propagation prohibited or PPAF (propagation prohibited application filed).  Technically PPAF has no bearing on the home gardener since the plant is not and possibly might not be granted protection.  Older heirloom varieties are another option for your gardens. 

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Pinnacle Salmon '07 Geranium

Pinnacle Salmon geranium
Pinnacle® Salmon '07 Geranium
July 12, 2010


Geraniums have never been my favourite garden plant.  The reason being my mother would line every windowsill in the house with geranium cuttings in the fall so she would have geraniums for the following year.  I found the scent overpowering.  The past few years I have come to appreciate the simple beauty of geraniums.  They are available in a wide range of colours and some even have double blooms.  I find they add a wonderful splash of colour.  Geraniums are also relatively problem free making them ideal for new home gardeners.  I'm a bit partial to the salmon geraniums.  I bought 10 of these geraniums from our neighbour's kids who were selling them as a school fundraiser.  As a result they were a bit more expensive at $3 each for a 4" potted geranium but it was going to a good cause.

What is interesting about this particular variety of geranium is on the tag it says propagation prohibited.  This is becoming increasingly more common for some hybrid flowers.  It means the plant developer owns the patent on that cultivar.  It sometimes appears as PP on the tag.  However, it is basically useless for home gardeners propagating plants for their own use!  First few read the tag anyway especially for plants like geraniums and second the tag usually ends up being lost because the plants are repotted.  Unlike many, I tend to keep the tags with the plants if at all possible but that is simply for easy identification of plant varieties later.  Any home gardener is going to propagate the plants they like.  That is a given.  In this case the plant developer is concerned about asexual propagation (cuttings, division) not pollination.  The reason is asexual propagation results in exact copies of the plant that they hold the rights to.  The idea that the plant developer can prevent a home gardener from using asexual propagation methods on their protected plant is nonsense but they can prevent you from selling any plants propagated asexually from the original plant.  It's the same principle as the music copyright issue.  They can't stop you from making a copy of a song for personal use but they can go after copyright infringement if you sell the copy.  Technically, the propagation you can do on plants that are marked propagation prohibited are by pollination (sexual plant reproduction).  So you should not collect seeds or take cuttings however some plants will propagate through dropped leaves or seed.  Legally you do not have to destroy the plants that result from this but you cannot sell those plants.  The plant can be divided to suit your needs but you cannot sell the divisions.  

In Canada a plant developer can apply for Plant Holder's Rights.   Once granted the rights are for 18 years providing a renewal fee is paid annually.  There are two exemptions to the Plant Holder's Rights


Research Exemption: Protected varieties may be used for breeding and developing new plant varieties without the permission of the holder of the rights.
Farmers' Privilege: Farmers may save and plant their own seed of protected varieties on their own land without infringing on the holder's rights.

A plant developer's rights may be revoked for failure to pay the annual fee as well as failure to maintain propagation or proving the variety is being maintained.  The rights can also be revoked it is found the plant developer was selling the variety before being granted the rights.  It is quite possible that even though the tag says propagation prohibited the plant is no longer protected under the Plant Holder's Rights.  From a home gardening perspective, taking cuttings from a propagation prohibited plant to create new plants should be for personal use only.  However, there is nothing to restrict you from collecting seeds from the plant or using that plant to do a cross with another variety of the same plant to create a new but different plant from the parental plant.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Rogue Daisy

rogue daisy
Rogue Daisy
July 9, 2010

An interesting thing happens after you rip out old garden beds.  Every once in awhile an old plant from the former bed reappears in the new garden bed or if the old bed was seeded/sodded through the grass.  A couple of days ago I discovered this pretty daisy poking through the now grass where a former garden bed was.  What really surprises me is this particular area was where we took out 6 large spreading evergreens so the chances of disrupting any plant left behind was quite high.  Despite that tulips, daffodils, crocuses and not daisies are popping up through the grass.  It is rather pretty!  I have to smile each time I discover one of these rogue plants.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Monday, July 12, 2010

A Petunia Garden

Petunia Garden
July 10, 2010

Part of loving gardening is enjoying and learning from other gardeners.  Saturday we took the boat out for a wonderful day spent on the water.  I managed to snap this picture of a petunia garden from the boat.  I'm actually impressed at how clear it came out.  Aren't those frogs simply adorable?  They look like they are enjoying their quiet spot tucked in the petunias!

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Sunday, July 11, 2010

Pruning Evergreens

Midsummer is the ideal time to prune evergreens because they are semi-dormant. Evergreens that can be pruned midsummer include those with random-branching growth patterns like yews, arborvitae, hemlocks, cedars and junipers. Arborvitae can be lowered by 20 percent to a lower branch crotch. The branch tips should be lightly pruned to balance the overall shape. Junipers can be pruned to remove wayward branches without pruning into the dead zone at the plant's center. Yews and hemlocks should be sheared to keep the shape throughout the summer. Stop pruning before the fall to prevent a flush of new growth that won't have time to harden before cold temperatures arrive.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Saturday, July 10, 2010

Powdery Mildew

My experience with zucchini and cucumber is they tend to be prone to powdery mildew.  Powdery mildew in the cucurbit family is is a fungal disease caused by Sphaerotheca fuliginea.  In severe cases it will destroy the entire plant as well as spreading to healthy plants.  As with any plant disease recognizing and treating the problem early can make a huge difference as to whether the crop is saved. 

powdery mildew on cucumber leaves
In my previous garden that had more shade than it should have I expected problems so was not surprised at dealing with powdery mildew.  This garden however is in a sunnier location and with most of the tomatoes planted in containers set in the sunniest locations I was hoping to not have to deal with powdery mildew this year.  Unfortunately it did strike.  The plants most effected are the pickling cucumbers planted in containers.  The marketmore cucumber planted in one of the raised beds has a suspected leaf blight which is also fungal.

Powdery mildew shows up as light blueish grey fuzzy spots on the leaves.  The spots will get larger eventually covering the entire leaf that will then shrivel and die.  Fungus propagate via spores so the disease can spread rapidly.  It is very important to not work in the garden when the foliage is wet as that will hasen the spread of fungal diseases.
 
treating for powdery mildew
Controlling powdery mildew in the home garden can be easily achieved by spraying the leaves regularly with chamomile tea, a baking soda solution or a milk solution.  My experience has been the milk solution is the most effective with result seen within a couple of hours of spraying.  One of the reasons for this is milk acts as a foliar fertilizer that boosts the plant's immune system helping it fight off the disease via its germicide properties. 

A 10% (1 part milk to 9 parts water) solution sprayed weekly of milk is enough to control powdery mildew.  Too strong of a solution can cause odours and  an innoccuous to grow on the plants.  I use 3 tbsp spoons of skim milk powder in one litre of water for the first treatment then reduce the skim milk powder to 2 tbsp for each treatment there after.  I spray the milk solution on all of the leaves to curb any further outbreaks.  This effectively kills off the initial powdery mildew outbreak and any further outbreaks.  I also cut away any dead leaves that may harbour the fungal spores.  The milk treatment is effect, low cost and organic.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Friday, July 09, 2010

The First of the Marketmore Cucumbers

marketmore cucumbers
Marketmore Cucumbers
July 7, 2010

The marketmore cucumber plant went in the herb bed along with the main garden planting in late May and early June.  It showed a few signs of transplant shock but all new growth has been quite healthy looking.  The lower leaves have a few brown spots possibly Alternaria leaf blight caused by Alternaria cucumerina fungus on them so I will spray with a milk solution which has anti-fungal properties.  The upper leaves are perfectly healthy looking so that is encouraging.  There are a lot of blooms and small cucumbers with the largest about 6 - inches long.  I'm looking forward to picking fresh cucumbers from the garden!  It looks like the first one will be ready for picking before the weekend.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Thursday, July 08, 2010

Chicago Cardinal Red Daylilies in Bloom

Chicago Cardinal Red Daylilies
July 6, 2010

Daylilies are just spectacular garden performers!  They are always such a delight to see.  The Chicago Cardinal Red daylilies started off well with a bright, showy display.  The clump has spread a bit from last year so that is nice to see as well.  The heat wave quickly started affecting their blooms causing them to fade a bit quicker than normal.  We have a couple more days of this so watering is in order.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Emergency Container Resuce

Ontario and Quebec are experiencing a heat wave with hot, humid weather.  This is the type of weather that can end up killing off a few container plants.  The problem is even if the container is watered thoroughly in the morning by early afternoon it may need watering again.  This year I added SoilMoist™ granules to my non-edible planters to help with water management but even that is proving to be minimally effective against this heat wave.  Every home gardener has at some point encountered a plant under stress due to lack of water.  There are a few ways that I deal with this problem.

  • containers - I move the container to a shady location then water the soil well trying not to get the foliage wet.  Wetting the foliage when a plant is quite wilted can cause further stress.  I keep an eye of the plant then once fully recovered I move it back to where it was.  
  • in the garden - From time to time one or more plants will show stress due to drying conditions.  The biggest problem here is reviving the plant without causing further damage to it or other plants.  Since the garden bed can't be moved it is very important to not get foliage wet where water droplets can act as a magnifying glass causing burning from the sun's rays.  I water around the base of the affected plants enough to get them through to the evening watering.
  • general watering - During a heat wave like this I deep water if needed twice a day.  I water as early in the morning as possible as soon as any dew is off the plants.  I water again in the evening allowing enough time for the soil surface to dry before it gets dark.  Twice a day watering for container plants is pretty much a must during a heat wave.  The larger raised beds are usually fine with one deep watering per day.
  • shading - During high heat wave periods I temporarily hang shade cloth to help shade some of the more sensitive plants in the gardens during the heat of the day.  Shading simply reduces the temperature around those plants to slow the evapouration of soil moisture. 

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Watering Globe Update

I posted back in mid-May about the automatic watering globes I bought.  I thought these would be a nice water management tool especially for indoor use.  I've had a chance to use the watering globes for almost 2 months now so thought I would report back on my experience.   The watering globes are very easy to use.  You simply fill them then insert into the planter.  However I did find that the soil can sometimes block the spout preventing the proper release of water.

I think the jury is still out on the watering globes.  The pothos is loving it's watering globe!  The leaves are bright and shiny, looking very healthy and growing in leaps and bounds.  Speaking of bounds this plant likely does need to be repotted as I am sure it is root bound.  I took a few clippings to start more pots of pothos.  As a houseplant it is rather problem free thriving on neglect.  The watering globe has made a huge difference in this plant!  The calla lily even though it likes to be kept a bit on the damp side is another story.  Shortly after putting the watering globe in I noticed the soil developing signs of mold.  I replanted the the lilies thinking that the pot was too small.  I added the watering globe to the newly planted lilies and put them in the sunporch.  What I think is my problem with these lilies is they weren't getting enough sunlight on the lower level of the house.  The sunporch is on the upper level so there is a bit more natural light as well as better air circulation to help the soil dry between watering.  The watering globe does keep the calla lily watered but I'm wondering if it is just a bit too much for the current conditions. 

All in all I am rather pleased with the watering globes.  They will certainly help prevent plant loss for those times we are away for extended periods of time.  They will also help keep plants watered during the drying winter heating months.  I am planning on picking up a couple more for use with houseplants as needed.  I think they are well suited to tropic house plants that require a bit more waterings.

Happy Gardening!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Monday, July 05, 2010

A Short Garden Update

I thought I should give a short garden update.  The raised beds are looking rather good.  The lettuces have not done well but that is to be expected with the warmer weather so perhaps I will have better luck in the fall.  The radishes are lagging a bit too although I'm not sure why.  The much anticipated the first zucchini fizzled.  I'm trying to figure out why and the only thing I can come up with is the zucchini doesn't like the container.  The cucumbers in containers are doing well.  The freshly planted horseradish is looking good as are the two new beds.  We are in the midst of a heat wave that is predicted to last through the week so the gardens especially the containers will need more water but the heat will really cause a growth spurt in the plants.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Sunday, July 04, 2010

Effective Watering Strategies

Watering the garden is likely one of the most important chores during the summer months.  Any container plants need to be watered daily and quite often a couple of times during the day.  Container plants on balconies in particular need extra water during hot spells.  A few days ago we had a period of wet weather.  While out and about on a rainy day last week I noticed the sprinkler system going full tilt in the lawn of a neighbouring house.  I'm sure this wasn't intentional however it certainly was a colossal waste of water!  Here are some of the water management strategies I use:

  • water the ground not the plant - Soaker hoses and direct soil watering minimizes the amount of water getting onto foliage and puts the water where it is needed near the roots.  Wet foliage is more prone to fungal diseases and the spread of those diseases.  Water droplets on foliage act as a magnifying glass for the sun's rays causing sun burn on the foliage.
  • soilmoist granules - Adding soilmoist granules to the potting mixture for non-edible plants effectively helps prevent the containers from drying out.
  • weather watching - This seems like a very simple concept but if the weather forecast is for rain there is no need to water.  The exception to this is container plants or a plant that is showing signs of stress due to lack of water. Watering during periods of high winds using a sprinkler is quite wasteful as well.  A sprinkler should be avoided for watering
  • water thoroughly - A good watering that soaks the soil reaching deep into the roots is better than several light waterings.  Light waterings result in a weaker root system leaving plants more prone to drying out.  
  • timing - I prefer to water in the morning after any dew has dried off the foliage.  Moving about damp plants even to water helps spread any disease that may be present.  Watering in the morning gives the plants the moisture needed to get through the heat of the day yet ensures both plants and soil are dry enough for the night.  Watering in the evening keeps the soil wet through the night promoting mold and attracting garden pests like snails, slugs and earwigs.
  • let the soil dry - Letting the soil dry between waterings helps to prevent fungal diseases and pests like the fungus gnat. 

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Saturday, July 03, 2010

New Raised Beds (2)

Yesterday I posted about the new raised beds going in.  The beauty of raised beds is they are easier plant and maintain as well as being easier to protect against critters like rabbits.  If rabbits are a problem the bed is already raised by at least 8 - inches so simply adding low fencing meant as garden edging that is about a foot tall around the inside perimeter at the soil level is high enough to deter rabbits.  Even nicer is only those beds with plants the rabbits are attracted to need protecting. 

new raised beds orientation
The two new raise beds are oriented to the west of the two larger beds along the north side.   They follow the line of the old garden that we ripped out.  I do have an overall plan of what I want the finished garden to look like if we don't sell so I'm follow through with achieving that look.  In the early stages of constructing my garden that really consists of several smaller garden beds joined together via a series of paths, I leave the actual paths bare.  If weeds pop up they are scraped away with a hoe.  This gives me a chance to decide exactly what type of cover I want for the path.  My last garden had gravel pathways and the one before that large wood chips.  This time I'm thinking of using cedar chips that will help keep some insects at bay.

new raised beds planted
Pictured are the two new raised beds planted.  The bed in the centre of the picture is planted with sweet banana peppers, California wonder peppers, Spanish onions and one North Star Pepper.  The furthest bed is planted with Beefsteak tomatoes, Jalapeno peppers, Cayenne peppers, Habanero peppers and one square of Spanish onions. 

The two new beds increased my raised bed growing space to 112 square feet, just slightly over the 100 square foot garden challenge.  It is surprising how much a 16 square foot garden bed can produce so the growing space I have while less than my previous garden is still quite productive.  I'll post more about the garden's progress over the growing and harvest season. 

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Friday, July 02, 2010

New Raised Beds (1)

I've been talking of expanding the raised beds since the end of last growing season.  It's been a rather funny year what with the house on the market and going on vacation the new beds were put on the back burner this spring.  Once the other beds  and most of the containers were planted combined with no offers on the house I made the executive decision to put the new beds in anyway.  Originally I was going to add two more 8' x 10' beds but decided to put in two 4' x 4' beds instead.  The intention if we don't sell is to expand again next spring with the two 4' x 4' beds being used for asparagus and rhubarb.

raised bed frames
The construction of raised beds is quite easy.  My husband cuts the 2" x 8" spruce lumber to the desired length then assembles the frames using # 8 screws (2½- inch).  This is my second garden using raised beds constructed this way.  I've never had a problem with the beds pulling apart.  Some recommend reinforcing the sides with additional stakes or reinforcing the corners with stakes.  Others recommend using L brackets it the corners as reinforcement.  There are also a wide range of recommendations as to how to prepare the bottom of the raised beds.  I do a scrapping of weeds if on dirt as these are and if on grass I do nothing as the grass will decompose.  In areas where mole or gophers are a problem lining the bottom of the bed with carpenter's cloth is recommended but we have problems with neither. 

new raised beds prepared for planting
Once the frames were positioned where I wanted them my husband filled the frames with topsoil.  I use topsoil for the first season of a new raised bed.  As the bed is planted several times using the square foot garden method there is a fair amount of soil turnover.  In the fall I begin soil amendments and carry that through the beginning and end of each growing season thereafter.

By the end of the afternoon I had the grid strung on the new beds.  If you recall I'm using garden twine instead of yarn for the grid this year.  I expect the garden twine will hold up a bit better than yarn even though I have used yarn for years.  With the beds prepared I was ready for planting after dinner.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Thursday, July 01, 2010

Magenta Madness® Petunia

magenta madness petunia
Magenta Madness® Petunia
June 25, 2010


The Magenta Madness® petunias are in full bloom, quickly filling their container.  The blooms on this petunia are large and colourful.  I love the gorgeous lilac colour of the blooms!  They are so bright and cheery.  Did you know petunias attract hummingbirds?  They do although so far I haven't seen any hummingbirds flitting around the garden yet.  I planted more containers of petunias this year so perhaps I'll see a hummingbird yet this year.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010