New River Valley Master Gardeners

Sharing Knowledge, Empowering Communities

seifried@towson.edu

Floyd Share the Spare

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Master Gardeners are busy every Saturday at the “Share the Spare” booth at the Floyd Farmer’s Market from 9 AM to 1 PM. Come on out to shop or volunteer at the booth. Master Gardeners are collecting produce, providing information and answering questions. Share the Spare and a plant clinic are in place and inviting visits from all who attend. Donated produce is collected and distributed to those in need in the community.

Master gardener volunteers are needed and can sign up to work or ask questions by contacting Dianne Emery via text at 276-266-6414. Interns are encouraged to sign up, but must serve with a certified master gardener.

Wood Thrush Natives: by Susan Perry

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On May 24, 2018, NRV Master Gardeners had the opportunity to take a tour of Wood Thrush Natives, located in Floyd.  About 20 Master Gardeners took the tour given by owner Ian Caton.

I attended a talk given by Ian at the Hahn Horticulture Gardens, earlier in the spring.  I found Ian to be extremely knowledgeable so my interest was piqued by the offer of a tour.  The focus of the nursery is native plants of the Appalachian region.

Ian started the tour by answering questions posed by Master Gardeners.  For example, Ian spoke at length about his practice of not using mulch beyond the first year or two of plant installation.  He pointed out that Mother Nature provides a variety of “mulches” like fallen leaves or groundcovers.  Ian favors allowing plants to spread, thereby suppressing weeds.  He has found that applying mulch may cause crown rot.

Ian also favors garden design that uses layers that mimic nature: (from tallest to shortest) large trees, smaller understory trees, shrubs, perennials (tall, medium, and small), and groundcovers.  His design tip about groundcovers is that they will act as a background/anchor, so use many and allow them to spread together.

Another question Ian addressed was to discuss landscaping with deer.  He suggested thinking beyond just plants, using rocks and logs, and making sure to introduce plant variety/diversity.  He did mention that plants in the mint family, ornamental grasses, and ferns are not favored by deer.

Ian starts his plants from seeds, cuttings, and division.  His operation is organic and ethical. Heated greenhouses are not used.  Gwen Douglas referred the attendees to Wood Thrust Natives website, http://www.woodthrushnatives.com/, which she said is an excellent resource to use in advance of buying.

 

 

 

 

Friends of Peak Creek

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The New River Valley Master Gardeners were treated to a very informative talk about the important work of the Friends of Peak Creek (FOPC).  Cathy Hanks, President of FOPC, described the efforts that this nonprofit organization has taken to improve water quality and ecological habitat of the creek which has a drainage area of over 60 square miles and meanders over 26 miles from its source in Jefferson National Forest to Claytor Lake. The work of FOPC also fosters environmental awareness and provides education.

One of their ongoing projects includes planting live stakes to stabilize stream beds in an effort to repair and prevent bank erosion.  Stakes planted in 2016 had a successful survival rate of 80%. In December 2017,  16 volunteers came together to plant an additional 1200 live stakes of Silky Dogwood, Elderberry, Nine Bark and Silky Willow plants. By April 2018, buds on the stakes were evident.

A recent project of the FOPC is the establishment of a Pollinator Garden at Heritage Park in Pulaski for the purpose of habitat enhancement and public education. In January, the FOPC was awarded a Master Gardener Association (MGA) 2018 Community Grant for the purpose of establishing a fence around the new garden. By May 18, 2018, the fence was up and planting had begun. The MGA also awarded a 2018 mini-grant to the FOPC for the purchase of native plants for the garden. The installation of interpretive signage is planned for the near future.

Members of FOPC are also thoughtful to our feathered friends.  Through the help of FOPC, twelve nesting boxes are in place along the Dora Bluebird Trail which runs along Peak Creek. By May 20, 2018 all the nesting boxes were occupied. Occasionally, the bluebirds had to share when the boxes became home to tree swallows, chickadees or wrens.  In an effort to save ducks at the Creek from developing “angel wing syndrome,” duck food dispensers offering nutritious duck food have been installed. The goal is to protect the ducks from becoming malnourished because of the ingestion of too much bread and snack food.  Consumption of large amounts of carbohydrate and sugar is what causes angel wind syndrome which prevents the ducks from being able to fly and protect themselves from predators.

Additional projects undertaken by FOPC include keeping the creek free of litter, monitoring water quality, marking storm drains and installing pet waste stations. In the fall of 2016, Dora Trail which runs along Peak Creek was designated as a Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail (SBWT) by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The FOPC works with the town of Pulaski’s Department of Parks and Facilities to enhance the trail along Peak Creek. Officially, Dora Trail is part of the “Lower New River Loop” in the Mountain section of the VBWT. See https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/dora-trail/

Selecting Seeds to Start: By Erica Jones

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Growing bedding plants from seed requires that you keep your eye on the moisture and light levels but most importantly that you start with quality seeds. One large commercial seed supplier says, “High quality seeds are the center of modern agriculture…”

So, some things you need to look for, when buying seed packets:

SEED PACKET INFORMATION

A seed packet should have either weight or number of seeds on the packet; field crop seeds will discuss percentage of weed seed and detritus, how long it will take to get the first harvest from time of sowing, how long before the last average frost date to sow, and any particular requirements for that species to germinate. Vegetable seed packets should state a germination rate (taken soon after the seeds were harvested) and date of harvest.  The seed packet should have a short discussion on growth characteristics of that particular variety. If the description, for instance, states “beets, purple, harvest all year” and says nothing about disease resistance, water needs, fruit size, plant height, when to plant,  days to picking you might want to go somewhere else.

SEED GERMINATION

Almost all vegetable seeds will germinate at 75 F but some, like spinach, will have reduced percentage germination.  Some seeds (usually flowers) are very intolerant of exposure to light while germinating and some very much NEED that light to germinate.  Seeds, as a rule, do need a fairly even moisture level to germinate.  Some seeds, like parsley, will germinate faster if soaked for up to 24 hours before sowing. Vegetables germinate best in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight), while flower seeds are much less straight forward; some species can grow in total shade while some flourish in hot, dry desert-like soil. To test germination rate on old seeds, wet a paper towel, put in a plastic bag (but do not exclude all the air), and put in a warm spot.  You want to check germination – if you get mold that’s fine!

SEED STORAGE/AGE in relation to GERMINATION

Seeds stored in low humidity and low temperature will continue to germinate fairly well given their inherent storage life, which depends on the species.  Storage conditions should be less than 100 units; units are calculated by adding temperature and relative humidity.  It is difficult to control how well the seed was stored before you get them, but seeds from a reputable seller should arrive at maximum germination.  Parsnip and salsify seed have a shelf life of about 6 months; parsley and onion are good for twelve. Pepper, corn, okra and leek are good for two. Tomato seed, Swiss chard, and squash can germinate after four years of storage at < 100 units. Lettuce is rumored to go six years but my storage conditions must shorten this shelf life for me.

A NOTE ON SPECIALTY SEEDS

Organic vs not-organic seed depends on your preferences in this area.  The selection of organic seed varieties is more limited than non-organic.  The real benefit might be in supporting an organic farmer, rather than in reducing your actual intake of pesticides.

Beans and corn seed are sometimes sold as “treated,” and the treatment applied allows for planting seeds in cooler soil than normal.  The treatment retards diseases that flourish in cooler soil.

See: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/seed-and-seed-quality

https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/1999/4-2-1999/veggielife.html

Twelve Secrets to Spectacular Tomatoes: By Susan Perry

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Tomatoes – they’re a genuine American pastime.  Growing them, eating them.  You could say I have a crush on tomatoes!  What’s better than a home-grown tomato?  I can’t think of anything and many fellow gardeners agree.  At least one survey says that nine out of ten gardeners will try growing tomatoes.

Here are twelve tips for success:

  1. Select healthy, disease-resistant plants. Some plants are labelled VFN, indicating resistance to Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, and nematodes.  There are also new varieties that are resistant to early and late blight.
  2. Keep in mind our growing season and check the plant label for days to maturity. Many gardeners select indeterminate varieties, which develop flowers and fruit until frost; others prefer determinate tomatoes, which have a compact growing period.
  3. Harden tomato plants before planting, if necessary. Tomatoes grown in greenhouse conditions until purchase can suffer from shock if planted immediately after purchase.  Hardening gradually accustoms them to the outdoors by putting them outside in full sun (and wind) for a few hours a day, increasing the time they stay out at night too, weather permitting.  Ask your local retailer if the plants you’re buying are already hardened off.
  4. Select a location with a minimum of 8 hours of sunlight.
  5. Amend your soil with organic matter, and loosen an area larger than you need.
  6. Space tomato plants at least 3 feet apart. Many diseases affecting tomatoes spread from lack of air circulation or touching leaves. Using stakes, cages, or trellis will help control disease.
  7. Before planting, remove any blossoms that have developed in the greenhouse. This may seem counter-intuitive, but it eliminates competition for crucial energy and nutrients during root development.
  8. Gently separate the roots to encourage the root system to generate new roots that will spread away from the plant.
  9. Plant the tomato with as much of the stem covered as you can, removing the lowest leaves. Roots will form along the entire length of the buried stem, resulting in a more vigorous and health plant.  Add a narrow band of aluminum foil to the stem to protect from tomato cutworm.
  10. Mulching will reduce weeds and help retain moisture. Organic mulches should be at least 2” deep. Or, you can use several layers of newspaper or UV-resistant black plastic at least 6ml thick as mulch.  Whichever you select, be sure it doesn’t touch the plant.  Use copper or other metal rings to discourage slugs and other insects that may be in the mulch from getting to the plant.
  11. Provide consistent, even moisture to reduce blossom end rot. One to three inches of water weekly is critical to getting water deep enough (5 – 6”) to promote vigorous growth.  When watering, take rain into account.  Water should be applied at one time if possible, so use drip irrigation, a soaker hose, or flooding since overhead watering can spread disease. Morning is the best time to water because any foliage that does get wet will have time to dry out.
  12. Apply a starter fertilizer when you first plant and then establish a sound fertilizer program to keep plants vigorous and productive.

Even if you plant a little late, your tomatoes will catch-up.  With the right weather conditions and a little luck, these tips will help you grow a great tomato crop.