Weed Killers - Now is not the time!

Please do not use any weedkillers during the heat we have been having!  Weedkillers should be only used when temperatures are between 70 F and 85 F for 24 hours after application.  Incorrect use does not just cause problems for  you but also for your neighbors and possibly those who live quite a ways away.

In the meantime, keep the desired plants as healthy as possible by proper watering, fertilizing, growing conditions, etc.  For more information see  lawn care information and weed control methods,

It has been said that a weed is a plant in the wrong place.  If you identify what the weed is you may find that you want to leave it there or move it to a different spot.

Purslane - an edible "weed"

Is Your Garden/Yard Heat Stressed?

  In my area this summer has been unusually hot.  Some things that can help plants through the heat of summer:

Don't assume you need to water more frequently.   Watering deeply is what you want to do.  Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle.  For most plants the soil should be just barely damp.  For larger plants, trees, and shrubs you may need to dig down in to check soil moisture.  Be sure that water isn't pooling under the plant.  In some cases watering everyday can cause the roots to rot.

Water in the cooler parts of the day.  This is better for the plants and saves water.  Morning is a better time to water than evening.   Evening watering is more likely to encourage fungal disease.

Give them some shade.  Some plants may appreciate some shade.  This could mean installing temporary shade cloth.  For other plants such as pansies and cilantro, plant in a partly shaded area.

Wait to plant.  For cool season crops wait until the weather is beginning to cool before planting.  Spinach, lettuce, cilantro, and dill are among the plants that prefer cooler weather and can be harvested within a short period of time.  In my area planting in March and then again in August helps with a better harvest.

Spray with liquid kelp/seaweed.  Kelp (a type of seaweed) has been shown to help plants be more drought tolerant, disease resistant, and frost resistant.   Using a hose end sprayer set the sprayer to 1 T. per gallon or mix 1 T. per gallon of liquid seaweed in a spray bottle or watering can.  Water the plants and spray the leaves in a cooler part of the day.  I prefer to mix my liquid kelp with fish emulsion at the same proportion.

Install a rain gauge.  When it does rain you can determine whether or not you still need to water. 

Dormant Kentucky Bluegrass

Kentucky bluegrass naturally goes dormant in the summer.   We keep it green by watering and fertilizing.  So, if you have a Kentucky bluegrass lawn (most of the Northern U.S. does) don't worry if the lawn looks evenly tan as long as you have fertilized and checked for pest problems and sprinkler issues.  If you have spots of brown, yellow, rust color, or white your lawn could have other problems. See my lawn care information.

Food plants are more important to water than lawn and plants grown only for ornamental value.

Drink enough water!  Make sure you are getting enough to drink.

How To Remove Sap or Grease

The best way I have found for removing sap or grease:
Pour vegetable oil onto your hands, tools, or even clothing.  Rub hands together to loosen sap or grease then wash with soap and water. Gently scrub clothing then wash as usual.  For tools you just wipe and the sap should come off.  Any oil left behind can prevent rusting.  
This is not only easy and inexpensive but is less drying to your hands and less likely to cause damage to clothing.
Sometimes this method will work for removing adhesives.

Survey

I have created a survey related to additional products and services that I would like to offer.  Please fill out this short survey (eleven questions - mostly "Yes" or "No") and share with family and friends.  If you want updates please join my website since I will not have your contact info from the survey.
Thank you for your time!

http://www.surveymethods.com/EndUser.aspx?B195F9E0B5F3E2E5B1

Mosquitoes

For controlling mosquitoes in the landscape (and on you):

Empty any water containers that are unnecessary. For pet water dishes, bird baths, and ponds there is another option. Bacillus thuringiensis v. israelensis is deadly to mosquito larvae and fungus gnats but safe for pets, birds, and fish. Also called B. T. var israelensis, it is available in a liquid but also a dry form as donut shaped “dunks” and small “bits”. There are other types of B.T. - one for controlling caterpillars and one for Colorado Potato Beetle so be sure you are getting the right one.

Planting mosquito repelling plants can also be helpful especially when planted around patios and decks. This is most helpful if the plants will be brushed against as people are walking past so the essential oils of the plants are released. Lemongrass (a relative of Citronella) is a famous one but is not hardy above zone 11 so for most of us will either need to be overwintered indoors as a houseplant or you will have to buy a new one each year. If you want to cook with lemongrass you may want to just bring it indoors. More cold tolerant herbs which are also mosquito repellents are mint and lavender. Mint should be grown in a pot anyway to avoid taking over your yard. Lavender can be planted in the ground in most climates and should overwinter just fine in a pot in many climates as long as the pot is large enough to provide insulation for the roots. A pot of 14” - 16” should work for either lavender or mint. Keep in the mind that plants in pots still need water during the winter.

Lavender

Spearmint

Some other mosquito repelling ideas:

• Throwing some herbs on the grill during or after cooking may also repel mosquitoes and other insects from your outdoor gathering plus flavor your food when used during cooking.
• Essential oils of many herbs will repel insects. If using a quality essential oil lavender can be used directly on the skin. Essential oils can also be used on the cuffs of pants and shirts and brims of hats and added to the melted wax in candles.
• Outdoor sprays containing insect repelling essential oils – as always read the ingredients so you know what you are getting.
• Avoiding sugar and bananas as well as consuming garlic may help mosquitoes avoid you.  Getting enough B vitamins is also said to repel mosquitoes.

•  

Three Seed Starting Methods

Compressed peat pellets

Compressed peat pellets can be purchased in bulk or with a small “greenhouse”.  You can start with the “greenhouse” and then buy extra peat pellets for future use or use.  A salad/deli container or shoe box would also work.  Place the pellets in desired container, add about 1″ of warm water, check in 30 minutes or so.  If pellets are not thoroughly expanded and damp add more water.  If the pellets are expanded, pour off any extra water.
To see the rest of the methods  
While visiting the above link, join my website for future blog posts and gardening information.

Preparing For Spring Planting

Some things you can do now to prepare for Spring planting:

Look at catalogs to get an idea of what you would like to grow.  In addition to the seed catalogs, for edible plants I like Richters, Logees, and Raintree.

Locate sources of compost and start making your own for later use.

Notice sun, shade, and wind patterns of your landscape.

Research your climate zone.

Make a list of what you like to eat and what of those you would like to grow.

Check your tool inventory.  If you need to take tools or mower blades in for sharpening this is a slower time of year for the shops so a great time to get it done.

Take some time for learning now.  Gardening classes begin this month!

Edible Landscaping Books

A few edible landscaping books you may want to check out (although the links go to Amazon you should be able to find them at your local bookstore or library).

The Incredible Edible Landscape by Joy Bossi 
Written by a friend and former garden radio show host.

Edible Landscaping by Rosalind Creasy  plus her other edible landscaping books including The Edible Flower Garden
Rosalind was probably the first person to really discuss edible landscaping.

The Edible Front Yard by Ivette Solar

Landscaping With Fruit by Lee Reich 

Perennial Vegetables by Eric Toensmeier

Designing and Maintaining Your Edible Landscape Naturally by Robert Kourik
The first book I read (and bought) about edible landscaping.

Edible Landscaping Class and Square Foot Gardening class - Free

I will be teaching edible landscaping and Square Foot Gardening at the South Davis Preparedness Fair in Davis County, Utah.

The Preparedness Fair is free.
 Saturday, October 13, 2012, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Woods Cross High School, Woods Cross, Utah.

Square Foot Gardening, 11:25 a.m., Edible Landscaping, 1:15 p.m.
Both classes will be taught in the cafeteria.

For other events or to schedule a class check my website calendar or contact me.

Where Not To Plant Edibles

In most cases much of a landscape or indoor scape can be planted in edibles.  There are some exceptions:

• Local laws and regulations including city ordinances and HOA rules.
• If you are renting and you do not have permission of the landlord.
• In parking strips or other areas where car exhaust and other contaminants may be absorbed into plant tissue and then eaten by you.
• Where soil and/or water is polluted with toxins which may be taken up by the plants.

The first exception may be one you could change by petitioning your city or housing development.  The second you may be able to change by explaining what you have planned to your landlord. In either of these cases you may still be able to plant edibles if they fall within the rules.  For example: If the edibles you are growing are edible flowers.  Also, some regulations only cover what is planted in the front yard or within a certain area within a corner if you are on a corner lot.