eGarden © 2005 Ed Mues

From The Garden of Ed. Submitted for publication in The Towne Crier on March 9, 2005

Breaking Dormancy One Day at a Time.

There are only eleven days to the Vernal Equinox. We know where we live and what limitations we have, and yet we are longing to think spring and green. And why not? By March 20th the day length will be the same (approximately) as on the Autumnal Equinox on Sept. 22. Twelve hours plus a little. The tide of day length swells to its peak in June, fifteen hours and a little, and falls back to twelve plus in September. These are the days for growing and nurturing: nine months of more than twelve hours of daily daylight. I might call it SAP, for Seasonal Affective Pleasures. Isn't everyone's attitude elevated?

In celebration, I thought I'd offer a few answers to frequently raised questions about Spring activities. Just to get us all in the mood.

Q. My neighbor tells me there are grass varieties that will kill insect lawn pests. Can you enlarge on this?

A. Yes, there are varieties that have fungal "endophytes" bred into them . From endo (within) and phyte (plant), these special fescues and perennial rye grasses produce a toxin that both discourages and kills surface lawn pests like chinch bugs and sod webworm. If you have a buggy lawn area, put down some extra seed of any of these insect resistant fescues: Jamestown II, SR 3000, Arid, Mesa, Titan, or Tribute. You might use any of the following perennial ryes, also insect resistant: Repell, All-Star, Citation II, and Pennant.

Q. Do the commercial additives sold to increase the speed of the composting process really work?

A. No more than a shovel full of your regular compost or garden soil. These composting activators or starters claiming to contain special enzymes and micro organisms were tested in a variety of trials. No significant differences were found. Regular aeration, maintaining the proper moisture, and supplying enough carbon from such sources as paper, sawdust, leaves and wood chips will keep the food waste compost heap actively working just great.

Q. I've been told to plant sunflowers far from my other desirable plants because they are harmful. Any truth to this?

A. They are not harmful in and of themselves. Many species of Helianthus are allelopathic - that is, they produce substances that act on other plants as growth inhibitors. The soil itself is not harmed, and with good sanitation practices (cleaning up all plant parts, roots, stems, leaves and flowers from the area) you can plant there again with no fear of plant loss. However, leave anything behind there to rot, and there will be a noticeable reduction in broadleaf weeds and even a subsequent planting of sunflowers. Keep all sunflower debris, especially seed hulls, out of compost piles and soil beds where other plants are to be grown. With the new stunning varieties available today, do plant some wherever you wish, as long as you remember the clean up needed at season's end.

Q. Of all the sprays I could apply to our trees and shrubs this spring, which are the most important?

A. An application of dormant oil in early spring is the one. It will effectively kill many eggs and immature forms of insect pests by suffocation, thus eliminating many of the parents of future generations. It is effective on mites, soft scales, aphids, mealy bugs and even some caterpillars. You'll also achieve greater coverage since no leaves will be present. Apply on a clear, calm day when the temperatures are expected to stay above 40 degrees F for at least 24 hours. I know this sounds akin to genocide, but remember you are fighting your plants enemies and saving the environment from countless repeated sprays of harmful, toxic pesticides. Note: Some plant material is sensitive to oil sprays: Do not spray beech, Douglas fir, birch, European mountain ash, black and regular walnut, hickory, 'blue atlas' and other cedars, Japanese maple, butternut, and sugar maple.

Q. Each spring as the warmer weather arrives, so do the snakes. Like most gardeners, I know most are beneficial, but I'm still upset when I see them in my garden. Are there any repellants I can use to keep them away?

A. You are correct about most of our snakes being beneficial. Only three species of venomous snakes occur in New york and their numbers are declining. Understanding snake habitats is the best way to achieve control. Snakes are attracted to areas of high rodent or insect populations where there is cover. Remove log or trash piles from near buildings and especially the garden. Keep vegetation near the garden mowed and trimmed. Reduce small mammal populations using snap-back traps. Remove rags, burlap, boards and any other materials that can provide shelter for snakes, for this is where they and you will find their food -- slugs, frogs and toads, salamanders, insects, worms, rodents, cutworms and grubs. No materials tested as repellants or controls are effective. Removing favorable environments and food sources is the best way to reduce or eliminate their numbers.

Q. I want to plant seeds that will provide me with flowers I can dry for winter bouquets. Would you suggest some easy ones?

A. Many of the "everlastings", as they are called, are easy to grow and provide good color. Most are annuals and can be started indoors (any day now) or planted directly in the garden when soil temperatures are warm enough. Strawflower (Bracteantha bracteata), larkspur (Delphinium ajacis), bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), statice (Limonium sinuatum), baby's breath (Gypsophilia paniculata), honesty or silver dollar (Lunaria annua ), and Chinese lantern (Physalis alkekengi) are all good candidates. Don't overlook the ornamental grasses and a large variety of weeds, too.

Q. What is the earliest that I can plant crop seeds out doors?

A. If the weather and conditions permit, next week, St. Patrick's Day, March 17th, is a long established day to plant peas, spinach seeds, onion, shallot and garlic sets.

I hope I've given you some things to ponder and look into so that when the time comes (soon, maybe?) you'll be ready to move into the growing season with ease.

From The Garden of Ed. Submitted for publication in The Towne Crier on March 9, 2005

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