An Unexpected Garden - part 2

An Unexpected Garden - part 2 

Microgreens

By definition an unexpected anything is not looked for, and, therefore, a surprise. Micro gardens, or microgreens, are just that. A simple, but delightful concept, especially when one applies it to gardening. Microgreens are young seedlings of herbs or vegetables that are harvested when they are 1 to 3 inches tall, usually right after the first set of true leaves appear. Upscale restaurants have been using them for years to add to salads or sandwiches and to garnish dishes. They have different flavors and tastes, not to mention color, than their older versions. Some recent studies show that these young plants are higher in nutrition and vitamins than more mature veggies. What’s not to love?

Several seed companies package seed just for microgreens. They are very knowledgeable about varieties and availability of plants suitable for this. Sow seed on sterile growing media. The soil should be moist without being wet.  (Kits that include watering baths for the seeds are also available for the home grower!) They do need a sunny window or grow light. The time from seed to harvest varies with crop species but many are ready to harvest within 1 to 2 weeks. Harvest only the stems with the leaves –no roots.  They can be cut or clipped with clean kitchen shears. Commercially an electric knife or trimmer is used.  Starting a flat or pot every week or so can keep you supplied with fresh microgreens!

What an unexpected and simple idea, take seeds from herbs and vegetables, sow them in clean potting soil, harvest as seedlings (the micro part) when they are full of nutrients and vitamins!  Microgreens may be a novel approach to gardening and it could add a lot to your table!

Introduction to commercial microgreen production from UK:

http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CDBREC/introsheets/microgreens.pdf

More from the University of Florida:

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1164

STRRRRIKE ONE!!

STRRRRIKE ONE!!*

*That’s all it takes…..

The power and display of a summer thunderstorm in Kentucky can be breathtaking.  Pop-up thunderstorms can occur almost daily in and around Jefferson County at this time of year.  Trees in our yards are occasionally struck by lightning causing concern to homeowners. Signs of lightning injury can vary from almost no damage to split bark and exploding trunks. The bark may peel, the ground around the tree may crack and small plants close to the tree trunk may also die as a result of lightning.

 The tree damage is influenced by a range of factors. The anatomy of the tree (grain of wood) can affect the direction lightning follows or the path of least resistance may be through the cambium layer (living cell tissue under bark). The actual lightning bolt has a direct influence on a tree’s injuries. The more current a bolt carries, the hotter and more destructive it is.  Location next to streams or water sources; the tallest tree in a group; and solitary trees are more likely to be struck by lightning. High levels of starch in deciduous trees attract lightning (oak, maple, ash), however oil, like in beech and birch trees, is a poor conductor. Even the resin content in the tree can be a factor as it is a good conductor of electricity (pine, spruce, hemlock and fir).

There is very little that can be done for a tree that has been struck by lightning.  Many of these trees will decline and eventually die though some may take years to do so.  If a tree on your property is struck watch for dying leaves and branches.  Remove dead wood and if practical keep the tree watered and free of stress. 

Don’t confuse lightning damage with a girdling of the trunk at or below the soil surface caused by 2,4-D (herbicide) that was applied in high concentrations. 

When I think about the heat and current a bolt of lightning carries I am surprised when a tree shows little or no sign of damage!  Hollywood has trained us to expect explosions and special effects when Mother Nature gets wild. But lightning can be sneaky, so be observant.   

A Rose is a Rose

 A Rose is a Rose....

Close to the Jefferson County Extension Office on a traffic island, knockout roses have been blooming their hearts out all summer.  This group of roses is one of the hardest working plantings in the city!  No supplemental water, pruning, fertilizer, pesticides or winter protection.  They bloom repeatedly and bring color to the intersection.  Even heat and exhaust from traffic does not seem to bother them. Few perennials give such a performance in the summer. Knockout roses may not be the biggest or most exotic roses to grow, but they sure are the easiest.  Consider them for areas that need color but may be difficult to access. The only problem they may have is a susceptibility to rose rosette, a phytoplasma infection spread by a microscopic mite (no you can’t control the mite with pesticides -it’s too small). All plants in the genus Rosa are susceptible to Rose rosette; the symptoms include excessive growth (witch’s broom), purplish-red coloration, excessive thorns, leaf distortion and thick cane production.  Infected plants will decline and may not survive the winter.  There is no cure... The best control is to be aware of the disease then remove and destroy affected plants as soon as possible.  All multiflora roses (Rosa multiflora) should be removed from neighborhoods as these are the host plants for the mite.( Multiflora roses were first used as living fences or hedges but are now considered noxious weeds.) No plants are perfect; there are always advantages and disadvantages to the choices we make for our landscapes. In the long run, Knockout roses will out-perform many perennials and are my choice for summer color!  Day lilies (Stella D’Oro), Brown-eyed Susan, Coreopsis, Butterfly-weed, Lavender, Coneflower and Crape myrtle are all reliable color for summer too.     

Let's Take a Moment and THINK....

I know, I know, An Unexpected Garden pt.2 was to be my next blog, but can we talk?

In my neighborhood, I saw a man spraying his yard yesterday with Round-Up.  The labeled product was in the driveway next to a playing toddler.  A breeze was blowing and small foggy clouds of the herbicide were wafting across the lawn. He was dressed in shorts, tee shirt and flip-flops. Ugh!  Can I make a citizen’s arrest?  This was worse than just wrong. 

* Children and chemicals of any kind do not mix. Horticulture/agriculture chemicals are no exception. 

* Know about the pesticides you use and how they work.                                                                      

* Systemic herbicides are absorbed into plant (or human/pet) tissue.  Protective clothing, gloves and eye-wear keep the chemical away from skin.  Absorbed chemical contamination will not wash off.     

* Herbicides kill plants regardless of property lines; take care when applying pesticides near other people and their property. 

                                                                                                                           

* Wind and weather conditions should be considered and accounted for when applying chemicals especially when using a non-selective herbicide.

                                                                                       

* The label instructions were not read or followed.  

* Please do not mix chemicals stronger than listed on the label.   

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW ALL LABEL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE MIXING OR APPLYING ANY CHEMICALS.  

 

I know I seem to repeat the same things about pesticides. The truth is pesticides are getting safer each year but we need to educate ourselves on their use. Different strategies and environmental concerns push us to improve the way we grow our crops, deal with weeds or bugs and live our lives. Let’s get it right, if for nothing else ... 
                                                     ...our children.

Take a moment and think, (and read) the label before you spray.......

An Unexpected Garden - part 1

An Unexpected Garden – part1

It’s gardening season! We can’t wait to get out and touch the earth. Seeds or small transplants are happily set out and great care is taken to water, fertilize and maintain these growing symbols of freedom and hope. We anticipate the harvest and are proud of the additions we make to our own and our neighbor’s tables. 

Most folks garden outdoors, in a plot far from the sink and kitchen window. But if you don’t have access to a garden or you cannot get out, how do you make that happen? If you have the inclination, anyone can garden!

You can’t beat a “trash” garden, as these are veggies that will still produce edible greens from the tops we would otherwise throw away. Leave an inch of carrots, onions or turnips close to the top and place in a saucer of water. Several days later the green sprouts can be clipped and put in salads or stir fry. Unused celery hearts can be coaxed to sprout additional greens that are edible and can even be used as a treat for caged birds, hamsters and guinea pigs. 

A sunny window can provide enough light to grow some herbs like mint or French tarragon.  Catnip (in the mint family) is easy and the family pet will love you for starting this treat for them.

A quick how to: 

Start from seed for the best selection. Use fresh potting soil that does not contain fertilizer. Clean containers of any type will work as long as there are holes for drainage but four inch pots or larger work best. Plant the seed at the depth suggested on the seed packet and water often enough to provide moisture but don’t let the pot sit in water. Place in the window and fertilize lightly when the plants have grown enough that there are several sets of leaves. 

These are just two ways to garden without leaving the kitchen. Each household is unique so try what works for you. Just remember that gardening can happen wherever you are.

Part 2 is coming soon with more unexpected gardening!