WSU Kitsap Master Gardeners

Veggie Gardening

2009-05-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

DIG THIS by Peg Tillery (for 5-15-09)

We have so many wonderful local farmers markets that we don't lack opportunities to purchase luscious fresh produce at least once a week here in Kitsap County. But, many of us just itch to put a little bit of our own hearts and souls into creating a garden on our own precious plots of land or even in containers on our decks and patios.

My husband Pat gave me the most wonderful Mother's Day present. He built me three gigantic raised beds and then he and I, on Mother's Day weekend, shoveled and moved literally several tons of composted soil into the beds. During this past week I planted the following types of seeds: winter squash 'Table Gold Acorn;' beets; lettuce 'Gourmet Blend;' spinach 'Bloomsdale;' radishes 'Watermelon' and 'Cherry Belle;' carrots 'Thumbelina;' carrots 'Rainbow Blend;' bib lettuce 'Buttercrunch;' romaine lettuce 'Parris Island;' both bush and pole beans in three colors - yellow, green and purple; and last but not least rainbow Swiss chard.

At the Master Gardener Foundation Plant Sale I also picked up some plant starts of peppers (banana and jalapeno) and tomatoes 'Sungold' cherry tomatoes and 'Momotaro.' I also optimistically brought home several basil plants. I may get really adventurous and try to grow some eggplants this year too if I can find them already started at one of our local nurseries. Right now since everything is still fluctuating between quite chilly and quite toasty warm, I'm using floating row covers (commonly called Remay) to keep the plants healthy and happy and not too shocked from all the weather fluctuations. The floating row covers expand as plants grow and also keep any insect pests at bay.

I chose short season varieties of everything I planted. The raised beds each have a section that gets partial shade at crucial parts of the day so we should be able to grow lettuce and spinach all season long. The veggie garden beds are surrounded by lots of pollinator plants and the beds will soak up the sun for 10 or more hours a day. Just perfect for veggies. We're using very small sprayers and soakers to get the water to the plant roots and everything is on a timer so we won't overwater.

Other food growing gardens are popping up all over Kitsap County. Several local papers have covered the p-patch and community garden movement on Bainbridge Island, but several other schools and daycare centers are growing veggie gardens with their students. The child care center at KCR on Park Street in Bremerton has a garden where the kids plant and water nutritious plants. Students from Armin Jahr Elementary are also growing a garden at the newly renovated Blueberry Park. Options students at Gordon Elementary have a raised bed garden and they've been making their own compost to fill the garden beds.

WSU Extension Kitsap Master Gardeners at Anna Smith Garden in Tracyton and Raab Park in Poulsbo have been growing extra food for foodbanks and soup kitchens for more than a decade. Master Gardeners are also coordinating p-patches at Raab Park in Poulsbo and Blueberry Park in Bremerton where p-patchers learn how to grow their own food and most of these gardeners plant an extra row or more to donate to the foodbanks. In addition, this year Master Gardeners are planting veggies and other edibles at the Heritage Garden near the Historic Log Cabin at the Kitsap Fairgrounds. During the Kitsap Fair these volunteers will be on site to help families learn how to grow their own nutritious vegetables. All produce grown will be donated to local foodbanks and soup kitchens.

The Poulsbo Fire Station staff and other community members led by Brett Annear, Master Gardener, Class of 2009, is planning and getting ready to plant a garden to grow produce for Fishline. Master Gardeners in South Kitsap led by Ray Garrido (also Class of 2009) and Mary-Cathern Edwards have cleared a huge garden area to grow food for the Port Orchard food bank. Visit http://southkitsapgarden.org to watch the progress of this wonderful South Kitsap Garden in Olalla. Visit this website and you'll be amazed at how quickly this garden has gone together. It will inspire you to try it on your own piece of land.

Master Gardeners Kathy Morse, Kim Schleis, Laura Pittman-Hewitt and Sharon Howard have taught classes during the last two fall and winters on organic vegetable gardening, along with growing small fruits. If you'd like to learn more about growing vegetables and small fruits please call the Master Gardener hotline at 360-337-7158 or email ptillery@co.kitsap.wa.us. Organic gardening classes will begin again this fall.

Peg Tillery, Horticulture and Shoreline Educator for WSU Extension Kitsap, can be reached at ptillery@co.kitsap.wa.us or 360-337-7224

Spring is Time to Start Composting

2009-04-17T17:47:00.000-07:00

DIG THIS by Peg Tillery

What do you do in the spring when you’re out pruning and cleaning up all the detritus from winter and maybe even left over from autumn? Compost of course!

Composting can be as simple as finding a place to pile up all the woody debris and green stuff. This method is called passive composting or cold composting. For esthetics choose a spot behind shrubbery or screen with vegetation or a decorative fenced area. Eventually the pile decomposes and returns to the earth as humus.

Another very simple way to compost is by digging smaller clippings and trimmings into the soil directly around plants. When deadheading plants bury the plant parts in the soil around and between plantings. Don't bury weeds with seeds though.

If you have room on your property pick a shady area in the woods, pile up weedy vegetative debris to make a large pile, water it well and cover it up with a tarp for several months or even longer. The pile will slowly decompose and the shade prevents reseeding. Make sure you aren’t using this method too close to tree root zones to avoid smothering the tree roots.

Hot composting happens over several weeks or longer (depending on the heat and water conditions) and entails turning the piles (usually three feet by three feet by three feet). This method works well in a three-bin system. An unconfined pile about three feet tall and several feet wide, turned frequently, works well too.

If you live in an area with raccoons, bears or other animals do not compost food items, use worm bins instead. Do compost: browns (dried leaves, shredded white paper, shredded newspaper, wood chips, straw); greens (fresh cut grass, flowers, garden clippings, seedless annual weeds, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves, fruits, herbivore manures). Don’t compost: glossy paper, junk mail, magazines, colored paper (the browns) or diseased plants, weeds with seeds, invasive weeds and roots, cooked foods, dairy products, fatty foods, meat, poultry, fish, pet wastes (the greens). When in doubt call the Master Gardener/Master Composter Hotline at 360-337-7158.

Compost adds tilth to the soil and provides a blanket for plants’ roots. It also adds readily absorbable amounts of nitrogen and nutrients for plants to use. The myccorhizae produced in composting help increase the number of pores in the soil for better water circulation and aids in a healthier growing environment. Building healthy soil helps reduce runoff, erosion and pollution in the environment. Even when weeds crop up in composted areas of gardens they’re easier to pull out.

Worm composting (vermicomposting) can be accomplished using a wide variety of containers. Master Composter Becky Croston created a three tiered system using rubber tubs. Visit http://kitsap.wsu.edu/hort/worm_bin.htm for instructions or call 360-337-7158 for a printed copy of the instructions. Kitsap EZ Earth, 16953 Clear Creek Road, Poulsbo has a worm bin stacking system for sale plus supplies of worms and other vermicompost products. Visit the website at http://kitsapezearth.com/wp/ or call 360-340-2187. Kingston Worm Farm www.kingstonwormfarm.com 360-397-7280 (by appointment) is also another resource for worms and vermicompost products.

What about larger woody debris? Some gardeners have lots of trees and shrubs to prune and clean up, along with limbs and branches on a fairly regular basis. The answer is chipping and shredding to create homemade arborist chips for mulching gardens or use on paths. This woody debris eventually decomposes into good rich soil.

When spreading mulch or compost avoid applying too thickly (use only one or two inches thick). Keep mulch and compost away from woody bark or stems of plants. Leave an open area around the base of the plants. If mulch or compost is too deep or too close to the stems and bark areas it can smother the plants and/or create an environment for disease.

Compost tea is also a way of using compost. Google "compost tea" for information pro and con. Visit reputable sites, then decide for yourself. If you do purchase compost tea make sure it’s been brewed properly and has a certificate saying what’s in the mixture. Compost teas are fungal or bacterial based. Some plants cannot tolerate fungal based teas and others cannot tolerate bacterial based teas. Consult with the supplier to see which is best for your plants. Compost tea has a short shelf life, ideally apply within hours of purchase. Use diluted or concentrated depending on intended use. Nursery staff will provide advice on using compost tea.

Visit Kitsap County Solid Waste http://www.kitsapgov.com/sw/compost.htm for abundant information on composting, to download "Down to Earth" and for a schedule of upcoming compost classes.

Contact Peg at ptillery@co.kitsap.wa.us or 360-337-7224.

Moles, Nature's Rototillers

2009-03-10T18:09:00.000-07:00

Moles are tunneling all over Kitsap County. Lawns are especially vulnerable. Master Gardeners from all over Kitsap County have been reporting moles tunneling here and there. What's a gardener to do? The answer is not much can be done. For what it's worth here are a few tips and techniques to try, plus several websites with very good information to peruse.

The reason we're seeing so many mole hills and tunnels this time of year is moles are out looking for mates. It's an amorous pursuit for these somewhat cute but shy creatures. It's mole mating season from February to early March. Soon they'll be having their families estimated at 2.9 pups per litter. Not sure what .9 of a mole looks like. In several weeks (about mid April) the parents kick the pups out of the den and these juvenile moles travel anywhere from 14 to 925 yards away to their own new homes. Guess what? That means more tunneling and mounding. But if you live near a forest, they'll head that way and live happily ever after.

Dave Pehling, mammal and mole expert for WSU Extension's Snohomish County office says the best way to eliminate mole problems is to trap the moles. However, Washington State's I-713 made some traps illegal. But moles can still be trapped alive. Visit http://snohomish.wsu.edu/newsletters/moles/molegazette3.htm, this issue of Pehling's news illustrates, literally, the various kinds of traps you can purchase or buy to control moles.

Pehling's newsletter at http://snohomish.wsu.edu/newsletters/moles/molegazette2.htm discusses baits and other methods of controlling moles that do not work. Moles eat worms and insects and are not attracted to gum or other concoctions, contrary to popular folklore.

WSU's publication EB1028, written by Pehling, describes our moles, shows a great photo of what the mole looks like and gives abundant information on how to control moles in home gardens. Visit http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb1028/eb1028.html to read and download the publication. If you do not have internet access, call 360-337-7157 to order a copy.

Most moles in our gardens are Townsend's moles. They are the largest of the moles, lucky us. But large means 8-9 inches, which is actually not that large compared to raccoons and other critters sometimes found marauding our gardens. Pehling says mole tunnels can be anywhere from 6 inches to 20 inches deep. Moles eat about 40 pounds of insects and worms annually. They enjoy moist soil because it's easier to tunnel and find insects and worms to devour. Pehling also says "moles eject up to 2 gallons of soil through a lateral tunnel to the surface." Quite impressive - 2 gallons! That's a lot of soil.

Pehling admits he has moles sharing his yard. He has studied them through the years. Moles do not hibernate and if you have some in your garden, they may hang around for their entire life. Just flatten their tunnels down or fill in with the 2 gallons of ejected soil. Moles are nature's aerators and rototillers. That's a way to look on the bright side of things. The other positive thing to tell yourself, if you have moles tunneling it's usually because your soil is healthy and full of worms and good insects.

Time to Think Roses

2009-03-10T18:07:00.000-07:00

In February many gardeners start dreaming about roses. There are even several gardeners in Kitsap County who literally have more than a hundred varieties of roses growing in their gardens. Other gardeners wouldn't grow roses if their lives depended on it.

Through the years breeders have been perfecting roses for disease resistance, ease of growing and wonderful appeal. Weeks Roses from Wasco, California supplies roses to many of our local nurseries: Bay Hay (Bainbridge Island), Bainbridge Gardens, Valley Nursery, Country Nursery and Gardens, Clear Creek Nursery and Port Orchard Nursery. In late fall and the dead of winter, they receive the current listings of available roses for the upcoming years. Talk to your favorite nursery staff person at these nurseries to find out their favorite varieties for 2009 or to order in new roses for you each year.

Weeks Roses was founded in 1938. The test gardens are at Cal Poly in Pomona. Each year researchers Tom Carruth and Christian Bedard of Cal Poly hand pollinate 50,000 flowers to produce more than 250,000 seeds. Over a period of 8-11 years they come up with the best of the varieties to finally release to the public. Check out the website www.weeksroses to see a fascinating slide presentation on the process, even if you'll never plant a rose, the process is amazing.

Roses receive AARS (All American Rose Selection) ratings. To see AARS rose selections through the years, visit the Woodland Park Rose Garden or the Point Defiance Rose Garden, each not too far away from Kitsap County.

The AARS website http://www.rose.org has a complete listing of roses just perfect for Kitsap County and the Pacific Northwest. I'm coveting Marmalade Sky a 3-foot by 3-foot beauty with five to eight blooms per stem. Each blossom has 17-25 petals. It will bloom for months. Fourth of July is a climber. It's the first climbing rose to win the AARS award in 23 years. Blossoms are red with white stripes. The red actually has hints of orange, the white stripes hint of peach, the center is a bright golden yellow. This climber grows 12-14 feet tall and has the scent of "fresh cut apple and sweet rose."

If you're tempted to grow roses, make sure you have lots of sun. Six hours a day is the barest minimum and more sun each day is even better. Roses also love good air circulation. They need regular watering so plant them in a zone of plants in your garden that need regular water (several times a week during July through September). Use a soaker hose or drip system to send water directly to the root zone so you're not wasting precious water resources. Always select varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases. Rose propagators have developed literally hundreds of easy-care varieties.

For gardening in small spaces, try the new ground cover shrub roses or even miniature roses. "Flower Carpet Roses" have been a favorite of mine for about nine years now. You can't go wrong with these beauties, they thrive on neglect with very little watering once established. Once a month is quite sufficient for them. Leaves are glossy and flowers are abundant. Miniature roses live happily for years and years in containers. Water them as you would any containerized plant and fertilize with a liquid organic fertilizer.

Check out "Dig This" archives at http://kitsap.wsu.edu/hort/dig_this/dig_this_toc.htm for nine years of columns on a wide variety of gardening topics.

NW Flower and Garden Show

2009-03-10T18:05:00.001-07:00

It's time to pick up your tickets for the Northwest Flower and Garden Show held each year at the Washington State Convention Center, 7th and Pike in Seattle. This annual event is the first harbinger of spring for local gardeners. 2009 dates are February 18 through 22. Several of our Kitsap Peninsula garden talents will be there to entertain, enthrall and educate show goers.

This year's theme is "Sustainable Spaces, Beautiful Places." Gardeners both seasoned and brand new can stroll through 26 differently designed spaces. Each display garden will show ways to restore, reuse and rejuvenate gardens while using sustainable and eco-friendly methods. Show designers this year are concentrating on gardens that could definitely be replicated on our own pieces of the earth.

Sue Goetz from "The Creative Gardener" in Gig Harbor has designed a show garden for the fourth year. The garden is titled "L'eau (water) and sage (wise). She's incorporated gravel elements throughout. Plants are water wise, perfectly suited for sunny spaces. Visit Goetz's website at www.thecreativegardener.com.

Dan Robinson from Elandan Gardens in Port Orchard is a featured designer each year at the show. This year Dan becomes a living model in the garden's vignette. "Restoring a Garden to Former Glory" is the theme. The storyline is about a grandfather who now has more time on his hands. He sets out to restore an overgrown, neglected garden to its former glory. Show goers will witness Dan in the display garden demonstrating hands on techniques throughout the show's run. He'll answer pruning, training and planting questions in addition to creating a feast for the senses.

Don't miss renowned garden expert and author, Dan Hinkley: "Plant Lust, Drama Queens - Bold Plants for Show Stopping Effects" on Friday February 20 at 9:45 a.m. and again on Friday at 1:15 "The Garden In Winter - Celebrating Texture, Color and Form." Garden Designer and writer Colleen Miko (Colleen's) will demonstrate "Mosaics, How to Make Mosaic Garden Art" on the DIY Stage on Saturday February 21. Susan Harrington (Labyrinth Hill Lavender) will show children, parents and interested adults the "Five Minute Greenhouse - Make Your Own Mini-Greenhouse" on Saturday and Sunday February 21 and 22. Garden Designer and writer Susan Goetz (The Creative Gardener) will speak on "In Love With Lavender, Creative Uses for Fragrant Lavender" on Sunday Feb. 22.

Early bird tickets for the show are $16 purchased locally at: Bay Hay, Bainbridge Gardens, Town and Country Market, Central Market, Valley Nursery, Bremerton City Nursery, and Rosedale Gardens. According to the Garden Show website the early bird rate is good until February 17. After that the price is $20. Visit the show's website for more details http://www.gardenshow.com/seattle/index/index.cfm

If journeying to Seattle is too daunting come explore 6 hour gardening classes on select Fridays from January through March 2009 at the Norm Dicks Government Center in Bremerton. Horticulture topics vary each Friday. Find the complete listing of classes and registration details at http://kitsap.wsu.edu/events/pdf/2009_Gardening_Courses.pdf. Each class is $35 payable in advance. If you do not have access to the Internet call 360-337-7157 and the WSU Kitsap Extension Office will send you a printed schedule and details.

Dreaming About Spring – catalogues and websites

2008-12-31T18:02:00.000-08:00

DIG THIS by Peg Tillery (for 12-31-08)

When the weather is wickedly cold and we really don’t want to go outdoors, it’s a great time to pour through some garden catalogues or visit websites to plan out some spring planting.

Nichols Garden Nursery www.nicholsgardennursery.com out of Oregon supplies seeds to many of our local nurseries. The complete catalogue is online or you can order a mailed copy via the website or call 1-800-422-3985. Nichols Garden Nursery is celebrating its 60 year anniversary in 2009. Rosemary Nichols McGee’s “Gardener’s Pantry” blog offers loads of growing tips and recipes too.

Seeds of Change www.seedsofchange.com is celebrating 20 years in 2009. Seeds and plants from this gardening source are organic and the mission of Seeds of Change is to support sustainable agriculture. Visit the website for information on seed saving, sustainable agriculture, recipes, news articles and a host of information and resources for organic gardening. Or call 1-888-762-7333 to order a catalogue.

Ed Hume Seeds www.humeseeds.com (253-435-4414) has not only a catalogue, but also abundant growing information compiled by Ed Hume, one of our Pacific Northwest icons. Hume has been supplying seeds to northwest gardeners since 1977. His seeds are available at many local nurseries, grocery stores and retail outlets. Ed Hume Seeds are known for their ability to grow successfully in our often chilly summers. Ed Hume Seeds is in Puyallup and their children’s garden is open to the public. Call Ed Hume Seeds for details.

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds www.rareseeds.com has over 1200 varieties of heirloom seeds and an online catalogue. Baker Creek Farm is in Missouri in the Ozarks. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds was started in 1998 to preserve rare and heirloom seeds for future generations. Some of the varieties won’t do well here in our area, but many will. The site even has a magazine to peruse online or to order a subscription.

Many of us remember the devastating fire in Pt. Townsend that destroyed Abundant Life Seeds and their entire inventory housed there. Since then Abundant Life Seeds has relocated to London, Oregon, home of Territorial Seeds and London Spring Farms. The new website www.abundantlifeseeds.com tells the story of the relocation and offers an online catalogue. All seeds are organic. Call 541-767-9606 to order a catalogue if you do not have Internet access.

Territorial Seeds 800-626-0866 www.territorialseed.com has oodles and oodles of gardening information including gardening tips from the staff and canning information. The site also has mason bee kits and white button mushroom kits along with seeds, seeds and more seeds. Territorial Seeds are available locally at nurseries, garden centers and other retail outlets.

Ronnigers Potato Farm in Colorado is renowned for its seed potatoes and garlic starts suitable for growing here in our climate too. Visit www.ronnigers.com (877-204-8704) to explore the website, read the blog and learn how to grow garlic and potatoes. Ronnigers features organic and heirloom varieties.

Holiday Plants – What to do?

2008-12-24T17:53:00.000-08:00

Dig This by Peg Tillery

What do we do with those wonderfully colorful holiday plants we just can’t resist? This is the dilemma many of us face each year, especially if we love plants and hate to throw away a plant that is still looking very appealing and healthy.

Poinsettias
These beauties now come in a wide range of colors and shades – yellow, white, pink, magenta, crimson, candy stripes, spotted (red on white and white on red) and just plain red. The colored foliage we see is really leaves and the true flowers are the green and yellow b-b shaped structures you see in the center of all the color.

Water poinsettias each week (keeping soil moist, not soggy) and they’ll continue to reward you with colorful foliage until at least March. Then just consider them an annual and allow yourself to throw them out with the trash or you could even add them to your compost. Do not put them in your worm bin because Poinsettias are a euphorbia and the sap is latex like that would make your worms very ill.

Some gardeners keep their poinsettias growing for many years. In Mexico poinsettias grow into trees. Visit http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/poinsettia/facts.cfm for more info.

Holiday Cacti
Here’s the straight scoop on holiday cacti found in stores during spring, fall and winter. They’re quite easy to grow and very forgiving plants. They’re epiphytic plants native to Brazil growing in trees in the Organ Mountains (22 south latitude). Temperatures are usually a constant 60-70 F and rainfall is 17 inches per month during December through March.

We’ve known them as Schlumbergera and some plant tags might label them Zygocactus, Ephipyllum, Rhipsalidopsis, Cereus or Cactus. Schlumbergera were named after a Belgian horticulturist, Frederick Schlumberger. Europeans call it “Crab cactus.” (Look at the leaves.) In Brazil the plant flowers during April and May. Leaves of Schlumbergera have (joints) with serrated edges. Rhipsalidopsis have narrower more rounded leaves with tiny hairs along the edges. Some Rhipsalidopsis look fern like.

Blooms of all these holiday cacti are bright and colorful in shades of red, pink, purple, orange, yellow and white. The Schlumbergera flowers are longer with blooms strung together festooning the tips of the leaf segments. Rhipsalidopsis blooms are star shaped single flowers, again on the tips of the leaves.

Many recommend cold temperatures, special soil, and periods of dry soil to get these cacti to bloom. Most commonly you’ll read “put the plant in a cold place (garage) for several weeks or months to gain blooms.” Researchers found that letting the cacti dry out actually inhibits bloom. And, in a garage, you could lose the plant to chill or neglect. Remember where the plants grow in nature. Their growing conditions are actually similar to orchids and African violets.

African violet potting soil is a good growing medium as is regular potting soil. Don’t use a cactus mix (it drains too quickly). Holiday cacti like plenty of light but not direct sunlight. If you have success growing African violets place the cacti in the same area and they’ll do fine. These holiday cacti will actually flower two to four times a year. Use a liquid fertilizer (12-15-10 such as Schultz) about once a month. Basically these plants thrive on neglect. Water about every other week in the winter and once a week in the summer. They also enjoy being potbound so no need to pot up very often.

Books for Gardeners

2008-12-17T09:43:00.000-08:00

Dig This by Peg Tillery (for 12-17-08)

On a recent visit to Liberty Bay Books in Poulsbo I found several books to drool over and covet. I thought, since it's so chilly out lately, you may want to head out to Liberty Bay Books or your own favorite bookstore to check out these offerings. Some are pricey but others you might just want to buy now and take home to savor for hours and hours.

"Ornamental Foliage Plants" by Denise Greig has 2500 plants featured within its gorgeously illustrated pages. Some of the plants will not grow here in our climate, but their structure and texture will give you lots of ideas for your own gardens. It's published by Firefly Books ISBN 1554070171 at $45 retail.

Alexander Marshall was a renowned horticulturist and entomologist who lived from 1620-1682. A reprint of his art in a compact hardback "Mrs. Marshall's Flower Book" is filled to the brim with charmingly appealing color prints of 140 plants. Marshall was a self-taught artist who created these masterpieces over a 30 year period of time. Published by Penguin ISBN 9780670020386 retailing for $26.95 this book is worth every penny. I covet it entirely.

"Trees for All Seasons" subtitled "broadleaved evergreens for temperate climates" features what it calls "over 300 outstanding trees for color, texture, and year-round foliage." The titles and subtitles do not disappoint. This book is filled to the brim with ideas of foliage and textural plantings for any garden. Since it's for all temperate climates, keep in mind that quite a few of the trees (i.e. palm and fern trees) will not even begin to survive here in our climate. But the book is quite extensive in its information and the photos are most excellent. The author is Sean Hogan ISBN 9780881926743 retailing for $39.95.

Dorling Kindersley (DK) is a renowned publisher of horticulture books. If a book is printed by DK you can be assured it is a well-researched and well illustrated book. John Seymour's "The New Self Sufficient Gardener" is a complete guide to planning, growing, storing and preserving your own garden produce. Retailing at $19.95 ISBN 9780756628987, this is a great book for beginning and seasoned gardeners. The colorful prints of vegetables followed by plenty of complete and helpful tips and information are truly useful and user-friendly.

"The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Magical Plants" by Susan Gregg, ISBN 1592333648 $21.99 Fairwinds Press, features more than 300 herbs and flowers. Gregg entertains, informs and enlightens readers on the beliefs and uses for varied and various types of herbs and flowers. Here's a sample: "If you're having trouble finding forgiveness especially during family arguments, place Chrysanthemum flower heads in your bath to release your anger."

Last but not least on today's reading list is "Clematis for Small Spaces" by Raymond Evison. The subtitle promises to tell readers about "150 high performance plants for patios, decks, balconies and borders." This book ISBN 9780881928518 by Timber Press retails for $34.95 and is worth every single penny. Evison even tells gardeners how to grow clematis as houseplants. Now that's an idea!

Holiday Giving for Gardeners

2008-12-03T09:05:00.000-08:00

DIG THIS for 12-03-08 by Peg Tillery

It's already December. How did that happen? Holidays and celebrations are fast approaching. If you're searching for just the right green, economical or resource conserving gift for a gardener, here are a few ideas.

Why not take time to write a check (whether it be tiny or large) to a local foodbank. People in Kitsap who have never had to ask for assistance in their lives, are now hungry because of worldwide (and local) events that have possibly touched every one of us. It's amazing what our local foodbanks can provide for the hungry with donations of just $5, $10 or $15. A donation in your loved one's name will be a gift that gives back multiple times.

Kitsap County has many parks and preserves, all would welcome a donation of any amount. They are often the first hit with reductions of funding and resources in tough times. Just a few of these are: Stillwaters Environmental Learning Center (Kingston); Bloedel Reserve (Bainbridge Island); IslandWood (Bainbridge Island); Kitsap County Parks and Recreation; Poulsbo Parks and Recreation (Fish Park & Centennial Park); City of Bremerton Parks; City of Port Orchard Parks; City of Bainbridge Island Parks. The parks in the county and cities are often maintained by grants and donations. Donations from the public count as matching funds for these grants. It is actually amazing what these parks departments manage to provide to the public for free. In tough economic times every penny they receive in donations counts and helps.

How about the gift of your time given to a beloved gardener friend or family member? It doesn't cost anything to help someone weed, plant or construct items for a garden. Maybe you even have a much coveted plant in your garden. Your friend or family member lusts after the plant, and it turns out the plant is able to be divided and shared? Dig, divide, pot it up and decorate the container with a lovely ribbon and gift it to him/her.

Think recycling too. Haunt local thrift stores for decorative containers. Add a bag of bulbs, a bag of homemade compost or potting soil, some seed packets or any combination of low cost gardening accoutrements. Remember to check out the hardware and tools often found at thrift stores. These are often a treasure trove of items any gardener would welcome.

Avoid the crowds and stay at home creating one-of-a-kind items for your favorite gardener. If you sew, make a gardening apron or hat. Paint? How about a small art print of a plant, flower or vegetable? Compose a gardening poem; hand written on a lovely piece of paper and framed. Your writing isn't too sharp? It's amazing what computers and a little ingenuity can create for a gardening gift. Let your imagination run free. Even photographs of plants or gardening times shared would make a lovely framed gift.

If you do have some discretionary funds this holiday season and the previous ideas don't strike your fancy, visit our many locally owned nurseries and bookstores and pick up a gift certificate. Gardeners love to receive gift certificates and you'll be helping sustain local businesses.

Miniature and Dwarf Conifers

2008-12-01T09:03:00.000-08:00

DIG THIS By Peg Tillery (for 11-26-08)

This is the time of year when we still hanker for a tiny bit of winter gardening outside. We often don't want to stay out too long, but we want to get a plant of some sort into the ground or into a container. Here are a few tiny delights to pop into a container, window box or into just the perfect small scale garden space.

Dwarf conifers fit small spaces ideally and require a minimum of care unless they're in a container. All container plants need regular watering. Plant them grouped into one single container or try grouping about three to seven small containers singly planted with one mini-conifer. Remember to tuck these green treats into little spaces alongside paths to catch your eye as you pass by.

You'll find these temptations at most of our local nurseries. For ideas ahead of time visit www.stanleynursery.com to peruse the website listing several hundred plants to select from. Not all of these varieties are available here in Kitsap County, but you'll get some good ideas by navigating the site to see photos of the conifers and evergreens along with descriptions of their ultimate small size. Our local nursery staffs have selected the varieties that will grow most easily here in Kitsap County. While you're at the nurseries many are already ordering in lots of plants for spring shopping. It’s not too early to ask the buyers to order in a few of your favorites. Better yet, ask the staff what’s their favorite plant to have for winter and spring.

Staff will gladly help you put together container gardens festooned with delightful plants. If you only want to purchase one minute conifer try Chamaecyparis obtuse ‘Cream Tart’ a variegated beauty. It’s dark green with creamy tipping scattered throughout the minute needles.

Here's a list of a few of my favorites of the moment: Cotoneaster cooperi (an evergreen cotoneaster), Chamaecyparis obtuse ‘Verkades Golden’ (striking foliage), Ilex crenata ‘Dwarf Pagoda’ (the teeniest holly relative); and Rhododendron azalea ‘Chinsei’ (the name means tranquility, blossoms will be purple with dark spots). I visited the Stanley Nursery website and found other temptations you may enjoy: Chamaecypris lawsonia ‘Elwoods Nymph’ which grows only two inches tall in its entire lifetime; Cotoneaster horizontalis ‘Cheney’ (named for our Cheney, Washington) a dwarf variegated variety which will grow only one foot by three feet in ten years; Cotoneaster microphyllus ‘Thymifolius’ with dark green leaves curling down at the edges; Hebe cupressoides ‘Boughton’s Dome’ which will only reach 8 inches by 12 inches after 10 years. The final supreme temptation is Ginkgo biloba ‘Green Pagoda’ reaching only 2 feet by sixteen inches after ten years. It has a conical habit and is grown from cuttings. This one is often scarce. If you see it, get it.

The dwarf conifer varieties now available at many of our local nurseries grow slowly over ten to thirty years and are good for small gardens, Bonsai, limited garden space and can live happily in containers for many years.

Even Evergreens Lose Leaves

2008-11-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

DIG THIS for 11-19-08 by Peg Tillery

Many gardeners are retreating inside to pour through seed and gardening catalogues or to explore all those unread gardening books. But, if we do happen to go out into the garden to take advantage of some milder days for clean up and a bit of last minute planting, we may notice some of our evergreen plants looking not so evergreen.

Never fear, gardeners, evergreen plants lose their leaves too. Some even drop all their needles or foliage, causing a panic in newer gardeners or new home owners whose once blue green or dark green conifer suddenly sheds all its foliage. Evergreen shrubs and trees do indeed shed anywhere from a quarter to half of their leaves every year. As new leaves are added to the plant as it grows, the old leaves gradually die and fall off. Woody plants do this just as we humans shed hair. It is part of the growing process of the plant.

Larch (or Tamarack) called Larix laricinia and Dawn Redwood called Metasequoia glyptostroboides both lose their foliage entirely each year. When we look at these majestic trees we think they're evergreens like our cedar, fir and hemlock. Instead these beauties not only give us the splendor of our more familiar conifers but also put on a show each year along with the deciduous trees. If you ever shop at Central Market in Poulsbo, you may have seen the huge larch in the garden at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Each year the parishioners there have to explain to passersby that their tree is not dying.

Cryptomeria japonica (aka plume cedar) is an evergreen tree with soft wispy, ethereal blue green foliage. But each fall the foliage turns shades of red, plum or sienna. Some cryptomeria appear rusty orange in color. Don't panic if you have one of these trees in your inherited garden or see one in your neighborhood for the first time. It too returns to its normal green color every spring and summer.

Rhododendrons and azaleas have foliage that sloughs off by thirds or so each year. Leaves begin to yellow and brown, then drop off. In addition some rhody and azalea varieties lose their leaves entirely in the fall and winter. They have leaves that look evergreen, but are actually deciduous. Other rhodies such as PJM and azaleas such as Stuart Stonianum turn purplish bronze and crimson respectively. Don't worry, in the spring and summer they turn back to green again.

This time of year it may also seem as if cedars and fir are shedding needles and scales everywhere. Never fear, this is normal. Usually these foliage bits and pieces have turned brown and yellow during the summer and early fall, but we didn't notice it until now when the winds and rain scatter it everywhere in our gardens. Some pine varieties seem to lose what seems like huge sections of its foliage but with patient waiting we discover it healthy and covered in greenery once again.

Bottom line: Do not fear, this is all part of the cycle of nature. When in doubt call the WSU Extension MG hotline at 360-337-7158 for advice and encouragement or consult with your favorite Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH) at your favorite local nursery.

Volunteer Opportunities for Gardeners

2008-11-05T09:18:00.000-08:00

DIG THIS by Peg Tillery (for 11-5-08)

We are already accepting applications for the Class of 2009. Classes will run every Friday from January 9 through April 10 at the Norm Dicks Government Center in Bremerton. Course tuition is $225. A group orientation and interview is November 13.
Visit http://kitsap.wsu.edu/hort/2009_intern.htm for information about applying for the program. Download, print out, fill out and return the forms and mail them in to reserve your space in the MG Class of 2009.

Saturday October 25 we celebrated the "official" grand opening of Fish Park in Poulsbo. Fish Park meanders along Dog Fish Creek. The park is across the street from Nelson Park. Hundreds of volunteers have worked on this native plant filled nature preserve. For the opening celebrations we were treated to the salmon returning up the creek. The chum salmon are an awesome and mighty fish. Suquamish Tribe fish biologist Paul Dorn enlightened us with information about the salmon and the Suquamish people who lived along Liberty Bay and along Dog Fish Creek for hundreds of years.

Fish Park has a scheduled work party date the third Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon. This November 15 we will be planting trees. Round up your family and friends and come join us at Fish Park in Poulsbo. If you have questions please call Mary McCluskey at 360-779-9898. We hope to see you there.

One of the volunteers at Fish Park has been Scott Pomtier, owner (along with his wife Nancy Kaiser) of The Wild Bird, 19740 7th Avenue NE Suite B in Poulsbo. Scott has put together a booklet of the birds he's spotted at Fish Park. He's also donated bat houses and bird houses to the park. The Wild Bird website is www.thewildbird.net. During the month of December Pomtier and Kaiser will donate 10 percent of all sales to the West Sound Wildlife Shelter.

The Shelter is the only wildlife hospital and education center located in the entire Western Puget Sound and receives nearly all of its funding in the form of donations from individuals. It expects to treat over 700 wild animal patients this year as well as give unique live-animal education programs to over 5,000 kids and adults. You can find more information about the Shelter at www.westsoundwildlife.org.

Rhodies, MG Graduates and Wreaths

2008-10-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

DIG THIS by Peg Tillery (for 10-29-08)

Here's a free class on rhododendron care. The Kitsap Chapter of the American Rhododendron Club presents a "hands on" rhododendron maintenance workshop at 9 a.m. on Saturday November 1 at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church on Bainbridge Island. The class is free. Bring gloves and hand pruners. For more information contact Carol 360-271-4409 or Lynn 206-842-5464.

Congratulations to the WSU Extension Kitsap Master Gardener 2008 graduating class: Fred and Marlene Abrahamson, Roger Bacon, Carolyn Berger, Eugene Brennan, Jade Castillo, Carolyn Chinn, Ron Cleveland, Judy Cole-Martin, Leslee Conner, Laureen Davis, Cherry Edwards, Luba Fetterman, Michelle Gouin, Celia Grether, Ingrid Harper, Ted Hoppin, DJ Jacobson, Jessica Kendrena, Steven Kimbrough, Judith Martin, Gregg Peterson, Georgie Pulliam, Marilyn Raynor, Robbin Small, Pat Steele, Merry Stever, Lisa Stowers, Nancy Taylor, Tish Treherne, Ann Varley, Denise Walsh, Diane Watrous and Lisa-Marie Wilson. These dedicated volunteers each completed 72 hours of instruction in horticulture, plus contributed 50 hours or more of educational outreach and service to their communities.

It's not too early to think about making holiday wreaths for ourselves or to give as gifts. The annual Holiday Open House at Bainbridge Gardens is Saturday November 15 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. As a gift back to the community, the nursery features a coupon good for 40 percent off on anything the nursery has for sale. That includes trellises, fountains, large trees - a host of temptations. You can also sign up to use the wreath maker. Demonstrations are Saturday, November 22 at 11 a.m., Sunday November 23 at 1 p.m. and Wednesday December 3 at 11 a.m.

Valley Nursery's Christmas Preview Party is Friday through Sunday, November 21-23. Visit http://www.valleynurseryinc.com/calendar/default.asp for a month by month listing of activities at the nursery. Valley now has a heated, comfortable classroom in the house on the site. You can also attend wreath making demonstrations and sign up to use their wreath maker. Visit http://www.valleynurseryinc.com/classes.htm for a listing of winter workshops at the nursery.

Both Valley and Bainbridge Gardens recommend reserving the wreath maker soon. Call Valley at 360-779-3806 and Bainbridge Gardens at 206-842-5888. Both nurseries have wreath greenery available for purchase or you can bring your own. If you bring your own greenery it's recommended the branches are cut in 18-inch or shorter pieces. Remember too to pick up after yourself and take your leftover greenery home with you. Dress for the weather (in layers) and bring gloves and hand pruners. Make it a party with friends and have lunch at the New Rose Café at Bainbridge Gardens or from Valley Nursery head in to Poulsbo for lunch at one of the enticing restaurants.

This is also the perfect time of year to haunt all our local nurseries with gift shops. Here are a host of them to peruse: Country Nursery and Gardens (Seabeck Highway), Clear Creek Nursery (Clear Creek Road), Peninsula Gardens (Gig Harbor), Rosedale Nursery (Gig Harbor), Bremerton City Nursery (Adele, West Bremerton), Cooleen Gardens (Perry Avenue, East Bremerton), Sacks Feed and Garden (Kingston), Savage Plants (Kingston), Valley Nursery (Poulsbo), Bainbridge Gardens (Bainbridge Island) and Bay Hay (Bainbridge Island). You'll be amazed and charmed at the abundant temptations and unique finds, many at very affordable prices. You'll also be supporting our locally owned businesses and the green industry.

Books for Gardeners

2008-10-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

DIG THIS by Peg Tillery (for 10-22-08)

When the weather turns nippy it's always a nice respite to linger indoors with a few good books on garden related topics. Here are four books you may want to find and peruse. You may even want to check them out at our Kitsap Regional Library first and then head out to your favorite local bookstore to purchase one of all of them.

"The Garden Primer" by Barbara Damrosch (Workman Publishing, ISBN 9780761122753) has been "completely revised." Damrosch lives and gardens in Harborside, Maine with her husband at Four Season Farm, which is also their sustainable agriculture business. The book contains 819 pages filled to the brim with information about every phase of gardening from pretty and enjoyable ornamental plants along with plants providing food.

This is a no-nonsense yet charming book, illustrated with black and write drawings. Every page is crammed with information, tips and facts. The illustrations are appealing and easy to understand. Damrosch tells how to select and grow more than 370 plants, including the many variations of these plants. Very factual statements are woven into quaint stories from a true gardener's perspective. Reading the book is akin to sitting at a table talking with your own favorite gardening guru. "The Garden Primer" is a book you'll refer to again and again.

I think my gardening buddy, Fay Linger, told me about a book called "Insects of the Pacific Northwest" by Peter Haggard and Judy Haggard (Timber Press, ISBN 9780881926897). It describes more than 450 species of the most visible insects in our gardens. Butterflies and moths, along with their larva, are illustrated through more than 600 excellent color photographs. Insects are grouped by their order and family. The range covered in the book is southwestern British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and northern California, from "coast to the mountains, from wetlands to high desert," says the book jacket.

"Insects of the Pacific Northwest" is sized perfectly to fit into a backpack. Page edges are colored for easy access in locating specific insect sections. Each insect description includes the plants these creatures like to munch on, where their eggs can be found and what time of year to look for the insects in our gardens. This book is a must have. You'll leaf again and again through all 295 pages of this excellent reference book.

An oldie but goodie "Bugs of Washington and Oregon" by John Acorn and Ian Sheldon (Lone Pine ISBN 1551052334) came out several years ago. This too is a great field guide, sized to live in a back pack or on a desk at the ready. This small paperback, 160 pages in length, is appealing to adults and youngsters. The illustrations are quite realistic. We've used this book numerous times in the Extension Office to identify insect specimens brought in to the Bremerton office.

Many home gardeners are beginning to raise chickens. Check first to make sure the regulations in your area allow raising chickens. If it is permitted you will want to find "Keeping Chickens" by Jeremy Hobson and Celia Lewis (David & Charles, ISBN 0715325671). Every page is illustrated with color photographs. Instructions are given from start to finish, explaining how to select, raise, house and care for chickens. There's even a section on how to make various crafts using chicken eggs and feathers. There's even a section on how to enter chickens in fairs. Information is also provided showing a wide selection of chicken houses and coops. This is a very user friendly, concise and complete book.

Cover Crops and Bulb Planting Tips

2008-10-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

DIG THIS by Peg Tillery (for 10-15-08)

If you grow vegetables in your garden or if you have bare land that you're not yet ready to landscape, try putting in some cover crops. September and early October is the time to sow cover crops. Cover crops help hold the soil together and nourish the soil for spring planting. They're often called "green manure" because they serve the same purpose by returning nutrients to the soil.

Local nurseries and feed stores carry cover crop seeds for planting this time of year. You'll usually find information along with the seeds suggesting the quantities to plant and which seeds serve particular purposes. In our area many gardeners plant white or crimson clover, fava beans, vetch, rye and legumes. These crops will germinate in cooler temperatures so you still have time to plant.

They're also very easy to plant. Remove and compost spent debris from the area you'll be cover cropping. Lightly rake up the garden soil and then sprinkle the seeds as evenly as possible all over the area. A little goes a surprisingly long way. Usually one to four ounces of seed (depending on the variety) covers 1000 square feet. Then lightly rake in again. Do not cover the seeds up with additional soil. For some reason the birds don't seem to bother the seeds very much.

Water in if we don't receive rain. Seeds begin sprouting in a few days. The greenery covers the soil fairly fast. If we have a mild winter you may have to whack the vegetation down as early as January or February. This can be done using a lawnmower, weed whacker or scythe. But usually in March through April you'll be chopping the vegetation down, letting it lay on top of the soil for a week or more and then turning it all into the soil with a shovel or spading fork. These nitrogen rich plant parts turn into nearly instant compost in the soil. Some years you'll have to turn the cover crop and soil mixture under a few times. Then, in May and June at planting time your new vegetable seeds and plantings will receive a nitrogen rich start in the garden.

This is also the time to put bulbs in the ground. Local nurseries and retailers have bulbs readily available for us to purchase and plant. For years I'd purchase bulbs and then wait so long into late fall and winter that I'd have to go outside in really chilly weather to plant in December or January. It was not fun. Over the last few years, I've taken the really easy way out. I've planted bulbs in containers in October and November instead. Then in the spring, when the bulbs are done blooming, I remove them from the container and plant them in the ground when the weather is more conducive to being outside lingering in the garden.

When planting bulbs in containers, try the layering method. Bulbs come in all sizes. Usually the bigger the bulb the taller the plant will be. You can layer bulbs into container plantings. Try large yellow daffodils on the bottom layer with tiny grape hyacinth on the top layer. Think parfait using two to four different sized bulbs. Visit your favorite nursery and ask the staff for their favorite bulb combinations.

Flying Ants, Termites and Web Weaving Spiders

2008-09-24T13:52:00.000-07:00

Dig This for 9-24-08

Don't panic this time of year when you see flying ants and termites. Ants by nature once their colonies are established (usually after 3 years or so) have a flying stage where the reproducing males and females grow wings, leave the colony and set out to establish new ones. It sometimes seems like the flying ants number in the hundreds, but don't worry, very few of them actually survive. And, most of the time they make their new home in the woods and meadows, and not in or around our homes.

Most of the flying ants are black. But if you see red bodied flying ant appearing insects, look closer, they're termites. Termite bodies are flatter than ant bodies and they appear to the eye to have only two body parts - head and lower body. The bodies of ants in our area are nearly always black and on closer inspection have three distinct body parts - head, abdomen and thorax.

If you see either flying ants or termites emerging in large numbers around the foundation of your home or from underneath your home, you will want to take a closer look under the house to make sure they haven't made a home there. The WSU Publication EB1814 available online at http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb1814/EB1814.pdf shows photos of termite and carpenter ant damage. If you see any of the signs shown in the photos in the publication you'll want to call a licensed exterminator.

Visit http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4DMG/Pests/flyant.htm to see photos of flying ants and to learn more about this life cycle stage of ants. Another website www.antinstitute.com has ample information about ants. The Ant Institute says an ant can lift 20 times its body weight. There are 12,000 ant species worldwide and 700 of these ant species are in North America. Of the 12,000 species of ants worldwide only 25 species are considered structural pests. That's very good news.

This is also the time of year when we do the spider dodging dance throughout our gardens. The golden orb weaver spider (also called the brown orb weaver spider) likes to stretch its silky web throughout our gardens. These spiders festoon our doorways and porches too. Their webs are really a work of art. The webs are made out of silken protein. The spider patiently weaves its web over and over again. It collects and wraps its web back up on a regular basis. The spider eats the web giving its body much needed protein. Then begins weaving its web all over again. Speaking of protein each spider eats literally hundreds of insects, sometimes thousands, in its short lifetime.

Do not panic if you find yourself entangled in a spider web. As soon as our bodies collide with a web the spider drops from a silken webline down to the ground. Can you imagine how absolutely humongous and monstrous we must appear to a spider? Especially since it sees several images of us at one time with its eyes. The only thing the spider wants to do is get away as quickly as possible. If you're careful you can actually unhook a whole web and move it aside leaving the spider happily nearby. Our gardens and houses would be overtaken with insects if it weren't for our friends the spiders.

Classes Galore

2008-09-17T13:59:00.000-07:00

DIG THIS by Peg Tillery (for 9-17-08)

Even though the gardening season is winding down, we can still immerse ourselves in garden themed activities.

WSU Extension in Kitsap County is offering Sustainable Small Acreage Farming and Ranching Overview Course. Registration forms can be found at http://kitsap.wsu.edu/ag/sustainable_ag_class.htm. This course is for anyone interested in developing a small acreage farm or ranch using sustainable practices. Learn what it takes to have a sustainable small acreage farm or ranch and take a realistic look at goals, resources needed and opportunities available. Guest farmers speak to the class and field trips are taken to local farms.

The course is offered at two locations: Thursdays September 18 through December 11, 2008 at Long Lake Community Hall and Wednesdays September 17 through December 10 at Island Lake Community Center. Classes are held in the evening from 6-9 p.m. The course is open to academic students and community members for continuing education units. Course fee is $225 for individual, family or farm. The cost includes textbooks and materials. For more information contact Arno Bergstrom 360-337-7225 or awbergstrom@wsu.edu. This course is offered as part of the Cultivating Success Sustainable Small Acreage Farming and Ranching Education Program.

The 2009 WSU Extension Kitsap Master Gardener Program volunteer educator training begins on Fridays from January 9 through April 10. The classes are 8:30 a.m. through 4:15 p.m. Master Gardeners (MGs) are volunteer educators who bring WSU research based information and education to the public. MGs are one of the faces of the university in our community. Each person who completes the Master Gardener Program 13-week course completes 72 hours of horticulture education. Course tuition and materials fee is $225. Scholarships and/or payment options are available.

When classes are complete, between the months of April through October MG interns spend a minimum of 50 hours in their communities teaching people to garden successfully and to utilize environmentally friendly techniques. Additionally, Master Gardeners, learn how to identify plants, insects, plant diseases and plant problems. They also learn about native plants, trees, vegetables, fruits and weeds. MGs don’t become overnight experts on plants and the environment, but they do become able resources and researchers of answers for citizens of Kitsap County. They may not always have an immediate answer, but they'll always find the answer or someone who knows the answer.

We have 232 Master Gardeners in Kitsap County ranging from the fairly young age of 20 to the more mature age of 80 plus years. Half of our Master Gardeners work full time and 35 percent of the MGs make their living in the field of horticulture. As the Horticulture Educator for WSU Kitsap County, and the coordinator of the Master Gardener Program here, I am honored to know these 232 individuals. Their energies, ideas, expertise and community service are dedicated to their families, friends, neighbors and residents in Kitsap and Pierce County on our peninsula.

Application packets are mailed out via email (or postal mail for those without email) on October 15 each year. Visit http://kitsap.wsu.edu/hort/mg_application_request.htm to place your name on the list to receive an application. You can also call the Extension Office at 360-337-7224 to be placed on the application request list. If you reach voicemail, please leave your name, address, phone number and email address.

Fall Webworm and Apple Maggot

2008-09-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

DIG THIS by Peg Tillery

It's nearly the first day of fall. Along with the approaching date we're also experiencing fall webworm infestations. Don't panic though, these caterpillar tents and moth larvae are nothing like the spring into summer onslaughts of tent caterpillars we sometimes encounter.

Fall webworms spend nearly their entire life encased in their caterpillar-made tents. Drivers on Highway 3 heading north and south have probably seen these tents on the outer limbs of the alders. Fall webworms also build nests in fruit trees, cottonwoods, birch and other deciduous trees. Luckily, these caterpillars are eating machines that live inside the tent. Also luckily, it's a time of year when the trees are going dormant anyway. This is a very good thing. These caterpillars will soon be gone.

I've written a column on fall webworms nearly every September, so we're right on schedule. If you have internet access visit these sites for photos and more information on fall webworms: http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb0827/eb0827.pdf and http://kitsap.wsu.edu/hort/dig_this/dig_this_toc.htm. Look under September for each year.

Bottom line on fall webworm - usually gardeners need do nothing, unless it's a horrible infestation or when growing fruit trees for harvesting. If you need to destroy the nests, cut them from their host plant if possible or strip the webs off. Drop the webs and caterpillars in a bucket filled with soapy water. If your garden is frequently visited by fall webworm and control is needed; next year when the webs begin to form, open the webs and spray with Bacillus thuringiensis Bt. This bacteria will be ingested by the larva as they feed on the leaves. Remember for Bt to work it must be ingested.

This is also the time of year when apple maggot signs show up in harvested fruits. Visit http://skagit.wsu.edu/Agriculture/com_saveapples.htm for abundant information on apple maggot and how to control this pestiferous insect. One thing every one of us can do is pick up and dispose of any fallen apples we see in our neighborhoods and in our own gardens. The trick is to pick up and dispose of fallen fruit every day. Don't leave the fruits on the ground to rot. This applies to all fruit actually. Sanitation is a very good insect pest protection method.

Apple maggots are the larva of a fly. It has classic black and white stripes on its wings. The fly inserts its eggs into apples. Look for small black spots on the outside skin of the fruit. When the larva hatches it works its way through the fruit leaving bacterial trails turning the inside of the fruit brown and mushy. Sometimes before we even cut the apple open we can see brown bruises on the outside of the fruit. We soon discover the discolored and very unappetizing inside. Do not eat or preserve this fruit because of the bacteria.

Visit http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb1928/EB1928.pdf for complete information on apple maggot and also on coddling moth. Fruit with coddling moth damage can be salvaged by cutting out the damage, but fruit infested with apple maggot needs to be discarded. Do not compost apple maggot infested fruit. Bag it up and send it to the land fill. Call the Master Gardener hotline at 360-337-7158 to request a copy of the referenced publications if you do not have access to the internet. Or stop by a local Kitsap Regional Library branch for internet access to read the publications.

Our Starving Local Food Banks

2008-09-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

DIG THIS by Peg Tillery

Sally Santana, religious leader and local writer, recently sent out a plea to as many of us as she could reach. She knew that our local food bank cupboards are often bare. We were asked to spread the word to all local gardeners and community groups to grow fresh produce to donate to Kitsap's food banks and soup kitchens.

Kitsap WSU Extension Master Gardeners, Bremerton Urban Garden Society (BUGS), local p-patch gardeners and children at Poulsbo's Raab Park currently grow fruits and vegetables to donate to the food banks and soup kitchens. Other community groups do too, but if each of us who garden in Kitsap County would share our extra fresh produce with local food banks and soup kitchens, thousands of hungry people could be served.

On Monday, August 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. more than 93 people came to Bremerton Foodline. It was nearing the end of the month and their food budgets were stretched to the max. Many of them have to make the choice between transportation to their jobs or eating. Most of these Foodline visitors are part of our working poor. Some of the parents eat only one meal a day so their children can have three healthy meals. Others are seniors whose limited incomes cannot even begin to catch up with growing costs of living.

South Kitsap Helpline Food Bank's website says, "One-third of the households in Kitsap County made $1200 or less per month in 2006." It's hard to even imagine how a family of two or more people with limited incomes can find money for groceries after paying rent (or a house payment), utilities and transportation to and from work.

The food banks are only open certain days and times, so make sure you call first before bringing donations. Our local food banks and soup kitchens are: Bremerton Food Line (360-479-6188), Brother's Keeper Meal Program, Central Kitsap Food Bank (360-692-9818), Bainbridge Island Helpline House Food Bank (206-842-7621), North Kitsap Fishline (360-779-5190), Bremerton Salvation Army Food Bank & Meal Program (373-5550), Sharenet Food Bank (Kingston and Hansville)(360-297-2266), South Kitsap Helpline Food Bank (Port Orchard)(360-876-4089), Stand Up for Kids (Central Kitsap), St. Vincent de Paul Assistance Office (Bremerton)(360-479-7017).

We can each help feed the hungry here in Kitsap County. Even if we don't grow vegetables and fruit, we can at least find a few dollars each month to donate to our nearest local food bank. If we ourselves don't have any extra dollars to spare, we can volunteer in a myriad of ways at our local food banks. If you can't help in any of these ways, say "thank you" to your local farmers market vendors and your local grocery stores, many of whom donate to local food banks and soup kitchens. If these merchants aren't contributing already, encourage them to do so. Ask your friends, neighbors and workmates to donate produce, dollars or talents to help feed the hungry of Kitsap County.

Lilies, Books and Organic Gardening Course

2008-08-13T14:09:00.000-07:00

Dig This by Peg Tillery © 2008

On a walk through our neighborhood the other evening I was inhaling the most exquisite scent. It was a garden abundantly decorated with Oriental Lilies. The experience made me think about B&D Lilies out of Port Townsend. Visit http://www.bdlilies.com to spend at least an hour (I kid you not) exploring all the gorgeous blossoms available for purchase. For details on how to visit the nursery and gardens call 360-765-4341 or email catalog@bdlilies.com.

If scented lilies make you sneeze, like we did in the Extension Office one afternoon when I brought a bouquet of Oriental Lilies into the office, then Asiatic Lilies (most are unscented) might just fit the bill instead. Day lilies are also delightful, lending daily new blooms for several months beginning sometimes as early as May and lasting until as late as October.

Lilies have been hybridized to satisfy a wide variety of gardener needs and wants. The B&D Lilies site has a host of helpful and technical information. The photos are exquisite and tantalizing. Each photo has an accompanying page with a much larger photo and a host of information. Be careful, though, there are literally hundreds of lilies to choose from. You may want them all.

Other plants offered at the site are Eucomis (Pineapple Lily) and Peonies. B&D Lilies is celebrating its 30th year anniversary. Founded in 1978 the story of the nursery, garden and propagation fields is told on the site along with a host of photos. Dianna and Bob, whose last names do not appear on the site, are revamping their display gardens and fields. They are selling their antique farm implements. If you're reading this column today and want to know more about their antique "garden art" as they call it, call them at 360-765-4341 for more details.

Our local Kitsap Regional Library branches have an incredible collection of books for gardeners. Here's just a portion of the sections available: 712.6 (Garden designs, plans and construction); 635.7 (Herb gardening); 635.9823 (Greenhouse gardening); 635.9517 (Native plant gardening); 635.9674 (Water gardens); 635.986 (Container gardening) and the following magazines are available too: "Fine Gardening," "Garden Design" and "Garden Gate." Plus several others and much, much more. You can use www.KRL.org to access the complete online database. KRL library users can actually access printable articles from magazines, newspapers and journals from around the world. The possibilities appear to be endless. Check it out!

Last, but not least, in today's bouquet of items is information on this year's upcoming "Organic Gardens You Can Eat" course. It's a series of 4 classes designed and taught by WSU Extension Kitsap Master Gardeners. They'll help you create your own backyard organic vegetable garden. The 4-series class, all Saturdays, will be held: September 20 and October 18, 2008 and February 28 and March 21, 2009. Classes begin promptly at 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. The classes this year are at the Norm Dicks Government Center, 345 6th Street, Bremerton. Visit http://kitsap.wsu.edu to download a form to register. The rate for all four classes is $125. Scholarships are available and payments can be arranged. We cannot accept credit card payments. The registration deadline is September 12. You can also call 360-337-7224 to request a mailed registration form and class schedule. Visit the Open Class Horticulture area in President's Hall at the Kitsap County Fair, August 20 through 24 to pick up a brochure on the course or ask questions.

Get Those Weeds Now!

2008-08-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

DIG THIS by Peg Tillery © 2008

A relatively new pesky weed, Birdsfoot trefoil, Lotus corniculatus, has been cropping up all over Kitsap County. The common name comes from the seed heads which look like tiny bird feet (even through the feet have six to eight toes). It began its rampant spread about three years ago, but it's promising to be as noxious as some of our official "noxious weeds."

The ironic fact about this plant is it has been used in many states for deer fodder and forage for cattle and other grazing animals. It's a forage plant that does not cause bloating. Birdsfoot trefoil was imported from Europe. Native peoples also harvested the seeds for food. It thrives in areas where rainfall is more than 20 inches a year and when temperatures are cooler. Does that sound like our area? Yes, indeed, it does.

Besides being imported for fodder and forage, many of the seeds came in with birdseed mixes. Some gardeners discovered it as a ground cover and liked the bright yellow flowers and clover like leaves. The plant has trailing stems and will lie prostrate or climb up various supports. Stems reach 2 to 3 feet in length. The bright yellow clusters of flowers and green trailing stems and leaves remind many gardeners of scotch broom. It has been described in some literature as "trailing scotch broom without the invasiveness." Unfortunately, this claim was very misleading. The plant behaved for several years, but now is cropping up in nearly everyone's garden. Birds love the seeds and are helping spread the plant.

Birdsfoot trefoil, Lotus corniculatus, is in the plant family Fabaceae. It is a legume and cool season perennial. Each pound of seeds produced contains 375,000 seeds. That's a whole lot of seeds. The plant has one main "taproot" but running off of the root are numerous long running "hair like" roots. When we pull up the plant and tap root, these Long running roots produce even more plants. Quite the advantageous plant.

Visit http://www.invasive.org/browse/subject.cfm?sub+5949 to see and learn more about this pesky plant.

If you have Birdsfoot trefoil in your garden, get rid of it before it spreads. Cutting it back repeatedly will weaken it. As soon as you see it you can carefully dig it out and dispose of it. Make sure you get all the white side roots too. This is also the time of year when Buddleia (butterfly bush) is blooming in all its glory. If you have a Buddleia remember to harvest all the flowers before they go to seed. Buddleia davidii is on the noxious weed list, and by law it needs to be contained. Buddleia has an appealing scent and makes wonderful bouquets of cut flowers. Remember to cut your Buddleia down to the ground each fall and you'll be able to continue enjoying this plant and not have it become a bad noxious weed problem.

The very best thing to do though is remove this plant if you can bear to do it. But the next best thing is to keep all the flowers trimmed off before they go to seed. Dispose of the seed heads in the trash. Removing the flowers requires diligence, but I have confidence if you want to keep your Buddleia you'll want to do the right thing and keep it from spreading its seeds all over Kitsap County.

Check out WSU Extension Kitsap’s Website

2008-07-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

DIG THIS by Peg Tillery © 2008

Did you know that right here in Kitsap County you can tap into a wealth of research based and extremely useful information from both Washington State University and University of Washington? As a WSU Extension employee I and my colleagues sometimes lament that our office seems to be one of Kitsap’s best kept secrets. We hope that people can discover how much information we have available to share with those who live in Kitsap County.

One way to access this abundant information on just about any topic is to check out our WSU Extension Kitsap website at http://kitsap.wsu.edu. You can also talk to us in person by visiting the Extension Office in the Norm Dicks Government Center in downtown Bremerton at 345 6th Street, Suite 550 or by calling 360-337-7157. Our office also includes the Kitsap County Noxious Weed Program and University of Washington SeaGrant.

Here’s a brief list of our staff and what our specialties are: Director Arno Bergstrom (Forestry, Sustainable Agriculture, Watershed Stewardship, Community and Economic Development); Rene Overath (Human Growth, Learning and Development and Family Support and Education); Charlotte Garrido (Baccalaureate Programs); Kelly Fisk (4H and Youth Development); Peg Tillery (Horticulture, Community and Organic Gardening and volunteers in these programs: Master Gardeners, Shoreline Stewards, Native Plant Advisors, Beach Naturalists); Gayle Alleman (Food $ense Program); Barbara Gross (Clothing and Textile Advisor Program); Dana Coggon (Kitsap County Noxious Weed Program); and Jeff Adams (University of Washington SeaGrant and Water Quality).

Last but not least, since most of us are often out in the field at events, meetings, consultations and teaching classes, we have two incredible admin assistants. Vicki Avery is in charge of just about everything and Rhiannon Fernandez is our website and marketing guru. She also helps us understand our office computers’ abilities. None of us know what we’d do without Vicki and Rhiannon. It would take about twenty columns to describe what they do and how invaluable they are to our office.

Our office is often full of volunteers. Several days a week year in and year out you’ll find one or more Master Gardeners in the office staffing the MG Hotline at 360-337-7158 and solving gardening problems brought in to the office. We have a microscope in the office that we can link up to the Internet to send digital images all over the United States to receive a diagnosis on what the insect is or what the plant problem is. This Internet system is called DDDI (Digital Distance Diagnostic Imaging). We’re very proud of its capabilities. Usually, though, most of the insects and plant problems can be diagnosed in a few minutes right in our office. We’re also able to send specimens directly to Puyallup when we can’t diagnose the problem.

This month one of Kitsap’s renowned marine scientists, Nancy Sefton, has begun writing a column about our area of Puget Sound. It’s called “Life on the Edge.” Each month she’ll cover a new shoreline or marine life topic. You’ll want to check it out right away. Go to http://kitsap.wsu.edu and click on the icon on the right: “Life on the Edge.” You’ll be glad you did.

We have such a wealth of life amenities and opportunities here in Kitsap County. Nearly every day as we work and play we can see farmland, forests, shorelines and amazing beauty everywhere. WSU Extension and UW SeaGrant have been helping citizens find information on these and other topics for many decades. We want to be a resource for you. Check us out!