No More Waiting For May’S Arrival
It’s May, it’s May, the lovely month of May. And, oh, so many questions to answer and so many garden activities to announce. Let’s begin with your questions.
Q. What’s the white cottony stuff on the Alberta spruce trees?
A. It’s Cooley spruce gall adelgid. The tiny masses of cotton, identified by a gentleman named Cooley, are filled with aphid-type insects called adelgid. They create small galls on the new growth. Put all this together and you have Cooley spruce gall adelgid.
The aphids work their way toward the new growth on the ends of the branches. Once they’ve settled in, they cover themselves in a protective gall which eventually takes on the appearance of a brown cone. Neither the aphid nor the galls actually kill the tree, but they do put it under stress which can weaken the plant. Add a few dozen brown galls and this once-symmetrical beauty quickly becomes quite homely.
Control: Spray now as the new growth begins to open. Use the pesticide thiodan, found in Cook’s Garden and Insect Spray. Thiodan is the only spray recommended for the control of this insect. Once the insects begin to create their protective shield, spraying is useless.
Q. Is there a natural method for controlling worms and aphid in cabbage, broccoli and the like?
A. Try using a fabric row cover such as Reemay. Row covers are lightweight materials that allow air, light and water to penetrate while keeping unwanted critters out.
The whole secret is getting the cover over the crops and securing it to the ground before the moths or flies have a chance to lay their eggs.
Since broccoli and cabbage don’t require a pollinator, the cover can be left on for the plant’s entire growing period. Just make sure you leave enough loose material so the plants have room to grow under it. You can secure the cover to the ground with a long piece of wood, or bury it a few inches in the soil. Don’t leave any entrance hole for insects. If you do, you may discover a few green caterpillars on the side of your salad bowl.
Q. Which are the best-tasting carrots and when do we plant them?
A. Everyone’s tastes are different. I prefer a sweet carrot called Nantes. If you’re not familiar with this particular carrot, I wouldn’t be surprised. Because of its high sugar and water content, it doesn’t store well, thus it is rarely found at the market. These carrots are so sweet, you would think you’ve bitten into a candy bar.
To keep my carrots from becoming contorted, I grow them in fine soil such as sand. Lumps and bumps such as rocks and non-decomposed material will split and bend the carrot in all directions as it grows. I have the best luck germinating the seed by planting it in a shallow furrow and covering it with a thin layer of potting soil or loose grass clippings. Both are light and fluffy, allowing the emerging seedlings a chance to see the light without having to work so hard. I give my carrots little if any fertilizer.
Q. Bedding plants are available everywhere. Is this a good time to be planting them?
A. Normally I would say wait another week or two. We could still experience a killing frost. But the weather has been so cooperative, I can’t wait.
I realize I’m taking a chance, and I may have to replant, but that’s a chance I am willing to take. Of course all annuals should be hardened off to the outside before they’re planted in the ground. Plants purchased from a greenhouse should spend a few days and nights outside before planting them. This includes any of the cole crops such as broccoli or cabbage.
Q. Is it true that miniature roses can be divided?
A. This is true. These hardy little bushes are grown on their own root stock. In other words, they do not have a bud union or graft that we have to contend with. It’s a little late to divide plants now, but here are a few tips for next year:
Overgrown miniatures can be lifted and cut into two or more plants.
Wash the soil from the roots, look for suitable areas to make the cut (all cuts must include roots and rose canes) and cut and plant. You may have to use a saw to get through the root system. If you don’t quite understand this procedure, you can ask the mini-rose growers next weekend at their annual miniature rose sale. It’s being held May 7-9 at Northwest Seed and Pet, 2422 E. Sprague, during regular store hours. They promise more than 1,600 roses to choose from. Wow!
Speaking of events
The Friends of Manito are offering something very special for children - a day in the Japanese Gardens at Manito Park. All kinds of fun events for the children are planned. Meet at the Japanese Gardens Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Gardeners of Spokane are hosting their annual plant sale Wednesday through May 9 at the NorthTown Mall during regular mall hours. They promise many unusual annuals and perennials, along with many of the most popular bedding plants. This sale is a tradition in our community, always proving to be an event filled with top-quality flora.
The North Organic Gardeners in Deer Park will host a garden fair at the Deer Park Fairgrounds throughout the day Saturday. This is your chance to learn everything about organic gardening from the experts.
It’s May, it’s May and didn’t I tell you it’s packed with gardening news and events?