Sunflowers need more sun

I have several really tall sunflowers that haven’t developed their seeds yet. It’s getting late in the season and I’d like to have the seeds available for the birds this winter. Can I do anything to help them along?

Joan, Spokane

Hi Joan,

Take heart, everything is slow this year, even the cast-iron sunflowers. Leave them in the garden for the time being. With every warm day they will continue to ripen. Toward the end of October, after the plant’s leaves have obviously died, you can cut the stalks and save the heads. I just gather up my stalks, heads and all, and tie them to the posts of my deer fence (on the inside of the fence) for the birds to find. They are usually empty by late winter. The birds usually scatter enough seed around the garden that I don’t have to worry about reseeding the next year. I move the seedlings where I want them.

The heads can also be hung near other bird feeders or included in wreaths filled with other seed heads. Be sure to place them so that cats and other predators can’t jump or climb up to them. I have seen our cat jump 6 to 8 feet in his attempts to score a bird. He usually loses.

Good luck and have fun watching the birds this winter.

Questions? Master Gardeners have answers

Speaking of garden questions and answers, the next time you have an occasion to visit the WSU Spokane County Master Gardener Plant Clinic with a plant problem or question, remember that you are getting your question answered by the best group of clinicians in the state.

The Spokane County team took first place in the diagnostics competition at the recent Statewide Master Gardener Conference Sept. 8-9 at WSU. Team members Tim Kohlhauff, Vi Tiegs, Rhonda Elliott and Becky Phillips handled a wide range of questions about bugs, diseases, plants and garden problems. “If it was a question that could have come up in the clinic, it was part of the competition,” says Cinde Johnson, coordinator of the Spokane County program.

Want to put the Master Gardeners to the test on your questions? The Plant Clinic at the Cooperative Extension Office (222 N. Havana) will be open until October 28. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.

It’s a Wrap for the Season

Well folks, this week’s writings will wrap up the season’s regular weekly question-and-answer column. You have sent in some great questions this year. The passion you write with has given me a wonderful sense of how dedicated gardeners are in this region. You always come up with thoughtful questions and insights.

Now I have a few questions of my own:

What were some of your garden stories for this year? How are you getting through the winter without your usual plant fix? Let us know. Winter time is the time to spin yarns and tell tall tales.

Please continue to send your questions. Anything plant related is more than welcome. We’ll run them when we get enough to make a column.

Just think of it as therapy to keep me from going bonkers in January and February.