Show Date: 7 Feb 12
So this isn’t real scientific, however, I know plenty of University of MN horticulturists who DO use some of these “rules” for the vegetable garden.

There’s a book I recommend called “Carrots Love Tomatoes” by Louise Riotte.  She also wrote a great article for Mother Earth News – “Companion Planting for the Healthy Garden” in 1992. 

Beth Jarvis with the U of MN was one of my instructors for the Master Gardener Program back in 2002.  She compiled a list of companion plants as well.

There are many reasons for companion planting.  Some to keep pests away, some to complement each other’s soil needs, some to deter rabbits.  There’s another site I want you to check out too, Companion Planting, Secrets of Organic Gardening.

Show Date: 6 Feb 12
I just got back from Puerto Vallerta!  OLE!  My favorite herb is Cilantro – THE Mexican herb.

Cilantro aka Coriander

Cilantro is great in nearly everything but I love it added to guacamole.  Do a google search and you’ll find a bazillion recipes.  Cilantro grows well here during our summers and reseeds itself if left to flower and form seed.  The seed is known as coriander.

Thyme, Oregano and Basil are also traditional Mexican herbs.  I prefer the Greek Oregano (it has a much more intense aroma and flavor) and I also prefer ‘Spicy Globe’ basil.  However, you don’t use ‘Spicy Globe’ the same as you would sweet basil. 

With the exception of Cilantro, all of these herbs need full sun.  Cilantro can tolerate some shade.

Show Date: 3 Feb 12
The rare beauty of the orchid reminds me of you…..  just tryin’ to “work it” for the fellas who may be looking for a beautiful flower for their Valentine!

Orchid - Rare Smithsonian phalaenopsis

I’ve had the above type Orchid for 5 years and it has consistently delivered wonderful blooms every year that last for nearly 2 months.  I place my Phalaenopsis in bright indirect light.  I nearly ignore it in regard to water.  They don’t like to be soaked but they do like humidity. 

There are over 28,000 species and 300,000 cultivars of the Orchid!  So many to choose from.  You’re best bet is the Phalaenopsis unless you can handle a little bit fussier types. 

After your Orchid has flowered, prune the stem down to the second node.  The node is that little knuckly you see about every 2 inches or so.  A new branch (stick) will grow from that point and you’ll have new flowers again. 

Orchid - Phalaenopsis Aphrodite 'Zebra'

The above photo is from a website called Orchids.com and I would suggest you browse it for the beauty!  I’ve not bought anything from this site so I can’t endorse it but it’s sure fun to look at all the options! 

The Ladyslipper Orchid is our Minnesota state flower.  Check out this link to the DNR for more information. 

Orchid - Cypripedium 'Lady Slipper' MN state flower

Show Date: 2 Feb 12
Soil and Water Conservation Districts are in every county in Minnesota.  They were started back in the Dust Bowl era to help save the soil we had left. 

Right now they’re offering bundles of 25 native trees and shrubs for sale to private landowners to use for wildlife habitat, soil erosion and windbreaks.

Minnesota Area Soil and Water Conservation Districts

Click on your county and look for the Tree Program, it should take you right to where you need to be!  They’ll list the available native species and give you a description of them.  They usually stop taking orders by the end of February. 

Show Date: 1 Feb 12
As you peruse your plant catalogs, engage your kids or grandkids in creating a garden!  Let them pick out some vegetables (or flowers) and start imagining your spring/summer project.

You’ll need catalogs, poster board, scissors, glue and imagination.  As they cut out the pictures, you can share information about the plant and then start selecting where to place the plants.  Glue them in place but not before you’ve experimented.  Thinking about the sun/shade conditions of the plants and how tall and wide they’ll grow. 

Create a teepee garden next Spring.

Use bamboo poles or any other type of pole and make it as big or small as you like.  Plant pole beans at the base of each pole.  You can let them just grow up the pole or you can rung string around the outside and close it in.

Give your kids their OWN plot of ground.  Make it small and let them clear it, seed it, water it and weed it!  They’ll get a real kick out of harvesting.  Check out last week’s post on Easy to Grow plants for the kids.

Create a pizza garden using tomatoes, oregano and peppers, etc.

Pizza Garden

Show Date: 31 Jan 12
Time to check your houseplants for pests.  Let’s start with Mealybugs…

mealybugs

A little rubbing alcohol on these critters will kill ‘em.  If they have their fuzzy covering you can spray them with Insecticidal Soap to kill them.

Scales are hard-shelled insects that suck the juice out of your plants.

Scale insect

Use a toothbrush to scrape scale off your plant and then spray your plant with an Insecticidal Soap to remove any immature bugs.  It can take several treatments.  Scale can really wipe out your plants.

Spidermites are the most common indoor plant pest.  Here’s a look at the damage in photos taken by our own University of Minnesota Entomologist DUDE, Jeff Hahn…

To verify you have spidermites, grab a sheet of white paper and tap your plant and watch for movement!  Washing your plants with Insecticidal Soap or using plant extracts can help.  These little buggers are easily transferred to other plants on your hands or clothing. 

Whiteflies are not really flies at all.  Check out this University of Minnesota Extension Houseplant Control article by Jeff Hahn and you’ll learn more about each insect and how to treat them.

Show Date: 30 Jan 12
It’s a good idea to monitor your outdoor plants, particularly those 3 years and younger, at this time to see if the critters have been nibbling.  If they have, you need to get some hardware cloth or chicken wire and surround them. 

Hardware cloth

Hardware cloth comes in a variety of sizes, you’re best to buy one with small mesh.  Now on to Public Enemy Number ONE…  maybe….

sneaky bunny

Turns out, rabbit poop is really good for the garden…  just not your shrubs!  Those little brown pellets are a bonanza for your soil.  They’re filled with nitrogen.  If you have a pet rabbit, be sure to put their poo in your compost pile. 

Lime Sulfur is reportedly good for killing scale, borers and mites.  It also works as a fungicide to kill black spot and powdery mildew.  Be careful which plants you use it on and be sure to follow the directions.  Do NOT use on Maples or Viburnums.

Eastern tent caterpillar egg masses can be spotted now.  You can prune out twigs that have these masses on them from now until March, before they hatch. 

Eastern Tent Caterpillar egg mass

Show Date: 27 Jan 12

I talked about Community gardens this week.  Here are some easy growing plants to help you get started.  Also, some of my favorites!!

Carrots 'Purple Dragon'

 In the above picture you’ll see nasturtiums at the top, mesclun mix of lettuce, kale and those carrots!

• radishes
• carrots, ‘Purple Dragon’ are a favorite of mine
• cherry tomatoes
• sunflowers, shorter and edible varieties
• snap peas
• nasturtium, dwarf type
• marigolds
• mesclun mix of leaf lettuce
• Kale
• ‘Baby Bear’ pumpkins, this is a smaller pumpkin.  These are a little more work and definately need a little more room.

Be sure to check the seed packet for proper placing and cultural requirements.  All of the above plants are ones that we used in the Jr. MG program designed for kids from 8 to 12 years old.  These are also great plants for new gardeners of ANY age!  This is NOT a complete list but a great place to start.

Show Date: 26 Jan 12
I think not!  I’m all for going “green” and reusing as much as possible but I draw the line at cat “waste” in my garden.    While some cat litters are obviously better than others at helping with the odor problem, there’s still the “solid” waste that, although scooped out, can still leave behind traces of bacteria.

 There are a number of companies saying that once the solids are taken out, you can use it as mulch or put it on your compost pile.  My question is why?  Yes, the recycling thing is great, pine needles are wonderful for mulch, but, honestly, there are no Master Gardeners I know that would advocate using this in your gardens.

A disease known as toxoplasmosis can be present in the solid waste of cats and it’s just not worth the risk.  Please check out these websites for more information:  Centers for Disease Control and essortment on toxoplasmosis

Show Date: 25 Jan 12
…swaying in the breeze.  Using native plants is good for the environment and good for our local growers, 2 of which I have in my Favorite Links tab.  For ideas, and perhaps to buy, check out Praire Moon Nursery and Prairie Restoration.  

Little Bluestem 'Blue Heaven' U of MN cultivar

‘Blue Heaven’s parents come from Benton County, Minnesota!  This native is Big Bluestem and grows to 8 feet tall.  You’ll likely recognize it!

Big Bluestem

And then there’s the short Side Oats Grama that grows to 16 inches tall and is great planted on steep hills as it holds the soil well.

Side-oats Grama

Once established, native grasses are carefree.  There are other cold climate grasses that add 3 seasons of interest. If you get the chance, go to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and check out their ornamental grass collection.  If you click on the link, you’ll find yourself at the U of MN’s Extension site gazing at the grasses!   There’s a book called Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates written by M Hockenberry Meyer, a U of MN horticulture scientist.