Garden Fair Qs & As
“What can I do to get sugar snap pea seeds to start?”
Sugar snap peas can be an easy crop in the spring. They have large seeds and tend to grow well from seed.
Plant the seeds when the soil temperature is 45-75°F
Prepare well-drained soil with organic matter.
Soak seeds in water for a couple of hours
Plant seeds 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) deep, 1-2 inches apart.
Water gently after planting.
Provide full sun or partial shade.
Keep soil moist during germination, then water regularly.
Install supports for climbing.
If you are having trouble growing sugar snap peas from seed, I would wrap the seeds in a moist paper towel and place them in a baggy until you see that the seeds have germinated. Then follow the steps above.
How can I get rid of Horsetail and Hemlock – poisonous weeds Thanks! Cindy”
I am sorry to hear you’re dealing with these nastiest of weeds. Horsetail, also known as Equisetum, is a persistent and invasive weed that can be difficult to eliminate completely. However, there are several methods you can try to control and reduce its growth. Here are some steps you can take to get rid of horsetail:
Manual removal: Pull out the entire plant, including the underground rhizomes, wearing gloves.
Mulching: Cover the area with thick organic mulch to block sunlight and inhibit growth.
Improve soil conditions: Add organic matter to improve drainage and create less favorable conditions for horsetail.
Regular mowing or cutting: Prevent the spreading of spores by regularly cutting down horsetail plants.
Herbicides (last resort): Use herbicides specifically for horsetail, following instructions carefully and spot treating.
Remember: horsetail is a persistent weed, and complete eradication may be challenging. It requires ongoing efforts and a combination of methods to control its growth. Regular maintenance, monitoring, and persistence are key to keeping horsetail in check.
Dealing with poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) can be challenging due to its toxic nature. If you have poison hemlock growing on your property and want to remove it, here are some steps you can take:
Identification: Poison hemlock has distinctive characteristics such as purple spots or streaks on its stems, finely divided leaves resembling parsley, and umbrella-shaped flower clusters.
Safety precautions: Poison hemlock is highly toxic, and direct contact with the plant or ingestion of any part can be dangerous. Wear protective clothing, including gloves, long sleeves, and pants, to prevent contact with your skin. Consider wearing a mask and goggles to protect your eyes and respiratory system.
Manual removal: If the infestation is small, you can try manually removing the plants. Dig into the soil to loosen the roots and carefully pull out the entire plant, including the root system. Place the plants in sealed bags to prevent accidental spreading.
Mowing or cutting: For larger infestations, mowing or cutting the plants before they produce seeds can help control their spread. However, it's essential to take precautions not to inhale the plant material or get it on your skin. Remove the cut plant material and dispose of it properly, ensuring it won't be accessible to people, animals, or composting.
Herbicides: If manual removal or cutting is not feasible or effective, you may consider using herbicides. However, keep in mind that herbicides can be hazardous, so it's crucial to read and follow the instructions on the product label carefully. Select an herbicide that is labeled for poison hemlock and appropriate for your specific situation, such as a selective broadleaf herbicide. Apply the herbicide according to the instructions, taking precautions to prevent it from contacting desirable plants.
Professional assistance: If the poison hemlock infestation is extensive or located in sensitive areas like near water bodies or in ecologically important areas, it is advisable to seek professional assistance. Contact your local agricultural extension office or a licensed herbicide applicator for guidance and assistance in dealing with the plant.
Remember: poison hemlock is highly toxic, and handling it incorrectly can be dangerous. Always prioritize your safety and take appropriate precautions throughout the removal process.
How can I attract pollinators to my garden in the spring?
The first thing is to be sure not to clean up the garden too soon in the spring. I like to wait until the average temps are in the 50s to help ensure I do not disturb overwintering pollinators before they emerge for the year.
Plant a variety of native flowering plants.
Create a pollinator-friendly habitat with water sources and nesting sites.
Avoid pesticides and opt for natural pest control methods.
Include flowers of different shapes and sizes to attract a variety of pollinators.
Plant flowers in clusters to make them more easily accessible.
Ensure a continuous bloom by selecting plants with staggered flowering periods.
Provide a shallow water source for bees.
Allow some areas of your garden to remain undisturbed for nesting sites.
Minimize excessive garden maintenance.
Following these steps will help you create an inviting environment for pollinators in your garden during the spring season.
James Edwards is the horticulture manager at Minnetrista Museum and Gardens and an IAH-accredited horticulturalist, overseeing 21 acres of ornamental and natural areas. He can be reached at 765-287-3563 or at jedwards@minnetrista.net.
What are some organic pest control methods?
Aphids, those pesky little insects that often infest plants, can be effectively dealt with by employing a simple and readily available solution: water. When faced with an aphid invasion, all it takes is a gentle spray of regular water to dislodge them from the plant.
In cases where more persistent insect pests pose a challenge, a good option is neem oil. While it can effectively combat tenacious pests, it tends to harm a wide range of bugs, making it crucial to apply it with care, especially when pollinators are actively visiting the plants.
The notorious Japanese beetle that often wreak havoc on plants, on the other hand, will not be stopped by a blast of water. A clever technique involves holding a cup or bucket filled with soapy water beneath the beetles as they perch on the plants. With a swift poke, their instinctive defense response is triggered, causing them to lose balance and hopefully plummet into the awaiting bucket to their demise.
What are some colorful flowering plants that thrive in part sun/shade under average soil conditions?
There are quite a few plants that I am using in shadier areas this year to add some color. Coleus or heuchera are always good choices for colorful foliage. I am a big fan of ligularia, as well, for its texture and color. There is a yellow flowering variety on the market that can be a great addition. I also like astilbe, brunnera, and bleeding hearts for some spring color in shadier areas and average soil conditions. For fall interest, I really enjoy both ironweed and rodgersia. They have similar foliage and can add continuity to a garden space. Be careful choosing your ironweed variety, though, as tall ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) can grow up to 10 feet tall!
Austin Weiland is the lead horticulture specialist at Minnetrista and an IAH-accredited horticulturalist. He helps maintain 21 acres of ornamental and natural areas. Feel free to reach out to him at 765-287-3555 or aweiland@minnetrista.net
What are some common mistakes to avoid in gardening?
It’s easy to make mistakes as a gardener, regardless of how long you’ve been playing in the dirt. These are the three most common mistakes I see in gardens, including mine!
Give your plants room to grow – When planting a new shrub, tree, or flower, remember to provide it with the space it will need to grow and thrive.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew – When starting a new garden project, be mindful of the maintenance, work, and cost that will be needed in the long run.
Remember the old adage of ‘Right plant, right place.’ Pay close attention to the needs of your plants when deciding where in the garden they should go.
How can I make my garden more sustainable?
There are so many different ways to be more sustainable in the garden that it is difficult to name just a few. Here are just a few that will start you in the right direction.
Composting your kitchen and yard waste. Healthy compost is made up of a ratio of 3 parts Brown (fall leaves, straw, or paper) to 1 part Green (plant trimmings, fruit, and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, etc.). You could even start your own worm composting bin, as the castings produced by the worms is worth more to a gardener than gold.
Plant native plants in your garden. Native plants are, just as the name suggests, native to our area. More importantly, they help support pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. To attract more pollinators to your garden, you could even focus on host and nectar plants. These are specific plants that different pollinators need to reproduce (host plants) or seek out as a food source (nectar plants).
Install a rain barrel. This can help reduce your water bill, and it will help you save water on the long hot days of summer.
Chris Allen is a Horticulture Specialist at Minnetrista Museum and Gardens, who loves playing in the dirt in its 21 acres of ornamental and natural areas. He can be reached at 765-287-3576 or at callen@minnetrista.net.
How can I protect my plants from late spring frosts?
Check the weather daily for frost warnings.
Cover plants with frost blankets when frost is expected.
Use a cold frame as a mini greenhouse for added protection.
Additional tips:
Water plants before frost, plants hate being dry and cold.
Avoid using plastic covers directly on plants.
Remove covers during the day if temperatures rise.
Plant frost-tolerant varieties if possible.
What can I do to extend the blooming period of my spring flowers?
To extend the blooming period of your flowers, practice deadheading and fertilizing. Deadheading involves removing faded flowers to prevent energy diversion into seed production, encouraging continuous blooming. Fertilizing with a flower-specific fertilizer provides essential nutrients for robust growth and prolonged flowering. Follow instructions on the fertilizer packaging, apply at recommended intervals, and water plants thoroughly.
Kadijah Blevins is a year-round Gardener at Minnetrista Museum and Gardens, overseeing the ornamental ponds, and has been looking after the greenhouses this year. She can be reached at 765-287-3575 or at kblevins@minnetrista.net.
