It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – February 2020
by Angela Lassam

Now we have many seed company stands in the stores, it is time to make a list of flowers and vegetables we would like to grow. Some gardeners save seed from the year before but be aware they may not grow true. Most of them have their favourites but it is always good to try something new.

During the wintery days when we browse the seed catalogues there is some good advice and helpful information to guide our choices. Some seeds are best directly sown in the garden and others can benefit from indoor seeding to obtain earlier pleasure.

I thought I would tell you about indoor seeding procedures and some pitfalls. Starting kits are great for first time gardeners and children as they are sterile to start. If you are using old trays you must sterilize them. Wash them in soapy water to remove all dirt then use 1 part bleach to 10 parts water and soak for 10 minutes. Even if they were stored away clean they may have picked up mold and insects especially spiders. Sterilize any tools you may be using too.

 Some people use saved seeds or even seeds from the previous year. It is wise to do the ‘baggy method’ to check germination. This is when you take a plate with moist paper towel, sprinkle on a few seeds and seal in a sandwich bag. Wait a few days and check to see how many have sprouted. This will save wasted space and planting materials.

The first seeds to start are usually perennials and other longer germinating seeds. Peppers and tomatoes take longer than flower seeds generally. Marigolds germinate easily but do not cover seeds with soil use just a dusting. 

Some seeds do not do well if started indoors. Cosmos, Zinnias, Nasturtium and Morning Glory are some common ones. Squash, pumpkin, rutabaga, carrots, peas, corn and beans are the vegetables generally directly sown.

Collect all the things you may need – labels, tweezers, pencil for small holes, permanent marker for labeling, plastic covers or sheet plastic, scissors, seed trays and small pots. Now you can start with the longest germinating seeds according to the packet instructions.

The soil for the starting should be a soilless mix preferably as seeds do not need fertiliser until after sprouting and it is of a more fluffy, airy texture for easy growth. It is best taken indoors (maybe overnight) to allow it to be moistened to a soft ball feeling and to be warmed to stop the new seeds from being shocked.

Collect the trays you will be using and fill them 2/3 full of soil. Lightly tap the tray to settle the soil for seeding. Seed packet instructions will tell you the depth of placing the seed. Place 2 or 3 seeds per section or at least 2” apart if using a flat tray. Cover the seed as instructions on the packet as this is important for germination. Some seeds need none or a dusting of cover so follow the packet instructions. Lettuce will not germinate covered. Then lightly mist to settle the seed. Now is the time to label what is sown and the date. Cover with plastic sheeting or place in a plastic bag to retain moisture. Place seed containers in a warm place (at least 70 degrees F.) with as much light as possible but away from draughts. As soon as you see the sprouts remove covering and enjoy watching the growth. 

At this time the sprouts must be misted with a fertilizer solution at least twice a week. This is when mold quickly forms on the surface so sprinkle with cinnamon. Alternately a weak camomile tea will work as an antifungal agent. When the seedlings are approximately 3” and past the two leaf stage transplant the strongest seedlings using potting soil. To slow the growth and leggy appearance move them to a cooler spot. Keep misting as surface appears dry or sit tray in water to soak from the bottom for a short time. Never waterlog them as roots are subject to rot.

Indoor seeding is a jump start to our gardening for the year and it is always a good feeling when the seeds poke up through the soil and are nurtured through to the time we can put them in their place outdoors when there is no risk of frost. 

The next monthly meeting for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society is on Tuesday March 3rd @ 7:30 p.m. in the Senior Centre Auditorium, Tillsonburg Community Complex (north side of Complex by the Skate Park).  The speaker will be Anita Jacobson, Head Gardener at the Stratford Festival, sharing her gardening skills as designer there since 2006.  Everyone welcome, join us for a meeting $4 or become a member for only $20 per year for added benefits. For further information look us up on the website www.tillsonburghortictural.ca  and check out Facebook – tillsonburghorticultural.

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – January 2020
by Angela Lassam

Companion planting is an age-old, time-honoured way of gardening by enhancing productivity naturally without the aid of chemicals. Plants grown together can be improved in both flavour and quality if you know their characteristics. Many years ago a vegetable garden was not only vegetables but a combination of flowers, herbs, vegetables and fruit. Gardeners were wise enough to learn the benefits of placing different plants together. 

The theory behind companion planting has many factors – shade, support, plant health, improved soil and weed suppression. Shade can be natural by planting tall among smaller plants and planting shade loving small vegetables (i.e. radishes) between them. Support is an obvious method by growing climbers with tall vegetables (corn will support cucumbers). This is also known as The Three Sisters where corn supports beans and squash covers the soil. Plant health may sound strange but by growing different types of vegetables near one another they will yield more as they will use different nutrients from the soil. Beans and peas are a good example of fixation of nitrogen in the soil.

Vegetables do better when surrounded by certain herbs. Basil will increase the flavour of both tomatoes and peppers and repel tomato hornworm. Mint (in pots for containment) will prevent slugs and the scent will repel many destructive insects especially the cabbage moth. Garlic grown by beets will improve them. A tea of garlic as a spray may deter Japanese beetles as they do not like the sulphur smell. Cilantro and chives work well against aphids. 

 By using certain seeds grown between vegetables you can encourage pollinators and beneficial insects besides creating a ground cover to suppress weeds. Clover is a good one to grow as it will fill in quickly and as it is a legume will fixate nitrogen in the soil. Farmers know that fall rye sown as a ground cover gives off a chemical which supresses weed germination and when worked in acts as ‘green’ manure.

Buckwheat has been known to cover well and smother weeds with its quick germination. Hoverfly larvae especially like it which eat aphids and other soft bodied insects. It is best sown regularly and discarded to the composter before going to seed. It has the property of making phosphorous more readily available in the soil. Bees are plentiful around it as they are on all the open flowers and help all pollination in the garden. It is a good idea to let some of your garden “go to seed” as the flower heads attract many predatory insects.

Fruit benefits from companion garden practice. All soft fruit will benefit from growing with chives and garlic as the aroma repels many pests and the chive flowers are nectar for many pollinators. Apple trees are pestered by codling moth so plant strong scented lavender near trees. 

Flowers used for specific benefits and to aid pollination are most of the open head type. Cosmos, Zinnias and Calendula are common ones. They are easy to grow and will self seed. Nasturtium are very good as bait for aphids especially under roses but almost anywhere in the garden. Daffodils when grown around the bark of young trees will help stop mice and voles from munching.  Tansy, some may call it an herb, is great for cutworm and is good for pollination. The blue/purple one has a large open interesting flower.  

Companion planting is not new but as we strive to help our environment and try not to use chemicals the knowledge needs to be available to all gardeners new and seasoned. I hope this has given you a thought to grow certain seeds between your regular vegetables. Nature will help all gardeners if we know how to help it in its process.

 The next monthly meeting for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society is on Tuesday, February 4th @ 7:30 p.m. in the Senior Centre Auditorium, Tillsonburg Community Complex (north side of Complex by the Skate Park).  The speaker will be Denise Hodgins who is a garden coach and designer. Topic is “Succulents and Unusual Houseplants”. Everyone welcome, join us for a meeting for $4, or become a member for only $20 per year for added benefits. For further information look us up on the website www.tillsonburghortictural.ca  and check out Facebook – tillsonburghorticultural.

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – December 2019
by Angela Lassam

I received an indoor living arrangement as a Christmas gift and noticed that there was no care instructions or plant labels. After Christmas you can remove all the ornaments and any arrangement can live on to give health benefits. I thought this gives me an opportunity to share my knowledge with you.

 This is a breakdown of some of the plants found in arrangements, some of which you may already know

Bamboo – tall, can reach 12’ before needs repotting. Another tall one is Snake plant or Mother-in-laws Tongue. It is hard to kill so good for a novice. Fig tree, palms and Umbrella tree are large so need space but add color and life to a large entry or similar space. Minimal watering is needed.

Hanging plants – Spider plant is a common shared plant as it multiplies well and can provide new plants from its trailing pieces. They will root easily in water and grow well for you to share. An old favorite is Philodendron, an ivy type vine which likes indirect light and can be persuaded round windows, doorways and arches or on any trellis structure. Beware they are poisonous to pets and children.

Singular plants are most often Boston Fern which is an old favorite, a Spider plant, Snake plant to name a few. Aloe Vera is a good plant for a kitchen or bathroom. It is difficult to kill, likes humidity and is the one plant that its leaves have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can break a leaf and use its juices as a quick first aid.

 An arrangement of indoor plants will probably have a Chinese money plant which has round penny shaped leaves or a Chinese evergreen with a variegated leaf which will produce a white flower and red berries, an ivy and maybe a type of palm. A liquid fertiliser in the water when needed will help them thrive. Spritzing shiny leaves with tepid water can be advantageous.

One small tip I learned – for aphids (small white bugs) use rubbing alcohol on a q tip , wiped on the bugs will remove them. 

Plants for indoors can reduce the VOCs in the air most of which comes from paint on walls, carpet, furniture and many cleaning products. Many indoor plants filter formaldehyde, benzene, xylene and carbon monoxide from the air. These can create the ‘sick building syndrome’. Most are poisonous to children and pets if ingested so always place out of reach or hang up.

 Any plant gives more benefits through adding life to the home space besides their air purifying uses. Watching their changes and growth adds to one’s well being and a plant as a gift is sometimes given with that thought.

As we enter the New Year I hope it will be a healthy prosperous 2020 for all. 

The next meeting for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society will be on Tuesday January 7^th 2020 @ 7:30 p.m. in the Senior Centre, Tillsonburg Community Complex (north side by the Skate Park). Dr. Allyson MacDonald, a member, will give a presentation –  English Roses, David Austen and Beyond with a photo montage of roses at their peak followed by refreshments and social time.  Members please note it is membership renewal time, $20 for the year. New members always welcome, come for a meeting $4 or join for extra benefits. 

More information can be found on www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca or Facebook Tillsonburghorticultural.  

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – October 2019
by Angela Lassam

Everywhere the colours have become red, orange and gold. Gone are the vibrant greens and summer colours. In an effort to hold onto summer colours a little longer I decided to visit local nurseries and get their stories on the items most people looked for this year. This is a breakdown of their replies.

Annuals are the summer flowers for their endless colour. The Vista Series petunias were the most popular variety specifically for their form and un-necessary de-heading but million bells topped their sales this year. Vibrant colors and double flowers were mostly what people looked for. Geraniums were a popular designer filler as always. There was a new variety of Impatiens this year called Imar that was mildew resistant, a good choice with the wet summer we had.

Perennials are still ever popular. Pollinator plants for the bees and butterflies, (especially milkweed) were in great demand. Grasses were desired for their value against fences and their ease of maintenance.

Hydrangeas were the favourite flowering bushes especially the newer dwarf varieties as gardens become smaller. All flowering bushes are great for the bees and butterflies. Variegated leaf and early leafing bushes seemed popular.

Ornamental trees top the list for trees – redbud, dogwood and magnolias. Smaller grafted ones (lilac and hydrangeas) were chosen for the smaller landscapes. For the larger gardens native species are still requested for shade. oak, sugar maple and sycamore are the best known ones. A maple tree called Autumn Blaze with excellent characteristics was sought out this year. It is fast growing, has excellent shape, is great for shade and NO seeds. To top it off it has a brilliant fall colour.

Everyone has a place for a hanging basket, patio container or small outdoor table to enjoy some flowers. Popular fillers were petunias and million bells with vines and other trailing plants. Bright colors and various textures were sought out for the summer. No longer is it just flowers in containers but herbs, soft fruits and even vegetables were planted. People are turning to the thought of grow your own even in a pot on the patio or deck.

Now as winter approaches ideas of succulents for small spaces and tropical plants to clean our indoor air is on people’s wish lists. Easy care ensures their popularity.

I hope you have learned some ideas for next year as gardeners have the habit of changing their spaces every year.

In September the Junior Gardener Program ended on a high note with the Awards & Friendship Party. Participants received a certificate with a photo of their garden. Medals were awarded for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd in each age group.

Pizza and ice cream was served and a draw of garden related items for the gardeners added to the event. A big thank you goes out to all the children, parents and volunteers who helped make this program a great success and hopefully an even greater one next year.

 The next monthly meeting for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society is on Tuesday, November 5th @ 7:30 p.m. in the Senior Centre Auditorium, Tillsonburg Community Complex (north side by the skate park). This month Matt and Linda Fenn will be demonstrating decor for Christmas.

Check out the website www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca or facebook – tillsonburghorticultural for more information. Everyone welcome, join us for a meeting ($2) or become a member for only $20 per year for added benefits.

   

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – September 2019
by Angela Lassam

We call a person who does gardening a ‘gardener’ but it does little to paint a picture of that person’s capabilities and attributes.

Some people become gardeners because of past generations or know of a person who enjoys gardening, but have you ever thought of the words you can apply to the word gardener and think of words that describe their personality. 

A gardener long ago was someone who cut grass, trimmed hedges and had regimented beds of annual flowers. A vegetable garden, then known as a plot, was grown to help the family budget and allow for preserving for winter use. Now a gardener is someone who feels strongly about the loss of the pollinators, bats, frogs, birds and the wildlife habitat and gardens to help this. Millennials are wanting to get back to nature and teach their children through gardening how important it is to know where some of their food comes from and its quality. A new gardener may be a retiree who is just looking to enhance their surroundings without too much maintenance.

I should include farmers and horticulturalists as they do ‘gardening’ on a larger scale. They sow the seeds, take care of their soil and thus provide food for everyone. Some have not been good housekeepers of our earth in the past but have become aware of their impact worldwide and are working on improving their practices. They are leaving some scrubland to return to its natural form for all wildlife to share and thrive.

The gardeners’ character evolves from their diligence throughout their life. They show patience waiting for seeds to grow. There is hope when they watch the garden change throughout the seasons. Satisfaction when they reap the rewards of their hard work. Gardeners are generally very generous with their knowledge and sharing of plants and produce grown in their garden. They are healthier than some because of fresh food without chemicals, spending more time outdoors whether tending the garden or doing activities like walking, biking and birding.  

  So a job description of a gardener could read – eco-friendly, landscape designer, water manager, habitat builder, teacher and nature preserver and many more.

Members of the Society please remember the Photo Competition at the next meeting. Details are in the Tillogram or can be found on the website. It is easy to look through your photos, bring to the meeting and share with friends. 

The next monthly meeting for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society is on Tuesday, October 1st @ 7:30 p.m. in the Senior Centre Auditorium, Tillsonburg Community Complex (north side by the skate park). The speaker will be Sean James, Master Gardener and writer. The topic is “It doesn’t end in August”, a month by month study from September to December and beyond in the garden.

Check out the website www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca or facebook – tillsonburghorticultural. Everyone welcome, join us for a meeting $2 or become a member for only $20 per year for added benefits.

     

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – August 2019
by Angela Lassam

During a walk round the garden I noticed it is becoming crowded. I am guessing it is time to consider working on the early flowering perennials. They need digging up, splitting and replanting or sharing with fellow gardeners.

There are two in particular that have distinct treatment. These are lilies and the bearded iris.

Asiatic and oriental lilies are bulbs that naturalize over time similar to any spring bulb. It is suggested to keep a profusion of blooms. You need to lift the area of the original bulb where you will find several bulblets and larger bulbs, these will give you new flowers. When the plant is turning yellow the naturalization has been completed for the year and you can do your separating. Planting is the same as spring bulbs. Place the bigger bulbs 6” in the soil and smaller ones not so deep. A clump of three or more makes for a good display. Add extra mulch over new planting to add insulation for the winter.

Daylilies are not bulbs but a root with fanlike sections of growth. A clump of daylilies with a dead centre is a sign of needing division. It is suggested to separate every two to three years for maximum blooms. Lift the root ball carefully and shake off as much soil as possible. This is when you will see the fanlike sections. Carefully pull them apart keeping three fans with roots for replanting. A hole at least 12” deep is needed and a mound left in the centre. Take the new root ball and spread the roots around the mound. Fill in making sure to leave no air pockets. A deep watering of manure tea will finish the task and help the plant establish before winter. 

Bearded iris are rhizomes and should be divided every two to three years, otherwise they will slowly flower less. The rhizomes will work to the top of the soil and rot and borer damage will occur. Gather together tools – fork or spade, hose for rinsing, scissors, knife or pruners and a tarp for easy cleanup. Using a spade or fork carefully lift all of the clump. Clean off all soil first by shaking and then using a garden hose. This will allow you to inspect for any damage. At this time you can cut the foliage down to 6” to make easier handling. Borer damage is tiny holes in the rhizome and the leaves may have dark streaks in them. Any soft spots are a sign of soft rot. Both of these need to be cut out with pruners or a sharp knife. Disinfect tools after doing this. Now you can split the rhizome to make new plants. You will have several leaf fans on the rhizome and you need one fan and a good piece of rhizome each side. Take the knife or pruners and cleanly dissect it making several new plants. Next is soil preparation. The hole does not need to be deep as Iris do not like to be far below the surface. The hole will need a mound for the rhizome to “sit” on to keep it just below the surface. Place the rhizome on the mound spreading the roots around. Top up with soil and water well. They do not need fertilizer unlike lilies.

This gardening task is best done in the morning so moisture loss is at a minimum. You will be rewarded next year with better flowers and a tidier looking flower bed. As a bonus you will have many plants to share as you will not need them, or maybe start another flower bed!

Monthly meetings for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society will resume on Tuesday, September 3^rd @ 7:30 p.m. in the Senior Centre, Tillsonburg Community Centre. Speaker is Nick Vanderheide of Creekside Growers talking about his dahlia operation. Regular members and new always welcome. Refreshment and social time for all.