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by Rett Davis | |
Gardening Q&A by Rett Davis appears in
Alamance County's daily newspaper, The Times-News,
every Sunday in the Accent section. Each week's installment is
posted to this
website, beginning with January of this year. Scroll to the bottom of
this page to navigate to other Gardening Q&As. Please contact
Rett via e-mail with questions
or
comments in regard to this column.
Question: I have heard that geraniums will be in short supply this year. What is the reason for this?
Answer:
Geraniums can still be purchased at local garden centers.
However, 8 greenhouses in the state of North Carolina have had to
destroy all of their geranium plants. In addition there are 51
greenhouses in this state under quarantine. No doubt this has had a
serious impact on the geranium trade and the owners of the greenhouses.
The reason behind all this is, on February 14 the U.S. Department of
Agriculture discovered bacterial infections in geraniums at greenhouses
in the mid-west. The geranium stock came from production facilities in
Kenya. This particular strain of bacteria is not known in the United
States. Approximately 1200 greenhouse facilities nationwide have now
been affected. This bacteria is a serious threat to potatoes. There
has been no indication that that this introduction was deliberate but
could be the result of unintentional contamination. Growers are
cautioned to look for wilted geranium plants and not to discard them.
Plants are to be bagged and isolated from the rest. The rules are
strict due to the fact this bacteria is cited on the USDA's Agricultural
Bioterrorism Act of 2002 Select Agents and Toxins. This just goes to
show you, that the increased efforts to protect our food supply can
impact the flowers you plant around your home.
Question:
What are heirloom tomatoes? Are they any better than the ones
that are for sale now?
Answer:
I don't know that there is any real definition of heirloom
tomatoes. Heirloom, as defined in the dictionary, 'is something of
special value handed on from one generation to another'. This is
certainly true for these tomatoes. Many of these tomatoes have been
around for over 100 years. One variety called Egyptian, is supposedly a
decendent from seeds found in a 4000 year old tomb. The most famous of
the heirlooms is Brandywine. It actually has a cult following. It is
an Amish potato leaf variety dating back to the 1800's. Cherokee Purple
is another one that is quite popular. It is of Cherokee Indian origin
dating back to the 1800's also. It has a purple coloration and is often
referred to as a 'black' tomato. Even our popular German Johnson is an
heirloom. There are literally hundreds of varieties called heirlooms.
Heirloom tomatoes are links to our past. If you would like to try some,
the Women's Resource Center's Herb Festival will be selling heirloom
tomato plants on April 25th and 26th at the First Presbyterian Church,
508 West Davis St. in Burlington.
Question:
When do I fertilize azaleas and what is the best fertilizer to
use?
Answer:
Azaleas like a moderate to even level of fertility. There are
several special azalea fertilizers available which are excellent when
used at recommended rates. Most have slow release ability. Homeowners
can also get satisfactory results from general garden fertilizers such
as 10-10-10. The key to this is to split the application of fertilizer
into 3 feedings beginning now. Then again in May and July. For large
plants, a level tablespoon per foot in height of azalea is sufficient.
For large areas, 2-3 pints per 100 square feet can be broadcast. For
small plants under a foot in height, 1 teaspoon at each application is
sufficient. Over fertilization can cause serious problems. Organic
fertilizers can be used to minimize the risk of burning. Always mulch
azaleas with either pine needles or pine bark. Do not use hardwood
bark.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS A rapidly developing countryside, loss of farmland, and the future of one's property is on the minds of many local landowners and farmers. There are many approaches and methods to protect land. On April 21st, the Piedmont Land Conservancy will be holding two informational programs beginning at 2 pm and again at 7 pm in the Agricultural Building, 209 North Graham Hopedale Rd. in Burlington. This free program is open to the public. Call 570-6740 for more information.
HERB GROUP MEETING Thymes To-Gather will be meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 at 6:00 pm at the Agricultural Office, 209 N. Graham-Hopedale Road, Burlington. Call Jenny Wilson at 570-6740 for details.
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If you have any horticultural questions, please direct them to Rett Davis