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Best Time to Plant Tomatoes is late May!!

Ohio is well suited for tomato production, and was once ranked second in the nation for processing tomatoes. In addition, tomatoes are widely grown for fresh market by Ohio farmers and gardeners. Tomatoes are warm-season plants and should be planted only after danger of frost has passed unless you are prepared to protect them in the event of a frost.

Typically, that date for central Ohio is May 20 or after. The planting time for southern Ohio can be one to two weeks earlier, while the planting time for northern Ohio is one week later. The date does not necessarily mean it is the date when there is no danger of frost Continue reading

The Potato and St. Patrick’s Day traditions!!

The association of potato planting with St. Patrick’s Day pays homage to the important role this vegetable played in 19th-ce

ntury Ireland. According to some estimates, the average Irish laborer of the era ate an astounding 12-14 pounds of potatoes daily.

This dependence on a single food source was a primary reason for the devastating consequences of the Irish potato famine of the 1840s. Late blight disease (Phytophthora infestans) destroyed most of Ireland’s potato crop for several years in a row. Ireland lost

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Fun Gift Ideas for Gardeners

Give a plant. Seasonal plants like amaryllis, paperwhites, Christmas cacti and poinsettias are always appropriate, make beautiful living décor, and are easy hostess gifts. House plants are a trendy gift for all ages. Cut flowers are a thoughtful gift that can be enjoyed by those not ready to commit to plant care. Terrariums, orchids, succulent “wall art,” and indoor aquatic gardens make unique plants gifts.

Decorative pots for outdoor or indoor use are a playful and practical gift idea and come in a wide range of styles and price points. A hand-decorated planter makes a fun craft project for kids and a cute gift for grandparents. Pots should be functional as well so check for a drainage hole before purchasing. Don’t forget decorative pot huggers.

Bring the bling to the outdoors with yard ornaments. They can add humor, whimsy, or drama to indoor and outdoor gardens.

Invite nature “home for the holidays.” Bird houses, bee hotels, butterfly homes, bird baths and feeders of all sorts attract wildlife to outdoor spaces and enhance the environment.

Stuff the stockings! Seed packets make great stuffers. Gloves and pruning shears will also fit nicely. Anyone who works with soil will appreciate a stiff soap for cleanup, followed by a soothing salve or hand cream. Gardeners love practical gifts, too, like plant stakes, tags, and ties. And don’t forget about the birdseed and feeders for gardeners who love to watch the birds!

 

Poinsettias are popular Holiday Plant and make a great gift!!

In 2023, the poinsettia industry in the U.S. is worth around $170 million. The U.S. has endorsed the poinsettia so much that in 2002 the House of Representatives officially declared Dec. 12 as Poinsettia Day, which in Latin America is also celebrated as a holiday honoring the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Quick facts

Poinsettias bloom when the days get shorter.

The colorful “flowers” of poinsettias are actually modified leaves called “bracts.”

Poinsettias grow well in moist soil and temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees F.

They can be grown outdoors during summer.

Poinsettias are not poisonous, but the sap may cause dermatitis.

Bracts are the leaves of poinsettia that change color depending on light exposure.

History:

Native to Mexico, poinsettias are in the Euphorbia family and are a popular holiday plant because of their colorful bracts (leaves). There is also a species that is used as a cut flower.

They are most commonly used for decorating during the winter holidays but are also attractive as green plants throughout the year.

Poinsettias change color in response to shorter winter days. Poinsettia flowers are made up of the bracts, which look like petals, and the tiny yellow flowers in the center.. The colorful bracts attract insects to the flowers and will drop after pollination.

Poinsettias are not harmful to animal or human health. But they should not be eaten. The sticky white sap can cause a skin rash, so gloves are recommended when working with these plants. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth.

Wash tools well after use as the sap can make tools sticky.

Poinsettias come in many colors

You can find poinsettias around the holidays to fit into almost any decorative scheme. They range from creamy white to pink to the traditional bright red. Some varieties have bracts with patterns in red and white, pink and white, or green and white and even bright orange.

Flower forms vary as well with some looking similar to a rose. You will also find unusually colored poinsettias such as blue or purple in garden centers. These are cream-colored varieties that are spray painted. They are sometimes sprinkled with glitter.

Poinsettia Needs

Light and temperature

Indoor light: Put in a south, east or west window where the plant will receive bright daylight.

Indoor temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees F are ideal.

Avoid placing poinsettias where the temperature fluctuates or may be drying, such as near cold drafts, heat ducts, fireplaces, fans, space heaters, etc.

Poinsettias will suffer damage if they are exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees F.

 

Watering

Keep soil moist.

Water plant when the soil surface feels dry to a light touch, or the pot feels lightweight when lifted. Never allow poinsettias to get so dry that they wilt.

Remove from decorative foil or outer pot before watering.

Make sure your plant is in a pot that drains freely.

Set the plant in a sink and water thoroughly, allowing the plant to drain completely.

Never allow poinsettia pots to sit in excess water. Constant wetness will rot plant roots.

Fertilizing

You do not need to fertilize your poinsettia during the holidays.

Start fertilizing your plant when you see new growth (new green leaves, stems, bracts).

Still Decorating for the Holidays..be sure to decorate safely with fresh greenery!

Holiday Decorating With Fresh Greenery

One of the oldest winter holiday traditions is decorating the house with fresh greenery. Evergreens are used to represent everlasting life and hope for the return of spring.

Today, decorating for the holidays with fresh greenery is more prevalent than ever. Greenery such as cedar, ivy, pine, and holly add a fresh look and natural scent to homes.

Gathering Greenery

The first and often the best place to look for holiday greenery may be in a personal garden or landscape. Greenery gathered from a garden will be far fresher than any that can be purchased. A wider variety of unusual greenery may be available that would be difficult to find for purchase.

Remember that the plants are being pruned when gathering live greenery from the garden shrubs and trees. Consider carefully which branches to cut and which ones to leave. Distribute the cuts evenly around the plant in order to preserve its natural form.

Many different kinds of greenery can be used for holiday decorations. Pines, firs, and cedars are good to use for indoor decoration since they dry out slowly and hold their needles

best at warm interior temperatures. They may last for several weeks if properly treated and cared for. Hemlock, spruces, and most broadleaf evergreens will last longer if used outdoors.

Below are some suggested varieties to use in holiday decorating.

Boxwood: This small-leafed shrub is a longtime favorite for fine-textured wreaths and garlands. It has an aroma that is either loved or hated. Be sure of the family’s reaction before using it indoors.

Firs: All firs have a wonderful scent and good tolerance of hot, dry indoor conditions. The needles are short and flat; with excellent color and needle retention. Fraser fir wreaths and swags are commonly available from commercial sources.

Holly: This most traditional holiday green comes in several forms, both green and variegated. Female plants display bright red berries. Make sure that holly does not freeze after cutting, or the leaves and berries may blacken.

Junipers: Fragrant, short, green, or silver-blue foliage may be adorned with small blue berries. The needles are often sticky. Eastern red cedar is a native juniper and is readily available.

.Pine: There are many different types of pine to use in garlands and wreaths. Most are long-lasting with excellent needle retention.

Spruce: Wreaths are the main use for spruce greens. The branches are stiff with short, sharp needles. Blue spruce is especially attractive because of its color, and it holds its needles better than other spruce. Needle retention is poorer on spruce than on other conifer greens.

Keeping Greenery Fresh

Use clean, sharp cutters to cut branches and immediately put cut ends into water until ready to use. Crush the ends of woody stems to allow the cutting to take in more water.

Keep greenery out of sunlight.

Immerse greenery in water overnight before arranging, allowing the cuttings to absorb the maximum amount of moisture.  Allow the foliage to dry and spray it with an anti-transpirant, such as Wilt-Pruf, to help seal in moisture.

Decorating Safely

Dried evergreens can become flammable when in close contact with a heat source, such as a candle flame or fireplace. Make sure that any wreaths, roping, and garlands  brought indoors are as fresh as possible. Check needles by bending them. They should be flexible and not break. Avoid using greenery that is shedding needles or that has brown, dry tips.

Never place fresh greenery near heat sources, such as space heaters, heater vents, or sunny windows. Be careful of wreaths used on the front door if a glass outer door receives direct sunlight, as the reflective heat will burn the foliage. If decorative lights are used near green arrangements, make sure that they stay cool. If using holiday lights outside, confirm that they are rated for exterior use.

Check all decorations every couple of days for freshness. If the greenery is becoming dry, either replace or remove the dry portions. Discard dry greenery away from the house or garage to prevent a further fire hazards.

Safety for Children & Pets

Some popular plants used in holiday decorating can present poisoning hazards for small children or pets. Poisonous berries are found on hollies, yews, mistletoe, and Jerusalem cherry. The pearly white berries of mistletoe are particularly toxic. Keep all these plants out of the reach of children and curious pets.

Source:  Barbara H. Smith, Horticulture Senior Associate -Horticulture Crop Science, Clemson University

 

Holiday Cactus are fun to grow…

Holiday cacti are indeed true cacti but they are not as drought tolerant as their desert-dwelling relatives. Their potting mix should be kept moderately moist. During periods of active growth, plants should be watered whenever the soil begins to feel dry to the touch. Holiday cacti require excellent drainage and plants should not be allowed to sit in saucers filled with water. Plants can be fertilized once a month from April to October with a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer such as 20-20-20 or the equivalent.

Holiday cacti do not require frequent repotting. Usually once every three years is sufficient. Check the drainage holes for excessive root growth and repot in spring if necessary.

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) in pot

y.

After holiday cacti finish flowering, cut back on water slightly until new growth appears. Then resume a regular watering and fertilizing regime. Plants can be pruned in late spring to encourage branching. Removed pieces consisting of several segments can be rooted in moist vermiculite or perlite to make more plants.

How to make more plants–Remove 2 to 5 segment sections and leave them out overnight to dry. Callous tissue will form on the cut or pinched end. Place the cut end about 1 inch deep in the moistened vermiculite or perlite. Place the starts  it in a bright area but not in direct sunlight. Check the cuttings after a few weeks for roots by gently tugging on them. Once the roots are an inch or more in length.

Most holiday cacti will appreciate being set outside in a shady place during the summer months. When the temperatures drop below 50º F, it is time to bring them back inside and discontinue fertilizing.  Plants can be placed in an area with 60 to 70º F days and 55 to 60º F nights. After 4 to 8 weeks, flower buds will appear.