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San Diego’s Independent Nursery Since 1928 TM APRIL 2019

How To Control Pests After A Rainy Season By Ken Andersen

IN THIS ISSUE

How To Control Pests 1 Tomatoes From A To Z 1 Pretty Pentas And Pollinators 1 Tips For Attracting Pollinators 3 Citrus Miner Old Ben: Hawks 4 Old Ben Specials 4 Special Event: Growchella 5 To Do List: April 5 For The Love Of 6 Spring Class: Cheese & Herbs 7 Shawn Styles of KFMB and Ken Andersen shooting a segment. Aphids Poway Show Details 8 April Classes 9 Last month, Shawn Styles of KFMB for early signs of pest activity. The April Special! 9 Channel 8 interviewed me about the earlier you catch the problem, the projected increases in insect popu- easier it will be to control. During the lation after the rainy winter we have segment, we discussed using traps to had. Insect and pest activity tends to control insects both inside the home boom after a wet winter due to the and out. Pantry moth traps are great increased amount of food and habi- to have around even if you don’t Pretty Pentas Are tat available. My best advice is to keep have a problem because they will Popular With Pollinators an eye on your garden by looking continued p2 By Melanie Potter Tomatoes From A To Z By Melanie Potter Our nurseries may have the largest selec- tion of tomatoes you will find and maybe the only ones alphabetized on the sales racks! That makes finding your selection easier, unless you’re not sure what you want. Here are some basic facts about tomatoes, followed by a list of what is in stock so far. Yes, we do expect more! When the pretty Pentas arrived, we Determinate knew there would be a rush to buy them and it was a real treat to see Determinate types grow in a compact, them lure a plethora of pollinators. bushy form and require little or no staking. Fruit is produced on the ends of the It’s not often we see hummingbird branches and most of the crop ripens at the moths, but the Pentas and Verbena continued p2 have been a popular feeding ground continued p2 04.19 2

How To Control Pests continued from p1 Pretty Pentas continued from p1 trap the moths before they have are attracted to the yellow color. They a chance to invade the food in your land on the board and become stuck pantry. Another great trap to use to it. This not only helps control the during warm weather is the Citrus insects, but allows the growers to see Leaf Miner trap. This pheromone trap what insects may be on the rise and will catch the male moths before they plan their controls accordingly. These mate, preventing the females from traps are available for use in your yard laying eggs on your citrus trees. If and both stores carry them. you have ever toured a greenhouse Editor’s Note: See the episode here, operation, chances are you have seen http://www.cbs8.com/clip/14784520/ the small yellow boards placed at super-bloom-could-mean-super- regular intervals. These are sticky traps, bugs-in-san-diego. and some insects, whitefly, aphid, etc, •

Tomatoes continued from p1 same time. One or more successive making them ideal for sauce but also plantings will ensure an extended excellent for slicing. Cherry tomatoes harvest period. Determinate types are are bite-sized and come in several often the choice of those who want a shapes like oblong, pear-shaped or large supply of ripe fruit at once for round. Low acid tomatoes are a great canning. alternative for people with medical diets, cold sores, stomach problems, Indeterminate and acid reflux. for them and the Skipper Butterflies Indeterminate varieties continue to this spring. Adult hummingbird moths Varieties At Our Stores Include: grow and produce fruit all season feed on nectar from a variety of until frost. Tomatoes in all stages of Ace, Arkansas Traveler, Beefmaster, , but their larvae need more development may be on the at Beefsteak, Betterboy, Big Beef, Big specific food plants such as sever- one time. The plants set fruit clusters Boy, Big Girl, Black Carbon, Black al species of honeysuckle, dogbane, along a vining stem, which grows Krim, Brandwine, Celebrity, Champion, or some members of the rose family vigorously and long. Under optimum Cherokee Purple, Cherry, Constoluto such as hawthorn, cherries, and conditions, some can grow over 15’, but Genovese, Early Girl, Health Kick, in most home gardens, they generally Jubilee, Juliet, Jetsetter, Kelloggs plums. Butterflies also spotted the reach about 6’. Some indeterminates Breakfast, Lemon Boy, Little Sicily, Pentas and are frequent diners as have a bush form with stockier vines, Momotaro, Mortgage Lifter, Patio, well the bees that buzz about them. which set fruit clusters closer together. Pearson Improved, Principe Borghese, Pentas are perennial, but can be Red Cherry, Red Grape, Red Pear grown as annuals. The flowers are Semi-Determinate Roma, San Marzano, San Diego, Sun- brightly colored clusters of star- Semi-determinate are in-between gold Cherry, Super Bush, Supersteak, shaped blooms. Pentas grow to 24” these two types. The plants will grow Sweet 100, Yellow Brandywine and Yel- tall but you may encounter them as larger than determinate varieties, but low Pear. Additional heirloom varieties not as large as indeterminates. They include Big Zac, Big Brandy, Hillbilly tall as 6’ in Hawaii. They hail from produce a main crop that ripens at Potato Leaf, Giant Belgium, Cuostralee, tropical Africa. once, but also continue to produce and Garden Peach. Pentas make great bedding and con- until frost. Editor’s note: If you spot some fine tainer plants. Ideally, Pentas prefer Other Variables Italian varieties on the list, they are tried to be planted in full sun and in moist, and true and were recommended by well-drained soil. Pentas will dry out Tomatoes are also grouped by use, our own Tonino, whose grandparents quickly, so give them supplemental shape, and size. Slicing tomatoes are lived in Italy and grew tomatoes. Tony water during dry spells. Give Pentas large and juicy, while paste (sauce/ also reports that you can successfully a dose of fertilizer on a monthly basis roma/plum) tomatoes are drier (con- grow bush tomatoes in pots on bal- to keep up production. • centrated flavor), with fewer seeds, conies! Selection changes weekly. • 04.19 3 - Tips For Attracting Pollinators By Kate Karam, Monrovia Make A Note: Both stores will be closed April 21st for Easter.

Bountiful Blue Blueberries

By offering plants that flower from early spring until the first hard frost, your garden can help provide nutrients for the entire life cycle of bumblebees and other pollinators. Remember, no garden is too small to help create habitat for pollinators. Combine your space with those other gardens around you and it all adds up! Here are a Few Tips for Attracting Pollinators: —Determine which pollinator-friendly plants are appropriate for your region.

— lots of them! Make sure there is Honeysuckle ‘Caesalpinia pulcherrima’ at least 3 x 3 feet of each plant species. These can be planted together, or in lawn unmowed, pile up grass clippings via, fuchsia, trumpet vine, honey- other areas of the garden. in a sunny spot, and create a nesting suckle and many other tubular —Limit your use of chemicals (both habitat by leaving some soil bare for flowers attract hummingbirds. Bees synthetic and organic) and use plenty ground nesting bees. are particularly drawn to white, yellow and blue; their eyes register of compost and mulch to build healthy There are Countless Flowers a color called “bee ultraviolet” that soil. Healthy soils create healthy plants. You can Plant and Here are a guides them to nectar. Bluish lilac —Plan your garden so that there is Few Suggestions: blossoms attract them and they love something blooming for as many Bountiful Blue Blueberries are the Lavender, Basil, wildflowers, Pen- months as you can. Many pollinators, gift that keeps on giving! Early spring stemon, Daisies, and Flannelbush. especially bees, forage during the flowers are a big draw for pollinators Best of all, is many of these plants entire growing season. including returning butterflies. Butter- will attract multiple varieties of —Provide shelter by letting your yard flies like flat flowers that they can land pollinators. • get a little wild. Allow a hedge to on such as Milkweed, Zinnias, Salvia, grow untrimmed, leave a section of Buddleia, Lantana and Verbena. Sal- 04.19 4 Old Ben: Coopers Hawk Old Ben's Specials

Hawks Valid April 1-30, 2019 In Your Garden? Old Ben’s Nyger Seed By Old Ben The staple food for goldfinches and many other small birds. I have received several inquires in the Coopers Hawk, Great Horned Owl, 25lb. bag last month asking how to keep hawks Merlin, Red Shouldered Hawk, Red from eating the wild birds that visit Tailed Hawk, Sharp Shinned Hawk, Sale $49.99 Reg. $59.99 gardens. The answer may surprise you. Western Screech Owl, and Barn Owls. Birders are often alarmed when a hawk How To Attract Hawks visits their yard. However, encouraging Old Ben’s No Mess hawks is actually the gold standard of The key to attracting any type of Wild Bird Seed backyard birding. Because a neigh- backyard bird, including raptors, is to The No Mess Advantage. Seed is borhood will have fewer resident hawks meet the bird’s needs for food, water, hulled and chopped, will not sprout. than other birds, and because raptors shelter and nesting sites. Birds can eat all the seeds which require a rich, vibrant ecosystem to Food: All raptors are carnivorous, attracts fewer feeder pests. thrive, attracting hawks is an excellent but they do not all eat the same prey. 20lb. bag achievement that shows just how bird The most common backyard hawks, Sale $34.99 Reg. $39.99 friendly a backyard can be. Coopers and Sharp Shinned, prey on While it can be upsetting to see a rap- smaller birds, from finches and spar- tor make a meal of a goldfinch, dove rows to doves. The best way to supply Old Ben’s Classic or other favorite backyard bird, the that prey is to attract backyard birds Wild Bird Seed existence of raptors in a neighborhood with a good feeding station and other natural foods. Where the birds Classic mix that attracts a wide variety is strong evidence of a wildlife friendly of wild birds. No fillers in this mix. area. Hawks do not only prey on congregate, a raptor will eventually 20lb. bag birds. Lots of raptors eat snakes, large drop in for a snack. Raptors are usually insects, and a variety of rodents such successful on one in ten attempts, or Sale $24.99 Reg. $29.99 as mice, rats and squirrels. 10% of the time. Insects and rodents are also common prey. Not every raptor is likely to make an Water: Most raptors do not regularly Dove & Quail Seed appearance in a birder’s backyard. Great for these and other wild birds. drink water because they get liquid Eagles, vultures and other large raptors 25lb. bag are unlikely to be backyard guests from the blood of their prey. Raptors except in very special circumstances. will occasionally visit bird baths to cool Sale $19.99 Reg. $24.99 However, smaller raptors that are more off and bathe. Bird baths need to be larger and deeper for raptors. Sturdy All specials limited to stock on hand. adaptable may visit backyards. No special orders. Cannot be combined with concrete bird baths are best. Ground any other discount or offer. In our area, the most common back- bird baths are also good along with yard raptors include: American Kestrel, bird bath fountains. continued p5 SAVE 10% Ask Old Ben!

Old Ben’s Feeders & Old Ben doesn’t always think Nesting Boxes about birds. Sometimes he thinks about his business and Old Ben’s hand built feeders and nest boxes are that’s when he had a grand idea. back in stock and better than ever! To celebrate, How cool would it be if you we are taking 10% OFF the regular price. could reach out and ask him all Come in and see the GREAT selection! kinds of questions about birds, show him your (feathered) bird Savings from $2 to $10.50 photos, or share your birding experiences? Well, now you can at [email protected] 04.19 5

Old Ben: Hawks continued from p4 TO DO LIST: Nesting Sites: Raptors will use the April same large, mature trees for nesting that they like for perches and shelter. Branches should be wide and stable enough to support raptors’ larger nest. FERTILIZE A variety of large nesting material Feed Lawns, Palms & More! such as branches and twigs should be available. Some small raptors, such Use Marathon Fertilizer for tall as kestrels, barn owls, and screech fescue, and Bonide DuraTurf to owls, will nest in boxes. feed grass and control broad-leaf Every day I have Coopers and Sharp weeds. shinned hawks visit my backyard. Feed ornamentals with Gro-Power The small birds know they are coming or Gro-Power Plus. before I do. They fly, hop or run into the surrounding , vines and Feed vegetables with Gro-Power trees. Every bird is as quiet as a church and Vegetable Food or Sharp Skinned Hawk mouse. The hawks must be successful Dr. Earth Organic Tomato and Shelter: Raptors favor large, stable once in awhile as they come back Vegetable Food. every day. perches from which to spot prey as Feed citrus, avocado, and fruit well as sheltered areas where they can Editor’s Note: Old Ben will present a trees with Gro-Power Citrus and roost after a meal. Raptors may also class April 27 in Poway at 9:30am. • Avocado Food. perch on fences, deck railings or other suitable sites. Feed palms and tropicals with Gro-Power Palm Tree and Tropical Food. Special Event: Growchella PEST CONTROL May 4 | 11am to 1pm | WAN San Diego Store Edibles & Ornamentals— 3642 Enterprise Street, San Diego, CA 92110 Keep insects under control by hitting them early. On edibles, use Bonide Bon Neem or Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew. For ornamentals, use a systemic control like Bayer 3-in-1 Insect Disease and Mite Spray.

PLANT Warm-season bedding plants, Dahlias, annuals, and perennials. Warm-season vegetables and vegetable seeds. Tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes, and the specialty hot peppers are here.

LOOK FOR Flowering deciduous trees and shrubs, blooming roses, blooming bulbs, Ceanothus and tropicals. • 04.19 6 For The Love Of Roses By Kate Karam, Monrovia

Beautiful, glamorous roses. Is there any flowering that evokes as much passion? Judging by the number of shrubs sold each year (estimated at about 35 million units sold each year in the US alone!), we’d say they’re in a Navy to confiscate any rose plants or class of their own. Beyond the blooms, seeds found on enemy ships what makes them even more seductive is the rich lore that surrounds them. Addicted To Love Here are 12 fun things to know about Today, more than 150 million rose roses. shrubs and climbers are purchased by gardeners worldwide each year. Family Love Without getting too nerdy here, roses Love For The Ages are part of a family called Roses are tricky to categorize, but are which includes 4,828 known species Eternal Love typically divided into three groups: in 91 genera. This means that our Modern , Old Garden favorite bloom is essentially a kissing The world’s largest rosebush, a white Roses, and Wild Roses. cousin to—among many other plants— ‘Lady Banks’, located in Tombstone, Modern Garden Roses are varieties the fresh, juicy, yummy apples, pears, AZ, has bloomed every year for 133 bred after 1867. They bloom contin- quinces, loquats, almonds, peaches, years. Planted in 1886, its trunk is uously, with a larger bloom size, and, apricots, plums, cherries, and lots of greater than 6 feet in diameter, and in the case of tea roses, longer the berries that we love to eat. its branches form a shady canopy that covers nearly 9,000 square feet. vase life. Endless Love That’s large enough to shelter a crowd Old Garden Roses pre-date the hybrid After a fossil of a rose was discovered of 150 people! tea rose and are known for strong in Colorado, archaeologists deter- Rosa ‘Lady Banks’ is a once-a-season fragrance, high petal count, disease- mined roses have existed for more bloomer that’s very easy to grow on resistance, and cold hardiness. They than 35 million years. (Mummies found a tall fence or arbor. It also comes in bloom just once year, typically in in both and in Egypt yellow. summertime. and dating back 10,000 years were Wild Roses are super hardy and can adorned with garlands of roses— Love Is Lovelier... typically survive on minimal main- they’ve been popular for a very long …the second time around! You can tenance. The five petal and five sepal time.) Some wild roses (Rosa revive cut roses when their heads flowers bloom in early summer on or “beach rose”) are native to North are sadly hanging down (caused by shrubs that can grow quite large, and America and are one of the oldest air traveling up the stems, blocking may even form thickets. species found on the globe. uptake of water). Cut the stem ends Love Child Big Love at an angle, and dip the fresh cut end briefly in one-inch of boiling water Botanists have discovered more Legend has it that Cleopatra, so be- to release trapped air bubbles. Then than 350,000 different species of sotted with Marc Antony, welcomed quickly move cut stems to very cold flowering plants around the globe. Of him to a bedroom filled knee-deep in water, and let them stand for an hour. that number, more than 150 species fresh rose petals. (We did the math—a are roses (few of which are grown room 50’W x 50’L filled with petals Crazy In Love today), from which more than 30,000 up to 4’D would require about 20,000 Rose-mania reached its zenith in the different varieties have been created. roses!). 17th and 18th centuries. The blooms Imagine the number of possible gen- Coming in a close second, the King of were in such high demand that royalty etic combinations for making new Sweden sent Sweden’s future queen a considered roses or rose water as legal roses! But here’s the reality. The odds dozen yellow roses every day during tender, and they were often used as are about 100,000 to 1 that any their four-year romance. That adds barter and for payments. In the early specific cross-fertilization will pro- up to 1,461 dozen, or 17,532 individual 1800s, France’s Empress Josephine duce an outstanding new rose. flowers. issued a standing order to the French continued p7 04.19 7 Spring Workshop: Cheese & Herbs Class Love Of Roses April 13 | 9:30am | WAN Poway Store continued from p6

Love Match Roses are the gift the keeps on giving! As if the beautiful blooms weren’t enough of a gift from nature, rose hips (the round portion of the rose flower just below the petals left on the plant after blooming) contain more vitamin C than almost any other fruit or vegetable. (Leave faded blooms on roses like ‘Iceberg’ and be treated to a large crop of hips to use in jams, jelly, and teas.) Love Song Here’s another fun number to con- sider—there are (at last count) more than 4,000 songs written about roses. That’s a lot of potential for romance! Love Hurts Many of the newer roses have smooth stems, but others are covered in thorns which are in fact technically called “prickles”. These help roses to climb and attach to other plants and Mark Your Calendars For The 20th Annual are intended to help to deter herbi- vores. Of course, many deer have Walter Andersen Nursery Rose Show! no issues with these sharp hooks whether called thorns or prickles! Walter Andersen Nursery will hold its twentieth annual rose Those are just a few of the fascinating show May 11-12 at its Poway things to know about roses. Would location. This popular event you like to know another one? is free to enter and view, and The oh-so-memorable scent of the continues to grow with last rose comes from microscopic per- year seeing more than 100 entries. Entry registration will be held from 8am fume glands on the petals. And, it to 10:30am on May 11. Judging will take place that day from 11am to 1pm. See takes more than two thousand roses page 8 for the rose show poster. • to create just one gram of rose oil that is used to make perfume. • 04.19 8 04.19 9 Garden Classes APRIL Save The Date: May 18 Vendor Day at our Poway Store Saturday classes are FREE and last about an hour. Complimentary coffee is served. During inclement weather, classes are held indoors in San Diego and on the covered, heated patio in Poway. Topics are subject to change. See the full A Super Bloom! schedule at www.walterandersen.com/calendar/.

SAN DIEGO | 9:00AM POWAY | 9:30AM

4/6 4/6 Worms: Nature’s Soil Helpers Succulent Show & Class 4/13 with Dean Citrus and Avocado 4/13 with Tyler Trimble of Cheese & Herb Pairing with Kim Backyard Fruit Spero of Cheeses from the Cave. 4/20 Pair two kinds of cheese with herbs, oils and seasonings. Composting for the Garden $25, RSVP to 858-513-4900. How and Why? 4/20 4/27 Blueberries and Strawberries Fitting Vegetables & Herbs with Richard into Your Existing Landscape 4/27 Attracting Birds & Wildlife To Your Backyard with Old Ben If you have been out to the desert to see it in bloom, then you know how beneficial the rain was. Tucson also benefited from rain and we are delighted to share this beautiful April Specials Valid April 1-30, 2019 photo a customer sent to us. • Buy 1, Get 1 FREE Root & Grow Root Stimulator & Plant Starter 4-10-3 Fertilizer with IBA growth hormone. Stimulates early and strong root formation. Reduces transplant shock. Promotes greener,

more vigorous plants. San Diego’s Independent Nursery Since 1928 TM

Limited to stock on hand. No special orders. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. While supplies last. Hedge Fund$ may be redeemed. walterandersen.com Visit Our 2 Locations facebook.com/walterandersens twitter.com/walterandersens SAN DIEGO POWAY online store 3642 Enterprise Street 12755 Danielson Court San Diego, California 92110 Poway, California 92064 videos {619} 224-8271 {858} 513-4900

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