Boyle County Extension Office 99 Corporate Drive Danville, KY 40422 (859) 236-4484 [email protected] Summer 2016 Volume 3, Issue 4

Inside this issue:

Water Gardening Water Gardening 1 The popularity of water gardening has increased dramatically in Kentucky and throughout the country during the past few years, particularly due to the advent of hobbyist magazines and the Controlling Weeds By 2 Cultivating and Mulching appearance of mail-order and on-line plant sales and propagation information. Water gardens now are major attractions in arboreta and botanical gardens nationwide, and backyard water gar- 5 Conversation Piece 3 dens have become commonplace. Sales of equipment and Plants for Your Garden plants for water gardens have nearly doubled annually over Blue-flag Iris Which Trellis is Best? 4 the past five years, and industry projections suggest that this rate of increase will continue for at least another five Which Trellis is Best 5 years. An attractive water garden is an aesthetic asset and even may be a financial asset in terms of increasing proper- KY Proud Recipes 6 ty values. Most of the plants sold for water gardens and aquascaping, Upcoming Classes 7 are not native to Kentucky or the United States. The great majority of these plants never become problems. However, a few have proven to be highly inva- Kid’s Corner 8 sive (e.g., waterhyacinth and purple loosestrife) and have caused significant environmental dam- age through habitat destruction. These species crowd out more desirable native plants and may result in elimination of the types of habitat needed by aquatic invertebrates, fish, and wildlife. Trowel and Error 9 Their economic impact also may be devastating. Even some na- tive species including cattails, waterlily, lotus, duckweed, and Plant Spotlight 9 mosquito fern, may become invasive if planted or allowed to es- cape into ponds, lakes, streams, and wetlands. Dense growths of invasive aquatic and wetland plants obstruct navigable waterways, restrict drainage, clog water intakes, degrade water quality, and interfere with fishing and recreation. Careful consideration of the nature of the plants you plant to put into a water garden, aquascape, or wetland can reduce the likeli- hood of inadvertently creating an eyesore or major weed manage- ment problem. A wise approach is to select native vegetation whenever available and to plant only those species which usually Horsetail are not invasive. Plants such as blue-flag iris, pickerelweed, horse- tail or scouring rush, soft rush, several species of spikerushes, lizard's tail, arrow arum, and arrow- head are native, have attractive foliage and/or flowers, are easily established and well adapted to the Kentcuky environment, and usually do not become serious problems (i.e., they are easily man- aged). They all are perennial, overwinter nicely, and are available from in-state aquatic and wetland nurseries. Arrowhead Pa ge 2 The Boyle Co. Thymes Volume 3, Issue 4 Controlling Weeds by Cultivating and Mulching Bob Polomski, Extension Consumer Horticulturist, and Debbie Shaughnessy, HGIC Horticulture Specialist

Mulches can be divided into organic, such as grass clippings, and inorganic, such as black plastic. Mulches can be the easiest and most effective way to control annual weeds in the garden. Mulches may also suppress perennial weeds. Mulches control weeds by preventing sunlight from reaching the soil surface. Light is required for the germination of certain weeds, and light is required for the growth of all green plants. Organic Mulches: Organic mulches include grass clippings, pine bark, straw or similar materials. Organic mulches cool the soil surface, which is beneficial during hot summer days, but may reduce crop growth in the spring. Do not use grass clippings from a lawn that has been treated with a broadleaf herbicide such as 2,4-D. Tomatoes, peppers and most other vegetables are very sensi- tive to 2,4-D and could absorb residues of the compound from the treated grass clippings. Avoid over mulching, which can reduce oxygen levels in the soil. Crop roots require oxygen for growth, so limit the mulch layer to a maximum of about 3 inches. Organic mulches provide good control of annual weeds, but perennial weeds may be able to push through the mulch layer. Also, annual weeds may germinate and grow in the mulch layer. When using an organic mulch, make sure that the source is not contaminated with weed seed, rhizomes or tubers. Weeds are often spread by contaminated mulch, making weed control harder than if no mulch was used. Inorganic Mulches: Inorganic mulches are synthetic and can be divided into black plastic and the newer geotextiles. Black plastic, a solid sheet of polyethylene, effectively controls annual weeds. The disadvantage of black plastic is that water and oxygen cannot pass through this material. Check the soil under black plastic during the growing season to ensure that the soil contains ade- quate moisture. Black plastic warms the soil, which is an advantage in the spring but can be harmful in the summer. Clear plastic, which increases soil temperature more than black plastic, will not control weeds since sunlight can reach the soil sur- face. Perennial weeds may be suppressed by black plastic, but plants like yellow nutsedge will push through the material in places. The new geotextiles, also called weed barriers, are woven or spun-bonded fab- rics containing polypropylene or polyester and may come in black or white. These fabrics are more expensive than black plastic, but they allow water and gases to pass through. Research generally indicates good control of annual weeds, but annual weeds may be able to germinate above the fabric and send their roots down through. Since mature weeds remove large quantities of moisture and nutrients from the soil, removing the weeds when they are young is important. Hand-pulling works for small gardens and raised beds, but a hoe is critical for larger gardens. Cut off weeds just below the soil surface with a sharp hoe. Hoeing must be shallow be- cause most vegetable roots are near the soil surface and can be easily damaged. Manual-powered rotary cultivators do a good job on long rows and pathways, provided that the soil is not too wet or dry and the weeds are small. In large gardens with widely spaced rows, a rotary tiller of appropriate size makes the work easy and fast. Hand- pulling or hoeing are best for removing weeds near vegetable plants. Deep cultivation with any instrument is likely to damage roots or stems of crop plants. While cultivating, try to move as little soil as possible to limit the amount of weed seed brought to the soil surface that can then ger- minate. It is best to cultivate when the soil is moist but not wet. After removing weeds from the garden, apply mulch to control later germinating weeds. Once vegetable plants become established, their foliage will begin to shade the ground. This shading effect reduces the amount of light available for weed germination and development. Close spacing of the vegetables will decrease the amount of time required for the crop canopy to significantly shade the soil. If weeds are controlled initially by other means, crop competition will reduce weed growth once the vegetables become well-established. A combination of mulching and hand-weeding will probably be the best system for most home gardeners. Herbicides could be used for special situations, such as for the control of perennial weeds. Early-season weed control will greatly reduce the time required for hand-weeding later in the growing season. The Boyle Co. Thymes Volume 3, Issue 4 Pa ge 3 5 Conversation-Piece Plants For Your Garden

Tall Purple Fernleaf Fiddleneck Phacelia tanacetifolia is used extensively in Europe, and more increasingly in California vineyards, as a cover crop and bee forage plant. It is also a beautiful decorative, so quite versatile. The quick growing and blooming plants winterkill at 18F degrees so great for fall sowing. It is one of the top 20 honey producing flowers. In addition to feeding honey bees, it attracts a wide range of beneficial pollinators. The blooms last for a very long period. Germinates at cool temperatures. Great root structure breaks up clay soil. Grows up to 4' to 5 feet on strong erect stems with lacy foliage

Passiflora caerulea is the classic passionflower, with a 3" creamy blossom with blue fringe, stripes, dots, and lime green stamens - a fantasy flower. Native to Argentina, it thrives in warm zones 9-11, but is an easy annual elsewhere. In full sun and fertile soil, this is one enthusiastic vine, needs strong support and will cover a fence or trellis in a season.

Hedgehog Cucumbers Cucumis sativus look like small, prickly, striped gourds. They're native to South Africa, where they were once pickled and preserved, but are best grown for your amusement. Perennial vines produce hundreds of silly, spiny, striped fruits the size of a kumquat. The fruits start out light green with dark stripes, then ripen cream color with purple stripes. They look very cool in a bowl and have great crafting potential. Vines grow about 6' tall, are perennial in warm climates and tough annuals elsewhere. In Africa they grow naturally on steep rocky slopes and sand dunes, survive ungodly heat and drought, but don't mind being watered and look prettier when grown in some shade. Carefree and prolific, one vine can produce a hundred little hedgehogs. 85 days.

Globe Thistle Echinops ritro This tall upright perennial's steely purple-blue, spherical flower heads and spiny leaves command attention, even from the back of the border. Flower heads attract bees and make great cut- and dried-flowers arrangements, too. Tolerant of droughty soil, resistant to deer, and non- invasive. Also a host to the painted lady butterflies. Try ‘Veitch’s Blue’ variety for a nice dark blue color.

Giant Alliam Allium giganticeum The Giant Allium is a summer flowering bulb that bears tight, 4-inch-wide spherical heads of tiny lilac blooms on 5- to 6-foot tall stems. It is deer resistant, and non-aggressive. It prefers well drained soil and full sun. Pa ge 4 The Boyle Co. Thymes Volume 3, Issue 4 Which Trellis is the Best Trellis? May 31, 2013 Christy, Seed Savers Exchange

Chicken Wire A-Frame Best for peas These trellises are made by creating a small frame with long legs out of untreated cedar. Chicken wire is stapled onto the frame, and hinges are used to attach two frames together at the top. This construction al- lows flexibility of width in the garden and flat winter storage. Unruly chicken wire is contained when attached to the frame, and the trellis can be used for years to come. This is a good trellis for peas, shorter beans, and vining flowers.

Bamboo and Twine Best for beans and sturdy climbing vines Bamboo stakes are incredibly useful around the garden, and trellis systems of all types can be made with a handful of stakes and twine. Tee-pees can be created by installing several stakes in a circle, then tying the tops together with twine. Long bamboo walls are made by creating two lines of poles about a foot apart, and tying the tops to- gether. A stake placed perpendicularly on top of the poles adds sta- bility. Bamboo trellis systems work well with beans, runners, and other strong climbers. Bamboo is not recommended for cowpeas and peas, as they have a more difficult time attaching to the smooth sur- face of the poles.

The Boyle Co. Thymes Volume 3, Issue 4 Pa ge 5

Which Trellis is the Best Trellis?

T-Posts and Hog Panel Best for any short vining plant and tomatoes A t-post and hog panel is the most used trellis sys- tem on the Seed Savers Exchange farm because of its ease of installation and versatile use. Two t- posts per panel are installed, and panels are at- tached with zip ties or twine. Vining plants will climb, and non-vining plants can be tied to the panel with twine for support.

T-Posts and Twine Best for decorative cucumbers and small melons This experimental trellis system is used for displaying cucumbers and small melons. Several t-posts are installed in two lines, leaned out- wards to create a V-shape. Twine is tied between each t-post to com- plete each line of the V, and plants are placed on the inside of the V. As cucumbers and other vining plants grow, the fruits will hang on the opposite side of the V in a decorative fashion.

Twine Best for vining plants and flowers Twine can be used throughout the garden to provide support for vining plants. At Seed Savers Exchange, twine is strung between wooden posts in the ground and hooks on the eves of the barn to allow support for climbing morning glories.

Pa ge 6 The Boyle Co. Thymes Volume 3, Issue 4 The Boyle Co. Thymes Volume 3, Issue 4 Pa ge 7

Upcoming Classes and News Classes are subject to cancel if not enough people call to register. Please call ahead! Enter Items in the Boyle County Fair! The fair is June 13th-17th this year and I encourage all you Boyle Co. residents to help us fill the tables with plants of all kinds! Whether you grow fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, or just have a few nice potted plants in the house, there is a class for you! Entry is free! Perishable entries can be entered on June 16th from 10-12pm at Floral Hall on the Boyle Co. Fair Grounds. For more information on classes visit the Boyle Co. Extension website or drop by the office!  Boyle Co. Bee Group: 6pm 5/16/16  Basic Veggie Gardening: 6pm 5/23/16 Boyle Co. Public Library Don’t let vegetable gardening intimidate you! This class will be full of beginner information to ensure your success in the garden this year!  Garden to Table Rhubarb: 6pm Cost $5 Rhubarb is a winter-hardy herbaceous perennial grown for its edible leaf stalks, and can be hard to find in the store. Come learn about this easy to grow and versatile plant.  Kokedama String Gardens: 4pm 5/24/16 Cost $5 Also known as Japanese Moss Balls is the practice of removing a root system from its container, surrounding it in a mud cake, then wrapping the whole mess in moss before winding it in string.  Plant Camp for Kids: 5/31-6/3 10-4pm Boyle/Mercer Counties For children ages 9-12, pick up an application at the Boyle or Mercer Co Extension Office.  Boyle Co. Bee Group: 6pm 6/13/16  Garden to Table Blueberries: 6pm 6/16/16 Cost $5 You too can grow these delicious fruits in your own backyard! They even do well in pots , so no excuse to not come check out these antioxidant rich, beginner friendly fruits!  Vertical Gardening: 4pm 6/21/16 Cost $5 We will be making “living pictures” that you can take home and enjoy year round.  Flower Arranging From the Garden: 4pm 7/12/16 Cost $5 Want to know how to use the flowers in bloom from your garden to brighten your home? Join us to play with some beautiful KY blooms, and learn what you can grow for year round color!  Garden to Table Peppers: 6pm 7/21/16 Cost $5 Experience the vast and wonderful world of peppers! Whether you like hot or sweet, we will go over ways to grow and harvest them all. Peppers offer such a wonderful flavor to dishes of any kind. Learn some easy tricks to get more peppers on your plate.

Pa ge 8 The Boyle Co. Thymes Volume 3, Issue 4

I hope you enjoy this coloring page!

Dragonfly The Boyle Co. Thymes Volume 3, Issue 4 Pa ge 9

Trowel & Error : Local Produce  Boyle County Farmer’s Market Where: Saturdays Danville High School When: 8-1pm What: Fresh local produce, meats, flowers, locally ground coffee, breads, and more.

 Hometown Farmer’s Market For questions, call Joyce Taylor at (859) 332-2539. Where: 1318 Lebanon Road When: Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. What: Fresh local produce, flowers, honey and a variety of other goods.

 Marksbury Farm Market Where: 7907 Nicholasville Road When: Tuesdays-Saturdays 10-7pm

Salsify Oyster Plant Plant Spotlight!

This is a white root—rather like a parsnip but skinnier— that keeps beautifully in the ground. Like the parsnip, it’s planted in spring, as early as the ground can be worked, then allowed to grow all summer and fall until the first frosts bring out its flavor. You can pull it up during thaws, sav- ing some under refrigeration if your like, but it will shrivel a little and its best dug and eaten fresh. There is debate about the flavor of salsify, but everyone seems to agree it is surprising. While some believe it tastes like oysters, from which it gets its name. Others refer to the flavor as similar to artichoke hearts . When you grow salsify, you’ll be starting with seeds. Plant seeds 1-2 inches apart and 1/2 inch deep. It is best grown in loose and rich soil. Much like carrots and parsnips, the easier it is for the root to get into the soil, the bigger the roots will grow, which will result in a better harvest. When harvesting, most gardeners who grow salsify recommend waiting until after a few frosts have hit the plant before harvesting. The thought is that the cold will “sweeten” the root. This may or may not be true, but it doesn’t hurt to grow salsify in the ground while there is frost in order to extend the storage time. When harvesting salsify, keep in mind that the roots can go down a full foot and breaking the root can dramatically reduce the storage time. Because of this, when you harvest salsify, you want to make sure that you lift the whole root out of the ground without breaking it. Use a spading fork or shovel, dig down alongside the plant, being sure to allow for avoiding the root as you go down. Gently lift the root out of the ground.

Boyle County Extension Office 99 Corporate Drive Danville, KY 40422

As I begin my fourth year here in Boyle County I want to thank all you dedicated readers and volunteers. Helping you with all your plant questions has been a joy and I am excited to see how I can continue to impact Boyle County as your horticulture agent. I hope you will spread the word about our upcoming classes , and I look for- ward to talking with you all over this growing season! Enjoy this issue, and remem- ber to always keep calm, and trust your horticulturist! When a flower doesn’t bloom,

you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower. ~Alexander Den Heijer

Alexis Amorese Boyle Co. Horticulture Agent

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