Mills County Extension 61321 315th St; P.O. Box 430

Plant Wise Malvern, IA 51551 712-624-8616 http://www.extension.iastate.edu/mills

Prepared by: Shirley D Miller, Mills County Master Gardener Coordinator and Mills County Horticulture Program Assistant September 2020

How to Store Apples to Retain that bad apple spoils the whole bunch" is true — even Fresh-Picked Flavor one rotting apple can adversely affect others nearby.

By Megan J. Humphrey Nothing compares to the crunch and flavor of a just-picked apple. Unfortunately, left on a The six-drawer Orchard Rack is good for storing countertop or in a fruit bowl, apples will begin to apples, because you can arrange the apples in a lose that fresh-from-the-tree taste. The good news single layer, wrapped in newspaper or kraft paper. is that by storing them properly, you can enjoy Keep them cool crisp, flavorful apples for months. The ideal storage temperature is 30 to 35 degrees Choose good keepers F. with 90 to 95 percent relative humidity. If you The best keepers are the more tart and thick- don't have a lot of apples, the refrigerator is a good skinned varieties, such as McIntosh, Fuji, Rome option. Place them in the crisper drawer in a plastic and Granny Smith. The apple varieties harvested bag with holes in it or cover the apples with a damp late in the season tend to be good keepers. If you paper towel. Don't store other vegetables in the pick your own, ask the orchardist for a same drawer, because apples give off ethylene recommendation. The best variety for long-term gas, which can speed the decay of neighboring storage is Northern Spy, an heirloom apple from produce. East Bloomfield, NY. Honeycrisp, a more modern If you have larger quantities, look for a cool, dark variety, is a good keeper, too. The sweeter, thinner- (or dim) place that's relatively humid, such as a skinned types — such as Delicious or Gala — can cellar or garage. Its best if the temperature stays still be stored, but they don't last as long, so use close to freezing – but not below! Wrap each apple them first. — preferably with the stem on — in a piece of Harvest with care newspaper or kraft paper. The paper keeps the When picking apples, handle them carefully, like apples separate. Place the wrapped apples in a eggs. They bruise and nick easily. Save the perfect crate or bin, ideally in a single layer. apples for long-term storage, but use the damaged Check the apples periodically and remove any that ones for eating fresh or cooking. The saying, "One are spoiling. Use the large ones first because they tend to get soft before the smaller ones. Apples Winterizing Your Herb Garden: How To continue to ripen in storage, so place each variety Overwinter Herbs & General Herb Care on its own tray (or in separate crates) because they By: Mary H. Dyer ripen at different rates. How to overwinter herbs? This is a difficult question because herb vary widely in their cold Fall tree planting hardiness. Some perennial herbs will survive very cold winters with minimal protection, while tender perennials may not survive the first hard frost. If you’re concerned about winterizing your herb garden, the first step is to use your favorite Internet search engine and determine your ’s cold hardiness, and be sure you know your USDA growing zone. Armed with that basic information, you can easily learn how to overwinter herbs.

Fall is a good time to plant trees. A good rule of thumb is that if the trees in your area still have leaves, you can plant new trees. To be 100% sure, look to the soil! Using a soil thermometer, measure Winterize Home Herb Gardens - Below are some soil temperature early in the morning for a few, general steps you can take in preparing herbs for consecutive days. If your soil is consistently 50° F winter. or higher, you’re good to plant. Fertilizer – Never fertilize your herb garden after The 50° F mark works best for deciduous trees. August. Fertilizing herbs late in the season will Those are the trees that shed leaves before for encourage tender new growth that may not survive winter. Because of this, they focus only on growing the winter. and providing water to their in winter. So, they Watering – Water plants throughout late summer don’t need as much energy. and autumn, as drought-stressed plants are more On the other hand, evergreen trees–like pine and susceptible to cold weather damage. If the winter is spruce–hold onto their needles year-round. They dry, the plants benefit from an occasional irrigation need all the nutrients they can get before the (when the ground isn’t frozen). ground freezes. That’s why you want to avoid planting evergreen trees if the soil temperature is Overwintering herbs that are perennial – Many lower than 60° F. Your tree wouldn’t have enough perennial herbs are winter hardy. Some of these time to save the energy needed to survive the include: Chives, Thyme, Mint, Fennel, Oregano, winter. So this is all you need to remember, Lavender and Tarragon. 60° F and above soil temperature – Evergreens, In most climates, these plants just need a good 50° F and above soil temperature – Deciduous. pruning – down to a height of 4 to 6 inches, after Water your trees at planting time, then follow this the first few hard freezes. However, even sturdy schedule. Water them daily for 2 weeks, then go to plants benefit from a layer of mulch in climates 2 to 3 times a week until the ground freezes. below USDA plant hardiness zone 5. Apply a 3- to 6-inch layer of mulch, such as chopped leaves, straw, pine needles or bark mulch, but don’t apply mulch until after the first hard freeze because you may damage the plant. Be sure to remove the mulch shortly after new growth appears in spring. Some perennial herbs, such as rosemary, bay laurel and lemon verbena, need a little extra help

2 during the winter months. Cut the plants nearly to the ground after the first hard frost, then cover the plants with soil and top the soil with 4 to 6 inches of mulch. A layer of evergreen boughs will also protect perennial herbs from harsh, drying winds.

Overwintering tender perennials or annual herbs – Some perennials may not survive cold winters, depending on your particular growing zone. For example, rosemary tolerates winters in USDA hardiness zone 7, and possibly zone 6 with good protection. Rosemary is relatively difficult to grow indoors, but you might want to pot it up and give it a Spring Snowflake (Leucojum vernum) blooms in try. Rosemary needs cool temperatures, bright early spring. The dropping bell-shaped are sunlight and soil kept lightly moist. Annual herbs, , tipped with green and possess a sweet violet such as dill and coriander, survive for a single like fragrance. Plants grow best in partial shade to season and will be killed with the first frost. There full sun and are generally 6-inches tall. Plant in isn’t much you can do about this, but be sure to pull large masses in rock gardens or borders. the dead herbs and clear the area of plant debris. Otherwise, you’re providing a handy hiding place for pests that will make an appearance in spring. Overwintering herbs indoors – If you’re concerned that your tender perennial herbs may not survive the winter, or if you want to continue using annual herbs year round, many herbs do well indoors. For example, you can pot up herbs like parsley or basil in autumn, then move them back outdoors in spring. Some container herbs can also be given winter protection outside.

Crocuses (Iridaceae) is a of flowering plants in the iris family, comprising 90 of perennials growing from . colors include; yellow, blue, lavender and . Crocus do well in both full and partial sun. The 3 to 6-inch tall plants are good in rock gardens and borders, but do not plant them in the lawn. The plants will not have had enough time to die back naturally before the grass will need to be mowed. Thus they will not have enough energy to bloom next year. Plant them in groups of a dozen or more to get the maximum effect. Try something new in the way of Spring Flowering

Tulips and daffodils are spring favorites in Iowa. But there are many more spring flowering bulbs that you can choose from. Glory of the Snow (Chionodoxa luciliae) are among the earliest spring flowering bulbs. Flowers are star shaped, bright blue with white centers. They do well in rock gardens, borders and edgings. The 6-inch plants prefer sunny sites. There is also a white and varieties. Grape () are small plants which produce 6 to 9-inch spikes of dense, most

3 commonly blue, urn-shaped flowers resembling species originate from East Asia and the center of bunches of grapes in the spring. The common diversity is in China. Countless horticultural name for the genus is grape hyacinth, but they varieties and exist. They are one of the should not be confused with hyacinths. The most popular fall garden flowers. Most varieties are American Grape Hyacinth is the most widely easy to grow with their basic needs being full sun, planted species because of its vigor and large rich soil, good drainage, and good air circulation. flowers. They prefer full sun and are best in the There are hundreds of varieties available in a range edges of flowerbeds. of shapes and sizes that can provide blooms from late summer through fall. Chrysanthemums symbolize different things in different countries: life and rebirth in Asia, sympathy in Europe, and respect and honor in America.

Hyacinthus (Hyacinthus) is a small genus of bulbous, spring-blooming perennial, fragrant flowering plants in the family , subfamily . These are commonly called hyacinths. The genus is native to the eastern Mediterranean. Hyacinths are one of the easiest spring bulbs to grow. Although hyacinth plants are One of the first questions people have about mums small, they pack a big punch of both color and is whether they're annuals or perennials, and the fragrance in their clusters of blooms. There are answer is, they’re both! Mums generally come in many varieties available in several colors, including two types: Florist mums (also known as cutting purple, white, yellow and pink. Hyacinth bulbs can mums) and hardy mums (also known as garden be grown indoors as well as in your garden. mums). Both types come from the same original parent, a golden-yellow daisy-like mum from China. Today's hybrids in both categories are the results of endless crosses between several species from China and Japan. The result of such hybridization performed over hundreds of years is different types of mums that perform for two distinct purposes.

WHY MUMS DON’T OFTEN MAKE IT THROUGH WINTER Mums are a hardy perennial plant best planted in the spring, but mums that are sold in garden centers in the autumn are really being treated as annuals. They are already in full bloom with beautiful autumn jewel-hued colors to decorate your house, along with autumn wreaths and Fall is the time to plant these spring flowering gourds. Once a flower is in full bloom, it’s actually bulbs. There are so many different ones to choose past its peak and declining. (Be sure to buy mums from. What a great way to welcome in spring 2021. with lots of unopened buds so that they last longer into the fall season.) If these plants are put in the ground from August Potted Chrysanthemums for Fall on, most won’t make it through the winter in areas where temperatures dip into the single digits. The Chrysanthemums, sometimes called mums or reason being that mums planted late in the season chrysanths, are flowering plants of the genus are near or at the flowering stage, and they don’t Chrysanthemum in the family Asteraceae. They are put energy into growing roots to sustain plants native to East Asia and Northeastern Europe. Most through the winter. All the energy is put into

4 blooming. That is why mums are best planted in direct contact with the soil. Homeowners and the spring. landscapers can now rent from a large selection of machines that have attachments for de-thatching, spike aeration, and core aeration (for very compact soils with low water drainage). Using Natural Guard Soil Activator is a good way to naturally help the thatch in your yard break down. If there is excess thatch present, use a dethatching rake to eliminate the dead matter. Step 4. Broadcast Starter Fertilizer Use a lawn Starter Fertilizer for optimum seed germination and quick establishment. Step 5. Broadcast Seed Over Lawn Autumn is the best time of year to seed lawns. Newly germinated grass seedlings have a greater chance of survival in the cooler tempetures. Use a hand Whatever your style — flashy or casual, restrained spreader for smaller areas and a larger broadcast or formal — there's a mum for you. And best of all spreader for larger lawns. For a more even spread, for home gardeners, mums are generally pest- and apply half in one direction and the other half in the disease-resistant, making few demands beyond other direction. ample sunshine and consistent watering. Step 6. Rake Seed In Rake lightly with a leaf rake to ensure good seed to soil contact. Use the back end of a rake to press the seed down to avoid wash out from water run-off. 7 Steps for Fall Over-seeding your Step 7. Watering lawn and Fall Fertilizing Water on a regular schedule to make sure seed and Fall is a very important time for lawns. Here are some soil stay moist. Sunny locations and dry weather will fall lawn care tips on Aerating, De-thatching, require you to water more frequently. Using a timer Fertilizing and more tips on how to keep your lawn will help you achieve an even growing environment. healthy all year long.

New Seeding Till the soil 6 inches for good development if Step 1. Mow Lawn Short the soil is heavy clay, then till in top dress soil in Mow you grass to a height of 1.5" to 2" the upper surface to loosen compaction and for Step 2. Rake Area Thoroughly good root development. Rake in a lawn Use an over-seeder rake or leaf rake taking care not starter fertilizer in the soil for faster root to rip out existing grass. development on the grass seedlings. Level the soil Step 3. Aerate & Dethatch Your Lawn to proper grade. Do the step test-if your shoe sinks Aerate stressed lawns to encourage good root in 1/2 inch it is too soft to seed. Press the soil development before the upcoming winter. Aeration gently with a lawn roller without water. helps loosen compacted soil and create a better grass Broadcast your seed 1/2 rate North to South and growing environment. remaining 1/2 East to West then rake in seed Aerating and de-thatching are best done when a lawn lightly less than 1/4 of an inch with a wire leaf rake can take some abuse and recover easily. Fall is perfect due to the cool air temperatures and warm soil into the soil. Press seeded lawn with the roller temperatures. Dethatching and aerating should be again (without water) so irrigation or rain does not done before over-seeding to ensure the seed makes wash the seed away. Spread peat moss 5 lightly or Penn Mulch to retain moisture in between Keep the plants separate from your permanent watering. Water the seeded area frequently. When indoor plants for several weeks to prevent spread of the water seeded area is almost dry, it’s time to insects or other pests. water again. The seeded area should be kept moist for 4-6 weeks. If you have irregular patches or your  Dry or press flowers and leaves before the first frost. Place in an old telephone book (line with parchment turf grass easily rolls back when pulled, moles are paper). Weight the book down and leave most likely the issue. Consider adding a grub undisturbed for a week to 10 days. control product.  Plant garlic. Break the apart just before planting. Place the cloves root side down, 2” to 4” apart, 2” deep. Cover with 4” of straw.

 Lift gladioli when their leaves yellow. Cure in an airy place until dry before husking, then store in a cool dry place for winter.

 Herbs such as parsley, rosemary, chives, thyme and marjoram can be dug from the garden and placed in pots now for growing indoors this winter. Apply with a spreader then water in with a sprinkler. The moles will leave in search of a better food  Plant Spring flowering bulbs in Mid-September, but source after you rid your grass of the grubs. wait to plant your until October. Allow 4 to 6 At this point in the season please make sure your weeks before the ground freezes. lawn is green in order to ensure the effectiveness of your fertilizer application. After over-  Mid- September through October is the best time to seeding, fertilizing will give the seed an extra apply broadleaf herbicide. boost and help the existing lawn thrive through  Harvest winter squash before hard frost. The skin of autumn. Be sure that the seed is also getting the squash should be tough with deep solid color. enough water during the fall months. A thirsty lawn Some cultivars will show an orange blush when is a sad lawn. mature.

September Resources for Horticulture information ISU’s Hortline at (515) 294-3108 GARDENING (Monday-Friday, 10am-noon, 1-4:30 pm) TO DO LIST [email protected] Iowa State University Publications  Divide peonies. Begin by PM 1078 Harvesting and Storing Apples cutting off the peony stems PM 731 Harvesting and Storing Vegetables near ground level. Carefully dig PM 1313 Growing Peonies PM 1894 Garlic up plants and wash or gently RM 319 When to Divide Perennials shake off the soil. Using a PM 0453 Fruit Cultivars for Iowa sharp knife, divided the clump PM 1239 Growing and Drying Herbs into sections. Each section should have three to five HORT 3021 Fall Tips to Ensure Health Green Yard buds (eyes) and a good root system. Plant them so PM 930 Weed Control in Lawns the buds are one to two inches below the soil RG 305 Growing Chrysanthemums in the Garden surface and water well. PM 1072 Establishing a Lawn from Seed Horticulture Publications on-line  Taste Texture and color are the keys to harvesting https://www.extension.iastate.edu/store/ListCategories apples at the correct stage of maturity. Pick apples Iowa State University Extension and Outreach programs are available when the fruit is firm crisp, juicy, well colored and to all without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual have developed thee characteristic flavor of the orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, . disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Compliance, 3280 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.  Transfer houseplants back indoors after carefully checking for insects. Aphids and spider mites can be controlled with an application of insecticidal soap.

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