The weather, although a bit on the hot side, has been ideal for growing because of enough timely rain and warm nights.
I’ve noticed in the farmer’s fields that the soybeans and field corn seem to be making up for some of the lost time from the cold wet spring.
The nutsedge and crabgrass seems to be abundant in lawns with the ample moisture. The Ortho company does offer a crabgrass and nut grass or nutsedge killer that works as a post emergent to kill the unwanted invaders.
Spider mites are going to town with the extreme heat which they love. Unfortunately, some customers are coming into the nursery are using carbaryl or Sevin as an all purpose spray . Sevin will actually cause spider mite populations to explode as the mite’s predators are killed of with no effect on the mites themselves.
A control for mites is a drench or a spray of Bayer’s Tree & Shrub Insect Control which contains a miticide.
Lawn diseases are popping up too which include dollar spot, brown patch or rhyzoctonia and more rarely pythium which rots the crown of the grass. Almost all lawn diseases can be controlled by a broad spectrum fungicide by Bayer. However, pythium is a special case and can be controlled by a sprench with Agri-Fos which is mono and di-potassium salts of phosphorus acid.
In the Owl Barn market more and more produce is becoming available. I just picked 5 bushels of tomatoes from our early patch planted on April 28th. The early sweet corn ‘Ambrosia’ is still “in” while my favorite bicolor, ‘Temptation’ is not far behind.
Construction on our new perennial plant production house starts in two weeks and will be finished about Thanksgiving which right now doesn’t seem so far away.
Tom
Friday, July 29, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Dayton "Dirt" - July 22, 2011
Last week’s Blueberry Festival and opening of the Owl Barn seemed to go smoothly except for the fact that we picked and sold all the blueberries that were ripe in the patch!
Sweet corn is always a big draw at a produce market but the cool, wet spring delayed planting and thus the harvest until today.
The Seiberling Farm is our source for much of the fresh produce in our market including sweet corn.
The farm is 125 acres of very productive land with almost 100 acres dedicated to sweet corn.
Some of the varieties we will be offering are Bodacious, Ambrosia and Temptation.
These newer varieties have a sugar enhancing gene which slows down the conversion of sugar to starch in the picked sweet corn ear.
It used to be that sweet corn had to be eaten quickly or it would have a flat, starchy flavor.
With the new varieties, freshly picked ears will still be sweet after 3-5 days if kept in the refrigerator.
The hot weather has made it rough on everyone including plants.
It’s no exception at the nursery as we’ve been watering in the middle of the day to cool them off.
The rain was welcome on Monday night although we did not need all of it at once.
It has been a strange year for weather indeed!
The nursery looks good and so does produce for the market!
See you soon.
Sweet corn is always a big draw at a produce market but the cool, wet spring delayed planting and thus the harvest until today.
The Seiberling Farm is our source for much of the fresh produce in our market including sweet corn.
The farm is 125 acres of very productive land with almost 100 acres dedicated to sweet corn.
Some of the varieties we will be offering are Bodacious, Ambrosia and Temptation.
These newer varieties have a sugar enhancing gene which slows down the conversion of sugar to starch in the picked sweet corn ear.
It used to be that sweet corn had to be eaten quickly or it would have a flat, starchy flavor.
With the new varieties, freshly picked ears will still be sweet after 3-5 days if kept in the refrigerator.
The hot weather has made it rough on everyone including plants.
It’s no exception at the nursery as we’ve been watering in the middle of the day to cool them off.
The rain was welcome on Monday night although we did not need all of it at once.
It has been a strange year for weather indeed!
The nursery looks good and so does produce for the market!
See you soon.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Dayton "Dirt" - July 9, 2011
As if there’s not enough to do already at the nursery, we’re building yet another greenhouse.
The greenhouse is one similar to the one we have now that we call the Cravo house as it is made by the Cravo Company from Ontario, Canada.
This greenhouse is different in that the movable roof allows for maximum ventilation and yet can be partially closed in summer to create 30% shading on any crop grown which keeps the from “baking” in the hot summer sun when black pots are above ground.
We expect the house to be finished in early November in order that perennials can be planted inside beginning in late February to be sold in late April through spring.
The Cravo with its ideal ventilation and shading will enable us to grow higher quality perennials than in an conventional greenhouse.
Another aspect of the Cravo house I do like is the ability to open the roof fully to let the rain come in when necessary.
The falling rain and general greater openess of the roof and sides will inhibit the prolification of spider mites and other insects as they sometimes can get out of control in a conventional greenhouse.
The never ending work is still continuing in the Wolf Creek Botanical Garden with the planting of some new trees and five gigantic Boursault and English Roseum Rhododendron.
The shade perennials are increasing along with the extension of one of the trails to the northeast toward Van Hyning Run.
Don’t forget about our Blueberry Festival on July 16th that will coincide with the season opening of the Owl Barn Market.
Its time for me to go. See you at the festival!
Tom
The greenhouse is one similar to the one we have now that we call the Cravo house as it is made by the Cravo Company from Ontario, Canada.
This greenhouse is different in that the movable roof allows for maximum ventilation and yet can be partially closed in summer to create 30% shading on any crop grown which keeps the from “baking” in the hot summer sun when black pots are above ground.
We expect the house to be finished in early November in order that perennials can be planted inside beginning in late February to be sold in late April through spring.
The Cravo with its ideal ventilation and shading will enable us to grow higher quality perennials than in an conventional greenhouse.
Another aspect of the Cravo house I do like is the ability to open the roof fully to let the rain come in when necessary.
The falling rain and general greater openess of the roof and sides will inhibit the prolification of spider mites and other insects as they sometimes can get out of control in a conventional greenhouse.
The never ending work is still continuing in the Wolf Creek Botanical Garden with the planting of some new trees and five gigantic Boursault and English Roseum Rhododendron.
The shade perennials are increasing along with the extension of one of the trails to the northeast toward Van Hyning Run.
Don’t forget about our Blueberry Festival on July 16th that will coincide with the season opening of the Owl Barn Market.
Its time for me to go. See you at the festival!
Tom
Dayton "Dirt" - July 2, 2011
The long 4th of July weekend is just about the latest to plant heat-loving vegetables such as cucumber, squash, sweet corn and beans to continue a plentiful harvest in late summer and early fall.
Another timely “to do” is to trim all Chrysanthemums including Dendranthemums which include the Igloo series of mums in order to make them compact for fall blooming.
Early July is a great time too to trim various evergreens including Azaleas in order that they can form flower buds this summer for their spring show.
In about 3-4 weeks, the first ripe tomatoes should be coming on line but it looks as though our “tunnel tomatoes” that were planted in late April will be ready in about 1-2 weeks.
We planted the tomato plants in a fabric pot called a smart pot that tends to root prune the root system as it grows outward which results in a more extensive root system to promote growth. The size of the pots are the equivalent of a nursery trade 10 gallon size that’s about 13 inches wide by 13 inches deep. The potting soil is our own tree and shrub planting mix that can be supplemented with more calcium from gypsum or calcium sulfate. Finally, the nutrients and water are supplied by a drip irrigation system that we must turn on every day regardless of the weather as the plants require large amounts of water.
The smart pot system is one you can use at home to grow plants on the patio or deck as long as you are willing to fertilize and water them regularly.
Most of the annual flower greenhouse will be closed after this week; however, we will still be supplying liquid fertilizer for free for flower and vegetable plants as long as you bring your own jug.
Happy 4th of July.
Tom
Another timely “to do” is to trim all Chrysanthemums including Dendranthemums which include the Igloo series of mums in order to make them compact for fall blooming.
Early July is a great time too to trim various evergreens including Azaleas in order that they can form flower buds this summer for their spring show.
In about 3-4 weeks, the first ripe tomatoes should be coming on line but it looks as though our “tunnel tomatoes” that were planted in late April will be ready in about 1-2 weeks.
We planted the tomato plants in a fabric pot called a smart pot that tends to root prune the root system as it grows outward which results in a more extensive root system to promote growth. The size of the pots are the equivalent of a nursery trade 10 gallon size that’s about 13 inches wide by 13 inches deep. The potting soil is our own tree and shrub planting mix that can be supplemented with more calcium from gypsum or calcium sulfate. Finally, the nutrients and water are supplied by a drip irrigation system that we must turn on every day regardless of the weather as the plants require large amounts of water.
The smart pot system is one you can use at home to grow plants on the patio or deck as long as you are willing to fertilize and water them regularly.
Most of the annual flower greenhouse will be closed after this week; however, we will still be supplying liquid fertilizer for free for flower and vegetable plants as long as you bring your own jug.
Happy 4th of July.
Tom
Monday, June 27, 2011
Dayton "Dirt" - June 25, 2011
With the passing of the summer solstice on June 21, the long days of summer begin.
I’m hoping for a good growing season, at least one that is better than last year’s summer of extreme heat and dryness.
Surprisingly, I spotted a cache of Earliblue blueberries almost ripe on June 18th when normally the first pick date is not really until the tail end of June.
It does not seem like the cool rainy spring caused them to be behind.
The flowers in the greenhouse are growing better than ever although the pickings are getting slimmer with the exception of our late planting of wave petunia hanging baskets.
With the weeding under control this past week has been a pitch for sprucing up the botanical garden and the planting of flowers all over the nursery.
After the flower planting, the first wave of transplanting shrubs is followed by our taking of semi-hardwood cuttings of various trees & shrubs.
While the nursery seems to have its continuing share of work, the Owl Barn Market will be open in mid-July although I’m still wondering how far behind will be Seiberling’s sweet corn which is our main supply of fresh home-grown sweet corn.
The rainy spring weather placed farmers in a questionable position whether to plant or not because of the necessity of planting soo late.
Apparently, on a trip recently to north central Ohio along US Route 224, I observed many farm fields lying fallow apparently due to the wet spring.
At least there will be plenty of blueberries and other earlier crops to start out the market for the season.
Happy gardening,
Tom
I’m hoping for a good growing season, at least one that is better than last year’s summer of extreme heat and dryness.
Surprisingly, I spotted a cache of Earliblue blueberries almost ripe on June 18th when normally the first pick date is not really until the tail end of June.
It does not seem like the cool rainy spring caused them to be behind.
The flowers in the greenhouse are growing better than ever although the pickings are getting slimmer with the exception of our late planting of wave petunia hanging baskets.
With the weeding under control this past week has been a pitch for sprucing up the botanical garden and the planting of flowers all over the nursery.
After the flower planting, the first wave of transplanting shrubs is followed by our taking of semi-hardwood cuttings of various trees & shrubs.
While the nursery seems to have its continuing share of work, the Owl Barn Market will be open in mid-July although I’m still wondering how far behind will be Seiberling’s sweet corn which is our main supply of fresh home-grown sweet corn.
The rainy spring weather placed farmers in a questionable position whether to plant or not because of the necessity of planting soo late.
Apparently, on a trip recently to north central Ohio along US Route 224, I observed many farm fields lying fallow apparently due to the wet spring.
At least there will be plenty of blueberries and other earlier crops to start out the market for the season.
Happy gardening,
Tom
Friday, June 17, 2011
Dayton "Dirt" - June 17, 2011
This past week has been one of welcome relief from the 90 degree days of last week.
With the drier weather it’s easy to forget to water newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials that have not had a chance to root in yet.
As always, I recommend a twice per week watering for container-grown plants and at least a once per week waterings for most balled and burlapped plants regardless of the weather.
Balled and burlapped acid-loving plants such as Rhododendron though like to be watered at least twice weekly just as a container-grown plants until establishment about a month later.
The second half of June is a good time to sow some more beans, sweet corn, cucumbers and squash, tomatoes and peppers will do very well if planted now with the long warm days.
The response was overwhelming for our free liquid fertilizer that can be used on your hanging baskets, vegetable plants and flower beds. The fertilizer is an analysis of 20-10-20 and can be used once each week to fertilize outdoor plants. We’ll continue this free fertilizer until October so that all summer you’ll be able to take advantage of it.
The weeds are finally getting under control at the nursery and we’re beginning to pot up our liners (rooted cuttings from last summer)
We’re growing a batch of the new compact “buzz” butterfly bush that do great in the ground or in a container. These should be available about September 1st.
Don’t’ forget that our food preservation seminar is tomorrow, June 18th at 11:00 AM.
The cost is $5.00 with refreshments for the informative seminar.
See you soon,
Tom
With the drier weather it’s easy to forget to water newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials that have not had a chance to root in yet.
As always, I recommend a twice per week watering for container-grown plants and at least a once per week waterings for most balled and burlapped plants regardless of the weather.
Balled and burlapped acid-loving plants such as Rhododendron though like to be watered at least twice weekly just as a container-grown plants until establishment about a month later.
The second half of June is a good time to sow some more beans, sweet corn, cucumbers and squash, tomatoes and peppers will do very well if planted now with the long warm days.
The response was overwhelming for our free liquid fertilizer that can be used on your hanging baskets, vegetable plants and flower beds. The fertilizer is an analysis of 20-10-20 and can be used once each week to fertilize outdoor plants. We’ll continue this free fertilizer until October so that all summer you’ll be able to take advantage of it.
The weeds are finally getting under control at the nursery and we’re beginning to pot up our liners (rooted cuttings from last summer)
We’re growing a batch of the new compact “buzz” butterfly bush that do great in the ground or in a container. These should be available about September 1st.
Don’t’ forget that our food preservation seminar is tomorrow, June 18th at 11:00 AM.
The cost is $5.00 with refreshments for the informative seminar.
See you soon,
Tom
Friday, June 10, 2011
Dayton "Dirt" - June 10, 2011
Father’s Day is coming up on the third Sunday in June.
It wasn’t until President Johnson made a proclamation designating the day of the third Sunday in June that Father’s Day became “official”. President Nixon signed a bill in 1972 making the day finally sanctioned by the Congress and executive branch of the Government.
Dad’s favorite tree and shrub can be planted successfully as long as there is a designated waterer that will follow a watering regiment for about a month so the plant grows roots into the surrounding soil. Download our detailed watering info from our website under Garden Tips and then click on the watering schedule that is very easy to understand as far as what to do.
Our tomatoes in the greenhouse tunnel are coming along nicely and should be ready with the homegrown fruit about mid July. We used the 10 gallon smart pots as the fabric root prunes the plant’s roots and makes for a “happy” tomato plant with lots of fruit. We’re hoping to corner the market with homegrown tomatoes when the Owl Barn market opens with sweet corn.
Watch your email for the opening of the Owl Barn Market in July and of course with Seiberling Sweet Corn and our own home grown tomatoes coming from the back greenhouse.
You can still plant tomato plants in these smart pots and still get juicy ripe tomatoes by early August.
See you in the garden!
Tom
It wasn’t until President Johnson made a proclamation designating the day of the third Sunday in June that Father’s Day became “official”. President Nixon signed a bill in 1972 making the day finally sanctioned by the Congress and executive branch of the Government.
Dad’s favorite tree and shrub can be planted successfully as long as there is a designated waterer that will follow a watering regiment for about a month so the plant grows roots into the surrounding soil. Download our detailed watering info from our website under Garden Tips and then click on the watering schedule that is very easy to understand as far as what to do.
Our tomatoes in the greenhouse tunnel are coming along nicely and should be ready with the homegrown fruit about mid July. We used the 10 gallon smart pots as the fabric root prunes the plant’s roots and makes for a “happy” tomato plant with lots of fruit. We’re hoping to corner the market with homegrown tomatoes when the Owl Barn market opens with sweet corn.
Watch your email for the opening of the Owl Barn Market in July and of course with Seiberling Sweet Corn and our own home grown tomatoes coming from the back greenhouse.
You can still plant tomato plants in these smart pots and still get juicy ripe tomatoes by early August.
See you in the garden!
Tom
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