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Elisabeth C. Miller Library

Archives: Garden Tips

Gardening tips and suggestions.

Garden Tip #28

Without our traditional April showers, how will we grow our flowers in May (and the rest of the summer)? With a new, efficient drip irrigation system. Now is the time to install a drip irrigation system or at least do a little research. A book by Robert Kourik called Drip Irrigation (Metamorphic Press, $15.00) has excellent illustrations and make this dull subject easy to understand. On the Web you’ll find introductions to the why and how of setting up drip irrigation in a home garden:

Garden Tip #31

Many plants outgrow aphid infestations with no harm done. But sometimes aphids do cause permanent damage to tender shoot of young plants. If action must be taken, soft-bodied aphids can be killed by common non-toxic ingredients found at home. Here is a recipe for a spray from The Frugal Gardener by Catriona Erler (Rodale, $27.95):

  • 1 garlic bulb
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder
  • 1 quart water
  • 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap

liquefy garlic and onion in a blender, then add cayenne and water. Steep for an hour. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth, then add soap. Spray directly on aphids, or on plants vulnerable to aphids, like roses. Keep away from eyes and skin. This spray may be kept refrigerated for one week.

Garden Tip #42

A trip through the garden at night with a flashlight will reveal a surprising amount of animal and insect activity. Earthworms crawl across the ground looking for decomposing plants to consume while weevils, slugs and cutworms feed on our prized shrubs and perennials. Remember that the new non-toxic iron phosphate slug baits, such as Sluggo, must be reapplied about every two weeks. More slug-coping advice can be found online at www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7427.html

Garden Tip #40

The National Pesticide Information Center was created by a cooperative effort of Oregon State University and the Environmental Protection Agency to answer questions about pesticides. The public is encouraged to call 1-800-858-7378 to talk with an expert about general safety concerns or specific chemical risks. Fact sheets on over 40 common pesticides are available online at their website, npic.orst.edu/npicfact.htm.

Garden Tip #38

Hosta spears are emerging now, promising lush mounds of foliage. According to a poll from the American Hosta Society the top three favorite hosta cultivars are \’Sum and Substance,\’ \’Sagae,\’ and \’Great Expectations.\’ Members pay $25 per year and receive the glossy Hosta Journal filled with color photos, a regular question and answer column and articles on hosta companion plants. To join the society, you can send a check to Sandie Markland, AHS Membership Secretary, 8702 Pinnacle Rock Court, Lorton, VA 22079-3029, or join online at www.hosta.org

Garden Tip #36

The Seed Savers Exchange was founded in 1975 to preserve rare heirloom fruit and vegetable varieties. Today thousands of members work together to keep old time cultivars from disappearing forever. Members pay $35.00 a year to support the non-profit organization and receive three publications a year, one of which is the 120-page yearbook/catalog. Membership is not required to purchase seeds and tomato transplants from the online catalog, www.seedsavers.org. Seed Savers Exchange, 3094 North Winn Road, Decorah, IA 52101; (Phone) 563-382-5990.

Garden Tip #35

A new magazine is available dedicated to antique treasures from the garden. The Heirloom Gardener is published four times per year for a mere $12.00. Articles in the winter 2004 issue range from a history of the Brandywine tomato, renovating neglected pome trees (apples and pears) to a profile on an heirloom vegetable farmer. Color photos and illustrations contribute to the thoughtful, informative articles. To subscribe call 1-866-OLD-SEED, or send a check to Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, 2278 Baker Creek Rd, Mansfield, MO 65704, or subscribe online at www.rareseeds.com

Garden Tip #32

As plants surge with new growth, the pesky aphid experiences a population explosion. Many plants will simply outgrow the aphid attack with nothing more than a rinse of water. But in other instances aphids can cause distorted growth, spread viruses, and generally weaken the host plant. UC Davis publishes an excellent guide to managing aphids in the garden using Integrated Pest Management, the practice of matching the appropriate, least toxic solution for garden pests: www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7404.html

Garden Tip #21

The International Society of Arboriculture maintains a page with 18 tree care brochures for the public. Learn why you should pay for the services of a certified arborist, how to plant a tree the right way, and how to identify tree hazards. Included on the page is a link to search for certified arborist by zip code so you can find out who the professionals are in your region.
www.treesaregood.com/