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too, including English or Buckhorn plantain (Plantago lanceolata), also common on the local scene. Aesthetically, folks desiring a grassy lawn lament broadleaf plantain for its coarse look and thuggish ways of taking over. It is perhaps number three (behind ground ivy and crabgrass) on the list of troublesome lawn weeds about which people quiz this Extension horticulturist. Yet broadleaf plantain has virtues, too. Packed with vitamins and minerals, it served as a spring tonic for the centuries before fresh vegetables were available year-round and a pharmacy inhabited every street corner. A chewed leaf applied topically will quell a bug bite, and ingested bp lowers cholesterol. Colonial Americans used Plantago majorto reduce fevers, to prevent tuberculosis and to treat cholera, bleeding gums and blood disorders. Dried leaves, roots and seeds have all been pressed into service in various concoctions. And in the most interesting twist, plantain can be used to treat...seasonal allergies. What shall I do? Although experts say that ridding your garden of plantain will not help (there is just too much pollen on the wind), I still wonder. Gesundheit!
Warren County Connection
A Fall Garden Checklist By Dr. Leonard Perry, Horticulture Professor University of Vermont
Fall is a more relaxed time in the garden, but there is still plenty to do. I usually keep busy until snow flies and I can’t see the ground! Tending to and tidying gardens and landscapes now will give you a jump on activities next spring. Here is a checklist of some usual and important fall outdoor projects for gardeners.
Fall is a good time for planting trees, shrubs, bulbs and perennials. Earlier in the fall is best, as it gives them time to from a known, reputable seed company increases the likeli- form roots and get established before the soil gets too cold hood of receiving properly labeled seeds that meet germina- and roots stop growing (often when the soil temperature tion, sanitation and trueness to variety standards. It also en- gets down to 40 degrees (F). Spring bulbs should be plantsures the seeds have met standards that protect plants and ed in fall, even if you do so late, rather than try to hold agricultural crops from invasive pests and noxious weeds. them until next season. (Continued from page 6)
Residents can email the USDA at erich.l.glasgow@usda.gov
Evergreens, particular wide-leaved ones such as rhododen-Update From New York State Department of Agriculture drons, should be kept well-watered in early to mid fall, parand Markets on Unsolicited, Mislabeled Packages of Seed ticularly if they don’t get an inch or more of rain per week. This is all the water they’ll get until spring, once the Being Sent From Foreign Countries ground gets cold and freezes. Without sufficient water, their leaves will dry out and burn, turning brown. Sprays called JULY 30, 2020 | ALBANY, NY “anti-dessicants” are sometimes used to help prevent them “Our office has received questions from a few New Yorkers who have received unsolicited packages allegedly sent from drying out in winter, but may not be effective. from China that are marked as containing jewelry but which actually contain plant seeds. Similar packages have As long as your grass is growing, keep it mowed. Then, usually about mid-October with the last mowing, you can been received in other states and the United States Delower the mowing height by about a third. This keeps the partment of Agriculture is investigating. People who regrass from being too long by spring, more susceptible to ceive seeds should not plant or handle the seeds. They should store them safely in a place children and pets can- snow mold and other diseases. not access and email USDA immediately at erich.l.glasgow @usda.gov for instructions. Seeds imported into the Unit- Canna, gladiolus, dahlias and other summer bulbs should ed States are rigorously tested to ensure quality and pre- be dug for winter storage, after frost kills the tops. Canna can be stored in pots with soil or compost, gladiolus can be vent introduction of invasive species, insects and diseasstored dry in paper bags. Dahlias should be allowed to dry, es. We will continue to monitor this issue and will pass once dug, for only a few hours to a day, or they will begin along guidance as it is received from USDA.” -Statement by NYS Commissioner of Agriculture, Richard A. Ball to shrivel. Then either wrap the dahlia (Continued on page 5)
