November 2023 Gardener News

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November 2023

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No. 247

Environmental Sustainability Recognition

Tom Castronovo/Photo

Crystal Springs Resort owners honored by New Jersey Legislators. From left to right, seated are Andy Mulvihill, Chris Mulvihill, Julie Mulvihill, standing are N.J. Assemblyman Kevin Rooney, N.J. Senator Steve Oroho, and N.J. Assemblyman Hal Wirths.

News in our August 2022 issue. The resort was featured for being a spectacular piece of paradise in Sussex County, New Crystal Springs Resort was Jersey, which offers a gorgeous first featured by the Gardener mountain setting with, yes,

By Tom Castronovo Executive Editor/Publisher Gardener News

a public garden surrounding the Grand Cascades Lodge.

A public garden is defined as a place to raise, maintain, and display numerous plant species. Crystal Springs Resort

has all of this, and more.

The resort is also known for its six magnificent golf courses.

For the second year in a row, the New Jersey Landscape

Contractors Association (NJLCA) held its annual golf challenge at Crystal Springs Resort. The 2023 challenge was held on Tuesday, October 11, to help (Cont. on Page 10)

2 November 2023

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November 2023 3

Around The Garden

By Tom Castronovo Gardener News

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A Few Hot Topics

Here is the first up on my November list. I hope everybody is ready for a change in the way you fight off insects.

N.J. Restrictions on Neonicotinoid Pesticide Use This new Act went into effect on October 31, 2023.

It is (C.13:1F et seq.).

No person shall sell, offer for sale, or use within the State any neonicotinoid pesticide, unless such pesticide is registered and will only be applied by a licensed pesticide applicator to an agricultural plant.

“Neonicotinoid pesticide” means any pesticide containing a chemical, including, but not limited to, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, flonicamid, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, nithiazine, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, or any other chemical designated by the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection in consultation with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey as belonging to the neonicotinoid class of chemicals. (C.13:1F-4.4).

The first product that comes to mind is below.

Second Feature on my November List A Hearty Congratulations NOFA NJ’s own Stephanie Harris was honored as the 2023 NOFA Person of the Year at this year’s NOFA Summer Conference.

A founding member of the Northeast Organic Farming Association New Jersey chapter (NOFA NJ) in 1984, Stephanie has continued to serve in almost every capacity since, offering unending support, guidance, and wisdom year after year. It’s safe to say that Organic in NJ would not be where it is today without Stephanie’s dedicated work and contribution.

Stephanie is currently serving as NOFA NJ Board

Secretary and is the owner of Stonehedge Farm in Hopewell.

Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Features on my November List November 5 - Daylight Savings Time ends. This is when we move our clocks back one hour, which means it gets dark earlier each night. And boy, do I hate that. I feel like I’m being robbed of my outdoor activities.

November 7 - Election Day is when we select our legislators. This year in the great Garden State every seat in the legislature is up for election.

My reelection picks are Senator Bob Smith, a true environmental leader who serves as the Chair of the Senate Environment Committee and guides agricultural legislation. Senator Smith is also a good friend.

Senator Anthony M. Bucco because he’s been a volunteer fireman with the Boonton Fire Department in Boonton, Morris County, since 1980. He is also a founding member of Daytop drug and alcohol center and served on the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse from 1998 to 2009. Bucco has also been a commissioner of the Morris County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers program since 1998. I think volunteer fireman are great people.

Assemblyman John McKeon is running for a Senate position. Assemblyman McKeon is currently a member of his party’s Environment and Solid Waste Committee.

He is another believer in protecting the Garden State Environment.

Another good friend is Senator Nicholas P. Scutari.

He is currently President of the New Jersey Senate and has served multiple times as our State’s Acting Governor. Senator Scutari was the 2009 Gardener News Person of the Year and received the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association 2022 Legislator of the Year award.

November 8 - Rockefeller Center Tree Cutting Day. The location is always kept a secret until that day.

November11 - Veterans Day. Please take the time to thank a Veteran and display an American flag in your garden. The Rockefeller Center Tree is installed on the Plaza in Manhattan.

November 18 - Apple Cider Day. Now we’re talking.

I’m going to head over to the Melick’s Town Farm stand in Oldwick, Hunterdon County, to purchase a big jug of fresh apple cider to celebrate this special day. I’m also going to pick up a six pack of Melick’s Hard Cider. It’s going to be a great, tasty day!!!

November 23 - I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving. I can’t wait to dig into some juicy turkey meat smothered in gravy, corn bread, cranberry sauce, breaded cauliflower, and sweet potatoes with roasted marshmallows. For dessert I always enjoy a slice of both homemade apple and pumpkin pie. The pie slices must be warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on them.

Editor’s Note: Tom Castronovo is executive editor and publisher of Gardener News. Tom’s lifelong interest in gardening and passion for agriculture, environmental stewardship, gardening and landscaping, led to the founding of the Gardener News, which germinated in April 2003 and continues to bloom today. He is also dedicated to providing inspiration, and education to the agricultural, gardening, landscaping and nursery communities through this newspaper and GardenerNews.com.

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4 November 2023 I’m writing this column during New Jersey’s Farm to School Week, September 25-29.

The week salutes the evergrowing collaboration between schools throughout the state and our agricultural producers in working together to provide local farm products to school-meal operations, as well as providing information about the importance of good nutrition and the role farms play in our lives.

This week, I had the opportunity to visit Upper Pittsgrove School and see how they are incorporating agriculture in many forms into their classrooms. We saw pre-K lessons about food, fourth-grade lessons about pollinators (which also included a butterfly release), and a seventh-grade class about hydroponics and aquaculture and their on-site school garden. Their meal program included locally produced potatoes and eggs.

After that visit, we traveled a short distance down the road to see what the students learn on their visits to Coombs Barnyard, where there are farm animals like chickens, geese, goats, and a donkey, a large garden plot for the students, and expansive vegetable, grain and corn maze fields. The joy and respect the students showed was impressive and that is the I am delighted to share some exciting news that underscores our commitment to strengthening the backbone of our nation—our farming community. The USDA, in collaboration with other federal agencies, has launched the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP Program), a pivotal initiative aimed at fortifying the resiliency of our food and agricultural supply chain. This program is not only a testament to our dedication to the agricultural sector but also a part of President Biden’s ambitious “Investing in America” agenda.

Starting September 22, 2023, agricultural employers have the opportunity to apply for grants totaling up to $65 million under the FLSP Program. This pilot program is designed to tackle the workforce challenges that farmers and ranchers across our great nation face. Our vision is to address these challenges, foster a safe and healthy work environment for farmworkers, and support the expansion of lawful migration pathways for workers through the Department of Labor’s seasonal H-2A visa program. This initiative is funded by the American Rescue Plan, reflecting our commitment to building a brighter future for American agriculture.

Our Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, aptly sums up the significance of this program: “Our

GardenerNews.com NJ Dept. of Agriculture

By Joe Atchison III Assistant Secretary of Agriculture

New Jersey’s Farm to School Program

reason the school and the farm both received awards commemorating their successes.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Jersey Fresh Farm to School Program is a unit in the NJDA’s Food and Nutrition division, which also oversees the school breakfast and lunch programs and works with emergency feeding operations to combat food insecurity among our state’s nine million-plus residents.

The program has been running since 2014, but it is constantly evolving and adding new features.

Schools are provided with activity ideas with produce in-season from month to month, a Farm to School calendar, Jersey Fresh recipes, produce fact sheets, awards for teachers, schools and participating farmers. The program also provides resources for school feeding authorities to source Jersey

Fresh fruits and vegetables, local proteins and milk.

New Jersey’s approach to linking schools with farms for the benefit of both is, if not unique, unusual in school-feeding programs across the nation, and would likely not be possible without the close connection built between the Department and the farmers who gladly take part in connecting themselves to a school.

New Jersey, by the way, is one of only four states where the state Department of Agriculture administers school feeding programs. The others are Texas, which began doing so right around the same time as New Jersey, and Nevada and Florida. The latter two sought guidance from New Jersey about modeling their programs on the one here, due to our successes in the arena.

Reaching out to children

when they are young is essential in developing an appreciation for fresh produce, healthy eating, and learning how they can grow their own food. Studies have shown that students involved in growing fresh fruits and vegetables are more likely to try them and enjoy them.

A great way to achieve this is through school gardens. These on-site gardens are excellent outdoor learning laboratories that can be used in many facets of learning, from science and math to history and English.

I can certainly remember school lunches when I was a student a few decades ago, and they were nothing like what is available today. Our farmers and those administering school feeding programs know that we need to keep those improvements coming.

So many enhancements to our school feeding programs have been

USDA Farm Service Agency

By Bob Andrzejczak State Executive Director

Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program

country is facing growing agriculture workforce challenges that jeopardize our farmers’ ability to be competitive, threatens the resiliency, abundance, and safety of our food system, and has repercussions on our overall economy.

At the same time, record numbers of people are interested in living and working in the United States. This pilot program has been designed with significant input from immigration, labor, and agricultural stakeholders in an effort to help address these immediate challenges.”

The FLSP Program aligns with several key Administration priorities: Addressing Workforce Needs in Agriculture: We’ve listened to our stakeholders, and we understand that agricultural employers are grappling with the increasing difficulty of finding an adequate supply of workers.

This pilot program aims to expand the potential pool of workers and enhance employers’ competitiveness by improving the quality of the jobs

they offer.

Reducing Irregular Migration: The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to promoting the expansion of regular migration pathways, as outlined in the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection. The FLSP Program provides an opportunity to support this commitment, bringing economic benefits for foreign workers and their families, and professional and economic development opportunities for communities that send their workers to participate in the H-2A program.

Improving Working Conditions for Farmworkers: A resilient food and agricultural sector relies on attracting and retaining skilled agricultural workers. Through the FLSP Program, USDA will support efforts to improve working conditions for both U.S. and H-2A workers. We will ensure that workers are aware of their rights and the resources available to them while promoting fair and

transparent recruitment practices.

Eligibility for this competitive grant program is limited to domestic agricultural employers who meet specific Department of Labor and Department of Homeland Security regulatory requirements. These include demonstrating efforts to effectively recruit U.S.-based workers and hiring all willing, able, and qualified U.S. workers.

Eligible employers encompass fixedsite employers, joint-employers, agricultural associations, and H-2A labor contractors.

The FLSP Program offers grants ranging from $25,000 to a maximum of $2,000,000 per grant agreement.

Award amounts will be determined based on factors such as the projected number of full-time equivalent (FTE) agricultural employees, desired award level, and the competitive nature of the application. Applicants must demonstrate insufficient availability of a U.S.-based workforce. Each recipient will have a 24-month grant

achieved since they began being administered under the NJDA in 1997. Yet we know more can be done.

For instance, every school should have a fresh salad bar with some ingredients from the on-site school garden and other fresh (and local, when they can be obtained) choices that will lead to better eating habits and healthier students.

If you are an avid gardener and would like to make a difference in a child’s life, reach out to your local elementary school and volunteer to help establish, maintain, and/or educate about the school garden.

More hands and garden wisdom are needed to grow the gardeners of the future.

Editor’s Note: New Jersey Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Joe Atchison III is directing the Department, assuming the responsibilities of Secretary, until the State Board of Agriculture’s recommendation for the new Secretary of Agriculture is approved by Governor Phil Murphy. Atchison is also the Director of the Division of Marketing and Development for the department. He can be reached at 609-292-3976. window, allowing producers to utilize the grant over two agricultural production seasons.

Applications are due November 28, 2023. For more information on the application process, please visit www. ams.usda.gov/flsp In closing, I want to express my deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers in New Jersey. Agriculture is the backbone of this nation, and FSA is committed to supporting your success. Together, we will build a stronger, more resilient agricultural industry that ensures the security and abundance of our food supply.

Deadlines: Nov 1, 2023 - Organic Certification Cost Share Program Dec 31, 2023 - Inflation Reduction Act Assistance for Distressed Borrowers

Editor’s Note: Bob Andrzejczak is the State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in New Jersey. He can also be reached at 609587-0104 during regular business hours. For more information, please visit https://www.fsa.usda.gov/ state-offices/New-Jersey/ sed-biography/index

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6 November 2023

RUTGERS NJAES/RCE

Atlantic County Phone: 609-625-0056 Bergen County Phone: 201-336-6780 Burlington County Phone: 609-265-5050 Camden County Phone: 856 216 7130 Cape May County Phone: 609-465-5115 Cumberland County Phone: 856-451-2800 Essex County Phone: 973-228-2210 Gloucester County Phone: 856-224-8040 Hudson County Phone: 201-915-1399 Hunterdon County Phone: 908-788-1339 Mercer County Phone: 609-989-6830

From the Director’s Desk

Rutgers Outreach



Rutgers Cooperative Extension Phone Directory

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Middlesex County Phone: 732-398-5260 Monmouth County Phone: 732-431-7260 Morris County Phone: 973-285-8300 Ocean County Phone:732-349-1246 Passaic County Phone: 973-305-5740 Salem County Phone: 856-769-0090 Somerset County Phone: 908-526-6293 Sussex County Phone: 973-948-3040 Union County Phone: 908-654-9854 Warren County Phone: 908-475-6505

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Provided by Brian Schilling Director

Selecting The Perfect Christmas Tree

Harvesting your own tree, meeting the growers, enjoying family and friends, and developing a deeper sense of community are at the heart of Christmas tree farming.

Christmas trees typically take 7-10 years to reach maturity, during which they perform numerous ecosystem services like producing oxygen, purifying the air, and sequestering carbon dioxide. They also support a multitude of wildlife, especially bird species that nest in their dense canopies. Even after the trees are harvested, their roots help to stabilize the soil. There are an estimated 500 million Christmas trees growing nationwide (6% are harvested annually), with 5,000 acres of production right here in New Jersey.

Producing a beautiful Christmas tree is a yearlong endeavor that encompasses preparing the ground for planting, maintaining nutrient levels, managing labor, and treating pest, disease, and weed issues as they arise. The shape of a final Christmas tree is as much influenced by the variety as the grower who must expertly shear the trees across many growth stages and seasons. Additionally, the work required to provide a welcoming holiday environment should not be overlooked as parking spaces, walkable paths, holiday shops, seasonal offering, tree netting equipment, cutting implements, and insurance all require inputs of time and resources.

Christmas trees fall into multiple broad categories: Pines, Spruces, true-Firs, Douglas Firs, and everything else. More traditional options include Colorado Blue Spruce’s blueish gray, sharp needles, on strong branches; Norway Spruce’s drooping yet strong branches and softer touch (it’s recommended

that these trees be harvested no sooner than 14 days before Christmas as they are prone to needle loss); Douglas Fir known for its flat and dark needles, supple branches, and strong outdoorsy scent; and Frasier Fir’s classic pyramidal shape, flexible branches, and enticing aroma.

Some other classics include White Spruce that has short, stiff needles and strong branches that are great for heavy ornaments, and Scotch Pine’s unique growth habit, soft branches, and piney scent.

New Jersey Christmas tree growers raise many tree varieties, presenting consumers with a wide range of interesting options to best meet their needs or preferences.

Some more popular options include Concolor Fir that sports narrow, flat, whiteish needles that have a citrusy scent when crushed, and Canaan fir that closely resembles mature Fraiser and Balsam firs with their classic pyramidal shape, short, soft needles, and strong branches that are perfect for ornaments. Other varieties you may see offered include Red Cedar, White Pine, Austrian Pine, Serbian Spruce, Black Hills Spruce, Korean Fir, Balsam Fir, and Fralsam Fir. Nordman and Turkish Fir are becoming increasingly popular amongst growers as they are highly resistant to the devastating Phytophthora root rot disease.

Before heading to the farm, first measure the dimensions of your tree stand. The tree you select should be able to fit without shaving down the tree trunk, which leads to premature needle loss.

Once at the farm, look for a tree with a straight trunk, and a leader/ top that is at least 6” as this can be trimmed later for your favorite tree topper. Your space at home will dictate the size and shape of tree that will fit best. Many are

drawn to the perfect pyramidal shape, however, keep in mind the tree will likely be against a wall so uneven sides or bare spots are often masked. When assessing how well the tree is retaining its needles, gently pull your hand through the branches. If there is prolific needle loss, move on to another tree.

Needle retention impacts holiday aesthetics as well as mess and fire safety concerns. This can be easily managed by keeping your tree constantly hydrated and away from any fire source. Freshly cut Christmas trees can rapidly soak up one gallon of water within their first day indoors and should never be allowed to dry out. Keep this in mind when selecting your next tree stand. If you are choosing from a pre-cut tree lot, lift a few of the trees, as the heaviest will be the most hydrated (within comparable size and variety). Remember, all cut Christmas trees must stay hydrated, including the day you bring it home for the holiday season.

Resources: For a more detailed discussion, listen to our Rutgers Ask the Agent Christmas Tree podcast at https://go.rutgers.edu/ d28kd8r4. To find a local farm, use the “Find a Farm” tool on the New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers Association website at https://njchristmastrees.org/. If you are a grower or interested in becoming one, please read our new Christmas Tree Edition of Rutgers Plant and Pest Advisory at https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers. edu/category/christmas-trees/. For Rutgers Master Gardener program information, visit https://njaes. rutgers.edu/master-gardeners/ to access services such as ‘Call a Rutgers Master Gardener,’ ‘Lawn & Garden Frequently Asked Questions,’ or to get information on becoming a Rutgers Master Gardener yourself.

Editor’s Note: This article was written by Rutgers Cooperative Extension agricultural agents Timothy J. Waller (Cumberland County) and William Errickson (Monmouth County).

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RUTGERS NJAES/RCE

November 2023 7

LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITY NEWS Rutgers Gardens Awarded Trees for Schools Grant to Help Mitigate Climate Change

Rutgers Gardens, the 180-acre botanical garden of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey and a “living laboratory” in North Brunswick, New Jersey, is one of the recipients of a grant awarded by the NJ DEP and Sustainable Jersey via the Trees for Schools program.

Funded by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the initiative will help reduce climate change by planting 3,000 trees across the state. Planting more trees in overburdened urban and rural areas will sequester carbon, thus reducing the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. The Trees for Schools grant allows Rutgers Gardens to participate in this climate change mitigation effort by planting 100 trees on site in 2024.

The funding will also enable Rutgers Gardens to expand its educational impact for Rutgers students, local residents and the New Jersey green industry.

Dr. Lauren Errickson, Director of Rutgers Gardens and Campus Stewardship, will lead the project, which will focus on planting trees that are native to the mid-Atlantic region as well as to the southeastern United States. Including southeastern native trees will allow Rutgers Gardens to demonstrate species that might adjust well to New Jersey’s changing climate as temperatures are projected to rise in the years ahead.

Errickson hopes this approach of planting a variety of native trees, including both straight species as well as native cultivars or “nativars” that offer desirable characteristics for landscaping, will encourage New Jersey homeowners and landscapers to incorporate more native trees into their plantings. Errickson envisions offering tours and classes based on the tree installation; thus, the Trees for Schools grant will have a direct educational benefit while also mitigating climate change.

Rutgers Gardens is free and open to the public year-round, and invites community members to enjoy time spent outdoors in the green space the Gardens offer. Visits to Rutgers Gardens are a great way to increase physical activity by getting out for a walk and to reduce stress by connecting with nature.

Volunteers are welcome and will be invited to assist with tree plantings as part of this project. Errickson also says the Trees for Schools funding will provide further education to students and community residents. Rutgers students already benefit from Rutgers Gardens when courses meet on site for immersive field experiences, and through hands-on learning opportunities offered through the Rutgers Gardens internship program. Errickson says there may also be future research opportunities associated with the trees planted with this new grant funding, emphasizing the longevity of the grant’s educational and societal impact.

“It’s really encouraging to see that there is funding for tree planting and that our proposal, which focuses on installing trees that fit the ecological niche from a native plant perspective and have this added landscape and educational benefit, was selected. How we move forward as the State University of New Jersey includes thinking about how we have an impact on climate change, and this is a great step in that direction.”

Rutgers Synder Farm Hosts 2023 Open House and Tomato Tasting

On August 30, Rutgers Snyder Research and Extension Farm hosted its Open House and Tomato Tasting in Pittstown, New Jersey. Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway and NJAES Executive Director Laura Lawson joined a large crowd of loyal tomato-lovers at the annual event.

According to Peter Nitzsche, agriculture and natural resource county agent and director of Snyder Farm, a new tomato variety called “Two Tasty”—a flavorful large, red cherry

tomato with purple shoulders—was a favorite among tasters.

The 390-acre farm, which serves as the Rutgers University Center for Sustainable Agriculture, is also known for its charity and community ideals. It offers home lawn, garden, orchard programs as well as internship opportunities for students. The farm supports hunger relief efforts, donating fresh produce to local residents in need once the research is concluded.

“Tossed” Cooking Competition Emphasizes the Importance of NJAES Research and Extension On September 21, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) and the Rutgers University Programming Association (RUPA) hosted “Tossed,” a cooking competition held as a part of the annual Party at the Puddle welcome-back event. Students gathered at the famous Passion Puddle on Lipman Drive for food, a movie night, and to watch the exciting “Tossed” cooking competition.

The student competitors of “Tossed” were tasked with preparing a gourmet salad using mystery ingredients provided by Rutgers NJAES research farms and the Food Innovation Center in under 30 minutes. The mystery baskets included tomatoes from the Rutgers Gardens Student Farm, hazelnuts from the Molnar lab, honey from Chelsea Abegg’s pollinator research, the Impossible Whopper commercialized at the Rutgers Food Innovation Center, and baby bella mushrooms as a nod to The Super Mario Bros. Movie playing that night at the event. The student contestants were also given access to a pantry that included specialty food items donated by the Atalanta Corporation, such as oils, vinegars, mustards, and cheeses, among other items.

The winners of “Tossed” were Haley Yun and Rudra Gohil of the Food

Science Undergraduate Club, a Rutgers organization for students interested in pursuing food science. Gohil and Yun also major in food science and will graduate in 2024. Their winning salad consisted of massaged kale, marinated mushrooms, and Impossible Whopper “meat” with a dressing that consisted of red wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, and herbs. The pair also marinated bell peppers, used grilled artichokes, and garnished the salad with chopped hazelnuts and cherry tomatoes.

While the competition occurred, speakers from the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) provided information about their programs to the crowd observing the exciting competition.

Speakers included Stacy Onofrietti from Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County and an Expanded Food and Nutrition program educator; Dan Jacobs, a Ph.D. student from the Molnar lab; Chelsea Abegg, a Soils and Plant Technician based out of the Rutgers Specialty Crop Research and Extension Center; Nolan Lewin, Executive Director of the Rutgers Food Innovation Center; and Peggy Brennan-Tonetta, Director of Resource and Economic Development and Senior Associate Director of NJAES.

8 November 2023

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November 2023 9 The NJLCA Today

By Gail Woolcott Executive Director

Attention Homeowners: This is a Must-Read!

In the past several months, the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA) has been working with landscape contractors and municipalities to come to a reasonable compromise regarding gas-powered leaf blower bans. Generally, we all know that the future of lawn equipment will one day be battery powered.

In a survey that we performed of landscape contractors in 2021, 60% of them had already been using some battery-powered equipment in their everyday business, the majority of which were handheld leaf blowers, chainsaws, weed eaters and hedge trimmers. Of the responses, the biggest issues they faced with the equipment were cost and run-time.

What we ask for as a compromise is to allow landscape contractors to use traditional gas equipment for spring and fall cleanups, while using battery powered during the summer.

What many townships and homeowners don’t understand is that with any blower ban, the cost of providing your maintenance will increase. It’s not a choice on the part of a landscape contractor, but a necessity. Even using gas powered equipment, landscape contractors are facing tough financial decisions daily. Although mowing, blowing and weed eating your lawn may seem simple enough, a legitimate business has a lot invested in each job. For instance, the cost of equipment, fuel for equipment and vehicles, insurance, rent, employee wages (which have been well above minimum wage for years) and workers’ compensation, electric, telephones, lawyers, accountants, certifications, and

continuing education the same as any small business. However, they are expected to provide their services at a low price, as they are “just mowing the lawn.” Throw in the requirement to switch all leaf blowers to battery powered, plus batteries and chargers, electrical infrastructure in their shops to charge, and you are looking at a very significant investment. For, unlike a homeowner that only needs to purchase one leaf blower, charger and a battery or two, many of our members run up to ten crews or more. Even one leaf blower per crew and you are talking up to 2-5 batteries (depending on brand) per blower and ten leaf blowers, never mind the chargers needed for daily charging. You see, although it only takes 15 minutes to do your property, they are doing dozens a day, so one battery simply won’t be enough. Please understand that these bans will have consequences for all of us.

In Montclair, NJ, a group of 19 landscape contractors have filed a suit against the Township of Montclair. The suit claims several counts. The Montclair ordinance is discriminatory – based on type equipment permitted, time permitted, and quantity of blowers permitted by different classes (municipality, homeowners over a certain acreage vs. landscape contractors and other homeowners). The ordinance vs. the stated purpose does not align with the rules of the ordinance. The Clean Air Act clearly states that, “States in localities other than the state of California, may not adopt or attempt to enforce any standards or other requirement, applicable to the control of omissions from spark

Dash ignition engines smaller than 50 hp, except standard, or other requirements that were adopted by that state before September 1, 2003.” The Takings Clause which “prohibits the government from taking property without just compensation.” Plaintiffs will suffer irreparable harm (we originally had this one in our Maplewood lawsuit, but we could not prove it, so it was dropped).

More to come…

As we approach winter, I also wanted to touch on some things you may want to do to prepare for the snow season. If you have a snow contractor, the first thing we ask is that you or your snow contractor place a few snow stakes along your driveway before the ground freezes. This will protect your property from a plow inadvertently going beyond plowing boundaries. In addition, make sure your snow contractor knows where any new plantings or features are on your property so they don’t pile snow over new shrubbery that may not be able to take the weight. Keep your outdoor lights on overnight if you have a snow contractor working with you.

It will help them greatly during a storm. Work with your landscape contractor before snowstorms to assess and fix drainage issues to avoid melt and refreeze. If you have any drains in your driveway, make sure you mark them in blue, since water is designated in blue by the public utilities marking system.

Finally, it is November, so I want you all to have a wonderful Thanksgiving! It has always been my favorite holiday as family and friends gather to enjoy the fall harvest and each other.

Editor’s Note: Gail Woolcott is the Executive Director for the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association. Gail received the New York State Turf & Landscape Association 2022 “Person of the Year” award on December 1, 2022. Gail also received a proclamation from the Westchester County, New York Board of Legislators proclaiming December 1, 2022 as “Gail Woolcott Day” in Westchester County. Gail has also been presented with a community service award from the Borough of Fairview, New Jersey for her assistance in leading the 9-11 Memorial Park project and the Legislative Champion of the Year award from the Federation of Employers and Workers of America. She can be reached at 201703-3600 or by emailing gwoolcott@njlca.org.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Recall Alert

DR Power Equipment Recalls DR Power Chipper Shredders Due to Laceration Hazard Description: This recall involves DR Power Equipment Chipper Shredders with model numbers CS35050BEN, CS35050BENR, CS35050BENSD, CS35150BEN, CS35150BENR, CS35150BENSD, CS35150DEN, CS45040DMN, CS45040DEN, CS45040DENR, CS45040DMNR, CS43030DMN and CS43030DMNR. For model numbers beginning CS3, the model number is on the side of the unit. For model numbers beginning CS4, the model and serial numbers are printed on a white label located on the base of the machine to the left of the engine manual start handle. The chippers were sold in orange and black with a funnel at the top to shred brush.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chipper shredders and contact DR Power Equipment to receive a full refund or a free repair including shipping.

Hazard: Pieces of metal can come loose from inside the shredder’s housing and be ejected, posing a laceration hazard. Also, the hopper can become detached from the shredder, posing a laceration hazard.

Consumer Contact: DR Power at 800-550-4845 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at recall@DRPower.com or online at http://lvtbrc.com/ or www.drpower.com and click on “Product Recalls” at the bottom of the page for more information.

STIHL Recalls MSA 300 Chain Saws Due to Laceration Hazard Description: This recall involves the braking system of the STIHL MSA 300, a battery-powered chain saw. The chain saw is gray and orange. “STIHL” and “MSA 300” are displayed on the side of the chain saw. The recalled chain saw’s serial number is located on a label on the rear hand guard. Serial numbers lower than 447457319 are included in the recall.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled STIHL MSA 300 chain saw and bring it to an authorized STIHL servicing dealer for the free replacement of the brake drum and brake band.

Hazard: The chain saw can take longer to brake than expected, posing a laceration hazard.

Consumer Contact: STIHL Incorporated at 800-233-4729 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.stihlusa. com/safety/recalls/msa300 or www.stihlusa.com and click on “Information” and then “Recalls & Notices” and then “MSA 300 Recall” for more information.

About the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.

10 November 2023 The news has been filled recently with stories about some of our aging political leaders and whether or not they have the physical stamina and/or mental acuity to properly carry out the responsibilities of their elected office. On one hand, people say that some of these older pols should step aside and let younger and more vibrant leaders take the helm. Then there are others who cry out that they are being targeted solely because of their age and that they can make up for any physical deficiencies with their years of experience.

To be honest, I think that both sides are quick to point out any shortcomings when it comes to their opposition but are more than willing to overlook any weakness when it comes to their own candidate. I don’t want to start a political debate here in this column. I am sure you can get your fill of that elsewhere, but all this rhetoric did get me thinking about how old is too old to farm.

I few years ago, there was a fellow Northern New Jersey fruit grower who was in his mid-nineties. I would see him from time to time at different meetings, and I always marveled

GardenerNews.com The Town Farmer

By Peter Melick Agricultural Producer

Can You Farm Forever?

at the fact that there he was trying to stay current and up to date on the latest trends in fruit growing.

In fact, he was still planting new trees every year! Maybe that was just his way of being an optimist, or maybe he was just so used to the fruit growing cycle. But whatever the reason, it obviously worked for him.

Of course, I have seen examples of people who are at the other extreme also. You know the type. They are the ones who seem eager to slide on into retirement while the rest of us are still trying to contemplate whether we are middle aged or not. They act as if they are working only enough so that they don’t have to ever work again. You don’t see too many farmers who fall into this latter type, however,

because it is such a demanding and all-encompassing way of life. It would be very difficult to completely walk away from it.

From a purely physical standpoint, agriculture has always been one of the more demanding professions. Whether it is manual labor, long hours, adverse weather conditions, or working in a hazardous environment, farming has traditionally been a very challenging occupation.

And it still is. Although modern equipment and technology has helped to lessen some of the physical burdens that our forefathers faced, there are still a multitude of hazards that can appear at any time. And the risk of injury from accidents or just physical wear and tear is still a very real issue that farmers must

face as they age.

Then there is the mental aspect of farming. Due to advances in technology, marketing, and equipment, agriculture (along with most other industries) has changed and developed very rapidly. Traits such as mechanical ability, perseverance, and a strong back are no longer enough.

Today, computer literacy, people skills, and social media fluency are just as important. Sure, just about any task can be delegated, but a farmer must have enough knowledge and understanding so that he or she can effectively manage and administer these duties. As long as a farmer cannot only accept change, but learn to embrace it, they should be able to adapt and persevere.

I was always fascinated with

the story of J.R. Simplot, a potato farmer from Idaho who started from nothing and grew his operation to become the largest potato grower in the country, as well as a vertically integrated agribusiness and agri-services company. Then, while in his late seventies, he saw an opportunity and provided the start-up capital for Micron Technology, a very successful computer memory chip company. That’s quite a leap from planting and digging potatoes, and it just goes to show that youthfulness is more of a state of mind than an actual state.

It’s time to get ready for winter!

Editor’s Note: Peter Melick is co-owner of Melick’s Town Farm in Oldwick and a 10th-generation New Jersey farmer. Peter is a member of the Tewksbury Township Committee, Hunterdon County, NJ. He also served as a director for the New Jersey Farm Bureau and is a past president of the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture. Peter has also been featured on NJN, News 12 New Jersey and on the Fox Business Network.

Environmental Sustainability Recognition (Continued from page 1)

support the association’s Education Fund. 138 golfers enjoyed the perfect fall day with its warm, sun filled sky.

The NJLCA Education Fund provides scholarships to NJLCA members and their families, as well as any student interested in pursuing an education in the Outdoor Living Industry.

The day was also perfect and exciting for the Mulvihill family, who own the resort.

Three New Jersey Legislators were on hand during the association’s golf awards luncheon to honor the Mulvihill family, who own the environmentally sustainable property.

At the beginning of the luncheon, New Jersey Senator Steve Oroho was flanked by New Jersey Assemblyman Hal Wirths and New Jersey Assemblyman Kevin Rooney at the podium, as the American flag and the New Jersey State flag beautified their background.

Senator Oroho called the

Mulvihill family up and read a Joint Resolution from the New Jersey Senate and the New Jersey Assembly in front of the NJLCA golfers.

Here is an excerpt of what Senator Oroho read.

Whereas the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey are pleased to posthumously recognize Gene and Gail as the patriarch and matriarch of the Mulvihill family; and, Whereas the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey also recognize Gene and Gail’s children as Julie, Andy, Chris, Gene Jr., Peter and James; and, Whereas the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey further recognize the Mulvihill family as owners of Crystal Springs Resort, the largest employer in Sussex County; and, Whereas the Mulvihill family has shown a commitment to the preservation of the environment as demonstrated by multiple sustainability

initiatives of Crystal Springs Resort; and, Whereas Crystal Springs Resort has developed the largest resort-based solar field on the Eastern Seaboard, comprised of 19,000 solar panels generating 3.5 megawatts of power annually, which is more power than the combined annual power consumption of the Resort’s two hotels; and, Whereas Crystal Springs Resort has incorporated multiple sustainability initiatives within its culinary program, including procedures to reduce kitchen waste and the incorporation of over 100 ingredients from local farms and producers into its menus; and, Whereas Crystal Springs Resort has developed programs with vouchers and maps to encourage resort guests to patronize local farms, markets, orchards, pumpkin patches, vineyards, distilleries and cider houses; and, Whereas Crystal Springs Resort has developed a

sustainability-themed team building program for corporate groups that gives participants a greater appreciation for the environment and the importance of being good stewards of the environment, with such programming including: Solar Farm Education, Sustainable Farm Tours, Foraging with the Botanical Hiker, Cooking with Plant Based Protein, Food Preservation Workshops, Nature Trail Hikes and Forest Bathing; and, Whereas, Crystal Springs Resort is currently executing initiatives in partnership with the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife to benefit the preservation of habitat for the Bog Turtle; and, Whereas the Resorts have created a habitat favored by the insects and animals that pollinate flowers, agricultural crops, fruit trees and other plants; and, Whereas Crystal Springs Resort has selected landscapes which were created to provide

bees with the nectar and pollen they need to thrive. The parking lot at the Crystal Springs Clubhouse was purposely laid out to be filled with wildflowers plus other flowers that bees love including Monarda, Baptisia, Coneflower, Joe-Pye weed, Goldenrod and Marsh Blazing Star. Native trees such as Willows, Red Buds, Basswood, Tulip Popular and Black Locus were selected as excellent sources of food for bees; and, Whereas Crystal Springs Resort has developed a partnership with JCP&L and the New Jersey Audubon to enhance bee, butterfly and bird habitats at the family’s Black Bear Golf Club in Franklin. The pollinator highway began in 2016 when JCP&L and Resort personnel cleared an existing JCP&L transmission line rightof-way at the golf course and planted native grasses and wildflower seeds to create a pollinator friendly area. The habitat enhancements also are designed (Cont. on Page 22)

GardenerNews.com

November 2023 11

Enjoy this Melick’s Town Farm Apple Cake Recipe with your Thanksgiving Meal Apple Cake 1.5 Cups 2 Cups 3 3 Cups 1 tsp 1 tsp 1 tsp 1 tsp 3 Cups

Oil Sugar Eggs Flour Salt Cinnamon Baking Soda Vanilla Peeled, cored thickly sliced apples

Preparation: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Beat oil and sugar together with an electric mixer. Assemble other ingredients.

Add eggs to mixer, beat until creamy.

Sift together flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda. Stir into batter. Add remaining ingredients and stir to blend.

Spray angel food/ Bundt pan with Pam Baking Spray, turn in batter.

Bake for 1 hour, 15 mins or until done. Cool in pan before turning out.

Sift confectioners’ sugar over the cake.

Read The

Gardener News Online

GardenerNews.com

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12 November 2023

GardenerNews.com

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November 2023 13

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14 November 2023

GardenerNews.com Tree Notes

By Bert Kuhn NJ Licensed Tree Expert (LTE) Licensed Tree Care Operator (LTCO)

The Great Garden State Diverse is a fitting adjective used here in describing New Jersey.

Diversity is found throughout our state in its people, industries, topography, soils, plants, and wildlife. This diversity is a unique treasure providing for its millions of residents and guests.

The prolific nature of our land, which encompasses planting zones 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B, from the ridge and valley sector in its north to the Coastal Plains, exists throughout. In its relatively small geographical area, its lands vary greatly. Although it is one of our more densely populated states, much of the land remains rural. It is critical that we collectively strive to keep it that way.

Having been a New Jersey resident my entire life, I continue to experience and appreciate this diversity amongst the four locations I’ve lived. My late, great father Donald H. Kuhn was employed by Bell telephone and was relocated to Bell Labs in Holmdel. At an early age we moved from my birthplace of Elizabeth to the idyllic Monmouth County town of Colts Neck. Another relocation to Millington, Morris County, occurred as my father’s job was then with AT&T in their newly built headquarters in Basking Ridge. What topography change this move brought, if only a few hundred feet, adding into the equation our “new” home: a 3-story turn of the century Victorian. Even at the age of 16 and always having

been very athletic, my legs immediately told me I was a flatlander no more. My final move where I reside now is in the beautiful, rural Warren County town of Harmony.

Even more topography than our Millington home, encompassing steep sided small mountains to roam, this move is very possibly my last. I truly love the ruggedness, rural nature, and peaceful valley in which my home is situated.

Nearby these homes the wide variation of native plants common to these areas displays this diversity. From the southern pinelands to the mixed deciduous forests of the north, the state remains incredibly biodiverse, supporting approximately 2,100 native plant species.

Diversity encompassing different plant species is far superior to monocultures for an array of reasons.

Monocultures are prone to major collapse when destructive insects or disease are introduced, while a diverse plant community is not nearly as affected.

Monocultures tend to be boring aesthetically, offering little ornamental interest.

Look to nature for guidance in designing natural native landscapes as these plants work effectively in concert with each other. These native plant communities complement each other, provide ornamental interest, and support a variety of wildlife and beneficial insects. Native plants are crucial in their role of supporting the food

web. Native plants should dominate our landscapes, not the converse. Although nonnative plants are very popular, they have little value in our natural ecosystems.

Let us continue the trend of transforming our diverse landscapes into beneficial, vibrant, eco-friendly places.

Truly lend nature a helping hand.

Living along the Swimming River Reservoir in Colts Neck, we had a mixed deciduous forest behind us with the understory being thick Mountain Laurel. Our summer weekends were often spent on Manasquan Beach, only a 20-minute drive. The native landscape here was very different with Hollies, Pines, Cedars, Bayberries, grasses and reeds being predominant. On our return home, we would often stop at local orchards for Peaches or Blueberries.

Our move to Millington was where the trees called to me, and soon after high school I began my tree work career with Tamke Tree Experts in Liberty Corner, NJ. Our turn of the century Victorian home was situated on a high knob above Millington Gorge which was then dominated by tall Hemlocks. The old Oak forest surrounding this site was dominated by 250-year-old White & Black Oaks along with a healthy understory of primarily Dogwoods.

We need to enhance and embrace our diversity as it truly is the spice of our lives in the Garden State!

Editor’s Note: Bert Kuhn is President of the New Jersey Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture and CO/Owner of Action Tree Service (# NJTC768009), based out of Watchung, NJ. He can be reached at 908-756-4100

USDA Invests $1 billion for Nearly 400 projects to Expand Access to Trees and Green Spaces

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is awarding more than $1 billion in competitive grants to plant and maintain trees, combat extreme heat and climate change, and improve access to nature in cities, towns, and suburbs where more than 84% of Americans live, work, and play. Communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. Territories and Tribal Nations are receiving funding, covered by the Justice40 Initiative and made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act – the largest climate investment in history.

The Forest Service selected 385 grant proposals from entities working to increase equitable access to trees and nature, and the benefits they provide for cooling city streets, improving air quality, and promoting food security, public health and safety. The funding was granted to entities in all 50 states, two U.S. territories, three U.S. affiliated Pacific islands, and several Tribes through the Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program.

“These investments arrive as cities across the country experience record-breaking heatwaves that have grave impacts on public health, energy consumption, and overall well-being,” said Secretary Vilsack. “Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we are supporting communities in becoming more resilient to climate change and combatting extreme heat with the cooling effects of increased urban tree canopy, while also supporting employment opportunities and professional training that will strengthen local economies.”

The Urban and Community Forestry Program is the only program in the federal government dedicated to enhancing and expanding the nation’s urban forest resources. This is the largest single USDA Inflation Reduction Act investment to date in urban and community forests.

The grant funding was open to community-based organizations, Tribes, municipal and state governments, non-profit partners, universities and other eligible entities.

In total, the Forest Service received 842 applications requesting a total of $6.4 billion in funding, an indication of the urgent nationwide need to plant and maintain more urban trees.

Studies show that trees in communities are associated with improved physical and mental health, lower average temperatures during extreme heat, and increased food security, and create new economic opportunities. This historic funding will help the Forest Service support projects that increase tree cover in disadvantaged communities, provide equitable access to the benefits of nature, and deliver tangible economic and ecological benefits to urban and Tribal communities across the country.

Grantees used the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool to help identify disadvantaged communities.

This geospatial mapping tool identifies disadvantaged communities that face burdens in the categories of climate, energy, health, housing including nature deprivation, legacy pollution, transportation, water and wastewater, workforce development, as well as associated socioeconomic thresholds.

More information about the funded proposals, as well as announcements about the grant program, is available on the Urban and Community Forestry Program webpage at https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/urban-forests/ucf

GardenerNews.com How often have you looked at a plant and been reminded of a friend? Most likely, it is the person who gifted you the plant, first told you about its virtues, or perhaps even disliked the plant!

Similarly, many plants have botanical or common names that pay tribute to a good friend or even a ‘botanical dignitary.’ Such is the tale of Amsonia tabernaemontana, commonly known as Eastern Bluestar. It is wonderful for lighting up the garden for weeks on end with its glowing fall color. Far less obvious is how the genus honors a ‘colonial’ friendship!

Amsonia is a member of the Apocynaceae or Dogbane Family with roughly 20 species native to North America, one species to Eastern Asia, and another to the Eastern Mediterranean. Eastern Bluestar is native from Maryland south to Florida and west to Illinois and Texas. The genus name first appeared in correspondence during the 1750’s by the American botanist, John Clayton (1694-1773).

Clayton was a clerk in Gloucester County, Virginia and spent much of his spare time botanizing throughout the region. Dr. John Amson was a friend of Clayton’s, as well as a well-respected Physician in Williamsburg, As the lawn growing season winds down, I want to review a few things that you should NOT DO to your lawn. Sometimes these suggestions are a double-edged sword, but as you know, too much or too little of many things is not good.

First of all, if you are a homeowner and are planning to apply your last fall lawn fertilizer, DO NOT apply it after November 15 or before March 1; in New Jersey, it’s the law. Check with your state lawn fertilizer laws for any “blackout” dates when you cannot apply lawn fertilizer. If you have not fertilized your lawn at all this fall, this would be a good time TO DO it. The reason for these blackout dates is to help prevent contamination of the water supply.

While we are on the subject of fertilizing, DO NOT over-apply any fertilizers. More is not always better. You can affect the grass growth in a negative way and potentially burn and kill the grass if fertilizer is over applied.

Most likely your lawn doesn’t need watering since the weather is cooler and rainfall is usually consistent at this time of year. Plus, your lawn is benefiting from the early morning dew that is left on the lawn. DO NOT overwater

November 2023 15 Morris County Park Commission

By Bruce Crawford Horticultural Manager

A Worthy Plant for Remembering Worthy Friends

Virginia. His medicinal prowess even reached an ailing Colonel George Washington who traveled to Williamsburg during March 1758. Evidently, he received sound advice as Washington was back to work by April. Just imagine how history could have been rewritten if Amson had misdiagnosed Washington’s ailments!

Thanks to Clayton’s correspondence and exchange of seeds abroad, the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus (1701-1778) was able to see sketches of the plant and named it Tabernaemontana amsonia in 1762. Tabernaemontana is currently a group of tropical plants honoring Jacobus Theodorus (1525-1590), considered a Father of German botany. Theodorus lived in the town of Bergzabern, which translates to ‘Taverns in the Mountains.’ During the Roman

conquest centuries earlier, the town had the Latin name of Tabernae Montanae, also meaning ‘Taverns in the Mountains.’ Theodorus merged the two words and adopted Tabernaemontanus as his nickname. In 1788, the American botanist Thomas Walter (1740-1789) realized this plant was improperly classified and he renamed it Amsonia tabernaemontana. Thus, a plant with no connection to Jacobus Theodorus ended up with his moniker as a species while Dr. Amson and his friendship with Clayton were finally honored with a group of truly attractive plants!

Come spring, the stems of Amsonia tabernaemontana first appear in late March or early April and rapidly elongate to form a neat, shrub-like plant reaching 4’ tall and wide by late spring. The alternately arranged leaves expand

to upwards of 6” long by 2” wide, although 3-4” by 1” is more the norm. As the stems approach 2’ tall by mid-April, clusters of medium to light blue flowers appear at the tips of the stems.

The flowers appear on pyramidal or flat-topped structures known botanically as cymes, whereby a central stem supports numerous outwardly oriented floral stems.

When the flowers are fully open, they measure roughly ¾” across although collectively the floral cyme reaches 5-6” in diameter by 4” tall! Following bloom, the plant produces a secondary flush of growth, stretching to its mature size by June.

Come fall, the second show begins as the foliage assumes a very attractive Aspen or Butter Yellow coloration that lasts for upwards of two months! Fall color

Turf ‘s Up

By Todd Pretz Professional Turf Consultant

Do’s and Don’ts for Your Lawn

your lawn. This is probably the worst thing that you can do and too many people overwater throughout the year. Remember, during the growing season from March to November, your lawn is healthiest with about one inch of water per week. Overwatering is a waste of money and resources and can spur fungus and insect populations.

Sometimes if the heat and humidity is too much, it is best to let your lawn go dormant during summer months.

Have you measured your lawn’s square footage lately, or ever?

You DO need to know how many square feet of lawn you have so you can apply the proper amount of all products. Rather than explain it here, go online and see how to calculate your lawn area. If you have 3,500 square feet, DO NOT

apply product for 5,000 square feet.

Follow all label directions when applying fertilizer and lawn control products; over or under applying can be detrimental to the grass plants. Be careful when using weed control products around the time of seeding. Most “Weed & Feed” products have cautions to NOT apply too close to seeding your lawn.

Many of you have re-seeded your lawn this fall. Here are some conditions to consider if you experience poor seed establishment.

After questioning the method of ground preparation, usually little or no raking has occurred to remove dead grass or weeds or to loosen the ground enough. Poor seedto-soil contact will produce poor results. Have realistic expectations when seeding. DO NOT expect

the seed to geminate in five days.

Some weeds may appear after you prepare the soil and apply grass seed. There are millions of weed seeds in the soil. When the soil is disturbed, these weed seeds come to the surface and will germinate if they can. DO NOT assume the grass seed is no good if it does not germinate in the first two weeks.

There are many conditions that explain why grass seed germinates slower than expected. Is the weather too cold, perhaps? Is it too dry or did you forget to water enough for the first few weeks? Did you apply grass seed in a shady area? If there is less than 2-3 hours of sunlight a day in this area, consider it shady so establishing a lawn can be slow and difficult. What condition is the soil in? What’s the pH, is the soil loaded with rocks, is your soil

is at its best when plants are grown in full sun and in masses. It looks great combined with Itea virginica, whose long lasting sparkling red fall color provides a great backdrop for the Amsonia! Amsonia is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, although it prefers humus rich, moisture retentive soils in zones 3-9. In addition, the stems and leaf veins exude a sticky white sap when cut, providing fairly good deer resistance.

I honestly cannot remember when I first stumbled upon Amsonia. However, the years and the plant are now replete with fond memories of friends, students and professional associates alike.

Honoring two very dignified individuals in history, this is certainly a worthy plant for adding color and fond memories of your own to your autumn garden!

Editor’s Note: Bruce Crawford is a lover of plants since birth, is the Manager of Horticulture for the Morris County Parks Commission, and a Past President of the Garden State Gardens Consortium. He can be reached at BCrawford@ morrisparks.net loose enough, or are there dogs on this area? What growing conditions can we improve for better seeding results? Remember, germinate means start to grow, not fill in a complete, thick lawn.

If you need to add some organic matter to improve the soil and choose peat moss, please work it into the soil profile. DO NOT put peat moss over newly seeded areas. Yes, it can hold and retain moisture but too much peat moss smothers the seed. Also, it can heat up with the sun and damage the seed. Lastly, peat moss has a soil pH value between 3-4 which is extremely low, and it can affect newly seeded areas.

Finally, DO remember to set your mowing height higher, 2-1/2”+ throughout the year for the health of your grass. This will reduce the stress on your lawns and improve your weed control. Happy fall, time to go watch some football.

Editor’s Note: Todd Pretz is Vice President of Jonathan Green, a leading supplier of lawn and garden products in the northeast. For more information, please visit: www.jonathangreen.com

16 November 2023

GardenerNews.com

In the Chef’s Corner

By Andy Lagana Chef

Spatchcock Chicken with Mashed Cauliflower

Greeting Gardener News readers. For this issue, I am sharing a great fall dish – Spatchcock Chicken with Mashed Cauliflower.

Spatchcock chicken is the fastest way to cook a whole chicken and entails removing the spine. I’m sharing my favorite preparation method here.

Ingredients needed are a 3 – 4-lb. whole chicken, 1.5 teaspoon salt – separated, 3 tablespoons olive oil – separated, ½ white onion – chopped, 4 cloves garlic – peeled and smashed, 10 sprigs fresh thyme, ¼ cup dry white wine, 1.5 cups broth any kind – separated, 2 teaspoons lemon juice and 2 teaspoons cornstarch.

For the chicken seasoning, set aside 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes.

First, prepare the chicken seasoning. Mix the spices together and set aside. Next, remove the chicken from the packaging and place it on a clean, dry cutting board.

Remove excess moisture from the chicken with a paper towel. To spatchcock the chicken, set the chicken breast-side down on a cutting board and use very sharp kitchen shears to begin cutting down one side of the spine through the ribs and then repeat on the other side of the spine. Discard the spine.

Flip the chicken over onto

the chicken breasts and use your hands to press on the middle of the bird, pressing down firmly to flatten the chicken. Place the chicken on a large plate and carefully separate the chicken meat from the chicken skin with your hand. Rub 1 teaspoon salt on the chicken meat under the skin, covering the chicken meat with salt. Next, season the whole chicken with the chicken seasoning.

Be sure the whole chicken is covered (skin, legs, thighs, etc.). Then, refrigerate the chicken for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours (longer time recommended).

When you are ready to cook, preheat the oven to 4250F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Place the onion, garlic, thyme, white wine, ½ cup of broth, and 1 tablespoon olive oil on top of the aluminum foil and sprinkle with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Place a metal rack on top of the foil and vegetables, and carefully place the whole chicken flat on top of the metal rack breast-side up.

Rub the chicken with the additional 2 tablespoons of oil. You will want to really massage the oil into the chicken. Place the chicken in the oven and bake at 4250F for 35-45 minutes or until the whole bird has an internal temperature of at least 160º. Make sure to take the temperature at the thickest parts. Remove the chicken from the oven and let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes. Your chicken should continue to cook 50F

higher to make the internal temperature 1650F. While the chicken is resting, prepare the sauce.

Add the cooked vegetables, liquid and herbs from the bottom of the pan into a small saucepan along with the rest of the broth (1 cup). Bring the sauce to a boil, turn the heat to medium/low and add the lemon juice. Then, carefully sprinkle the cornstarch into the sauce and whisk. Let the sauce cook over medium heat until thick. Remove from heat and discard the herb stems. Carve the chicken and serve with the sauce.

For the mashed cauliflower, gather 1 large head cauliflower cut into florets (about 3 pounds), 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons sour cream, 6 garlic cloves – divided, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, plus salt and black pepper to taste.

Place caulif lower in a steamer over a large pot of boiling water and steam for 15 minutes until tender. Alternatively, boil cauliflower in salted water for 10 minutes or until fork tender. Remove and drain, then cover with a lid and set aside. In the same pot, heat the butter over medium high heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant (about one minute).

Blend cauliflower and garlic in a food processor on high setting until smooth.

You may need to do this in batches of two or three, depending on the size of your processor. Transfer blended cauliflower into the pot with the garlic. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, sour cream and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy this delicious fall meal!

Editor’s Note: Andy Lagana is a Chef at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg, Sussex County, N.J. For more information on its culinary program, visit www.CSResort.com.

Mr. Bob’s Garden Foundation for YMCA Campers receives the Award of Excellence from National Garden Clubs, Inc. The members of National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC) recently honored Mr. Bob’s Garden Foundation for YMCA Campers with their prestigious Award of Excellence, the highest award presented by NGC to a non-member. The Award of Excellence honors an individual, organization, or institution that has made significant contributions toward the advancement of the goals and purposes of National Garden Clubs, Inc. Master Gardener and Certified Square Foot Garden Instructor Bob Markey started Mr. Bob’s Garden Foundation for YMCA Campers in 2008 when he launched his YMCA Square Foot Gardening Summer Camp initiative at the Gateway YMCA in Rahway, New Jersey. In 2019, the program was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization and registered as Mr. Bob’s Garden Foundation for YMCA Campers.

Square Foot Gardening is simple, easy to learn for all ages, and does not require lots of space or heavy tools. It involves the assemblage of an above-ground 3’x 3’ box, a special organic soil mix, and a grid of nine squares and it is ready to plant. It is possible to grow nine different crops in that small space. Sixteen radishes fit in a square, nine bush beans fit in a square but only one tomato plant. Ultimately, Markey became known to the campers as “Mr. Bob the Gardener”.

The Square Foot Garden Summer Camp Program supports the YMCA’s Core Values of Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Along with learning the basics of Square Foot Gardening, the campers develop a deeper relationship with nature, a greater appreciation for the food they grow, and an expanded sense of community. The program’s mission connects kids with nature by empowering them to grow, harvest, taste, and market the organic fruits and vegetables of their labor.

The Square Foot Garden concept originated in 1976, when civil engineer Mel Bartholomew set out to solve world hunger one square foot at a time. He called his revolutionary approach to growing plants of all kinds called Square Foot Gardening. In 1981 his book, “Square Foot Gardening,” became the largest selling gardening book of all time. That is when Markey, traveled to Eden, Utah, in 2008, to meet the author and where he became a Square Foot Gardening Instructor to teach the method to kids.

Since 2009, The Great Zucchini Race is the foundation’s signature special event. The campers harvest zucchini squash, break into teams, and with bamboo skewers as axles they decorate their zucchini “racecars” with veggies. Add a 6-foot-tall wooden racetrack and it’s “game on!” You can see the race on YouTube – search Great Zucchini Race!

Mel Bartholomew has said, “Mr. Bob’s Square Foot Gardening for Kids has done an excellent job of bringing a summer program that will give a lifetime of memories for all of the children associated with the Y and all of their programs”.

National Garden Clubs, Inc. currently has over 5000 local clubs, with 145,000 members, and over 330 international affiliate clubs. The organization provides education, resources, and national networking opportunities for its members to promote the love of gardening, floral design, civic, and environmental responsibility.

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November 2023 17

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18 November 2023 As winter approaches, turn to a new source of plant material – kitchen leftovers!

Growing a windowsill garden from leftover produce is a fun family project. Although it does not lead to any significant harvest, it does yield lots of smiles and it develops an interest in new tastes, which is great if you have a picky eater in your family.

What can be grown from leftovers? Many vegetables will regrow easily in water on a sunny windowsill. Here are a dozen “windowsill wonders.”

To begin, wash the produce well. Make sure that all your materials are thoroughly cleaned.

Change the water every 3-4 days as it will start to smell. A spray water bottle to mist the plants with occasionally is helpful, and speaking of water, let the tap water sit out for a day before you use it, allowing the fluoride to dissipate.

Beets - Cut the top .5” off a beet, put it in a shallow tray of water. Beet greens will start to grow soon, which you can use in salads.

Carrots – Cut about 1.5” off the top of a carrot and put it in a shallow tray of water. Carrot top greens taste a bit like parsley.

Garlic - Set several peeled cloves closely together in a small

GardenerNews.com The Garden Historian

By Lesley Parness Garden Educator

Windowsill Wonders

container and cover the bottoms with water. Roots will appear within the first few days, and then sprouts will come out of the top within a week. Stinky, and delicious in soups and stir fries.

Lettuce – Trim off the base of a head of romaine or butter lettuce and place in a tray of shallow water. It regrows in just a few weeks.

Scallions – Just pop the little roots into a closely fitting glass jar. Soon you will have bunches of zesty scallion shoots.

Onions - Yellow and red onions are easy to grow from scraps. Cut a 1″ thick piece from the root end.

Stick 3 toothpicks, equally spaced apart into its sides. Suspend it just above a tray of shallow water. The quick growing greens are a tasty, spicy treat.

Celery - Cut the celery stalks off about 3” from the bottom. Place

the celery bottom in a shallow tray of water. Leaves will grow out of the center in about a week. For drama, color the water with food coloring. Through capillary action, the water will be drawn up and dye the celery. Competing siblings enjoy a contest wherein celeries vie for the fastest coloration. Come the long dark days of winter, you will thank me for this.

Ginger - Suspend a chunk of ginger with toothpicks over a glass of water. Both the cut ends and the glossy new leaves emit a strong gingery scent. Transfer the new plant to a container of potting soil once roots appear.

Pineapple – Behead a pineapple by cutting off the top 1”. Scoop out the yellow flesh inside the crown, leaving the core. Let the top dry for 2 days, then place it in a tray filled with pebbles for support and water. Roots and shoots will

appear in about two weeks. To continue growing, transplant it into a pot, covering the crown and roots with soil.

Avocado - Poke three toothpicks around the middle of a pit and rest the toothpicks on the rim of the glass. Add water until it just touches the bottom of the pit. Be patient. Replant the pit in potting soil once roots and a sprout emerge.

Yams and Sweet Potatoes - Cut them in half and place the blunt end half, cut surface down, in a shallow tray of water. You can also do the 3 toothpick and suspension technique. Leaves will shoot out in about 2 weeks. YouTube videos abound on growing slips from these.

As you develop expertise, advance to planting in soil and try citrus. The seeds in oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and limes are

The Bark Is the Thing!

By Hubert Ling River birch, Betula nigra, is a fairly popular landscape tree. The tree is best known for its outstanding loose, curling, papery, reddish to grey bark. This striking bark graces your yard year around but is especially noticeable in winter.

The natural, wild species is fairly long lived, about 75-150 years, but the popular cultivars may only live 50-70 years or even 20-50 years.

The cultivars make up for the shorter life span by being very fast growers and a convenient size for any yard.

While wild type trees reach 50-70 feet, some cultivars max out at 8-12 feet. The cultivars generally have very conspicuous peeling bark in colors ranging from white to grey, to reddish brown.

Native river birch is found from New England

and Minnesota south to Florida. In NJ it is mostly confined to our central and northern regions. Besides the decorative bark, river birch exhibits leaf shimmer.

This is observed since the leaves are dark green on the upper surface but whitish on the lower surface. When the wind blows you get leaf shimmer.

River birch has larger (3 inch) hanging male flowers which are initiated in the fall.

The male flowers mature in spring and contribute to spring allergies since the birches are wind pollinated.

The short upright female flowers, which are borne on the same tree, appear with the leaves.

The genius name Betula is Latin for birch and nigra is Latin for black which refers to the bark; this becomes very dark at maturity. If you would like to grow a birch for its wonderful textured

bark, river birch is your best bet. It is the easiest birch to grow because it thrives in a variety of conditions. In nature the tree likes damp soil, full sun or light shade, and high acid to moderately acid soil, pH 4-6.5. Although the tree is naturally found along rivers, mature trees are adaptable to drier soils.

It will withstand clay soils, occasional flooding, and drought but cannot grow in neutral or basic soils. Keep the trees about 20 feet away from your house and sewer lines.

If you want to make sure just what kind of bark you will get and just the right mature height, you will be forced to get a cultivar or a large, mostly mature tree.

If you grow your own river birch from seed, you may get a variety of trees. Sow the seeds directly into the soil in fall or stratify first for two months in moist media in

the refrigerator. Propagation can also be carried out using root or shoot cuttings. For shoot cuttings use one year old wood and include an inch or two of two-year-old wood.

Be sure to include several nodes but leave only one or two leaves at the top. Use rooting hormone and keep the soil moist. Mortality rates are high so you should start off with 10 or 15 shoots to produce a few well-rooted plants.

Native Americans boiled down and used the freeflowing sweet sap in spring like they used maple sap. The inner bark was also used as an emergency food. The wood is hard and close grained; it has been used for basket hoops, fuel, furniture, ox yokes, toys, and wooden shoes but lumbermen generally ignore the tree because it contains numerous knots and generally has a small diameter.

This species is well utilized

easy to grow into houseplants. No fruit, but the leaves sure do smell nice.

To up the educational ante for children, hypothesize which leftovers will grow, create graphs, track size, develop a vocabulary list, locate where the plant is from on a world map, or make a “Kitchen Scraps Scrapbook” with photos.

These windowsill wonders will have run their course just in time for Spring, but family memories of a “green winter” will endure.

Editor’s Note: Lesley Parness offers a variety of presentations and workshops for garden clubs, plant societies, and horticultural gatherings.

Recently retired from her position as Superintendent of Horticultural Education at the Morris County Park Commission, and with four decades of teaching environmental science and garden education, her focus now is garden history. A complete listing of her talks can be seen at lesleyparness. com and she can be reached at parness@verizon.net. This column will appear in the paper every other month.

by wildlife. Waterfowl use it as cover for nesting sites, and the seeds are eaten by ruffed grouse, wild turkey, many small birds, and rodents.

Birds and squirrels also eat the male catkins in winter and early spring. The tree is also utilized by the larvae of many moth species and mourning cloak and dreamy duskywing butterflies.

River birch is very useful to prevent riverbank erosion and can be used to revegetate acid mine tailings. In your yard it is a valuable specimen tree with a single trunk or with a cluster of up to five trunks. River birches provide interest year-around and the perfect sized tree can easily be obtained.

Editor’s Note: Hubert Ling is Horticultural Co-Chair of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey. He can be reached at milhubling@ verizon.net.

GardenerNews.com Some gardeners might believe that with chillier fall weather, the ornament provided by flowering perennials must depart for the season. However, there are a wide array of flowering perennials that bloom well into the Fall, providing beauty and fall interest. Plus, many of these species are also native, so gardeners can help support local ecosystems while maintaining a stunning autumn garden.

Doellengeria umbellata, is a large, robust, flat-topped aster with a profusion of clusters of white flowers. This robust aster can grow to five feet tall. It can spread in the garden forming bold masses. It is a perfect plant for an abundance of flowers in the fall.

Eurybia macrophylla, the big leaf aster, also makes a bold impact in the garden with a slightly more diminutive stature and either white or soft lilac flowers. Both the Doellengeria and the Eurybia are effective in large sweeping masses. Unequaled for its flower power is Symphyotrichum oblongifolium, the aromatic aster. Popular cultivars, ‘October Skies’ and ‘Raydon’s Favorite’ become billowing masses reaching 2-2.5 feet tall. In early October they become covered in lilac-purple to blue, quarter-sized flowers with a yellow center.

They are also one of the best asters for attracting pollinators

November 2023 19 Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

By Andrew Bunting Vice President of Horticulture

Help Support Local Ecosystems to the garden. The aromatic aster, like all the aforementioned, thrives in full sun. The smooth aster, Symphyotrichum laeve ‘Bluebird’ is for a late season pop of color. The flowers are a stunning powder blue and are held on erect stems 2-4 feet tall.

In the wild, it has a broad native range occurring in nearly every state east of the Mississippi River. At Subaru, it is a favorite perennial for its tough urban durability. Symphyotrichum ericoides, the white heath aster, has small and tight forming foliage. It resembles some of the ground covering junipers.

‘Snow Flurry’ is a wonderful selection that has a profusion of tiny white flowers. This is a great plant to use in a rock garden or spilling over a wall or as a groundcover in a sunny spot. It can also be used in mass as a ground covering plant. For the shade, Eurybia divaricatus, the white wood aster, is a great

choice. It is a great compliment when used in large masses under river birches, Betula nigra. The beautiful cream peeling bark is a nice combination with the small, frothy, white flowers of the late summer to early fall flowering aster. This is one of the few asters that will thrive in part to full shade.

In the last 10 to 15 years the native ironweeds, once considered roadside weeds, have become an important part of the fall garden. This aster relative is characterized by vivid purple flowers. Depending on the species they can be compact plants, measuring just two feet tall, or towering perennials over 12 feet tall. Vernonia lettermannii ‘Iron Butterflies’ has narrow foliage that turns golden-yellow in the fall. Atop this fine textured plant is an abundance of tiny purple flowers which are great for attracting the late-season pollinators. Vernonia

noveboracensis, the New York ironweed, towers 5-7 feet tall and is a fantastic addition to the back of the flower border. Vernonias are also urban tough and can tolerate considerable periods of drought.

There are dozens of native species of goldenrods and many cultivar selections too. They brighten the autumn garden with bright, cheerful golden flowers that sit atop the stiff stems. The showy goldenrod, Solidago speciosa, reaches three feet tall with thick, very showy bright yellow flowers.

Solidago sempervirens, the seaside goldenrod, is a native of eastern coastal areas. Because of its tolerance of salt and its ability to grow in sandy soils it also does well in urban gardens.

One of the first goldenrods to be promoted was Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks,’ the rough goldenrod.

Reaching only 2-3 feet tall with an equal spread, it is an excellent

selection for the smaller garden.

In early fall, it has open arching panicles of golden flowers that look like explosions of “fireworks.” Similar to this is the floral display of ‘Solar Cascade.’

These plants can reach 4 feet tall.

Editor’s Note: Andrew Bunting is Vice President of Horticulture for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. He is one of the most recognized horticulturists in the Philadelphia, Pa., region and a highly regarded colleague in the world of professional horticulture.

Bunting has amassed a plethora of awards, including the American Public Gardens Association Professional Citation, Chanticleer Scholarship in Professional Development, Delaware Center for Horticulture’s Marion Marsh Award, and the Certificate of Merit from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

In addition, Bunting has lectured extensively throughout North America and Europe, and participated in plant expeditions throughout Asia and Africa. Learn more at https://phsonline.org/team/ andrew-bunting

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2023 Person of The Year Nominations Now Being Accepted TAKE ONE

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TAKE ONE

Do you know someone in the “Outdoor Living Industry” whose contributions deserve recognition? Gardener News is accepting nominations for its 2023 Person of the Year Award.

Nominee must be from the agricultural, gardening, garden center, landscape, outdoor living or nursery industries who best epitomizes concern for, involvement in, and dedication to those pursuits. Or a person who performs exemplary outstanding service to the environment and/or outdoor living industry.

The deadline for receiving nominations for 2023 has been extended to November 15, 2023.

Gardener News annually bestows our

“Person of the Year” Award in our January edition.

Nominations can be submitted at GardenerNews.com under the “Awards” link on the navigation bar.

20 November 2023

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NORTHEASTERN ASSOCIATION OF STATE The Northeastern Association of State Departments of Agriculture convenes the following 10 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Announces $700,000 Available to Support New York’s Farmers’ Markets

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today announced that $700,000 is available to New York’s farmers’ markets through the second round of the Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program. Grant funding will help farmers’ markets across the state make significant improvements by enhancing infrastructure, online sales, and delivery systems. Funding for the program was included in the 2024 New York State Budget and builds on Governor Hochul’s commitment to ensure a resilient food system in New York State. Awards for Round 1 of the program were announced earlier this year.

Commissioner Ball said, “The Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program is an important part of New York’s ongoing effort to strengthen our food supply chain.

By facilitating online sales, delivery capacity, and infrastructure improvements, funding provided through this program will help our farmers and producers reach more consumers and provide an economic boost to our farmers. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to our agricultural industry and encourage all eligible entities to apply.”

Funding available through the Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program will be available for projects such as modernizing the delivery of products; repairing, replacing, or enhancing market infrastructure; and developing or scaling up marketing and outreach efforts. Projects that help the food system remain resilient, especially when supply chain disruptions occur, will be given priority. ligible applicants include registered not-for-profit organizations; local municipalities; business improvement districts; public benefit corporations; and Indian tribal organizations that have experience operating at least one farmers’ market. The program will provide $400,000 for larger markets (40 or more vendors),s with awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, and $300,000 for smaller markets (less than 40 vendors), with awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.

Entities awarded funding in the previous round of the program are not eligible to apply.

For more information on the Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program and how to apply, visit agriculture.ny.gov/rfp-0317-new-york-state-farmers-marketresiliency-grant-program. The deadline for proposals is 3:00 pm on November 15, 2023. Applications for funding must conform to the format provided in the Grants Gateway.

RECYCLE THE

DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Delaware Aglands Hits Milestone Permanently Preserving Over 150,000 Acres

With the announcement of the 27th round of easement selections by the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation, Delaware has reached a new milestone, permanently preserving 151,257 acres of farmland.

Four farms in New Castle County, 16 in Kent County, and 40 in Sussex County were preserved in this round.

“I want to thank the Governor and members of the General Assembly for increasing the funding for Aglands in last year’s budget to $20 million,” said Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse. “It allowed us to greatly expand the program and permanently protect over 151,000 acres of Delaware farmland.”

The Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation selects those farms approved for easement purchase using an impartial discounted ranking system that maximizes benefits for taxpayers. The Foundation does not own the land but purchases landowners’ development rights and places a permanent agricultural conservation easement on the property. Landowners must first voluntarily enroll their farm into a 10-year preservation district and are eligible for permanent preservation the year after they apply.

In addition to more than 151,000 acres in permanent easements, Delaware’s Aglands Preservation Program has more than 45,500 acres of land enrolled in 10-year farmland preservation districts.

Along with the state funding, Delaware’s success in preserving farmland would not be possible without the assistance of the county governments and federal partners, such as the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program (REPI).

For more information or to obtain applications related to the Delaware Aglands Preservation Program, interested landowners can visit https://de.gov/aglands or call (302) 698-4530.

The Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation’s Board of Trustees includes representatives from agriculture and state agencies. Trustees are Mark Collins, chairman; James G. Vanderwende, vice-chairman; Janice Truitt, treasurer; William H. “Chip” Narvel Jr., secretary; Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse; State Treasurer Colleen C. Davis; Secretary of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Shawn Garvin; Peter Martin; Theodore P. Bobola Jr.; Robert Emerson; and H. Grier Stayton.

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DEPARTMENTS OF AGRICULTURE NEWS CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

CT Grown Announces “Put CT Grown On Your Plate” Healthy Eating Challenge

This fall, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s (CT DoAg) CT Grown program challenges consumers across the state to “Put CT Grown On Your Plate,” a new program that asks residents to make room on their plates for Connecticut-grown or produced foods at every meal.

This program serves as a reminder to all Connecticut residents that they have the opportunity to incorporate fresh, healthy, and delicious foods into their everyday diets while also supporting the state’s agriculture and aquaculture communities.

“When you eat food that was grown in Connecticut, you are not only getting a nutritious meal, but you are also supporting your neighbors who work in Connecticut’s agriculture industry,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “With more than a hundred farmers’ markets operating across the state and dozens upon dozens of stores selling locally grown food, everyone has the opportunity to support Connecticut farmers.”

Connecticut is home to more than 5,500 farms covering more than 380,000 acres.

The state’s agriculture industry supports 22,000 jobs in production, processing, or agribusiness and contributes approximately $4 billion to the state’s economy each year. With more than 100 farmers’ markets operating across the state, Connecticut consumers have access to fresh, local foods year-round. Eating local foods supports farmers and growers, bolsters the state’s economy, and greatly benefits the general public health.

“Adding CT Grown foods to your meal plans is a great way to promote healthy eating habits while supporting our state’s diverse array of farmers and producers,” said Bryan P. Hurlburt, Commissioner of CT DoAg. “Incorporating these locally grown or made foods can be as simple as packing an apple or milk in your child’s lunch box or seeking out the CT Grown logo at your local grocery store or dining venue.”

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture strongly encourages people who receive SNAP benefits to use them at farmers’ markets. Most markets accept these benefits, allowing them to be used for the purchase of fruits, vegetables, cut herbs, and honey. Some markets help these benefits go even further by doubling benefits for fruit and vegetable purchases.

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show Theme: Connecting Our Communities

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited the Eat Real Food Mobile Market at Paxinosa Elementary School in Easton to announce the theme for the 108th Pennsylvania Farm Show: Connecting Our Communities. The 2024 PA Farm Show, Pennsylvania’s State Fair™, will run from Saturday, January 6 through Saturday, January 13 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.

“The Pennsylvania Farm Show is a living story of Pennsylvania agriculture, connecting those who are fed, nourished, and enriched by our industry to those whose lives and livelihoods depend on it,” Secretary Redding said. “Agriculture unites us. It is the food, fuel, and fiber we rely on for our quality of life and our economy. Food helps define our cultures and our identities.

“Eat Real Food Mobile Market is a perfect illustration of how agriculture connects communities and nourishes their futures.

It’s a fitting backdrop to highlight how the 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show will showcase the pride and hard work of farmers from across the state, connecting people from all walks of life to a celebration of the importance of agriculture in our communities.”

The 2024 Farm Show will feature fan-favorites like the 1,000-pound butter sculpture, famous Farm Show Food Court, youth showmanship, and sheep shearing competitions (among hundreds of other competitive agricultural events), cooking demonstrations at the PA Preferred® Culinary Connection, and more than one million square-feet of hands-on agriculture education opportunities and chances to engage with the people who power Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry.

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

New State FFA Officers Lead All-Time High Membership in New Jersey

The 2023-2024 New Jersey FFA officer team elected as part of the 94th Annual State FFA Convention is leading an all-time high state membership of more than 3,150 members and 37 chapters as the new school year starts. The officers will represent New Jersey FFA at several state and national functions throughout the year.

The new officers, and their respective chapters, include Chase Sherburne (Salem Tech FFA), State President; Maisie Shimko, (Union County FFA), Vice President; and Julia Moreno, (Cumberland Regional FFA), State Secretary.

“As our membership numbers continue to rise, these dedicated leaders are prepared to embrace the many responsibilities that come with being a State FFA Officer,” said New Jersey State FFA Advisor and Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Education Program Leader Erin Noble. “They understand the importance of maintaining relationships with all of our chapters and are planning to visit each of them. We believe this will be another outstanding

year for our officers and members as we embark on what we expect to be an extraordinary journey during the 2023-24 school year.”

FFA is a component of a food, agriculture and natural resources program of instruction that prepares students to pursue fulfilling careers in the business, science, education, and technology of agriculture. There are nearly 950,000 members across the nation.

Some of the state officer duties include assisting chapters in the execution of their program of activities; encouraging FFA members to participate in food, agriculture and natural resources education and FFA programs; maintaining positive relations with members, the agribusiness sector, the public and others interested in agricultural education; traveling to FFA chapters around the state 2-3 times per month; assisting at career development events, including fall, spring, and summer; and representing the New Jersey FFA Association at events of other state agricultural organizations.

22 November 2023

Environmental Sustainability Recognition

(Continued from page 10) to help support native avian species, Gardener News fully supports the including field sparrows, prairie Mulvihill family and their Crystal warblers, blue winged warblers, and Springs Resort for their ability to maintain an ecological balance indigo buntings; and Whereas Crystal Springs Resort in the Garden State by conserving has developed multiple initiatives to the natural resources that surround raise awareness of the importance of their property. Gardener News also bees to the environment and to local salutes the Mulvihill family and their agriculture and to educate resort guests Crystal Springs Resort for planting on how they can help in the effort to and maintaining native plants on all preserve local bee populations with such of their golf courses, and how they are programming including: Educational protecting the Garden State ecosystems Seminars with Local Beekeepers; Bee to support health and wellbeing.

Box Build Activity; On Property Bee Hives; Local Honey Pop Up Displays; Editor’s Note: Tom Castronovo is On Property Honeybee Artwork; and executive editor and publisher of Wildflower Packets Distributed to Gardener News. Tom’s lifelong Guests for Planting. interest in gardening and passion When Senator Oroho finished, for agriculture, environmental Assemblyman Wirths and stewardship, gardening and Assemblyman Rooney said a few words landscaping, led to the founding of praise about the Mulvihill family. All of the Gardener News, which three legislators then presented copies germinated in April 2003 and of the Joint Resolution to the Mulvihill continues to bloom today. He is also family members in attendance. Gene dedicated to providing inspiration, Jr, Peter and James were out of state. and education to the agricultural, The presentation concluded with a gardening, landscaping and thunderous round of applause from the nursery communities through this NJLCA golfers. newspaper and GardenerNews.com.

Full Moon November 27, 2023

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November 2023 Columnists

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24 November 2023

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