Gardener News August 2015

TAKE ONE

Gardener News Serving the Agricultural, Gardening and Landscaping Communities

August, 2015

GARDENERNEWS.COM

TAKE ONE No. 148

Give ’em a hair cut

Tom Castronovo/Photo

Stephen Barlow III, co-owner of Barlow’s in Sea Girt, Monmouth County, rejuvenates a custom-grown hanging basket.

By Tom Castronovo Executive Editor I just love big hanging containers, also known as hanging baskets. They are full of colorful flowers and foliage. And I see them everywhere.

A good maintenance

program is the key to having them looking their best all season long.

With several plants flourishing in one prominent growing area, and being suspended in the air for their lifetime, it’s always best to get expert advice from a grower on how to properly maintain them.

Last month, when I dropped off 200 copies of Gardener News at Barlow’s, a garden center, landscape design and growing facility in Seagirt, Monmouth County, N.J., I had the honor to spend some valuable time with Stephen Barlow III, one of the business’ co-owners.

As president of the business,

he currently oversees his family’s 10,000-squarefoot retail European glass greenhouse, along with 65,000 square feet of growing greenhouse production space and a large outdoor growing area.

Barlow graduated cum laude from Michigan State University in 2000 with a

bachelor of science degree in Horticulture. In 2008, he was recognized by The Association of Horticulture Professionals and the Ball Horticultural Company as a finalist in the Young Retailer Award, receiving honors in Leadership and Management.

He also presents new innovations (Cont. on Page 18)

2 August, 2015

G A R D E N C E N T E R D I R E C T O R Y GardenerNews.com

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This Fall Restore Your Lawn The All Natural Way Learn About Organic Fertilizers Eco-friendly grass seed mixtures Questions specific to your lawn

Saturday, October 3 10AM to 1PM

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August, 2015 3

Around The Garden

By Tom Castronovo Gardener News

Why is agriculture getting short-changed?

When you cover as many agricultural events as I do throughout our great Garden State, you develop a deep appreciation for all the various ways agriculture touches all New Jerseyans every day.

From our fruit and vegetable farmers who bring fresh produce to our tables for up to nine months a year; to the livestock and dairy farmers producing the meat and dairy products we love (well, the non-vegans among us, anyway); to the state’s leading agricultural sector, nursery and greenhouse, which brings beautiful plants, flowers, Christmas trees and turf into our lives; to grain growers who provide the staple ingredients for so many great products; to the fishermen and aquaculture operators who deliver the bounty of our state’s waters to our homes – they all contribute in so many vital ways.

Likewise, when you think about the New Jersey Department of Agriculture – the primary state government agency working to promote, foster, regulate and ensure the safety of agriculture – the daily touches multiply. New Jersey, for instance, is one of only three states (along with Texas and Florida) to be responsible for feeding their states’ school students. Additionally, the Department oversees an array of community-feeding programs that help to ensure no New Jerseyan goes hungry.

With so much responsibility, you might except the NJDA to be one of the most heavily funded departments in all of state government.

You’d be wrong.

The NJDA, when it comes to state-level funding, receives less than $7 million annually in what is known as “Direct State Service” dollars. Most of the rest of the Department’s budget, approximately $500 million, comes in the form of federal funding that pays for school food services and community-feeding programs.

It seems that even when opportunities arise to improve the Department’s budgetary standing, State government officials just can’t get it right.

Starting with the budget that just got passed and signed into law (which covers the second half of 2015 and the first half of 2016), a new way of funding open space and farmland preservation programs came into being. With it, the State had a golden opportunity to increase the amount of money going to agriculture’s efforts to ensure that there will be sufficient farmland in New Jersey’s future.

Instead, the State did the opposite.

By pulling $20 million off the top of this “Corporate Business Tax” funding for Department of Environmental Protection “stewardship” efforts (in actuality, it goes almost entirely to pay DEP employees’ salaries), the State guaranteed that the State Agriculture Development Committee, which oversees Farmland Preservation efforts, would receive just $17 million per year in funding for that program, compared to the roughly $40 million per year it normally got through the old system of periodic ballot questions asking voters to approve bonding for those purposes.

If that’s not enough to demonstrate how agriculture is getting short-changed in this state, take a look at the Jersey Fresh program – the very first state-sponsored agricultural promotion program in the nation. And the one that many other states have used as a model for the promotion of their farmers’ agricultural products.

This program began in the administration of Governor Thomas Kean, and it reached its zenith in the years of Governor Christie Whitman, when it received as much as $1.2 million annually for promotional, advertising and quality-grading services.

That kind of budgetary support is what made the Jersey Fresh program as successful as it became, and which resulted in spin-off branding programs such as Jersey Grown (for nursery/greenhouse products), Jersey Seafood and Made With Jersey Fresh (for processed products containing a certain level of New Jersey-produced agricultural ingredients).

Over much of the past decade, under both Democratic and Republican governors, however, funding for Jersey Fresh has been at around the $100,000 mark annually. A sizeable portion of that must go to operate the quality-grading services (produce must be of a high quality to be eligible to be called Jersey Fresh), so the money actually used for promotion is relatively minuscule compared to the program’s height. As of late, the Department has relied largely on federal funds to promote our state’s hardworking farmers and the products they produce.

I don’t know about you, but in my mind, such an important part of the state’s economy, and something that is so directly linked to our state’s identity, deserves much better treatment.

According to Rutgers, the agriculture-and-food sector contributes $105 billion a year to New Jersey’s economy. That’s billion, with a “b.” That makes it the third-largest piece of the state economy, behind pharmaceuticals and tourism.

It is time that the Garden State gave the source of its nickname a fair share in the state budget.

As always, I hope you find the information in the Gardener News informative and enjoyable.

Until next time…Keep the “garden” in the Garden State.

-Tom 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 and landscaping communities through this newspaper and GardenerNews.com.

Gladly Accepting SNAP EBT Cards

4 August, 2015 A few weeks ago, I, along with the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture, staff and other agriculture industry folks, spent a warm, bright, summer afternoon with a refreshing breeze under a tent on top of a hill on a lovely farm in Somerset County.

While all the members of the State Board are, of course, farmers, many others who were there were not. For those who do not actually farm, it was a great opportunity to enjoy the magnificence of agriculture at ground level and to learn even more from a farming operation in the Garden State.

Farming in New Jersey is as diverse as the people who live here. Waves of immigrants from around the globe over hundreds of years each brought their dreams, their skills and hard work to develop our agricultural enterprises. Think about the endless endeavors and activities that permeate the state when it comes to agriculture.

Back to the farm we visited, which just turned 95 years old in the hands of five generations of one family.

Granddad showed up to tell us about life on the farm when

GardenerNews.com NJ Dept. of Agriculture

By Douglas H. Fisher Secretary of Agriculture

Inside a New Jersey Farm; a Rare Glimpse he took it over from his dad.

It was a large dairy operation with hundreds of Holsteins supplying New Jersey families with wholesome milk and milk products. It was hard work, but there were no regrets because of the life it provided for the farmer and his family.

When the economics of the dairy sector changed, though, it was time for the farm to evolve, as other opportunities arose in the region. Hillsborough, where once there were hundreds of small farms rimming the town, now has substantially less active farms in the community, making the farm we visited a center to educate their neighbors about agriculture and to provide their bounty.

When the current generation took over the farm, direct marketing came back into vogue because of

growing demands for local products. They erected a farmstand, where fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs and other farm products grown, raised or produced could be sold directly to the consumer while continuing to grow hay and grain. A new addition was agritourism, which took center stage as a profit center for the farm.

This day, we observed the farm in action. The hayride wagon that took us on a tour was driven by a retired school teacher whose love of farm life led him to work here and share his stories with thousands of school children and families through the years.

Our al fresco meal was made with items produced on the farm, from the beef and pork to almost all of the vegetables, all cooked by the

Look Who’s Reading the Gardener News!

It’s in the news

Tom Castronovo/Photo

United States Women’s National Soccer Team Midfielder, Tobin Heath #17, who scored the final goal in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup 5-2 victory over Japan, looks over the July Gardener News in Warren, N.J. Heath is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women’s World Cup silver medalist and gold medalist. The United States Women’s National Soccer Team represents the United States of America in international soccer competitions. Heath is a current women’s soccer team member for the Portland Thorns FC based in Portland, Ore.

farmer’s family.

We saw preparations being made for the fall crop maze, as well as readying the field for 50 acres of pumpkins for Halloween. Those pumpkins were almost an afterthought at first, but now are a major portion of the farm’s business.

A variety of farm animals – steer, horses, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys and others – were observed, which help to educate the public about animal agriculture while providing year-round income.

The farm market was in action, where the produce grown on the farm is purveyed, as well as an extensive variety of agricultural products, including honey from the bees rented to pollinate the crops.

What the day really accentuated was that while the nature of what farmers produce

to satisfy the public changes, the one thing that doesn’t change is the attributes of the family working together, the absolute hard work to achieve success and the values of being involved in the community. All those things emanate from the farm.

The farm we visited was Rich and Debbie Norz’s Norz Hill Farm, another example of the ever-evolving and changing world of agriculture on these precious 700,000 acres of farmland in New Jersey.

Who knows, when the next generation takes over, building a dairy herd might be the next new project.

Editor’s Note: Douglas H. Fisher is New Jersey’s Secretary of Agriculture. He is the department’s executive officer, secretary to the State Board of Agriculture and a member of the Governor’s cabinet. Secretary Fisher fulfills executive, management and administrative duties prescribed by law, executive order or gubernatorial direction. He can be reached at 609.292.3976. For more info, please visit: http://www. state.nj.us/agriculture

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August, 2015 5

6 August, 2015

RUTGERS NJAES/RCE

2015 National Society Equine Science Award Carey Williams, associate director of extension at the Equine Science Center and associate professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at Rutgers, received the 2015 American Society of Animal Science and Equine Science Society’s (ASAS-ESS) Equine Science Award. She was honored at the society’s annual meeting in Orlando, FL, in July.

Williams’ primary responsibility is to provide statewide leadership in three main areas: equine nutrition, pasture management and overall horse management.

2015 Award of Excellence from Northeast Extension Directors Rutgers, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Cooperative Extension’s Changlu Wang, associate extension specialist in urban pest management, in the Department of Entomology at Rutgers, has been honored as the recipient of the 2015 Award of Excellence from the Northeast Cooperative Extension Directors.

This is the highest award presented by the directors of Extension in the northeast. It recognizes Extension outreach programming that has achieved outstanding accomplishments, results and impacts in addressing contemporary issues. Wang accepted the award at the annual Joint Northeast Summer Session on July 7, 2015.

Changlu Wang is being recognized for “Leadership, Scholarship and Innovative Programming in Urban Pest Management.” He has achieved all of the benchmarks reflective of excellence that this award recognizes. Wang is recognized as a national leader in urban pest management, secured external funding, made significant contributions to science and education and received three patents from the United Kingdom with three pending patent applications.

His work in New Jersey, one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse states in the country, exemplifies his commitment to tailoring programs to meet local needs by his work with limited resource communities.

Snyder Farm Open House and Great Tomato Tasting Where: Snyder Research and Extension Farm 140 Locust Grove Road, Pittstown, NJ 08867 When: Wednesday, August 26, 2015 (rain or shine) Time: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm Admission: $7.00 per person, free for children under 10 (cash or check only) The event includes the very popular tasting of more than 60 heirloom and hybrid varieties of beefsteak, plum, cherry, and grape tomatoes. Other highlights include tasting of various produce, varieties of basil, honey, and recipes featuring Jersey Fresh produce.

Open house features include the Melda C. Snyder Teaching Garden which showcases demonstration gardens of deer tolerant ornamentals; blueberries, hazelnuts, and hollies from the Rutgers breeding programs; a sunflower pyramid; a turf labyrinth, fun family photo opportunities; and an ‘apple wall’ featuring the NJAES Tree Fruit Breeding Program for home orchards.

Wagon tours of the farm’s research plots will be held throughout the event. Also, chef demonstrations featuring preparation of several recipes, Jersey Fresh Salsa tastings, and teaching garden and educational displays from various organizations.

Rutgers NJAES faculty and staff and Rutgers Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer your gardening questions and to make your visit a pleasurable and memorable one.

To RSVP or for more information visit http://discovery. rutgers.edu/events/2015/Great-Tomato-Tasting.html or call 908-730-9419 X3501.

Please, only service dogs allowed on the farm grounds.

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From the Director’s Desk

Rutgers Outreach Provided by Larry S. Katz, Ph.D. Sr. Associate Director Plant Diagnostic Laboratory: A Resource for Plant Professionals, Home Gardeners Since the days of Rachael Carson and Silent Spring, plant-health managers, green industry professionals, and home gardeners alike have been looking for ways to reduce the impact of pesticides in the food supply, as well as the lawn and landscape. From outright pesticide bans, to highly specialized and precision integrated pest management systems, the quest for healthy plant systems with less input is ongoing.

Proper identification of the cause of a plant problem is the first step in any disease or insect pest management program. Only when one is aware of the cause can appropriate interventions be made. For instance, there are many species of borers in shade trees. Some are invasive and some are native, but being able to distinguish them from each other is important in determining how much of a threat they pose, if a regulatory response is necessary, whether or not they can be controlled, if they can be eliminated or prevented, and when, what and how to apply a treatment. Even if there is no prescribed treatment for the problem, knowing the cause of the plant’s decline provides important information for selecting new plants or modifying the site for replanting.

Some disease problems are easy to identify, but others can be misleading. For example, several different fungi as well as certain insect pests, or abiotic stress factors, like poor drainage, can cause problems in the crown and root systems of plants. The symptoms of these plant problems in the field can be virtually identical regardless of the cause.

Accurate identification of root-infecting fungi requires at least a microscope, and often needs special isolation or testing techniques that would only be available in a laboratory setting.

Since 1991, The New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station and Rutgers Cooperative Extension have maintained the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory to assist with the plant health diagnostic needs of the residents of New Jersey. Our mission is to provide accurate and timely diagnosis of plant problems. Since its inception, the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory has processed over 48,000 plant samples with an average response time of 2.29 days per sample.

The Plant Diagnostic Laboratory is staffed with two diagnosticians trained in entomology and plant pathology as well as a rotating cast of student assistants. The laboratory staff works in cooperation with other experts within Rutgers University. We also cooperate, through the National Plant Diagnostic Network, with diagnosticians at other Land Grant Universities, and with regulators at the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and with USDA-APHIS-PPQ. Sampling and submission instructions, including the services provided and the fee schedule, can be found on the website, www.njaes.rutgers.edu/services. While you are there, check out the Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory page for your soil fertility testing needs. Plant samples can be mailed or dropped off at the lab. Each sample must be accompanied with the appropriate submission form and payment.

A quality sample is very important in getting an accurate diagnosis. If the problem is the canopy of a tree, a twig or a branch with leaves attached should be sent. If the problem is in the roots, the roots must be sent. The transition zone between healthy and diseased tissue is very important, because the best samples are those plants and plant parts that are in active decline. Plants dead for a long time are usually not sufficient. Of course, whole plants, while not always the most practical, are always best. Photographs are a great way of sharing information and the inclusion of photographs with the sample (or by e-mail) is strongly encouraged. Sample quality also includes a completed submission form. The more information we have at our disposal, the better we can address the problem.

Our contact information, mailing addresses and driving directions can also be found on the website: www.njaes.rutgers.edu/services. Most samples should be submitted by mail to Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory, PO Box 550, Milltown, NJ 08850. For delivery services like UPS or Fed Ex or drop-off, the current campus address is: Geiger Turfgrass Education Building, 20 Indyk-Engle Way North Brunswick, NJ 08902. The Geiger Building is located on the turfgrass research farm, near the Rutgers Gardens, off of Ryders Lane in North Brunswick.

The Plant Diagnostic Laboratory responds by e-mail or fax and every client receives a paper copy of the diagnosis including an up-to-date, scientific evidence-based control solution. We make every attempt to include cultural, biological and chemical options as well as organic-approved product choices. Samples are done on a first come-first served basis and we move as fast as we can. If you have questions about accessing the laboratory services or need help submitting a sample, please call the laboratory staff at 732-932-9140.

Editor’s Note: This month’s column is written by Richard Buckley, Director of the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory. Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station provides soil testing and plant diagnostic services to residents of New Jersey.

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August, 2015 7

Tree-Killing Emerald Ash Borer Detected in Three NJ Counties 75(1721 1- ĘŠ 1HZ -HUVH\ 'HSDUWPHQW RI $JULFXOWXUH RIILFLDOV UHSRUWHG WKDW WKH HPHUDOG DVK borer (EAB), an invasive beetle that attacks and kills ash trees, is active in six towns in three counties.

Municipal officials and residents of Bridgewater, Franklin and Hillsborough in Somerset County, Westampton in Burlington County and Ewing and West Windsor in Mercer County are encouraged to visit the New Jersey Emerald Ash Borer website www.emeraldashborer.nj.gov where they can find resources on how to protect their ash trees or what to do with dead or dying trees. “Emerald ash borer is a fast-moving, highly destructive invasive pest, which could lead to the death of ash trees,� said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher. “Now that the beetle is in New Jersey and is starting to spread, we ask that towns put plans in place to respond to the beetle.�

Emerald ash borer was first discovered in New Jersey in May 2014 by a private citizen in Bridgewater. EAB is now present in 25 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. It was first discovered in Michigan in 2002 and has since killed tens of millions of trees.

The adult emerald ash borer is a metallic green insect about one-half inch long and one-eighth inch wide making it hard to detect in the wild. The female beetles lay eggs on the bark of ash trees.

The eggs hatch and the larvae bore into the bark to the fluid-conducting vessels underneath. The larvae feed and develop, cutting off the flow of nutrients and, eventually killing the tree. EAB attacks and kills North American species of true ash, and tree death occurs three to five years following initial infestation. EAB is native to Asia.

The state has set up traps in ash trees to track EAB’s potential spread in 27 Burlington County towns, three Camden County towns, eight Hunterdon County towns, 10 Mercer County towns, 11 Middlesex County towns, 2 Monmouth County towns, 3 Morris County towns, 15 Somerset County towns and eight Union County towns. For the list of towns, go to www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ pi/pdf/2015eabtraplist.pdf.

The New Jersey Emerald Ash Borer website has many resources for municipal officials, woodland owners and residents. The site explains the signs of the beetle, how to identify ash trees, how to report a possible infestation, and what to do with dead or removed trees. For towns, there is an Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan template and a tree removal cost calculator. For homeowners, there is a risk map and treatment options. For woodland owners, there is a list of companies that will accept ash.

New Jersey is part of a federal quarantine to prevent the spread of the beetle, which prohibits movement of ash trees outside of the quarantine zone. The Department also recommends not moving firewood. Firewood is a vehicle for movement of tree-killing forest pests including EAB. Use locally-sourced firewood when burning it at home and when travelling, burn firewood where you buy it. Make sure to burn all wood purchased.

Report signs of the beetle to the Department of Agriculture at 609-406-6939.

For more information about Emerald Ash Borer, visit www.emeraldashborer.nj.gov.

In late-June of this year, just after the kids finished up with the school year that seemed to never end (thanks to all of the snow days over the winter), and before our harvest season really started to kick in, we (myself, my wife and our three boys) decided to take a couple of days and drive up to Portland, Maine. We both knew of and had spoken to people who had spent a considerable amount of time there and they all had very nice things to say about our destination. None of us had ever been to Portland before, so we were really looking forward to our trip.

So after a six-and-ahalf hour drive, we were there, standing on a large outcropping of rocks that jutted out into the Atlantic.

Of course, we were next to a lighthouse. And half an hour after that, we were eating a lobster dinner topped off with blueberry pie while we watched the wind and surf start to kick up as the sun went down behind us. I don’t really care how corny or touristy that sounds, but there is something to

New Jersey Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts 2014 Summary The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service has released the Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts 2014 Summary, according to Bruce Eklund, State Statistician, New Jersey Field Office. The latest survey included the following commodities: Apple utilized production is estimated at 36 million pounds, up 26 percent from 2013. The average yield in New Jersey is estimated at 21,800 pounds per acre, 4,700 pounds above the 2013 average yield of 17,100 pounds per acre.

Bearing acreage is estimated at 1,700 acres, unchanged from last year. The value of utilized production, benefiting also from higher prices, totaled 30.5 million dollars, up 137 percent from 2013.

Blueberry area harvested is estimated at 9,300 acres, up 7 percent from the previous year, and third highest in the US. Utilized production is estimated at 55.6 million pounds, up 16 percent from 2013. Fresh utilized production, at 49.8 million pounds, is second nationally. The average yield is estimated at 5,980 pounds, up 530 pounds from 2013. The value of utilized production totaled 77.8 million dollars, up 37 percent from 2013.

Cranberry utilized production is estimated at 614 thousand barrels, up 13 percent from 2013. The average yield is estimated at a record 204.7 barrels, up 23.9 barrels from 2013.

Area harvested is estimated at 3,000 acres, unchanged from the previous year. New Jersey is ranked third in the nation in production and acres of cranberries. New Jersey ranked second in average barrels per acre. This is the second highest utilized production on record and the highest since 1999. The value of utilized production totaled 22.7 million dollars, up 11 percent from 2013.

Peach utilized production is estimated at 21 thousand tons, up 17 percent from 2013. The yield per acre is estimated at 4.88 tons, up 0.85 tons from 2013. Bearing acreage is estimated at 4,600 acres, up 100 acres from the previous year. The value of utilized production totaled 27.9 million dollars.

Source USDA/NASS/NJFO

The Town Farmer

By Peter Melick Agricultural Producer

A Couple of Days Away be said for imagining how something should be, and then trying it, and then having that experience top you expectations.

We were really impressed by the vibrancy of Portland.

Unlike some coastal cities where the waterfronts are no longer “working,� but are just a hodgepodge of commercial entities that do little more than pay some type of brief homage to what they once were, while at the same time using that as an excuse to soak the bejesus out of unwitting tourists, in Portland, there is a very nice mix of past and present.

Sure there are the obligatory waterfront restaurants and the tour boat operators, but these are intermingled with actual working fishing boats, processing facilities

and commercial ferries.

This gave the city an aura of relevance that is so lacking in many other locales.

One of the other impressive attributes of Portland is its restaurant scene. The population of Portland seemed to me to be very young and full of energy, and this certainly carried over into its eating establishments.

Each different place that we tried was crowded (in a good way) with people who were having a good time. And after we tried the food, we could see why. They were not content to just fill you up and send you on your way, but they made the effort to use what was grown and harvested locally in very creative ways to make some excellent offerings.

Because their growing season is about three weeks behind ours here in New Jersey, they did not yet have the full complement of fruits and vegetables to work with in late-June, but they sure made the most of what they had.

They weren’t really too “in your face� about trumpeting the use of local ingredients either. Why state the obvious?

We have all seen chefs try to outdo each other in terms of “Mine is fresher than yours.� But in Portland, I get the impression that they just use what is produced locally because it is expected and normal and it is not treated as if it were an aberration.

And as a grower of fruits and vegetables, I sure hope that this catches on throughout the rest of the country as much as it has in Portland!

Before I close out this column, let me give out a few recommendations for anyone who might be traveling to Portland. For oysters, try Eventide. For French fries, try Duck Fat. (If you have never had French fries cooked in duck fat, it is definitely worth it). For corned beef hash and a bloody Mary, try Hot Suppa. For lobster, you can go just about anywhere in Maine, especially if you can sit along a rocky coast next to a lighthouse with waves crashing in front you and the sun setting at your back‌ 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 current member of the Tewksbury Township Committee, and a former Mayor of Tewksbury Township. 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.

8 August, 2015

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N.J. State Board of Agriculture Reorganized

Tom Castronovo/Photo

Civil Court Judge Anthony Massi, right, congratulates Shirley Todd Kline, left, and Angelo Trapani, center, after swearing in the two new board members of the State Board of Agriculture.

Assistance with Organic Certification Costs 75(1721 1- ʊ 7KH 1HZ -HUVH\ 'HSDUWPHQW of Agriculture announced a partnership with the federal government to reduce organic certification costs as part of the Christie Administration’s ongoing efforts to promote New Jersey-grown and marketed organic food products.

Through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Certification Cost Share Program and Agricultural Management Assistance Organic Certification Cost Share Program, each qualified producer or handler of organic products is eligible for a reimbursement of up to 75 percent of its costs of certification not to exceed $750. Certification costs include fees and charges levied by the certifying agent for certification activities.

To qualify for reimbursement under this program, an organic producer or handler must have been certified or incurred expenses for the continuation of certification during the period of October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015. Certification must be through a USDA-accredited certifying agent.

In the event that demand exceeds the amount of funds allocated to New Jersey, applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis. Operations may receive one reimbursement per certification or category of certification per year.

Applications must be received by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture no later than November 19, 2015. Applications and more information about the program are available online at www.nj.gov/agriculture/ grants/organiccostshare.html.

The New Jersey State Board of Agriculture reorganized on Wednesday, July 22, at the Hamilton Manor in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, N.J. This reorganization marks the end of the 99th State Board and the beginning of the 100th.

The Department of Agriculture, for which the State Board serves as the policy-making body, will turn 100 in 2016.

Exiting the Board after four years was President Richard Norz of Somerset County. Vice President Robert Swanekamp of Monmouth County, was asked to stay on the board due to the resignation of Steven Wagner. Swanekamp will continue to represent the nursery industry.

Being sworn into the Board as new members by Civil Court Judge Anthony Massi from Mercer County were Shirley Todd Kline of Cumberland County, representing the Vegetable Industry, and Angelo Trapani of Monmouth County, representing the Beekeeping and Vegetable Industry. Erick Doyle of Hunterdon County, who is joining the Board as a Livestock Industry representative to fill the unexpired term of the late David Klemm of Sussex County, will be sworn in at the Board’s August meeting.

Sworn in as the new President and Vice President of the Board were Martin Bullock of Monmouth County, representing the Hay and Grain Industry, and Marilyn Russo of Burlington County, representing the Vegetable Industry, respectively.

Earlier in the day, the 99th Board held its final meeting at the same location, discussing issues of importance to the state’s agricultural community.

The eight-member Board, composed of farmers from throughout the state, meets monthly to decide issues of policy for the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and to guide the future direction of how the state regulates and promotes the agricultural industry in the Garden State.

National Farmers Market Week Declared :$6+,1*721 ' & ĘŠ $JULFXOWXUH 6HFUHWDU\ 7RP 9LOVDFN KDV GHFODUHG $XJ 2 through 8, 2015, as “National Farmers Market Week.â€? The declaration was made official by proclamation signed by Secretary Vilsack. This year marks the 16th annual National Farmers Market Week in honor of the important role that farmers markets play in local economies. Throughout the week, USDA will celebrate thousands of our nation’s farmers markets, the farmers and ranchers who make them possible and the communities that host them. “National Farmers Market Week is a great opportunity for farmers markets across the country to host special events to showcase all the tremendous services they provide,â€? said Secretary Vilsack. “Farmers markets play a key role in developing local and regional food systems that support farmers and help grow rural economies. They bring communities together, connecting cities with the farms and providing Americans with fresh, healthy food.â€?

Farmers markets provide consumers with fresh, affordable, convenient, and healthy products from local producers. With support from USDA, more farmers markets offer customers the opportunity to make purchases with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; the Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program; and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs.

Supporting farmers markets is a part of the USDA’s Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative, which coordinates the Department’s policy, resources, and outreach efforts related to local and regional food systems. Secretary Vilsack has identified strengthening local food systems as one of the Four Pillars of Agriculture and Rural Economic Development.

Is it done yet?

Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of meat, poultry, and seafood—you can’t tell if it’s cooked by the way it looks.

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August, 2015 9

The Cardinal Flower

By Hubert Ling Hello, I’m Hubert Ling, the Horticulture Chairman of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, and I’m taking over this spot for Kathy Salisbury. I have been growing native plants for over 40 years and still enjoy digging my fingers into the soil.

The focus of this article is on the cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis); a well-recognized but still underused native plant. The cardinal flower is native to most of North and Central America. It is normally found in fresh water marshes and stream banks.

The glowing red color and the plentiful nectar make it a favorite with hummingbirds; in fact if you have five or six mature cardinal flower plants, you are almost certain to attract one or more ruby throated hummingbirds to your yard. If you have never

raised cardinal flowers, you have a real treat in store as the tall spikes of vivid color and tiny buzzing hummingbirds light up your garden and your life.

Cardinal flowers are easy to raise. Although they can grow up to six feet tall in wet sunny areas, they will reach to two to three feet under normal garden conditions. The pH requirements are not stringent, slightly acid, neutral, or slightly basic soils are all good.

Propagation is also very easy. Each fall, the plants annually produce four to 12 basal offshoots, which quickly form roots. These can be broken apart and planted separately in the spring. You should have lots of plants to give away to friends and family. You can also produce numerous cuttings by laying plants horizontal in July with a large mound of dirt at the root ball and a thin layer of added soil along the stem.

When strong roots have developed, the stem can be sectioned into pieces about three inches long to form individual plants.

Although cardinal flowers are considered perennials, any individual plant and cuttings from that plant will only survive for a total of five to seven years. The plant is not rejuvenated when cuttings or offshoots are used, so to keep them going in your yard, you must revert periodically to the slower process of using seeds.

Fortunately, the seeds germinate very easily, but light is an essential factor.

A cold stratification period (vernalization) may not be necessary to germinate the seeds, but to be on the safe side, plant the seeds when they are ripe in the fall and allow nature to give them a cold treatment. The USDA estimates that there are 11,292,758 seeds per pound in cardinal flowers, so one pound will be about enough for every gardener

on the Atlantic Seaboard.

I usually depress the center of the soil mix in a seedling flat before sowing the seeds so the small seeds don’t all wash away in the first heavy rain. For most people, a quarterteaspoon of seed mixed with one teaspoon of sand or saw dust is enough for a standard seedling tray.

Sprinkle the mixture over the surface of a seedling mix or good garden soil.

Do not cover the seeds with additional soil, since they need light to germinate. A light covering of straw will reduce loss of seeds (but this must be removed in spring). Seed germination should take place in one to two weeks at 70°F and if all goes well, you will have hundreds of plants which mature in one or two years.

The Native Americans used cardinal flower root tea for stomachaches, worm expulsion, typhoid, syphilis, and as an ingredient in “love

potions.” A leaf tea was used for headaches, colds, fever, croup, nosebleeds and rheumatism. None of these uses have been investigated in careful scientific studies and Foster and Duke warn that this plant, like so many others, is potentially poisonous.

Chemical analysis of the plant has shown the presence of four toxic alkaloids. The wise and cautious will enjoy the plant for its jewel-like flowers rather than for any medicinal value, although the love potion idea sounds intriguing.

Cardinal flowers, as well as a host of other native plants, are available at “Toadshade Wildflower Farm,” Frenchtown, N.J., or check for numerous sources on the internet.

Editor’s Note: Hubert Ling is the Horticulture Chairman for the Native Plant Society of New Jersey. He can be reached at milhubling@verizon.net

10 August, 2015

GardenerNews.com

Million Pollinator Garden Challenge

By Jeannie Geremia Garden Club of New Jersey Great news for all of you gardeners out there who feel overwhelmed and disheartened by the escalating loss of our pollinators. A nationwide call to action has been mounted and we can unite to create corridors of pollen and nectar-laden landscapes to help revive the health of bees, butterflies, birds, bats and amphibians.

The National Pollinator Garden Network “is an unprecedented collaboration of national, regional, and the garden industry members” who convened in the fall of 2014 to strategize on efforts to restore our plummeting pollinator population. The founding partners involved are a “blue book” list of gardening and wildlife organizations including: The Garden Club of New Jersey, Inc.’s parent organization, National Garden Clubs, Inc.; National Wildlife Federation; Pollinator Partnership; Kids Gardening; Home Garden Seed Association; American Hort; National Garden Bureau, Inc.; American Public Gardens Association; Monarch Watch; National Recreation and Park Association; The Xerces Society; Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center; Captain Planet Foundation; North American Butterfly Association; Wildlife Habitat Council; National Environmental Education Foundation; Society of American Florists; American Horticultural Society; Wild Ones; America in Bloom; Association of Zoos & Aquariums; and Direct Gardening Association.

Pollinator resources include the National Park Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Smithsonian Gardens and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

What you can do to be part of the solution is simple and I’m sure your gardens qualify already, so let’s stand up and be counted so we, by example, can encourage our friends, family and communities to come onboard. First step will be to check out the

challenge by going on the National Pollinator Garden Network website. You will be directed to the Pollinator Partnership website, www. pollinatorpartnership.org, and can register your garden so it can be added to the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge.

It’s so heartening to see the map of the United States, enter your garden location and be able to click on your community and see your garden listed as part of this great challenge. The steps involved include: using plants that provide nectar and pollen, providing a water source, choosing a sunny location (if possible) with wind breaks, starting with a manageable size (containers or window boxes will suffice), providing nearby nesting sites (bird houses, bee houses, bare ground or debris), providing a diversity of plants, helping monarchs by planting milkweeds (bees and other butterflies will benefit, too), planting early-spring to late-fall nectar and host plants, and using an “Integrated Pest Management” program, thereby limiting the impact of pesticides on pollinators.

The GCNJ Backyard Wildlife Habitat Project is encouraging garden club members, and the public to take this Million Pollinator Garden Challenge further by going to the National Wildlife Federation website, www. nwf.org, and clicking on: Take the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge, then clicking on Certified Wildlife Habitat and certifying your garden, yard, public garden, community garden or school garden as a “Certified Wildlife Habitat” site. You can purchase any one of several different styles of signs that proudly show your commitment to wildlife habitats to your neighbors and community. I just did that for the Raritan Township Community Garden, and my own home garden (the map shows the site/s as “Garden Club of New Jersey”). Certification also includes a personalized certificate, subscription to National Wildlife magazine and a full year’s membership to the National Wildlife Federation, plus a discount

on NWF merchandise.

Certifying your garden/s also counts towards the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge.

The Garden Club of New Jersey’s Backyard Wildlife Habitat Project will also give each person, garden club or gardening organization that reaches out to us as having signed their garden on as a “certified wildlife habitat” a certificate from us as a token of our appreciation. I’m sure many of you are “way ahead” and already have this precious certification. If so, please reach out to me at: jeannieg42@earthlink.net and I will see that you receive your GCNJ certificate.

Meanwhile, we’re still two steps from having our beautiful Black Swallowtail Butterfly designated as New Jersey’s official state butterfly.

Please continue to reach out to your local Assemblymen and Assemblywomen and ask them to support Assembly Bill A2913 and sister Senate Bill S939, by signing on as a sponsor/co-sponsor and asking Assembly Speaker Prieto to post these identical bills for a vote in the Assembly. Please come see our educational exhibit – GCNJ Butterflies & BeeGAP and GCNJ Backyard Wildlife Habitat, in the Conservatory at the New Jersey State Fair running from July 31 through August 9, celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the New Jersey State Fair, Sussex Farm & Horse Show Fair in Augusta, N.J. I will be speaking at the show on Thursday, August 6 at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the Greenhouse. Enjoy!

Editor’s Note: Jeannie Geremia is the Community Gardens Chair, the Butterflies & BeeGAP Chair, and the Backyard Wildlife Habitat Chair for the Garden Club of New Jersey, Inc., and is a National Garden Clubs, Inc., Accredited Flower Show Judge for the GCNJ. Jeannie is the GCNJ 2016 Flower Show Chair and can be reached by emailing: jeannieg42@ earthlink.net Garden Club of New Jersey website is: www. gardenclubofnewjersey. com and phone number is: 732-249-0947.

GardenerNews.com “Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing” - Abraham Lincoln This past June, a dear friend of ours was lost.

George Snyder, a longtime resident of Long Hill Township, was in some ways like many of our customers. He started out as a customer and soon became a friend. George and his family, however, went beyond that and really became part of our family.

A true gentleman, George was always mindful and respectful of our time and efforts, which seems to be an outstanding quality today. A loyal customer who frequented our store, almost weekly, we all knew him and affectionately called out his name, “GEORGE!” whenever we saw him.

Soon after learning of George’s passing, a mutual friend reached out to me and said a group of friends were interested in getting George a memorial tree.

Through the encouragement of George’s wife, Kathy,

August, 2015 11 Unique Plants

By Bob LaHoff Nursery Specialist

Remembering A Friend she said, “Go to Hall’s and ask Bobby what his favorite tree was and get it!” One problem, George was a plant lover, maybe even a tree hugger, and I couldn’t recall just one favorite tree.

George had Cryptomeria, Southern Magnolia, Styrax, Umbrella Pine and an extensive assortment of spruce just to name a few.

George was a charismatic, gregarious and extremely warm human being. But above all, he was genuine, grounded and pragmatic.

He had an “over the top” personality and anyone that knew him was better for it.

Our last conversation that George and I had was about a tree that was so striking, that even from across our parking lot George commented, “Now that tree

really stands out.”

Bright Park/Golden Japanese Zelkova, Zelkova serrata “Ogon” was in fact that tree! Zelkova trees are handsome trees and well suited for residential streets, front lawns or parks. Similar to Chinese Elm and resistant to Dutch Elm disease, it is the bark that has always held my attention. An almost cherrylike bark in adolescence, complete with heavy lenticels, it matures into a robust, strong exfoliating stilt supporting a letter “Y” habit. Hardy to zone 4, the specimen we chose for George was “Ogon.” This rather rare Japanese import begins the spring with an intense flush of chartreuse foliage morphing into a bright golden yellow canopy

in late-summer. The slightly exfoliating bark is coral colored, contrasting nicely with its yellow leaves. A wonderful specimen that will light up any landscape, my intention is for it to be a welcoming beacon while trying to capture a bit of George’s personality with all of its positive attributes.

Truly a specimen for every season, those who visit this unique tree, at any time of year, should thoroughly enjoy it.

Today George’s “Ogon” sits prominently in an open field behind the Stirling Hotel in Stirling, N.J. A local “watering hole” that George would frequent, is a “rustic roadhouse” (nj.com/ jerseybest) that recently won the people’s choice award in New Jersey’s best bars

showdown. A celebration of George’s life was held at the Stirling Hotel where a well-attended group all took turns watering his tree with a symbolic watering can. I personally can’t wait to see “Ogon’s” fall color this year. Anticipated glowing amber bark and harvest gold foliage should pair nicely with one of the eclectic beer selections that the Stirling Hotel offers.

I will raise a pint to my friend, remembering his kindness and fortitude and congratulate him on a life well lived.

Editor’s Note: Bob LaHoff is co-owner of Hall’s Garden Center and Florist in Union County, a member of the Union County Board of Agriculture, the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association, Reeves-Reed Arboretum Buildings and Grounds Committee, a lifetime member of the Conifer Society and past member of the retail council for Monrovia Growers.

He can be reached at (908) 665-0331.

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New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher had the honor of driving a Kubota utility vehicle around the Norz Hill Farm in Hillsborough recently. Providing him with the tour of the Somerset County farm is Richard Norz, farmer and co-owner of the family farmstead. Secretary Fisher made stops in the Jersey Fresh white and bi-color sweet corn field as well as the Jersey Fresh tomato field, which has over 6,000 plants in it.

Secretary Fisher learned how the farm uses natural and/or organic fertilizers, black plastic mulch to reduce the need for herbicides and drip tape irrigation to help conserve water.

12 August, 2015 Business 101 has always taught us that your primary goal is to “beat the competition” at any cost. Pressure to sell work is greater than ever and having a competitive advantage has never been more critical.

As many of you know, I believe it is so important to be involved in your trade associations, but unfortunately, when it comes to being a member, there is an inherent conflict.

Professional associations, by design, are created to help members benefit in a number of ways including: developing their skills, educating themselves, and obtaining preferred pricing and benefits through their association’s buying power.

They also provide a medium for socializing and learning from other members. All that being said, the reality is that when you really sit down and think about it, associations are also a group of competitors working together.

Therefore, by being a member of an association, you really have two choices: avoid participating because of the fact that you will always be surrounded by your competition, or recognize the value that exists and learn that there is more to gain than there is to lose.

This year’s abundant rainfall and changing temperatures are giving us challenges with insects and disease outbreaks in and around our homes and gardens. This is just another version of Jersey weather. Let’s explore what we can do about these things.

As we know, the best defense against insects and disease is a healthy plant. A good fertility program and proper drainage will ward off many disease problems. Working the soil our plants are growing in makes a world of difference. Using soil testing to identify deficiencies and corrective measures can ward off many potential problems. As we have said in the past, improper sanitation, poor drainage, weed eater and lawnmower damage and overmulching are all correctible problems that can have a negative impact on plants.

There are many environmentally friendly pestcontrol measures which we can use to effectively reduce pest populations. Many times, it’s not necessary to eradicate every single insect pest. When this is done, many beneficial insects are eradicated as well.

The idea should be to keep pest

GardenerNews.com The NJLCA Today

By Jody Shilan, MLA Executive Director

Co-opetition Co-opetiton (a blend of the terms cooperation and competition) suggests that competing businesses can take advantages of synergies that exist between them by joining forces when there is mutual benefit while still being competitors in another arena. The challenge is to stop viewing competition as a negative concept and realize that at times, we can work together side by side, while other times compete in the business arena. I have seen many great examples of co-opetition and I would like to share one of theses with you.

Bob Pedatella, owner of Kodiak Landscape, and Mike Tode, owner of Tode the Artistry of Landscape, have worked together as members of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association for years. I asked Bob what impact being a member of an association has had on his

career. He told me that “working with and learning from your competition is very important, especially in these times. Being an active member has clearly helped me get to where I am today. I was able to benefit from networking and made some lifelong friends.”

In the business world, Bob and Mike directly compete with each other for the same type of work. However, they also realize that there are times when working together benefits both of their businesses. According to Mike Tode, “working with your competition helps because you are able to see what other guys are doing and it helps you to come up with new ideas for installation or maintenance.”

This past summer, these two competitors found themselves working right next to each other on a very narrow street in a typical suburban neighborhood. The two

projects shared a property line and were similar in scale and scope.

Both were on 50-by-175-foot lots, with the garage and driveway.

Both clients wanted a rear patio with seat walls and plantings.

The concepts were similar, but material selection, construction details and installation techniques were very different.

Now, as we all know, having two landscape contractors working that close to each other can be a recipe for disaster.

Between deliveries, parking trucks and equipment and the normal confusion encountered in any design/build installation, this situation could have been a logistical nightmare. Even though they compete with each other, Bob and Mike did everything they could to keep both projects running efficiently. They jockeyed trucks and equipment on this narrow street to allow each

The Landscaper

By Evan Dickerson Landscape Professional

Are We Getting Inundated? populations below the point of damage to your plants.

A fascinating group of insect controls are the microbial insecticides. They are extremely attractive due to their degree of safety to the environment. Microbial insecticides incorporate living microorganisms or the toxins derived from them to make mixtures which can be applied in liquid or dry formulations and by many application methods.

Many of these applications are specific to a certain insect and will not impact the beneficial communities. It is important to identify the pest and to ascertain from the label which product will control these pests. Different formulations may be effective against a certain stage in the insect’s development. Those which kill the larval stage may not

be effective against the adults.

Early detection is helpful, as the smaller the insect, the easier control can be.

Perhaps the most common of this group is the Bacillus thuringensis (Bt) insecticides.

These contain a toxin produced by the bacteria which disrupts the feeding of the insects by breaking down the gut wall and allowing toxins to poison the insects, causing death. It often takes a few days for the insects to completely die. However, feeding stops as soon as the toxin is ingested. Since these applications need to be eaten by the target insects, a thorough covering of the host plant needs to be accomplished, including the underside of the leaves.

Bt insecticides are rapidly broken down by sunlight, so avoiding the most direct sunlight during the day is advisable

for better control. Often, a follow-up spray is needed to affect more control. Some examples of insects controlled by the variations of Bt include gypsy moth, bagworm, tent caterpillars, cankerworm and certain other moth and worm infestations. A check of the label will provide the best form of application for the target pest.

Other forms of bacterial insecticide include those which are derived from the bacteria Bacillus popillae and Bacillus lentimorbus. These formulations. Oftend called “milky spores,” can be applied to lawns to control Japanese beetle grubs. They must be watered-in well to ensure that the spores are carried into the soil. The downside to milky spore applications is that there are many forms of grubs which infest our lawns and these

other space to work and minimize the risk of accidents or injuries to their employees. In addition, Mike and Bob got to spy on each other’s projects and share their ideas and trade secrets.

My point is, there are so many great examples of how working with your competitors can be mutually beneficial, and good for our industry. Being a member of NJLCA helps blur the lines between colleague and competitor. If you hope to succeed in the business world, why not see how you can work with your competition to maximize the value of your services for the customer?

Editors Note: Jody Shilan, MLA provides landscape design services for landscape contractors and homeowners.

Jody is also a professional speaker, green industry consultant and host of radio talk show, Landscape Live! He has a BSLA from Cook College, Rutgers University and an MLA from The University of Massachusetts and is currently the Executive Director of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA). He can be reached at 201-783-2844 or jshilan@NJLCA.org spores are very specific in the control afforded. If the only grubs needed to be controlled are Japanese beetle grubs, this could be effective.

As with all pest applications, the label must be thoroughly read and understood. Cautions to the applicator as in the use of gloves, long sleeves and pants, respirators, face shields or similar equipment may even be necessary with some of the alternative pest controls. This will ensure that any allergies or reactions to the formulations are not found out after the fact.

Many people are allergic to or get a skin irritation when exposed to certain natural substances. Erring on the side of caution is always a good policy.

Your local nursery or landscape contractor would be more than happy to help you with identifying these options.

Editor’s Note: Evan Dickerson is owner of Dickerson Landscape Contractors and NaturesPro of North Plainfield. He has been pioneering the organic approach to plant health since 1972. Evan can be reached at 908-753-1490

GardenerNews.com

August, 2015 13

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August, 2015 15

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GardenerNews.com I do not know about you, but I am in the woodlands all the time and with a lot of other people including parents, their children and their pets.

The question I frequently get is: How do I prevent getting Lyme disease? So, I spoke to my neighbor, a warden in the Fish & Wildlife Department, and asked him about ticks and the effects the harsh winter had on them. Typically, ticks are most active from April to September, but this April we still had snow on the ground, after a record 11.5 foot season accumulation.

He told me that they have updated their active tick schedule to go from midMay to October, which means now is prime time for infection.

Fast Facts to Know: Blacklegged (deer) ticks are responsible for spreading Lyme disease. Symptoms include a rash that looks like a bullseye, and summer flu with fatigue, headache, joint swelling and dizziness.

Antibiotics are effective in treating most cases of Lyme disease. Every year, U.S.

August, 2015 17 The Miscellaneous Gardener

By Richard W. Perkins Freelance Writer

“People Keep On Asking Me!� state health departments report about 30,000 cases of Lyme disease to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But the CDC says the true number of cases in the United States could be ten times as high.

Lyme disease is only transmitted to humans from tick bites. With the right steps, and regular tick checks, however, you can prevent Lyme disease. There is no evidence that Lyme disease can be transmitted from person to person.

You also can’t get Lyme disease from your dog, but your friendly quadruped can bring ticks into your home or yard, so check them as well. Not all ticks carry Lyme disease. Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, are the parasites that

have spread the disease in northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central states, while western blacklegged ticks have transmitted the infection on the Pacific Coast. You can probably remove the tick by yourself if you notice it in time. To remove a tick before it’s too late, a pair of fine-tipped tweezers will do the trick.

Frankly, I use my fingernails and then crush them with the end of a large paperclip that I hook to a belt loop. The CDC recommends that you avoid “folklore remedies,� such as painting the tick with nail polish or using match flame to detach it.

The goal is to remove the tick as quickly as possible after you notice it.

In most cases, it takes 36 to 48 hours for an infected tick

to transmit Lyme disease after it attaches itself to you. Nymphs, which are immature ticks that measure less than two millimeters in size, are the primary transmitters of Lyme disease. Because they’re so small, nymphs can go unnoticed in difficult-tosee areas such as the scalp, armpits and groin. Adult ticks can also transmit the disease, but because they’re bigger, many are noticed and removed before they can transmit the infection.

The most common symptom of Lyme disease is a bullseye rash. In 70 to 80 percent of infected people, the bullseye rash, also known by its technical name, erythema migrans, will appear three to 30 days after becoming infected.

The CDC says the average time for the rash to show up is a week. As the rash spreads, parts of it might clear up, which is how the bullseye becomes evident.

Antibiotics are effective for most cases of early Lyme disease if started in time, and the earlier the better. It’s best if they’re started within the first two weeks, but that can be difficult because tests won’t pick up on Lyme disease that early.

My best advice: Be smart and take precautions.

If you’re going outdoors in a grassland or densely wooded area, wear light colored long-sleeved pants and shirts to make ticks easier to spot. Spray clothing with permethrin repellent, and spray DEET directly on your skin. Once inside your home, you should check for ticks in hairy or recessed areas of your body, and be sure to wash all clothing in hot water.

Thanks for reading and see ya next month.

Editors Note: Check out Richard’s photography at; rwperkinsphotography.com

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Expands Spotted Lanternfly Surveillance +$55,6%85* 3$ ĘŠ $V 3HQQV\OYDQLD 'HSDUWPHQW RI $JULFXOWXUH RIILFLDOV FRQWLQXH WKHLU ZRUN ZLWK IHGHUDO DQG ORFDO SDUWQHUV WR FRQILUP DQG HUDGLFDWH WKH invasive Spotted Lanternfly in Berks County, the state announced on July 13 that it is expanding surveillance efforts to neighboring Lehigh and Montgomery counties.

While there is no indication the pest has spread, officials believe this is a prudent, precautionary measure.

The invasive species, also known as Lycorma delicatula, first appeared in the fall of 2014. To date, nearly 100,000 Spotted Lanternfly have been terminated. The United States has not experienced this invasive species prior to its discovery Berks County. “Residents in Lehigh and Montgomery counties should be aware that they will see department surveyors in their areas looking for any signs of the Spotted Lanternfly, but should also know that the invasive species has not yet been found in either county,� said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Our crews are working to look outside the current quarantine area in an effort to contain this invasive insect. We do not want residents in Lehigh or Montgomery counties to be alarmed as there aren’t any impacts to human health, and we want everyone to rest assured that we are taking the needed steps to prevent further spread.�

A quarantine has been put in place around the boroughs of Bally and Bechtelsville and the townships of District, Earl, Hereford, Pike, Rockland and Washington in Berks County. Both Lehigh and Montgomery counties are less than one mile from these areas of Berks County.

While the Spotted Lanternfly -- which is native to China, Indian, Japan Vietnam -- has no known impacts to human health, it could severely impact the state’s grape, fruit tree and hardwood industries. These industries produce sales of approximately $20.5 million, $134 million, and $24 million, respectively. Pine and hardwood logging in Pennsylvania also accounts for $12 billion in sales.

Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive species in Korea, where it has attacked 25 plant species that also grow in Pennsylvania.

State Department of Agriculture officials are encouraging all residents to watch for the Spotted Lanternfly and provided the following tips: ‡,I \RX VHH HJJV 6FUDSH WKHP RII WKH WUHH RU VPRRWK VXUIDFH GRXEOH EDJ WKHP DQG WKURZ WKHP LQ WKH JDUEDJH RU SODFH WKH HJJV LQ DOFRKRO RU KDQG VDQLWL]HU WR kill them. ‡,I \RX FROOHFW D VSHFLPHQ 7XUQ WKH DGXOW VSHFLPHQ RU HJJ PDVV LQ WR WKH GHSDUWPHQWÂśV (QWRPRORJ\ /DE IRU YHULILFDWLRQ )LUVW SODFH WKH VDPSOH LQ DOFRKRO RU KDQG sanitizer in a leak proof container. ‡,I \RX WDNH D SKRWR 6XEPLW SKRWR RI DGXOWV RU HJJ PDVVHV WR EDGEXJ#SD JRY ‡,I \RX UHSRUW D VLWH &DOO WKH %DG %XJ KRWOLQH DW ZLWK GHWDLOV RI WKH VLWLQJ DQG \RXU FRQWDFW LQIRUPDWLRQ Suspect specimens can be submitted to the department in Harrisburg or any one of the six regional offices, as well as to county Penn State Extension offices. “From the moment this invasive species was found, the department has actively worked with community partners to contain the pest,â€? Redding added. “We will continue to work with our partners at every level of government and take proactive measures to minimize its impact on our state and the country.â€?

Earlier this year, Pennsylvania received $2.8 million for 21 projects through the 2014 Farm Bill to protect the state’s agriculture industry against pest and disease threats. More than $1.5 million of the funding allows the state to address the Spotted Lanternfly.

As of the beginning of May 2015, nearly 20,000 Spotted Lanternflies had been terminated through the work of volunteers scraping egg masses throughout the fall, winter and spring. The egg masses have now hatched, and tree bands are being installed at the bottom of the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) to catch nymphs.

At this time of year, the nymphs are quite recognizable, with their bright red color. Since the beginning of May, members of the community, in addition to experts, have volunteered to install tree bands on their properties and provide counts every two weeks.

The Department of Agriculture received nearly $1.4 million to hire crews for survey, installation of tree bands, and to assist in eradication efforts in the initial six Berks County townships infested with the Spotted Lanternfly.

For more information about the Spotted Lanternfly, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and search “Spotted Lanternfly.�

18 August, 2015

Give ’em a hair cut

(Continued from page 1) and interesting ideas as a lecturer performer in hanging baskets and at floriculture trade shows around in the landscape as well. They are the country. extremely tolerant of heat, humidity Since Barlow specializes and cool conditions. I also like in growing hanging baskets, to use different foliage plants in potted plants, seasonal crops and shady hanging baskets. Some of perennials, here was my opportunity these options are pathos, ferns, and to ask a few questions and to learn various varieties of trailing ivy. from one of the best in the industry.

What are the best plants for I have a sunny location on hanging baskets? my porch. What would you I like to recommend petunias, recommend as an easy-to-care- verbena, lantana, and Ivy geraniums. for hanging basket?

These plants all perform very well Ivy geraniums are a great in hanging containers, will bloom choice. They like full sun, are all summer long and work well drought tolerant and will flower when planted together. all summer long. Petunias are also How do I know when to water another great choice. They will my baskets? And when is the best give you large blooms of color time to water them? as long as they are kept wellProper watering is the most watered and fertilized regularly. important part of keeping your Finally, lantana is always a great hanging basket alive all summer. choice. These flowers look great It is very important to make sure in hanging baskets, are drought your hanging baskets are not over tolerant and will continue to send or under watered. The best way to out new flowers all season long. test for this is to push your finger Do you have any in the soil and make sure the soil recommendations for a shady is moist to the touch. It is best to spot in the backyard? water your hanging baskets early Begonias are a perfect fit in the morning. In the heat of for hanging baskets in a shady the summer, make sure that you location. My favorite is the Dragon water until it starts to drain out the Wing begonia. They come in bottom of the basket. On hot windy pink and red and are an excellent days, a second (Cont. on page 20)

GardenerNews.com

A New Blueberry for Home Growers

By Sharon Durham Public Affairs Specialist The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was recently awarded a patent for Nocturne, a blueberry cultivar developed

by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists at the Genetic Improvement of Fruits and Vegetables Laboratory.

The new cultivar came from a blueberry cross made

by ARS plant geneticist Mark Ehlenfeldt in 1993, and the plant was subsequently selected and evaluated from 1996 to 2011.

Nocturne, tested under the name “US 1056,” is a cross between US 874 (a mixed species hybrid) and Premier (a commercial rabbiteye blueberry). This cross incorporates germplasm from three different blueberry species, including one with extreme coldhardiness.

Nocturne is a vigorous, winterhardy, black-fruited blueberry.

This variety is intended to be a specialty market plant for home, landscape, and ornamental use, according to Ehlenfeldt. Nocturne is especially notable for having winter hardiness comparable

to northern highbush blueberry cultivars and for being slow to break dormancy in spring, making it unlike any other rabbiteye blueberry hybrids currently available.

The new blueberry bears fruit reliably in New Jersey, averaging 12 pounds per plant. Although, it is self-pollinating, yields and size are likely to be improved by cross-pollination. Unripe fruit is vivid and red-orange, providing attractive landscape interest. Ripe fruit is black, sweet and mediumsized, with a flavor atypical of either rabbiteye or highbush blueberries. Fruit ripens in late midseason to late season. The scar quality—how cleanly the fruit separates from the stem— is fair, and the fruit has only moderate firmness, so Nocturne is not recommended for storage or shipping.

Nocturne plants may be available to growers within a year or two.

Sharon Durham works for the USDA Agricultural Research Service. She can be reached at (301) 504-1611 or by emailing Sharon.Durham@ars.usda.gov

GardenerNews.com

August, 2015 19

The Marsh Mallow – Good Enough to Eat! Plant sales at Public Gardens definitely provide a pulse of what plant addicts lust for in their Gardens. The Marsh Mallow, botanically known as Hibiscus moscheutos, is always an unusual sales success. I am mystified, because Marsh Mallows are herbaceous, dying back to the ground each winter, and typically there is rarely any new growth apparent in the container come early-May. People are purchasing what appears to be a container of potting soil! Obviously, this is a plant that can stir the passion of a gardener even without any signs of life.

Hibiscus are members of the Malvaceae or Mallow Family, with over 240 genera and 300 species within the Hibiscus genus alone! The word Hibiscus came from the ancient Greek name of Ibiskos or Hibiskos, although the exact meaning is uncertain. It was ascribed to a plant we now know as Althaea officinalis by Here we are getting into the dog days of summer.

August, the month with no holidays in it. Thirty oneplus days to get to Labor Day, which officially ends the summer season. The vacations are over and everyone gets back to the normal day-to-day rituals.

With that being said, by month’s end there will be the first push of hardy outdoor mums to fill all the shelves and benches at your local garden centers. The outdoor mum production has become one of the largest ornamental crops for the fall for New Jersey, more so than any other state in the Northeast.

There are thousands of acres of mums being produced here.

By now, the crops are in the fields, getting watered, fed and monitored to ensure a nice, healthy and well-rounded plant for when they are ready for sale. Speaking of this part of the process, this reminds me of a time I sat in a meeting of my peers and someone expressed their disinterest in farming

Pedanius Discordes (40-90AD).

Pedanius was a physician, pharmacologist and Roman Army physician during the rule of Nero. Serving in the Roman Army, he had the opportunity to travel, study plants and to write De Materia Medica, a five-volume encyclopedia on herbal medicine that served as a medicinal cornerstone for 1,500 years.

Most members of the Mallow Family produce a somewhat slimy material within the tissues, which has the rather unappealing name of mucilage.

In Okra, another member of the Malvaceae, it is this mucilage that produces the rather slimy and – to some – unpalatable quality to the fruit. However, the mucilage is an effective emollient for soothing sunburns and for treating sore throats.

The mucilage from the roots of Althaea officinalis another member of the Malvaceae, were typically mixed with honey and used since ancient Egyptian times for sore throats.

During the 19th Century, the French Confectioners whipped the mucilage and added egg

whites, creating a product that eventually developed into the modern Marshmallow! The species epithet of moscheutos means “musk scented” and refers to the somewhat musky fragrance of the flowers.

Although the ties to Marshmallows might be tempting, this is not the impetus for stirring a gardener’s passion. Rather, the attractive floral display, combined with the plant’s stature, are more likely the keys to this passion.

Marsh Mallows are certainly not small plants; depending upon the cultivar, they reach heights of four to five feet and spreads of three to four feet.

The large and blousy flowers begin to appear in mid-July and typically continue well into August.

Flowers range from three to five inches in diameter, and although each flower only blooms for one day, the abundance of buds guarantees a long season of interest.

The flowers are produced at the tips of the tall stout stems and seedling populations will exhibit flower colors of white to

deep rose, often with a central eye of deep maroon.

Although the plants are native to wetlands from Texas and Florida north to southern Ontario, they will grow perfectly well in average garden soil, provided it is amended with compost and mulched to maintain adequate moisture levels. The foliage is appropriately scaled to the size of the plant and varies from a simple, triangle shape to three slender leaflets. Full sun is best and the plants look best when planted in sweeps where room avails.

Of the numerous selections available, “Lady Baltimore” bares large pink flowers with a red eye. It has proven to be one of the more requested selections.

The “Lady” is a large plant, reaching five feet tall or better.

If a “Lord” is needed for the “Lady,” “Lord Baltimore” bears deep red flowers, on five-foot stems. If a more compact of four feet is needed, consider “Summer Storm” or “Plum Crazy,” which features pink flowers over burgundy foliage.

Another water-loving

The Professional Grower

By Tim Hionis Greenhouse Specialist

Hardy Mums season is just around the corner operations, got up to speak about what farming is and isn’t. He proceeded to explain exactly what farming is on a secondgrade level. He mentioned that it was putting down a crop in a field under the sun, watering it for a little while, and then picking it up when it is ready and sending it to market. He finished by saying, “This is not farming.” This filled the room with snickers and whispers about his train of thought. The best part was that he tried to make his argument in a room full of adults. Thanks for the explanation, Dave.

Anyway, back to mums, the autumn colors that mums produce put on a spectacular show in the landscape. This is

why they are so popular.

The production and the demand have grown for them by leaps and bounds every year because of this. Newer and better varieties and the research that is done on this crop to improve its success are more reasons why they are so popular. The newer varieties grow better and are stronger, more rounded and uniform. They are stronger in resisting disease and bug infestation.

Mums are heavy feeders and like to drink water. In the older days of growing mums, many farmers would actually plant them in the ground. When it was time to harvest them, they would go through the fields and dig them up and stuff them in a container

for shipping. This was a very labor intensive process and took a longer time to harvest them. Most farmers have adapted to planting them directly into their finished containers and running irrigation lines over them to insure they get their proper watering and feeding of each plant.

This reduced the amount of labor needed at the time of harvest and allowed the farmer to be able to keep up with shipping out the crop easier. This is also a more efficient way of irrigation, which allows all the water to be delivered straight to the crop with no water loss. Also, by digging up the plant and stuffing it in a pot, the potential for transplant shock was a lot higher the old way, and if

Hibiscus to consider is Hibiscus coccineus. The species epithet means scarlet and that certainly describes the flower color well. Growing to seven feet, this species is only hardy to zone 6/7 and should be given a location that is more protected from winter’s chill.

Whether the focus is flower, confection or herbal remedy, Hibiscus is a plant that has proven to stir the passions of many a gardener!

Editor’s Note: Bruce Crawford is a lover of plants since birth; is the managing director of the Rutgers Gardens, a 180-acre outdoor teaching classroom, horticultural research facility and arboretum; an adjunct professor in Landscape Architecture at the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences; regularly participates in the Rutgers – Continuing Education Program; and the immediate pastpresident of the Garden State Gardens Consortium. He can be reached at (732) 932-8451. For more information, please visit www.rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu an inexperienced laborer wasn’t doing it properly, would cause the plant to die almost immediately.

Mums aren’t the only crops that are getting ready for the fall season. Other complementary crops include the fall or winter pansy, ornamental cabbage and kale, ornamental peppers, fall celosia, and fall perennials and grasses.

Now, in August, is a great time to start planning a project for when the temperatures cool down in September. Keep in mind that September is one of the best months to plant perennials, shrubs and trees. September’s cool and favorable temps allow plant material that is hardy for our area to root in and get established before the harsh weather conditions of winter hit.

Editor’s Note: Tim Hionis has been growing plants for over 20 years, and is co-owner of Hionis Greenhouses and Garden Center in Whitehouse Station, NJ. He can be reached by calling (908) 534-7710.

20 August, 2015

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Gardener News show it to a friend!

Summer is moving fast my friends At this point, Jersey Fresh produce is peaking. So take advantage of it, because before you know it, those wonderful tomatoes, corn, peaches and everything else will be gone until next year.

This month, I will be writing about corn, one of our state’s most treasured crops.

More specifically, sweet white corn, with which I will be doing a gazpacho soup with roasted Jersey sweet corn.

Gazpacho is usually served chilled and comes to us from Spain. There are many variations and it is loaded with flavor. Summer is the perfect time for this soup, especially due to the fact that it has a tomato base. Other ingredients include peppers, onions, garlic and herbs. Pretty much a lot of the stuff we grow in our own back yards.

The Jersey corn we are most famous for is the white variety, which is also called sugar corn due to its high sugar content, which is a result of a recessive mutation. It was introduced to European settlers by the Iroquois Indians around 1779 and became

GardenerNews.com

Give ’em a hair cut

(Continued from page 1) If the plants start to sprinkler system you may want look straggly, what can I do to put your baskets near some to make them look garden of the sprinkler heads so they center new again? will get watered. If you do not I always recommend have a sprinkler system, you giving your hanging baskets should put your baskets in a a hair cut in the middle of the shady spot in your yard, water summer. This can be done with them heavily before you leave a pair of clean, sharp scissors. and try and have a neighbor You want to cut the basket check them every other day. back to the middle of the pot, When the hanging basket making sure that you cut back season is over and it’s time to all the straggly looking parts take them down, any tips? of the plant. Next you want It’s best not to water them to fertilize with a liquid-based for about three days. This will fertilizer such as Miracle- make them much lighter and Gro Bloom Booster. This is a easier to handle. special plant food developed Maybe this is why I see with high phosphorus for color hanging baskets everywhere. and bloom yield. This will According to the most recent encourage the plant to form floriculture study by the new, healthy growth. In about United States Department two weeks, your baskets will of Agriculture’s National look brand new and you will Agricultural Statistics Service, have the rest of the summer to New Jersey ranked sixth in the enjoy them. nation in expanded wholesale What should I do with value of floriculture crops my hanging baskets when I with a value of $196 million. go on vacation?

New Jersey ranked third in If you decide to leave for a the aggregate categories number of days in the heat of of herbaceous perennials at the summer, you want to make $53 million and cut flowers sure your baskets stay watered. at $15 million. The total If you have an automatic covered area for floriculture

watering may be necessary.

Baskets like to stay evenly moist. If they do get dry, it will require several watering sessions in an eight-hour period to fully rehydrate them.

How often should they be fertilized and what is the best type to use?

Fertilizing your hanging baskets is very important.

Hanging baskets need a constant supply of nutrients to stay green and produce new flowers. A good liquidbased fertilizer, applied once a week, will keep your hanging baskets looking beautiful all summer long. My favorite is Scott’s Miracle-Grow.

What is deadheading and how often should it be done?

Deadheading is the process of removing dead or spent blooms. Doing this weekly will help to encourage new blooms to form on your flowers. When the spent flowers are left on a plant, they will take the energy from the plant and new blooms are not encouraged to form.

From the Deep

By Craig Korb Executive Chef

A Jersey corn delight very popular in southern and central regions of the U.S. Nutritionally speaking, one large ear of corn contains approximately 113 calories, 1.64 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of protein, with a sugar content of about 4.69. This is, of course, before we slather it with butter and mass quantities of salt.

Sweet corn is a good source of fiber, niacin, vitamin C and potassium, as well as having some antioxidant properties.

Corn in New Jersey is most active during the months of July and August and nationally our state ranks ninth overall in production. We have an estimated production value of over 23 million dollars annually. Not too shabby for our small state. As far as storage is concerned, it should be stored in the husk and refrigerated until ready to eat

and consumed within a few days for maximum flavor.

Back to our soup recipe and a little about our summer down here on the coast. First off this soup is great for lunch, dinner or just a quick snack. It will last in the refrigerator for a few days and can be topped with grilled fish, shrimp or scallops for a great dinner main course. The other nice thing about it is the fact that you can change it up slightly according to your tastes. Feel free to omit anything you don’t like, such as certain herbs or even vegetables, the garlic, olive oil, etc. For instance, if you don’t care for basil (which my wife despises) you can always substitute cilantro. And quickly, just wanted to mention that so far we have had a great summer season down here, the beaches have been amazing,

the weather cooperating and most businesses seem to be doing quite well. The roads are pretty clear down here with just a few things to be tied up and hopefully completed by fall. It’s been a hard way back since Sandy, but slowly and surely things are coming back better than ever. Good luck with the recipe and enjoy the rest of summer before it’s gone!

Summer gazpacho with roasted Jersey sweet corn (serves 4) 2 ears of Jersey corn, shucked, cut off the cob and roasted with a drizzle of olive oil, on a sheet pan in a 450 degree oven until slightly browned 4 lg. Jersey tomatoes, seeded and diced 1 med. onion, diced small 1 garlic clove, minced

crop production in the Garden State in 2014 was 26.7 million square feet. New Jersey was third nationally for floriculture grown under glass. Open ground floriculture totaled 4,720 acres. When considering total land area, New Jersey is more than twice as densely devoted to floriculture as any other state.

My colorful baskets are hanging from the trees on nice black plant hooks, just above the deer browsing line.

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 and landscaping communities through this newspaper and GardenerNews.com.

6 lg. basil leaves, chopped 1 green pepper, diced small 1 lg. cucumber, seeded and diced small 2 Tbsp. vinegar, balsamic, sherry or red wine Salt and fresh black pepper to taste 1/2 tsp. cumin 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce A couple dashes of Tabasco Juice of 1 lime or lemon Half a can or more, depending on desired consistency, of V-8 or tomato juice Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling over the soup when served (optional) MethodCombine all ingredients in a large non-reactive bowl, let sit for at least one hour and enjoy!

Editor’s Note: Craig Korb is executive chef at The Crab’s Claw Inn, Lavallette, New Jersey. He has an Associates degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelors degree in Food Service Management from Johnson and Wales University. For more information visit www.TheCrabsClaw.com or phone (732) 793-4447.

GardenerNews.com

August, 2015 21

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22 August, 2015

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Eastern Produce Council Appoints New Executive Director 6+257 +,//6 1- ĘŠ 7KH %RDUG RI 'LUHFWRUV RI WKH (DVWHUQ 3URGXFH &RXQFLO (3& LV SURXG WR DQQRXQFH WKH DSSRLQWPHQW RI 6XVDQ McAleavey Sarlund as Executive Director of the Eastern Produce Council.

Susan is a graduate of Boston College with a BA in Communications; she went on to achieve her Master’s degree in Marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. Susan is currently part of the Northeast Sales team for the New York Apple Association. She held various sales and marketing positions with companies including Nabisco, Hilton Hotels and two investment firms, prior to joining New York Apple. Susan brings a wealth of knowledge as well as experience to the EPC, where she has served under her father and former longtime Executive Director John McAleavey over the past five years.

Vic Savanello, President of the Eastern Produce Council, said: “Susan was the natural choice, there were no other candidates for this position that could hit the ground running and keep the EPC course set straight as we know Susan can! We are very happy to be able to retain Susan. The vote at our July 14th meeting was unanimous in support of Susan’s appointment, and we can’t wait to see her blossom as our new leader.�

With a current membership of over 450 members, today’s Eastern Produce Council is a thriving produce organization whose members include retailers, wholesale distributors, growers, vendors/brokers, logistics and transportation professionals, as well as commodity groups, food service and other associations.

28 Schools Receive Free Salad Bars :$6+,1*721 ' & ʊ 2YHU WKH SDVW \HDU WKH PHPEHUV RI 8QLWHG )UHVK 3URGXFH ,QGXVWU\ /HDGHUVKLS 3URJUDPœV &ODVV UDLVHG IXQGV to support the donation of 28 salad bars for schools. The group’s donations will benefit nearly 15,000 children in 10 states across the country, including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Texas.

The donations will assist schools with meeting the new school lunch nutrition standards, while empowering students to choose their own fruits and vegetables from a variety of choices on the salad bar each day. “The members of Class 20 share a passion for increasing children’s produce consumption and doing what we can to ensure the next generation grows up with easy access to fresh, healthy food,� said class member Hilary Martin Long, Director of Business Development for Frey Farms. “Supporting the United Fresh Start Foundation and its work with salad bars for schools just seemed like a natural fit.�

Long added: “Throughout the past year on our ‘leadership journey,’ we’ve been able to interact with so many industry leaders who have shared their time, knowledge and expertise with us. It’s been incredible and demonstrated to us the importance of giving back. That’s why Class 20 organized our respective companies, friends and industry colleagues to support Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools.�

The Class 20 fellows organized this class project to give back to the industry and their respective communities.

The 28 salad bars facilitated by Class 20 will benefit the following schools/school districts: Hyder School District Dateland, Ariz.; Santa Cruz Valley USD No. 35, Rio Rico, Ariz.; Panama-Buena Vista Union School District, Bakersfield, Calif.; Las Virgenes Unified School District, Calabasas, Calif.; Sacramento City Unified School District, Sacramento, Calif.; Union School District, San Jose, Calif.; Upland Unified School District, Upland, Calif.; Coral Springs Charter School, Coral Springs, Fla.; Gwinnett County Public Schools, Lawrenceville, Ga.; Niles Elementary School District 71, Niles, Ill.; North Lawrence Community Schools, Bedford, Ind.; The Oaks Academy, Indianapolis, Ind.; South Haven Public Schools, South Haven, Mich.; Charter School for Applied Technologies, Buffalo, N.Y.; Oakfield Alabama Central School District, Oakfield, N.Y.; Urban Choice Charter School, Rochester, N.Y.; Cloverleaf Local Schools, Lodi, Ohio; and KIPP San Antonio, San Antonio, Tex. These salad bar donations were made possible with the support of the following companies and individuals: Advance Customs and Brokers LLC; Big Chuy; Cayuga Produce; Dan Andrews Farms LLC; Daumar Corporation; Del Don Chemical Company; DFI Marketing; Fresh Express; Fresh Farms; Fresh Gourmet/Sugar Foods; Frey Farms; Frieda’s Inc; General Produce; Giorgio Fresh; Graves Packaging Solutions LLC; GreenPoint Distributing LLC; Grow Farms; Holthouse Farms; Icardo Farms; IFCO Systems N.A.; IG Fruit; International Paper; Jac. Vandenberg, Inc.; Kings River Packing; Kirschenman Enterprises; Marie’s (Ventura Foods); Mas Melons & Grapes; Matt McInerney; Mijac Alarm; Morada Produce Co.; National Watermelon Association; National Watermelon Promotion Board; NatureSweet; Naturipe Farms; New York Bold; Next Gen Agro; Prima Frutta/Primavera; Pro Citrus Network; Red Blossom Sales; Seald Sweet/UNIVEG Group; Sigma Sales; Sunterra Produce Traders, Inc.; Ten Star Farming; Twin Lake Cranberry Co., LLC; Uesugi Farms; Van Groningen & Sons; and Yuma Safe Produce Council.

The recently graduated Class 20 members include: Mike Anderson, Kingston Fresh; Stephanie Barlow, National Watermelon Promotion Board; Leah Brakke, Black Gold; Jeff Cady, Tops Markets, Inc.; Jacquie Ediger, Pro Citrus Network, Inc.; Kimberly Flores, Seald-Sweet LLC/UNIVEG Group; Aaron Hunter, Caito Foods Service, Inc.; Alex Jackson, Frieda’s, Inc.; Brian Knott, Grow Farms; Hilary Martin Long, Frey Farms; Ryan Van Groningen, Van Groningen & Sons, Inc., and Kami Weddle, Rousseau Farming Company.

The members of Leadership Class 20 recently graduated at the 2015 United Fresh convention in Chicago. This also marked the 20th year of the Produce Industry Leadership Program, which has been made possible through the support of program sponsor DuPont Crop Protection since 1995.

In addition to the graduation of Leadership Class 20, the new members of Leadership Class 21 were also announced. For more information about the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program visit www.unitedfresh.org or contact Miriam Wolk, Vice President, Member Services at 202-303-3410.

About the United Fresh Start Foundation The United Fresh Start Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization focused exclusively on increasing children’s access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Affiliated with the United Fresh Produce Association, the Foundation is committed to helping today’s kid’s achieve the public health goal to make half their plate fruits and vegetables in order to live longer and healthier lives. We work to create an environment in which kids have easy access to high-quality, great-tasting and affordable fresh fruits and vegetables, whenever and wherever they are choosing snacks or a meal.

Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools is a public health campaign to increase salad bars in schools across the country so that every child has the choice of healthy fruits and vegetables every day at school. Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools supports First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative to end childhood obesity in a generation. Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools founding partners are: The United Fresh Start Foundation, National Fruit and Vegetable Alliance, the Chef Ann Foundation and Whole Kids Foundation. More information can be found online at www.saladbars2schools.org.

GardenerNews.com

August, 2015 23

Organic Berries with Organic Nursery Plants :$76219,//( &$ ʊ 'ULVFROOœV DQQRXQFHV D EURDG H[SDQVLRQ RI RUJDQLF QXUVHU\ SODQW SURGXFWLRQ DQG D commitment to providing all of Driscoll’s USDA-certified organic growers with organic nursery plants.

Driscoll’s innovation continues to pave the way for the organic berry market by continuously improving organic production practices and moving agriculture forward in meaningful ways. As the market leader in the fresh organic berry market, Driscoll’s is a trusted brand for consumers looking for organic strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. This commitment to organic nursery plants for all of Driscoll’s independent organic growers demonstrates Driscoll’s leadership in meeting and exceeding U.S. organic standards.

Every Driscoll’s berry begins life in a nursery. Nursery plants are grown, harvested and carefully packed and delivered to independent growers for commercial fruit production. Growing certified organic starter plants from the nursery to provide organic growers healthy, pest- and disease-free plants is a priority for Driscoll’s. Driscoll’s has developed and expanded an organic nursery program certified by California Certified Organic Farmerst (CCOF) for the past seven years. Currently, Driscoll’s maintains the only organic strawberry nursery certified by CCOF, the nation’s oldest and largest third-party certifying agency. There are no other known commercial organic strawberry start nurseries certified under the USDA National Organic Program. “In the nearly 20 years that CCOF has worked with Driscoll’s, they have truly led the organic sector -expanding organic acreage, investing in new organic growers and supporting employee participation in organic standards development, including on the National Organics Standards Board,� said Cathy Calfo, executive director of CCOF. “Driscoll’s commitment to developing organic nursery plants marks welcome leadership in the organic sector.�

Driscoll’s nursery operations are proud of the seven years invested in researching the viability of organically grown strawberry plants. This significant accomplishment speaks to the long-term commitment for rolling out the program across all berries in the coming years. Today, approximately 10 percent of Driscoll’s organic strawberry production in Watsonville and Salinas comes from certified organic plants. “Since our first sales of organic berries in the late 1980s, we’ve seen tremendous growth in our organic business due to increasing consumer market demand,� said Soren Bjorn, executive vice president of Driscoll’s. “We are committed to fully deliver on the spirit of the organic program across all our berries and see this process as a journey to an exciting future.�

The commitment to strive for all organic nursery plants is another example of a long line of first-moves in the berry industry for Driscoll’s. With more than 100 years of family farming heritage, Driscoll’s has been a pioneer in the berry industry across many fronts. Driscoll’s is one of the few berry companies with a dedicated global research and development program focusing on growing proprietary berry varieties exclusively for their independent growers to deliver a superior berry flavor experience. Driscoll’s mission is to continually delight berry consumers through the alignment with their customers and berry growers.

A garden center photographer David Williams, right, was born into the garden center business. He is co-owner of Williams Nursery and The Gift House in Westfield, Union County, N.J. His grandfather taught him little secrets about flowers, such as how impatiens produce seeds that pop when touched, and how snap dragons’ mouths can be made to move by squeezing the sides of the flowers. His father taught him that hard work leads to success. And also taught him about flower colors and shapes, and how to use their visual texture to increase the aesthetic appeal of plantings.

Williams loves to take photos of flowers that he sees on a daily basis, on his property, and in the surrounding landscape, far and wide.

His photography hobby started in the 1980s, his college days. In 2011, he had some major trauma in his personal life, and in 2013 he decided that he needed to heal himself. He wanted to appreciate everything that was around him. At that point he decided that he was going to use his camera every single day. In the next year and a half, Williams has taken over 20,000 photographs. “Photography is what I do to put myself into the moment,� said Williams. “It’s when time stops, and I can appreciate the magic.�

In the middle of July, a few of Williams’ photographs were put on display in the Millburn Free Public Library in Essex County, N.J. Michael Banick, left, the libraries director, speaks to Williams about his red Anemone flower photo that is printed on aluminum. Williams said the metal gives an amazing sheen, and enhances the flower’s beauty even more. He also told Banick that the Anemone is also known as the wind flower. Banick also Tom Castronovo/Photo asked Williams a few gardening questions as well.

24 August, 2015

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Support NJ Agriculture JERSEY GROWN

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When you’re shopping for JERSEY GROWN nursery stock, you know the trees, shrubs, plants and flowers are checked for quality, disease, are pest free, and accustomed to the Garden State’s climate and soil conditions.

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GardenerNews.com Remember George and Yortuk Festrunk?

You know, Steve Martin (George) and Dan Akroyd (Yortuk), those “wild and crazy” guys and their classic skit from Saturday Night Live? Imagine these guys sauntering around their yards, evaluating their lawns. This year we have seen it all, a lot of “wild and crazy” things happening.

Recently, I have heard reports of snow mold damage on lawns. How can that be, it was almost 90 degrees and humid around the first day of summer?

Due to the extreme winter snow cover, snow mold affected a lot of lawns. The best way to curb this is to fertilize the lawn in earlyspring. Choose March as the month to fertilize and “grow-out” this problem. If this feeding is missed or put down too late, the grass roots never have a chance to avoid fungus damage.

Many lawns in June suffered and might need re-seeding because of this “wild and crazy” phenomenon.

What about crabgrass?

By the time you read this,

August, 2015 25 Turf ‘s Up

By Todd Pretz Professional Turf Consultant

A wild and crazy year…. there will be crabgrass in lawns. The spring’s cool, wet weather, coupled with the drought in May, allowed crabgrass to take hold as lawns shut down. Delay putting down your first crabgrass preventer until later in the spring, say earlyMay. Put down a second preventative treatment in early-June to extend the crabgrass window of control throughout the summer months. The smart ones treated only sunny areas of their lawn, since crabgrass does not grow in the shade and they had to be using a Dimension product for this to work properly. Folks that had crabgrass problems in the past who followed this plan had great success with crabgrass control. I know, it’s a “wild and crazy” idea,

but it works.

May was dry and June was wetter than usual.

Grubs need a certain amount of moisture to reproduce, so we’ll see if grubs are in abundance this August when you read this article. Grubs may show their presence when skunks dig in your lawn looking for food. Grubs chew on grass roots, eventually killing the plant. However, a healthy growing lawn can withstand about 10 grubs per square foot, and that’s a lot of grubs! If I had that many, I would want to treat them to get rid of them to avoid a complete loss of my lawn. You can apply imidacloprid products in early-August with some success or trichlorphon products in mid- to late-

August if grubs are going “wild and crazy” eating on your lawn roots.

Is fungus among us?

Summertime is when many lawns fungi are active.

Certain agronomic factors have to be present for fungus to develop, including a plant host, an infectious pathogen and suitable environmental conditions for the pathogen to infect and grow, including some level of moisture. Common summer lawn diseases include summer patch, brown patch and dollar spot. You can manage these diseases with proper cultural practices in your lawncare program, including a balanced fertilizer program, proper watering and mowing. Do not do anything to excess; water

deeply and infrequently; set your mower cutting height high and apply a light feeding, preferably with an organic lawn fertilizer during summer months. If necessary, there are lawn fungicides available to treat and control many lawn diseases.

If you prefer not to follow these “wild and crazy” steps in August and choose to go to the beach, that’s OK. Instead, think about what you may need to do in early-fall, which is a great time to renovate your lawn.

I admit, I had a similar pair of tight checkered pants like George and Yortuk that I wore in high school. However, I did not unbutton my polyester shirt to my waist or wear any gold chains. I was a ‘wild and crazy” guy, too. You rock, George and Yortuk!

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

Toro Introduces New MyRIDE™ Suspension System on Select Z Master® Mowers Fully suspended operator platform is designed to deliver an amazingly comfortable ride (BLOOMINGTON, MN)— The Toro Company is excited to introduce the all-new MyRIDE™ suspension system available on select Toro® Z Master® zeroturn mowers. Built for maximum comfort, the innovative MyRIDE suspension system features a fully suspended operator platform that delivers 3.6” of travel and isolates the operator from the rest of the machine. This design reduces impacts, bumps and vibrations for a more comfortable ride.

The MyRIDE suspension system also features adjustable rear shocks, which allow each operator to choose his or her own personalized comfort setting. The system is quick and easy to adjust, and it offers a wide range of ride preferences from soft to firm. Best of all, new Z Master mowers with MyRIDE deliver maximum comfort and ride quality without compromising the performance, durability, reliability and unmatched quality of cut of the Z Master mower.

The MyRIDE suspension system will be available on four models in the Z Master line, including the 3000 Series with 60” deck, 5000 Series with 60” deck, and the 6000 Series with the 60” and 72” cutting decks.

“Our goal was to combine Toro’s legendary toughness with an industry-leading ride experience,” explains Chris Hannan, marketing manager for The Toro Company. “The response from those who have tested this product in the field has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The MyRIDE suspension system is ideal for acreage owners with larger properties, as well as landscape contractors and other professionals who mow each day.

Customers will benefit from the MyRIDE suspension system with a superior ride experience and increased productivity — especially when mowing for extended periods of time.

For more information about the MyRIDE suspension system, please visit toro.com/myride or see your local Toro dealer.

About The Toro Company The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment including turf, snow and ground engaging equipment, and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions. With sales of $2.2 billion in fiscal 2014, Toro’s global presence extends to more than 90 countries. Through constant innovation and caring relationships built on trust and integrity, Toro and its family of brands have built a legacy of excellence by helping customers care for golf courses, landscapes, sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties and agricultural fields. For more information, visit www.toro.com.

Receive Receipts for USDA Services Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds agricultural producers that FSA provides a receipt to customers who request or receive assistance or information on FSA programs.

As part of FSA’s mission to provide enhanced customer service, producers who visit FSA will receive documentation of services requested and provided. From December through June, FSA issued more than 327,000 electronic receipts.

The 2014 Farm Bill requires a receipt to be issued for any agricultural program assistance requested from FSA, the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Rural Development (RD). Receipts include the date, summary of the visit and any agricultural information, program and/or loan assistance provided to an individual or entity.

In some cases, a form or document – such as a completed and signed program enrollment form –serve as the customer receipt instead of a printed or electronic receipt. A service is any information, program or loan assistance provided whether through a visit, email, fax or letter.

To learn more about FSA, visit www.fsa.usda.gov or to find your local USDA office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.

26 August, 2015

GardenerNews.com RUTGERS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PHONE DIRECTORY

Master Horticulturalist Passes

Monrovia announced the passing of its former CEO, William Bruce Usrey, 76, on July 7, 2015.

For nearly 50 years, Bruce, as he was known, guided the growth and expansion of Monrovia, the largest grower of premium container plants in the United States. After serving in the United States Air Force, he joined Monrovia in 1968 and managed plant production. From 1986 to 1998, he was chief operating officer, overseeing the company’s expansion of new growing locations in Dayton, Ore., and Visalia, Calif. In 1998, Bruce was named president and later, in 2002, chief executive officer. Under his leadership, Monrovia saw another surge in growth with its merger with Wight and Berryhill Nurseries, adding three East Coast growing fields to Monrovia’s production.

In recent years, Bruce served as a managing director of the company, and was based in Dayton, Ore. He served as president of ANLA’s grower division, the Wholesale Nursery Growers of America, in 1993.

He and his wife Susie, and the Usrey family left a major legacy in the form of two endowed scholarships through the Horticultural Research Institute — the Usrey Family Scholarship, and the Bruce and Susie Usrey Scholarship. “Bruce was a true Horticultural Craftsman,� says Miles Rosedale, CEO of Monrovia. “He will be greatly missed.�

Bruce is survived by his wife, Susie, who also has worked for Monrovia for nearly 40 years.

New Jersey Agricultural Secretary Appointed to National Post

75(1721 1- ʊ 1HZ -HUVH\ 6HFUHWDU\ RI $JULFXOWXUH 'RXJODV + )LVKHU D IHDWXUHG FROXPQLVW IRU this paper, has been selected to serve as the Northeastern regional representative on the 2015-2016 National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Board of Directors. Fisher’s term will begin on the last day of the 2015 NASDA annual meeting, which will take place September 13-16.

Fisher served as President of the Northeast Association of State Departments of Agriculture from 2012 to 2013 and is a past-Treasurer of NASDA. NASDA is governed by a 10-member Board of Directors consisting of a five-member Executive Committee; one At-Large member; and the presidents of the four NASDA regions. Executive Committee members are the officers of the association and serve a five-year term. (Each region has at least one member serving on the Executive Committee.)The regional presidents serve a one-year term. The At-Large member is selected by the Executive Committee.

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture was founded in 1916. NASDA is both nonprofit and non-partisan.

The mission is to represent the state departments of agriculture in the development, implementation and communication of sound public policy and programs which support and promote the American agricultural industry, while protecting consumers and the environment.

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: 856-307-6450 Hudson County Phone: 201-915-1399 Hunterdon County Phone: 908-788-1339 Mercer County Phone: 609-989-6830

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

STANLEY OSUR The Premier Gardening Monthly Newspaper Number 148 Published Monthly Contact Information Phone: 908.604.4444 Website: www.GardenerNews.com E-Mail: Mail@GardenerNews.com Staff Executive Editor/ Publisher . . . .

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Todd Pretz Jody Shilan Bob LaHoff Peter Melick Richard Perkins

Contributing Writers Bruce Crawford Jeannie Geremia Sharon Durham

Hubert Ling Richard Buckley

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5($' 7+,6 3$3(5 21/,1( ‡ ::: *$5'(1(51(:6 &20 Full Moon, August 29th, 2015 Eastern Daylight

TIP OF THE MONTH

Basil loves warm weather and lots of sunlight. When harvesting, do so early in the morning for the best flavor. This is when the oil content in the leaves is highest. Instead of just removing individual leaves, cut back whole stems. This will create a bushier plant that will produce more leaves.

Frequent harvesting also keeps the leaves young, with greater flavor, and prevents the plant from going to seed and halting production. Pinch off any flower spikes immediately to continue rapid growth. When watering, always water the soil. Enjoy!

GardenerNews.com

August, 2015 27

HARD-CORE COMFORT Long days will feel shorter with the all-new, amazingly comfortable MyRIDE™ suspension system on select Toro® Z Master® mowers.

The fully suspended, adjustable operator platform isolates bumps and vibrations so you don’t feel the rough terrain. It’s the Toro toughness you expect with a ride you won’t believe.

FEEL THE MyRIDE DIFFERENCE. DEMO ONE TODAY! LEARN MORE AT TORO.COM/MYRIDE

© 2015 The Toro Company

28 August, 2015

GardenerNews.com

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