KMH Lawn & Garden 2013

April 2013

A special supplement of Gemini Newspapers.

Publishers of The Kings Mountain Herald, The Banner News, and The Cherryville Eagle

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Home, Lawn & Garden

April 10, 2013

Spring tonics, elixirs and eats All from wild plants!

By Alan Hodge Spring is here and many folks’ thoughts are turning back to how they used to perk up mind, body, and spirit during that time with tonics, elixirs, and eats which were made from wild plants.

The number of wild plants that local people have made use of over the years is impressive. So is their knowledge of just what plant produces a particular effect.

This knowledge is not to be taken lightly.

The number-one rule of thumb about using springtime wild plants for perking yourself up is knowing exactly what you are putting in your mouth and what its effects are. That said, let’s take a look at some of the plants and their uses that local folks used to kick up their heels in springtime.

One of the most popular sources for spring tonics and tea is the sassafras tree.

Also known as root beer tree, saloop, and ague tree, sassafras is often found growing along the edges of roads and old fields.

Both the bark and twigs of sassafras can be used for medicine or tonics. When it was discovered by early settlers, it was also one of the first things they sent back to England where it was said to cure “stinking breath, dropsy, feeble stomach, agues, and sore eyes.�

Among mountain folks, the saying goes that if you drink sassafras tea in March, you won’t have to visit a doctor all year.

Dorus Woodward of Mount Holly recalled that his father used to dig sassafras and sorrel roots and make tea that he gave to local Dr. Taylor’s patients. “It was back in the horse and buggy days,� Woodward said. “Some folks used to take sassafras twigs and use them to dip snuff with too.�

Wild spring onions and their relatives are an important source of vitamin C to

Photo by Alan Hodge

Dorus Woodward and Ilene Buchanon both recalled days when wild plants provided healthy alternatives to “store bought� medicines and foods. country and hill people. Uses that can be made of these plants include sauces, pickled onions, fried onions, and salad garnishes. One wild onion relative, the ramp, is so well known that each spring sees a festival held in its honor in the North Carolina mountains.

Ruby Buchanon of Stanley recalled her mom’s onion cough medicine. “She would cut up onions and put sugar on them, then we would eat the onions � Buchanon said. “She also used spring pine tops and would boil them with sugar for cough syrup.�

Another popular country wild plant that folks have turned to for nourishment for many generations is poke sallet. Made famous by the song “Poke Sallet Annie� by pop singer Tony Joe White, the plant is also called cancer jalap, gorget, and pigeonberry.

The main thing to remember about poke sallet is that the roots and berries are said to be poisonous. The leaves are best when eaten young and tender. Before dining on the leaves, make sure you boil them for a minute in two changes of water, then sautĂŠ gently in a little bit of oil.

Ilene Potter of Belmont recollected her mother’s liking for poke sallet. “Mom used to cook it all the time,� she said. “I didn’t like it but she did. You have to be careful what you picked because some was poison.�

A staple of spring wild plant use is the dandelion. From its bright yellow flower to the tender green leaves, the blooming of the dandelion signals not only the coming of spring, but also the availability of a vital source of vitamins. One of the most legendary uses of the dandelion among country folk is wine making. Incredibly easy to make by simply putting sugar and

water in a crock with the flowers and letting it work, dandelion wine has brought many a smile to an old timer’s face.

As for the dandelion greens, they are a great source of iron and vitamin C. Among the many ways they can be prepared is mixed raw in salads or fried with eggs and bacon.

For a bit of springtime sweetness, do what the country kids do and look for a patch of wild strawberries. Rich in vitamin C and iron, wild strawberries have a sharper taste and are smaller than their commercial cousins.

Besides tangy pie and jam, other uses for wild strawberries are tea from the leaves and strawberry “leather.� This unusual item is made by mashing the strawberries, rolling out the pulp and letting it dry.

Its bright blue flowers a familiar springtime sight along country roadways, rural folks have used chicory since colonial times for everything from salad to a way to give coffee a real jolt. Packed full of calcium, as well as vitamins A and C, chicory is naturalized in our area from Europe.

Chicory has even played an important

role in Southern history. During the War Between the States, coffee supplies in the South dropped to just about nothing. In an attempt to come up with a substitute or some means to stretch the precious grounds, many folks dried chicory roots, chopped them up, and mixed them with what little java they had. Today, there’s even a brand of coffee that still has chicory as part of its blend.

One of the best sources for more information on how country people and other folks use spring wild plants is Vol. II of the “Foxfire� series edited by Eliot Wigginton. Another is “Wildflowers of North Carolina� by William Justice and C. Ritchie Bell.

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Home, Lawn & Garden

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Need to paint? Nowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the time!

Tim Miller Bridges Hardware

In spite of the cool temperatures weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had so far this spring, better conditions are coming for beginning that painting project youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve planned. Before beginning there are a few things to consider that, when taken into account, will give you the job youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hoping for.

Paint film failures can often be traced back to surface preparation. Always make sure that the surface, whether interior or exterior, is dry and free of surface contaminants: dirt, oil, grease, wax, sanding residue, soap film to name a few. On previously painted interior walls a good general purpose cleaner may be made using tri-sodium phosphate.

Be sure and rinse well and allow the surface to completely dry before painting. In our area, mildew on exterior surfaces poses a significant problem. Rather than simply bleaching out this fungus, consider using a preventive wash to inhibit re-formation.

Since temperatures have been cooler than normal, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s address weather conditions.

Of course this primarily applies to exterior painting but can affect even interior paint jobs. For best results, paint when outside temperature, surface temperature, and paint temperature is 70 degrees and humidity is 50%. Rarely will we have all four perfect, but these are the optimum conditions.

The applicator used for any paint job is the understated hero or villain. Think of it this way- selecting a quality paint is like dressing up for the prom. Would you ride a bicycle to the dance after donning your tux or formal dress? Neither should you choose the low end paint brush or roller and expect the best performance. Yes, the bike will get you to the prom and the least expensive applicators will put paint on the wall. Instead, consider purchasing brushes and roller covers of better or best construction and balance, compare the painting experience and results, and then care for the tools as prescribed by your paint manufacturer and the local painting experts so that they will be in top shape for your next project.

Couple these factors with quality paint selection and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll enjoy the finished product for years.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Growing Asparagus at Homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Jason Rhodes Rhodesdale Farm

Many gardeners do not attempt growing asparagus plants since it is not a fast producer.

If you have avoided cultivating this succulent plant in the past, I want to encourage you to give it a try this season with helpful tips found below!

126 Bessie Drive â&#x20AC;˘ Kings Mountain, NC 28086

Phone: 704-259-6100 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: 704-739-3713 Toll Free Phone: 800-441-9474 www.tractorsusa.com

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Building an Asparagus Bed Building an asparagus bed is a simple project that will yield delicious results for many years with minimal care. â&#x20AC;˘ All you need are a few simple gardening tools, and a few hours of time to prepare an asparagus bed. â&#x20AC;˘ Choose a sunny location with welldrained soil. â&#x20AC;˘ Well-drained soil is vital to the health of your asparagus plants. â&#x20AC;˘ If needed, build a raised bed to ensure good drainage. â&#x20AC;˘ An asparagus bed for two asparagus plants should be approximately 4-5 feet

wide, and 5 feet long. Add 1.5 feet to the bed for each additional asparagus plant if desired. â&#x20AC;˘ Dig 8 inches deep with a rototiller or by hand. â&#x20AC;˘ Be sure the areas is weed free, as growing weeds will be an ongoing problem in your asparagus bed. â&#x20AC;˘ Add and mix compost into the soil. Ideal soil ph is 7.0. Amend soil as needed.

How to Grow Asparagus at Home â&#x20AC;˘ Plant crowns immediately after bringing them home. If planting is delayed, wrap the roots in damp sphagnum moss. â&#x20AC;˘ Asparagus yields ½ pound per plant. â&#x20AC;˘ Roots should be planted in the spring after the last frost. â&#x20AC;˘ Keep asparagus well watered, but do not allow the soil to become overly wet or soggy.

Planting Asparagus If you decide to plant from seeds, sow them thinly in shallow drills that are 30 inches apart.

See ASPARAGUS, 4

4

Home, Lawn & Garden

April 10, 2013

How does your ‘gourd’ grow? quires the longest growing season of all the gourds. Gourds are ready for harvesting when the stems dry and turn brown.

“My students have become as interested in gourds as I am,’’ said Potter, who gives away gourds to friends.

A native of St. Louis, Mo., Potter is the son of Jeannine Potter and the late Les Potter. He graduated from the University of South Carolina and met his wife, the former Pat Durham, at a soccer game.

They married and Kings Mountain became their home where they reared three daughters: Meg Wood, Lesley Deaton, and Susie Potter. Their pride and joy are the four grandchildren, all under the age of 4, and (another on the way). During spring break the Potters head for Raleigh to see Meg and family and Susie and to Morgan-

ton to see Lesley and family. The grandchildren are Addison and Eli Deaton, children of Tyler and Leslie Deaton, and Ezra and Durham Wood, sons of Lane and Meg Wood.

“I love to teach and coach men’s soccer and all my students are special,’’ says Potter, who joined the Kings Mountain Schools 24 ½ years ago at KM Junior High where he taught 1 ½ years before moving to KM Middle School where he taught three years before moving to the high school. His wife, Pat, works with Gentiva Home Health Agency in Shelby.

Obviously the Potters love gardening and the outdoors and Dan plans to continue planting gourd seeds along with vegetables. He tends them carefully and loves to see them grow.

Dan Potter displays a variety of gourds at his home on Edgemont Drive in Kings Mountain.

Photos by Lib Stewart

By Lib Stewart Dan Potter’s three inch tall baby birdhouse gourds are his favorites.

The Kings Mountain High soccer coach and popular teacher “picked up” his project for fun three years ago and hasn’t stopped planting seeds in his garden and cultivating seven different varieties of gourds.

During spring break last week art students at the high school painted gourds in all shapes and sizes and the pretty gourds will be sold to help out the Renaissance

These gourds are being hung to dry and use as birdhouses.

Club rewards program. Last year students painted the gourds, sold them, and the Renaissance project earned $700.

Gourds have been cultivated for thousands of years by many cultures worldwide, Dan tells his students in Civics, Economics and Psychology classes.

Gourds were used by Native Americans for their usefulness as utensils, storage containers and ornaments. Gourds are actually related to melons, squash, pumpkins and cucumbers.

The bird house variety produces prolific vines with yellow blossoms and re-

ASPARAGUS: how to grow it at home From page 3 Thin to 3 inches apart the first year.

Pick out inferior plants for thinning until the ones left by the third year are a foot apart.

Caring for Growing Asparagus • During the springtime, allow first spears to grow.

• Mound organic mulch over the beds as the spears develop.

• In the summertime, clear weeds.

• When fall arrives, apply 10 to 15 pounds of compost per 100 square feet.

• Plants should be protected from frost in the wintertime by applying mulch.

• In the third year of growing asparagus, cut spears for harvest when they are over 5 inches long.

• Avoid cutting closer than 2 inches above the ground, so that new shoots can develop.

• After harvesting, apply a 6 to 12 inch layer of leaf mulch.

Time Line for Growing Asparagus Asparagus is a perennial which will continue producing every spring for years.

Unfortunately, if you start growing asparagus from seed, the plants will not reach maturity for three years.

You can purchase one year roots to speed up the process.

However, it is advised by seasoned gardeners that two year old roots do not transplant well.

So if you can come to terms with the fact that you will not be eating fresh asparagus the first year, then by all means consider growing asparagus!

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April 10, 2013

Home, Lawn & Garden

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Feed your lawn the right stuff!

By Michael E. Powell As a well-known television commercial reminds viewers, when it comes to making sure your lawn grows, the main key is feeding it as often as possible throughout the year.

While we all don’t have a tenacious Scot to remind us to “Feed (our) lawn (insert your name here), feed it!”, we can still consult with and listen to our local horticultural agents and lawn and garden guys and gals.

One such is Mark Upchurch, owner of Upchurch Lawn and Garden in Cherryville.

Upchurch and his son Will, who incidentally teaches folks how to take care of their plants, soils, and gardens, not only know what you need to feed your lawn (and garden plants) the right stuff, they know how to make sure you get your clay soil the right pH balance to have a stunning lawn all year round.

Will said one of the most important things he feels anyone

Mark Upchurch, owner of Upchurch’s Lawn and Garden, with two items of great importance for the would-be lawn lover; a soil box to have free soil pH tests done by the state, and a bag of “Weed and Feed” for the lawn. Two basic items, he said, with which to get started in taking care and feeding your future fantastic lawn.

Photo by Michael E. Powell

can do, especially with the claybased soils we have here is to take advantage of having state agronomists check your soil personally.

They do this by the individual taking from between 15-20 soil samples from various spots in their yard, putting them in a small cardboard box or boxes

(provided either by Upchurch’s or the horticulture folks at the Gaston Citizens Center in Dallas), then mailing them to Raleigh.

“In no time at all they will have an answer back to you letting you know what your soil needs.”

Will said the state does this for free so he advises his clients to take advantage of it.

Both Upchurch men know every yard is different so the need to do this is very important, especially if one is serious about a great looking (and healthy) lawn.

“As acidic as our soil can be, you may have to add lime to it, but there are other minerals, such as iron or magnesium that you might need to consider as well,” Mark said.

“Feeding your lawn, like that commercial says, is very important as well,” he continued.

And one can do that any time the weather is right, from midMarch through April or on

through mid-May. Since no two lawns are alike, the bottom line, literally, is having a healthier root system, according to Scot’s Miracle-Gro web site. A well-fed lawn means a healthier root system that can “combat heat, cold, drought, mowing, foot traffic and other stresses.” They also acknowledge that while feeding your lawn once a year improves its condition, “feeding it four times a year will make it even healthier.”

They offer a regular lawnfeeding schedule for a lush-looking and green lawn, one they say will turn “your neighbors green with envy.”

The Upchurches and many lawn and garden professionals all agree early spring is the best time to start feeding your lawn because, in their estimation, “lawns wake up hungry in the spring,” and feeding your lawn in the spring “gets it off to a good start before the heavy growing season.”

See YOUR LAWN, 12

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Home, Lawn & Garden

April 10, 2013

Companion Plants: What grows well together There are some plants that do well together (companion plants) when they are planted next to each other and there are certain combinations of plants that slows the growth of one or both types of plants. Basically, certain plants love each other and certain plants hate each other.

Companion planting can be a complex and often overwhelming if you let it.

But as you gain more experience and develop a feeling for gardening, companion planting will become clearer. Just be sure not to let too much planning spoil the fun and excitement of working in the garden!

Plant Good (Vegetable) Companions Asparagus Beans

Beans, bush

Beans, pole

Tomatoes, parsley, basil Potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, cauliflower, cabbage, eggplant, summer savory, most other vegetables and herbs Potatoes, cucumbers, corn, strawberries, celery, summer savory Corn, summer savory, sunflower

Beets Onions, Kohlrabi Cabbage family Aromatic plants, potatoes, (cabbage, cauliflower, celery, dill, hyssop, kale, kohlrabi, broccoli) chamomile, sage, peppermint, rosemary, beets, onions Carrots Peas, leaf lettuce, chives, onions, leeks, rosemary, sage, tomatoes Celery Leeks, tomatoes, bush beans, cauliflower, cabbage Chives Carrots, tomatoes Corn Potatoes, peas, beans, cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, squash Cucumbers Beans, corn, peas, radishes, sunflowers, lettuce Eggplant Beans, potatoes, spinach Leeks Onions, celery, carrots Lettuce Carrots and radishes, strawberries, cucumbers, onions Melons Corn, Nasturtium, radish Onions(garlic) Beets, strawberries, tomatoes, lettuce, summer savory, leeks, chamomile (sparsely), pepper Parsley Tomatoes, asparagus Peas Carrots, turnips, radishes, cucumbers, corn, beans, most vegetables and herbs Potatoes

Pepper Pumpkins Radishes Soybeans Spinach Squash Strawberries Sunflowers Tomatoes Turnips

Beans, corn, cabbage, horseradish (should be planted at the corners of the patch), marigolds, eggplant

Onion Corn Peas, nasturtiums, lettuce, melons, cucumbers Grows with anything, helps everything Strawberries, eggplant Nasturtiums, corn Bush beans, spinach, borage, lettuce (as a border), onions Cucumbers Chives, onions, parsley, asparagus, marigolds, nasturtiums, carrots Peas

Bad Companions Onions, garlic, gladiolus, chives

Onions

Onions, beets, kohlrabi, cabbage Pole beans Strawberries, tomatoes, pole beans Dill

Peas, beans Tomato Potatoes, aromatic herbs

Peas, beans

onions, garlic, gladiolus, potatoes, chives Pumpkins, squash, cucumbers, sunflowers, tomatoes, raspberries Potatoes Hyssop

Potatoes Cabbage Potatoes Corn, Kohlrabi

This isn’t to say that you can’t grow these plants together in the same garden, just don’t grow them right next to each other. Below, at left,0 is a guide to help identify what grows well together and what doesn’t.

The chart lists the compatibility, both the good and the bad, of plants when planted next to each other.

Companion planting is a discipline in which further analysis needs to be carried out. There are a lot of unknowns and variables that must be considered. Such as the age of the vegetables or herbs, the percent of each of the varieties of plants grown in combination, and how close together they are planted. It should be done with an inquisitive approach to see what actually works well together and what doesn’t.

Are the benefits or negative influences due to root excretions, plant aroma, or the pollen of composite flowers that attracts certain beneficial insects?

All-Around Beneficial Influence Certain herbs have a beneficial influence on the whole plant community.

These plants and their characteristics are: • Lemon balm creates a beneficial atmosphere around itself and attracts bees.

• Marjoram has a beneficial effect on surrounding plants.

• Oregano has a beneficial effect on surrounding plants.

• Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica): Helps neighboring plants to grow more resistant to spoiling.

• Valerian (Valeriana officinali): Helps most vegetables.

• Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): A lime specialist.

Plant (Herb)

Benefit

Basil Bee balm Borage Caraway Chamomile Chervil Chives ”Dead” nettle Dill Fennel Garlic Horseradish Hyssop Marigolds Marjoram Mint Mole plant Nasturtium Peppermint Petunia Pigweed Pot marigold Purslane Rosemary Rue Sage Tansy Tarragon Thyme Wormwood

Companion to tomatoes; dislikes rue intensely; improves growth and flavor; repels flies and mosquitoes Companion to tomatoes; improves growth and flavor.

Companion to tomatoes, squash, and strawberries; deters tomato worms; improves growth and flavor.

Plant here and there; loosens soil.

Companion to cabbage and onions; improves growth and flavor.

Companion to radishes; improves growth and flavor.

Companion to carrots; improves growth and flavor.

Companion to potatoes; deters potato bugs; improves growth and flavor.

Companion to cabbage; dislikes carrots; improves the growth and health of cabbage.

Plant away from gardens; most plants dislike it.

Plant near roses and raspberries; deters Japanese beetles; improves growth and health.

Plant at the corners of a potato patch to deter potato bugs.

Deters cabbage moths; companion to cabbage and grapes. Keep away from radishes.

The workhorse of the pest deterrents. Plant throughout the garden; discourages insects.

Here and there in the garden; improves flavor.

Companion to cabbage and tomatoes; improves health and flavor; deters white cabbage moths.

Deters moles and mice if planted here and there.

Plant under fruit trees; deters aphids, squash bugs, and striped pumpkin beetles; improves growth & flavor.

Planted among cabbages, it repels white cabbage butterflies Protects beans.

One of the best weeds for pumping nutrients from the subsoil; keep weeds thinned.

(Calendula) Companion to tomatoes, deters asparagus beetles, tomato worms, and general garden pests. deters asparagus beetles, tomato worms, and general garden pests.

Companion to cabbage, beans, carrots, and sage; deters cabbage moths, bean beetles, and carrot flies Keep it far away from sweet basil; plant near roses and raspberries; deters Japanese beetles.

Plant with rosemary, cabbage, and carrots; keep away from cucumbers; deters cabbage moths Plant under fruit trees; deters flying insects, Japanese beetles, striped cucumber beetles, squash bugs & ants.

Good throughout the garden.

Here and there in the garden; deters cabbage worms.ValerianGood anywhere in the garden.

As a border, it keeps animals from the garden.

Pick up the paint and supplies you’ll need for spring projects.

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Bridges Hardware 301 W King St Kings Mountain, NC 704-739-5461 bridgeshardware@bellsouth.net

Sale ends 4/30/2013 ©2013 True Value® Company. All rights reserved.

23834

Find the right products for your project and expert advice at True Value.

April 10, 2013

Home, Lawn & Garden

Spring-clean your air conditioning system David Dilling Dilling Heating Company

Now that spring is here, it is time to get your home in shape. Spring-cleaning includes caring for your air conditioning system with preventive maintenance.

Peak performance and energy savings can be achieved by following our recommendations.

The following is a checklist used by professional HVAC companies in servicing your unit for spring and summer: â&#x20AC;˘ Clean air conditioning evaporator and condenser coils. Dirty coils reduce the systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to cool your home and cause the system to run longer, increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment â&#x20AC;˘ Check refrigerant levels. Too much or too little refrigerant may cause your system to use more energy â&#x20AC;˘ Clean and adjust blower components to provide proper system airflow for greater comfort levels.

Airflow problems may reduce cooling efficiency by 15% â&#x20AC;˘ Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage on motors. Faulty connections may result in unsafe operation of your system Lubricate all moving parts. This reduces friction in

motors â&#x20AC;˘ Check and inspect the condensate drain.

Clogged drains may cause water damage and affect indoor humidity levels â&#x20AC;˘ Check controls of the cooling system to ensure proper and safe operation â&#x20AC;˘ Check thermostat settings to ensure the cooling system is set to be comfortable and also save as much energy as possible There are also actions homeowners can take to keep cooling equipment running efficiently: â&#x20AC;˘ Inspect and change air filters monthly in your air conditioner or heat pump. A dirty filter can damage your equipment and possibly lead to early failure â&#x20AC;˘ The area around the outdoor part of the heat pump must be kept clear of debris â&#x20AC;˘ Clear out grass clippings, dry leaves, and dirt from the unit regularly â&#x20AC;˘ Do not mow around the outdoor unit while it is running â&#x20AC;˘ Look for ants around the outdoor unit. Ants can enter the unit and interrupt the flow of electricity in the system â&#x20AC;˘ Identify the location where the condensate drain terminates and look for water in that area. This indicates the condensation is draining from the unit

7

Keeping your backyard pest-free Spending time outdoors can recharge the soul and bring the family together. In your own backyard you can find beauty, enjoyment and a place to connect with nature â&#x20AC;&#x201D; so long as you make sure to maintain all those beautiful trees and plants.

Whether you have a garden, woodlands or natural landscaping on your property, you will want to keep your land healthy and free of unwanted pests. And experts say that woodlands need special attention.

Although trees look strong, woodland ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to natural and man-made dangers that can gradually reduce the health and beauty of your woods, says Mike Burns, forester and program resource manager with the American Forest Foundation.

A U.S. Forest Service as-

sessment released last December predicts that as many as 34 million acres of forestland could be lost in the United States during the next 50 years, and that all regions in the United States will experience increased stress from natural disasters and pest infestations.

Luckily, there are steps landowners can take to help keep trees and woodlands safe from pests: â&#x20AC;˘ Keep an eye out for changes. On trees, spots of yellow or brown or some thinning needles might be the effects of natural shading on lower limbs â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or it might be a disease or insect thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about to spread to other trees. â&#x20AC;˘ Stay informed about threats in your area. Contact your state forestry agency or state department of natural resources to find out whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bugging your area.

â&#x20AC;˘ Monitor for pests and signs of disease every month or two. Check trees on the trunk, limbs, twigs, under peeling bark and leaves â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the most likely places to find injuries. Keep your eye open for things that look out of the ordinary. â&#x20AC;˘ Online resources can help you become a better steward of your land. If you own some woodlands, consider signing up for the My Land Plan resource, launched by the American Forest Foundation. My Land Plan can help you connect with up-to-date information about pest threats, map your landâ&#x20AC;&#x161;Ă&#x201E;Ă´s boundaries and record changes over time, all at www.MyLandPlan.org. You can explore the websiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newly expanded invasive pest and pathogen section See YOUR YARD, 13

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Home, Lawn & Garden

April 10, 2013

Gardening, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just for tomatoes and corn!

By Beth Brock When most people plant a garden, they think of the usual vegetables â&#x20AC;&#x201C; corn, beans, cucumbers, maybe some cantaloupes and tomatoes. But how many people around Kings Mountain grow peanuts, tobacco, horseradish, popcorn, and garlic along with the usual garden-variety vegetables?

Joe Brock does just that.

Drive down South Cansler Street and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll pass a house with some unusual sights in the back yard.

The first thing that might catch your eye is a 25-foot water tower.

Then as you get a little closer, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll notice about eight raised garden beds. This is the Brock house and gardens.

Joe starts seedlings in late winter to have them ready to transplant in one of the raised beds or his regular in-ground garden.

There is a greenhouse where the plants are started and as they

Joe Brock shows off some of the bees he keeps housed in the backyard to assist with pollination. mature, and as the weather warms up, they are transplanted into one of the gardens. In the raised beds, Joe plants asparagus, herbs, onions, garlic, horseradish, eggplants and strawberries. This may vary from year to year.

He likes to grow things that

other people may not think about growing just to see how they will do. He has discovered that peanuts grow well in the garden, and tobacco thrives. Last year he planted a half-dozen different varieties of peppers, and also a half-dozen types of lettuce. He has learned

the best varieties of potatoes to grow and he grows both sweet potatoes and Yukon Gold.

The peanuts turned out to be surprising. You see a pretty small plant growing out of the ground, and when you pull it up, there are sometimes 100 or more peanuts growing underground!

The fertilizer for the garden comes from a compost pile that is fed year-round. The pile composts well, in fact, too well at times.

One day Joe came home to find his neighbor putting out a fire with the hose. The compost had caught fire, and she was afraid it would spread.

One of the most interesting aspects of Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gardening is his irrigation system. In front of his gardening shed is a 250-gallon cistern that collects rainwater. The water is pumped to the tower with solar power from panels (bought at a yard sale) on top of his workshop. The water pressure is strong enough from the 25-foot tower

that he can use a spray nozzle or sprinklers. The great thing about this is that he is getting free water, and it is totally chemical free!

Gardening doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end with the raised beds and the regular garden. All around the yard are various fruit trees, berry vines and bushes, two grape arbors, and even an almond tree! In the fall, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busy collecting pecans from his several trees. And flowers abound year round.

Joe saves seeds from one season to the next, and last summer was surprised to see a zinnia growing that was half pink, half white â&#x20AC;&#x201C; divided right down the middle. He researched this phenomenon and discovered that it is called a fractile, which is a color gene mutant. There is no rhyme or reason as to why the saved seeds sometimes produce the unusual flowers.

And last, but not least, all the growth in the yard and gardens is See GARDENING, 10

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Home, Lawn & Garden

9

When to Plant Vegetables For Zones 7-8 Each USDA planting zone has its own schedule for sowing seeds. If you’re new to vegetable gardening, you’ll want to know that there is a right time to sow each variety of vegetable seed. By following our zone chart for both cool and warm season vegetables, you’ll be sure to sow your seeds in the correct window of time, enabling optimum sprouting and yield. And don’t forget, the seeds you pick are also of the greatest importance. Even if you are an old hand in the vegetable garden, we hope that our USDA zone planting chart will be a useful tool for organizing your spring and summer vegetable planting.

A Garden Planting Chart Crop

Days to Maturity

Spring Planting Dates

Fall Planting Dates

Seed/Plants 100 Feet

Distance between Rows

Distance between Plants

Depth to Plant

Asparagus

2nd season

Jan. 15-Mar. 15

Nov. & Dec.

50 roots

3 to 5 ft.

1½ to 2 ft.

6 in.

Bean, bush

50-60

Apr. 1 - May 1

July 15-Aug. 20

½ lb.

3 ft.

2 to 4 in.

1-1½ in.

Bean, pole

65-75

Apr. 1-May 1

July 15-Aug.

10½ lb.

3 ft.

6 to 12 in.

1-1½ in.

Bean, lima

65-75

Apr. 1 - June 1

July 1-Aug.

11 lb.

2 to 2½ ft.

3 to 4 in.

1-1½ in.

Beet

55-65

Feb. 15-Apr. 1

Aug. 1-Sept. 20

1 oz.

2 to 2½ ft.

2 in.

1 in.

Broccoli

60-80

Feb. 15-Mar. 15

Aug. 1-Sept. 1

100 plants

2½ ft.

14 to 18 in.

Cabbage

65-80

Jan. 15-Mar. 15

Aug. 15-Oct. 1

100 plants

2½ ft.

12 in.

Cantaloupe

80-90

Mar. 25-Apr. 20

Not recommended

1 oz.

4 to 6 ft.

3½ to 4 ft.

1½ in.

Carrot

70-80

Jan. 15-Mar. 20

Aug. 20-Sept. 15

½ oz.

2 ft.

2 to 3 in.

½ in.

Cauliflower

55-60

Mar. 1-Apr. 1

Aug. 1-Sept. 1

100 plants

3 ft.

12 to 18 in.

Collard

55-70

Feb. 1-Mar. 20

Aug. 1-Oct. 1

½ oz.

2½ ft.

8 to 16 in.

½ in.

Corn

80-100

Mar. 15-June 1

June 1-July 20

¼ lb.

3 to 3½ ft.

12 to 18 in.

2 in.

Cucumber

60-65

Apr. 1-May 15

Aug. 20-Sept. 1

1 oz.

3½ to 5 ft.

3 to 4 ft.

1½ in.

Eggplant

75-90

Apr. 1-May 15

July 10-15

50 plants

3 ft.

2½ to 3 ft.

Kale

50-70

Feb. 1-Mar. 10

Aug. 10

30½ oz.

3 ft.

10 in.

½ in.

Lettuce

60-85

Jan. 15-Mar. 1

Sept. 1-Oct.

1½ oz.

2 to 2½ ft.

10 to 12 in.

½ in.

Mustard

40-50

Jan. 15-Apr. 1

Aug. 20-Oct.

1½ oz.

2 ft.

1 in.

½ in.

Okra

55-60

Apr. 1-June 1

June 15-July

11 oz.

3 to 3½ ft.

6 in.

1 in.

Onion (mature)

100-120

Jan. 1-Mar. 15

Sept. 1-Dec. 31

300 plants or ½ gal. sets 1 to 2 ft.

3 to 4 in.

¾ in.

Peas, garden

60-80

Jan. 15-Feb. 15

Not recommended

1 lb.

2½ ft.

1 in.

1½-2 in.

Peas, southern

60-70

Apr. 1-Aug.

1-½ lb.

3 ft.

4 to 6 in.

1½-2 in.

Pepper

65-80

Apr. 1-June 1-

50 plants

2½ ft.1

½ to 2 ft.

Potato, Irish

70-90

Jan. 15-Mar. 1

151 peck

2½ to 3 ft.

10 to 14 in.

Potato, sweet

90-150

Apr. 15-June 15

100 plants

3½ ft.

12 in.

Radish

25-30

Jan. 15-Apr. 1

Sept. 1-Oct.

151 oz.

1½ ft.

1 in.

½ in.

Spinach

40-45

Jan. 15-Mar. 15

Sept. 1-Oct.

151 oz.

1½ to 2 ft.

1 to 2 in.

¾ in.

Squash, bush

50-55

Apr. 1-May 15

Aug. 1-20

1 oz.

3 to 4 ft.

2 ft.

1½-2 in.

Squash, winter

85-90

Apr. 1-Aug.

1-½ oz.

5 ft.

3 ft.

1½-2 in.

Tomato

70-85

Mar. 25-May 1

June 1-Aug. 10

50 plants

3 to 4 ft.

2½ to 3 ft.

Turnip

45-65

Jan. 15-Apr. 1

Aug. 10-Sept. 15

½ oz.

1 to 2 ft.

1 to 2 in.

½ in.

Watermelon

80-90

Mar. 20-May 1

Do not plant

1 oz.

10 ft

.8 to 10 ft.

1½ in.

Aug. 1-Aug.

5 in.

10

Home, Lawn & Garden

April 10, 2013

Proper cultivation of your garden Howard Elmore Hometown Hardware

I learned to prepare a garden plot at an early age . . .my brother and I would take turns walking behind the small horse drawn cultivator.

This was not an easy thing to do, but “Doc” the horse was twice our age and of course knew 10 times more about cultivating a garden than we did. Doc went about his duties the way it should have been done, making us boys look a little smarter.

Dad’s first rule of a good garden plot was to “break” or turn the ground in the fall of the year, add some leaves, straw and manure (see, Doc was helpful there also) to the soil, let the winter take its course with rain freezing the ground. In early spring the tilling began.

The first pass through the garden would be the one to get the soil loosened up, then we would pick up the rocks that seem to grow in the winter (Doc hated stepping on rocks). With the coming of modern

power equipment Doc got retired to the pasture which made his life more easy . . .

But some things never change.

Basic rules of preparing a good garden spot Take the time to do a thorough job. Inadequate tilling will lead to an uneven layer of uncultivated soil under the loose dirt on top, like an uneven floor under carpet. You can rake the loose dirt level, but as it settles with time and watering the uneven sub-surface eventually shows up as small hills and valleys.

The uneven surface is annoying in a garden, but you can correct it next year.

The most common cause of uneven tilling is trying to save time by tilling to the full depth of the tines on the first pass. Every time the tiller lurches, it leaves a high spot in the sub-surface layer.

Instead of trying to cultivate to the full depth of 8-10 inches all at once, make multiple passes across an area, lowering the blade a couple

of inches each time.

Each time you lower the blade to cultivate deeper, start cultivating in a different direction and start half a row offset from the previous rows.

Repeating the pattern and following your previous rows tends to make ruts that will show up later.

Make four - yes, I said FOUR passes across the area at each blade depth. The first two passes cultivate the soil lengthwise and crosswise.

Then make the third pass diagonally to the first two, and the fourth pass at right angles to the third one.

To incorporate extra material into the soil - compost, manure or sand - spread the material evenly over the soil and then till the area in the four directions.

Sharpen the tines before you start tilling. Before you lower the blades to till deeper, check the tines and sharpen them if they need it.

Try this method in getting a garden ready for planting and seed. I am sure that you will be able to reap a more bountiful harvest.

Sure do miss ole Doc.

GARDENING: it’s not just for tomatoes and corn From page 8 pollinated by the honeybees housed in the back yard. Joe and his two sons got interested in raising bees a few years ago, and after the boys moved out of town, he added their bees to his own. Joe bought sourwood trees from Tennessee in order to have sourwood honey. Most of the trees didn’t survive, but the bees still produce plenty of delicious golden honey. On several occasions, swarms of bees have come to the yard, or to neighboring yards, and Joe has collected them and added them to his hives.

He has been canning and freezing his produce for years, but has recently started experimenting with other methods of preservation. He makes sauerkraut the old fashioned way, burying it in the ground to ferment. The kraut is a hit with dinner guests.

A newer experiment is making marinated vegetables using the culture from yogurt. This too, has been a success, and is a healthy alternative to pickling with vinegar and salt.

Living just a block from downtown Kings Mountain, Joe has proved that you don’t have to live in the country to be a farmer!

If you are interested in learning more about anything in the article, you can email Joe at: jbrock20@bellsouth.net.

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April 10, 2013

Home, Lawn & Garden

Putting the equity in your home to work for you

Looking to buy a used tractor?

Check out these top 5 tips first

home; it may also be a great source of cash. There are many reasons for putting the equity in your home to work for you. Money from these loans can be used for consolidating high interest credit cards and other unsecured debt. It can also be used for larger transactions such as paying for college, weddings, new appliance upgrades, kitchen and bathroom renovations, or full home remodels.

Using the equity in your home to pay for these types of transactions can be beneficial in many ways. By paying off high interest credit cards you can save money in interest and possibly lower your monthly payments. You can also increase your credit score, and that opens the door to lower interest rates on future loans. Additionally, when you use this equity as security for home repairs, your interest may even be tax deductible. Contact your tax consultant for more information on your personal situation.

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What is home equity? Home equity is the market value of a homeownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unencumbered interest in their real property. Or more simply stated it is the difference between a homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fair market value and outstanding balance of all liens on the property.

Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit are two products that homeowners often use. They are most often referred to as Second Mortgages and are available at most Credit Unions and other financial institutions.

Home Equity Loans are usually a one-time, lump sum loan most often with a fixed interest rate.

Home Equity Lines of Credit are revolving lines of credit usually with an adjustable interest rate; however some financial institutions offer a fixed-rate loan as well.

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Your house is more than just a

Danny Henderson Parker Farm Service

Buying a Used Tractor? Be sure to know your stuff â&#x20AC;&#x201C; First, making a decision on that used tractor youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sizing up is the toughest part. Due to the huge selection of models, makes and other options out there, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want the most economical pick that has only the options you need. So here are 5 tips youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to keep in mind.

What will you use the tractor for?

Knowing this will help you in narrowing down your choices. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pointless to consider a construction tractor with a bush cutter attachment if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to till and seed only. Save yourself money and space by buying only what you need.

Is more power â&#x20AC;&#x153;better?

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll save money by choosing the lower torque models, but will you be sacrificing labor and long term investment? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right:

11

your used tractor is much more than a tool, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an investment. So, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working with heavy clay or hilly terrain, going for the tractor with that higher-end engine and torque output might be the best bet. Remember, the attachments you use will require their own amount of power, too. Always make sure you match your implement with the correct horsepower to prevent damage and to keep a safe environment for you!

Attachments & your used tractor Always consider which attachments youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need BEFORE buying your used tractor. Looking for a front loader? Seek out tractors that have dual hydraulic connections. Different attachments take a variety of horse power. Study your current and future attachment needs and get the correct size tractor for those needs and attachments.

When â&#x20AC;&#x153;antiqueâ&#x20AC;? doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cut it.

Antique tractors are a charming addition to any home or farm, but they certainly are not the choice of

any working agricultural professional. Be sure that the used tractor youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking at has a power take-off (PTO). The PTO is a splined driveshaft that provides power to tractor attachments, including but not limited to post hole diggers and other rear attachments.

Many older tractors do not include a power take-off, specifically midcentury or older tractors. Today, common PTOs operate at 540 RPM, and are commonly seen at 1000 in certain areas.

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Home, Lawn & Garden

April 10, 2013

The beauty of a Community Garden

By Lib Stewart Resurrection Lutheran Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Garden produces a bountiful harvest every year from prayer and volunteers who till it with love.

Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hungry are fed from the garden and also from donations from all denominations at the busy and popular free soup kitchen at Central United Methodist Church. Thousands of meals have been prepared and served by volunteers who have conducted a project for a number of years that has become a blessing for many.

Resurrection Pastor Hobbie Outten said church members started planting a community garden on a plot of ground behind the church in 2009. The project grew. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes we harvested 10 times more cucumbers than what was needed for the Central Methodist ministry so some food goes to neighbors and to church members to cheer them up and since our choir always cheers us up they get a special gift from the garden put on their windshields while they are in choir practice,â&#x20AC;? said the minister.

Outten said that a total of 298 hours of

YOUR LAWN: needs the right food to thrive From page 5

with broadleaf weed control, known as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;weed-nfeedâ&#x20AC;? program.

Note to lawn lovers: if The heat of summer crabgrass was a problem (July-Aug.) is tough on last year, Mark and Will any yard grass, Upchurch said to apply a combinasaid. tion fertilizer with a preâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Many things can stress emergent to control it. a lawn out, such as heat, â&#x20AC;&#x153;That could be somedrought, foot traffic, and thing like using Triple-17 insects.â&#x20AC;? or some similar, slow-reA summer feeding prolease fertilizer,â&#x20AC;? Mark said. tects and strengthens a The first number on the lawn against these probbag indicates the nitrogen content, which he added is lems.

If insects are seen in the very important and much grass, Upchurch recomneeded this time of year. mends using a For the late feeding product spring (April that also contains June) feeding, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many things insect control, Miracle-Gro commonly can stress a says to consider it your lawnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lawn out, such found.

Miracle-Groâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;lunch time.â&#x20AC;? as heat, drought, web site reminds Grass is lawn lovers that foot traffic, â&#x20AC;&#x153;busyâ&#x20AC;? and is the fall (Sept.using up stored and insects.â&#x20AC;?

Nov.) is a time energy, so lawn of â&#x20AC;&#x153;ideal condilovers need to tions for your supply their lawn.â&#x20AC;? They mention the lawns with a feeding deâ&#x20AC;&#x153;cool nights, ample rainsigned for this time of fall, and morning dew are year. Upchurch added that just about as good as it unfortunately broadleaf gets for grass.â&#x20AC;? After the weeds are actively growheat of the summer, the ing, too. lawn is ready to grow Their store, as do other again, and is looking for lawn and garden stores, the nutrients it needs to recarry weed control agents cover from summer damto hit those pesky weeds age. while at the same time Upchurch and other feeding the lawn with a gardening experts know, combination of fertilizer and mention frequently

how this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feeding could just be the single most important lawn feeding of the year.

A final feeding at this time, right before winter sets in, helps the lawn â&#x20AC;&#x153;prepâ&#x20AC;? for its winter nap.

During this time the roots get strengthened, more nitrogen is stored for an early spring, with the end result hopefully being a healthier lawn for the next year.

Upchurch said with the red, clayish soil found in N.C., it takes between four and five years to get a really spectacular looking lawn, but the work is well worth it.

For those with bare spots, he recommends using a good grass seed, such as Kentucky 31-Tall Fescue Grass seed, to iron out those rough spots. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good drought-resistant seed with good wear and foot traffic tolerance.â&#x20AC;? Another brand he mentioned was The Rebelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tall Fescue Mix, adding his clients have had good results with those brands.

Whatever your choices, the Upchurches not only stand behind the products but are there with advice to help lawn lovers have the nicest looking lawns around.

volunteer labor has gone into the garden in the past several years from neighborhood Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, Church of God and Lutherans.

He said the big harvest each year comes from the prayers of the children in the Resurrection Lutheran School Pre-School.

The children love the garden too, and enjoy seeing the tiny plants sprout up to become tasty red tomatoes, green cucumbers, and other vegetables.

Outten said that a total of 3,991 pounds of produce has been harvested from the community garden. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lots of good eating.

Top right: Resurrection pre-schoolers throws out seed in the garden.

At right: Vegetables from the community garden are harvested and ready to be shared.

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Home, Lawn & Garden

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Grow what you eat; cook what you grow Cooking from the garden is not like cooking from the store. There’s nothing more tasty, nutritious and satisfying than fresh, homemade meals made from the fruits, vegetables and herbs you grew yourself.

Experts say that even with modest amounts of time and space, you can grow an organic garden plot that feeds your family all year long.

“The simplest methods of gardening work best,” says Barbara Damrosch, organic gardening expert and co-author of the new book, “The Four Season Farm Gardener” Cookbook, which serves as both a garden guide and a healthful cookbook. “There is very little you can’t accomplish in the garden if you trust the systems that are already in place.”

Damrosch and co-author Eliot Coleman contend that organic vegetable gardening is not only healthful for you and your family, but is also good for the planet and can make a serious dent in your food expenses.

They are offering these great tips to anyone looking to grow and cook their own food: • When choosing which plants to grow, consider how much space you have. Salad crops, for example, give you the most variety in a garden of limited size. Consider prioritizing crops whose flavor is most notably lacking in supermarket varieties, such as tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers and melons.

• It helps to get to know different plants on a family basis. Family groupings are very important in planning how to rotate the crops in your garden from year to year, and much of the techniques that work for one vegetable, apply equally well to its cousins.

• Don’t let weeds get ahead of you. Once they’ve gained the upper hand, getting rid of them can seem almost impossible. The ideal time to control weeds is when they are tiny, right after they first appear. Take the extra time to plant in straight lines, which can help with weed control.

• Veteran gardeners tend to be supportive resources to newcomers. Let friends with green thumbs share their enthusiasm and expertise with you. Or get involved in an organic community garden, where there is no shortage of experienced gardeners to consult.

• Pass up the modern habit of eating any crop, any time of year by letting your garden feed you. Fruits and vegetables that come from halfway around the world were often harvested far too early and can have a disappointing, bland taste. By planning meals from your garden, you’ll become a more creative, improvisational cook.

More gardening tips can be found at www.fourseasonfarm.com.

Eating is one of the most important things we do, so don’t just settle for what the supermarket has to offer. Gardening can revolutionize the way you eat, and help you take greater control of your family’s nutrition.

These beautiful raised beds for vegetable gardening are part of Joe Brock’s garden.

See Joe’s story on page 8.

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YOUR YARD: keeping it pest free From page 7 and locate professional services available for your needs.

• If you suspect an outbreak, collect samples of tree damage and any associated pests to accurately identify the problem, which may have more than one cause. Take pictures and notes on your trees’ symptoms.

Often pictures are enough for an expert to identify the problem and help you figure

out what to do next. Next steps can be identified by your state forestry agency or department of natural resources.

• If you discover an insect that you suspect might be a danger to your trees, seal it in a container and store it in the freezer until you can deliver it to a proper authority.

In the long run, nature might well be invincible, but in the short run, residents may need a helping hand to protect local land to keep trees healthy.

14

Home, Lawn & Garden

April 10, 2013

Keep on track all year long Monthly to-do list with garden activities for zones 7-8 January â&#x20AC;˘ Start a garden record book now, allowing space to record the dates of first and last frosts, sowing seeds, planting, transplanting, time of bloom, first fruits, fertilizing, problems with pests, and other information. Over a period of years, this will be an invaluable record. â&#x20AC;˘ Make a garden plan. â&#x20AC;˘ Plan the amount of each vegetable to be planted, including enough to can and freeze. Allow about 1/10 acre of garden space for each member of the family. â&#x20AC;˘ Buy enough quality seed for two or three plantings to lengthen the season of production. â&#x20AC;˘ Take soil samples and take them to your county extension office for analysis. â&#x20AC;˘ Apply manure or compost and plow it under if you did not do so in the fall. â&#x20AC;˘ Apply lime, sulfur and fertilizer according to the soil-test results and vegetable requirements. Buy 100 pounds of fertilize for each 1/10 acre to be planted (if manure is not available, buy at least half again more). Use 5-10-10 or 6-12-12 analysis, depending on soil test and vegetable requirements. â&#x20AC;˘ Get plant beds or seed boxes ready for growing plants such as tomato, pepper and eggplant. Have beds ready for planting in early February. â&#x20AC;˘ Check on your compost pile and make sure it is ready for use in the spring.

February â&#x20AC;˘ Plant seed boxes. Peppers and eggplants will take eight weeks to grow from seed to transplant size, while tomatoes will take six weeks. When the seedlings form their third set of true leaves, transplant them to individual containers. â&#x20AC;˘ Prepare land for planting - winter and early spring plantings belong on a ridge (raised bed) for better drainage and earlier soil warm-up. â&#x20AC;˘ Make early plantings of your choice from the following: carrots, collards, lettuce, mustard, English peas, Irish potatoes, radishes, spinach and turnips.

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â&#x20AC;˘ Use â&#x20AC;&#x153;starterâ&#x20AC;? fertilizer solution around transplanted crops such as cabbage. â&#x20AC;˘ Replenish the mulch on strawberries. â&#x20AC;˘ Seed herbs for April planting.

March â&#x20AC;˘ Make second plantings of such quickly-maturing crops as turnips, mustard, radishes and â&#x20AC;&#x153;spring onions.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ Early-planted crops may need a nitrogen side-dressing, particularly if the soil is cool. Place the fertilizer several inches to the side of the plants and water it in. A little fertilizer throughout the growing period is better than too much at one time. â&#x20AC;˘ Before settling them in the garden, harden-off transplants - place them in their containers outdoors in a sheltered place a few days ahead of planting them. â&#x20AC;˘ Get rows ready for â&#x20AC;&#x153;warm-seasonâ&#x20AC;? vegetables to be planted during the last week of March or first week or two of April as weather permits. â&#x20AC;˘ Put down mulch between rows to control weeds.

April â&#x20AC;˘ Plant your choices of the following â&#x20AC;&#x153;warm-seasonâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;frost-tenderâ&#x20AC;? crops: beans (snap, pole and lima), cantaloupe, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, okra, field peas, peppers, squash, tomatoes and watermelon. â&#x20AC;˘ Plant tall-growing crops such as okra, pole beans and corn on the north side of other vegetables to avoid shading. Plant two or more rows of corn for better pollination. â&#x20AC;˘ Make a second planting within two to three weeks of the first planting of snap beans, corn and squash. â&#x20AC;˘ Within three to four weeks of the first planting, plant more lima beans and corn. â&#x20AC;˘ Cultivate to control weeds and grass, to break crusty soil and to provide aeration. â&#x20AC;˘ Maintain mulch between rows. â&#x20AC;˘ Plant tender herbs. â&#x20AC;˘ Do not work in your garden when the foliage is wet to avoid spreading diseases from one plant to another.

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April 10, 2013

Home, Lawn & Garden

May • Make third plantings of vegetables mentioned for April (snap beans, corn, squash, lima beans).

• Locate mulching materials for such crops as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, Irish potatoes, okra and lima beans. Apply before dry spells occur but after plants are well established (usually by blooming time).

• Pole beans cling to the trellis or sticks more readily if attached by the time they start running.

• Watch out for the “10 most wanted culprits”: Mexican bean beetle, Colorado potato beetle, bean leaf beetle, Harlequin cabbage bug, blister beetle, cabbage worm, tomato hornworm, tomato fruit worm (and corn earworm), cucumber beetle and squash bug. Early discovery makes possible early control.

• Keep a log book of problems and failures that occur so you can avoid or prevent them in the next planting season. Note successful techniques and varieties for consideration next season.

• Make plans now for putting up some of your garden produce.

June • Harvest vegetables such as beans, peas, squash, cucumbers and okra regularly to prolong production and enjoy peak freshness.

• For best results, harvest onions and Irish potatoes when two-thirds of the tops have died down. Store potatoes in a cool, dark place and onions in a dry, airy place.

• Clean off rows of early crops as soon as they are through bearing and use rows for replanting or keep them fallow for fall crops.

• Plant sweet potatoes and a second planting of Southern peas.

July • Start planning the fall garden.

• Clean off harvested rows immediately to prevent insect and disease buildup.

• Plant the following vegetables not later than July 20 to allow time to mature before frost: tomatoes, okra, corn, pole beans and lima beans. Also plant cucumbers, squash and snap beans.

• Plant that big pumpkin for Halloween.

• Make sure the garden is well mulched to prevent weeds and conserve moisture.

August • Plant the following no later than the dates indicated below: • August 15 - Snap beans and Irish potatoes (seed can be sprouted two to three weeks before planting).

• August 31 - Cucumbers and squash; plant varieties resistant to downy mildew.

15

• Start plants for broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale and onions in a half-shaded area for setting out in September.

• Prepare soil for September to October plantings of “cool-season” crops. Apply fertilizer and prepare seeded so rains will settle the rows and make it easier to get seeds to germinate when they are planted.

September - October • Choose the mild weather during this period to plant or transplant the following: beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, collards, lettuce, mustard, onions, radishes, spinach and turnips. Plant your second planting of fall crops such as collards, turnips, cabbage, mustard and kale.

• Harvest mature green peppers and tomatoes before frost gets them — it may not come until November, but be ready.

• Harvest herbs and dry them in a cool, dry place.

November - December • Why not get started early for next year?

•Spread manure, rotted sawdust and leaves over the garden and plow them under; you’ll be surprised at the difference this organic matter will make in the fertility, physical structure and water-holding capacity of the soil.

• Take a soil sample to allow plenty of time to get the report back. Lime applied now will be of more benefit next year than if it is applied in the spring before planting. Always apply Dolomitic limestone in order to get both calcium and magnesium.

•Take an “inventory.” Maybe you had too much of some vegetables and not enough of others. Make a note about favorite varieties. Start planning next year’s garden now!

• Before sending your seed order, draw a map of the garden area and decide the direction and length of the rows, how much row spacing is needed for each vegetable, whether or not to plant on raised beds, and other details.

It’s never too early to start planning next year’s garden!

Enjoy the bounty of nature.

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Home, Lawn & Garden

April 10, 2013

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