Thursday, September 17, 2009

Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald ash borer made all the headlines this past May when it was discovered in Saint Paul. Since then, not a lot has been said in the media. It has been estimated by some accounts that there are 10 million ash trees in the State of Minnesota and that it is possible that all of those trees except those that are treated could be gone in ten years or less. It’s important to keep in mind that ash trees were a very popular replacement for elm trees that died from Dutch elm disease.

There are several different treatments that a homeowner can apply to their ash trees to prevent emerald ash borer. Any treatment must include the ingredient imidacloprid. The treatment must be done once a year, every year for the rest of the life of that ash tree. Right now and early spring are the best times of year to treat ash trees.

There is a lot more to know about this, read more about Emerald Ash Borer treatment.

Make your day a good one.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Tomato Ripening

I grow tomatoes for one thing- bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches that must have vine-ripened tomatoes. Yum!

The warmer temps have finally started to speed up the ripening of tomatoes in my yard. To help tomatoes that are slow to ripen now or later in the season, it helps to “shock” the plant. Shocking can be any number of things such as holding back water which means watering less, pinching back the top growth by four inches or so or taking a shovel and pushing it into the soil about two feet away from the plant to cut some roots.

I have used this technique in mid-September for years to help those last tomatoes ripen. If yours are not ripening, give it a try.

Make your day a good one.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Fall is for Planting

The months of September and October are a perfect time to do yard and garden planting. Warm soil temperatures and cool night temperatures make it an excellent time to establish plants. Plus, most plants are on sale at the garden centers so you can save some money too. Here are some planting guidelines.

Evergreens – plant until about mid-September so they have time to take root and establish themselves before the winter sets it.

Perennials – can be planted until late September or early October.
Trees and shrubs – can be planted until about November 1.

The key to success is keeping them all watered. This means at least an inch or so of water every week until the ground freezes.

Make your day a good one.