AN ISU EXTENSION AND OUTREACH MONTHLY GA RDEN UPDATE

FOR MASTER GARDENERS OF SIOUX, O’BRIEN, LYON & OSCEOLA (SOLO) COUNTIES

Have your whimsical garden photo

grace the pages of next year’s ISU

Extension and

Outreach Garden Calendar

Each year the Iowa

State University

Extension and

Outreach Calendar is

based on a theme. For

2015 the theme will be

garden whimsy. As

you're out and about this year,

photograph images that fit the garden

whimsy theme and submit them for

consideration in the 2015 calendar.

Minimum quality standards for the

photos are: 300 dpi for a photo that is 9

x 12 inches with a landscape orientation.

Images may be jpg or tiff format.

Deadline for submission will be March

1, 2014. That gives you plenty of time to

photograph some fabulously fun garden

art.

Please email your entries to Cindy or

Denny or mail a DVD or jump drive

containing the high-res images to 106

Horticulture Hall, Iowa State University,

Ames, IA 50011. Photographers will be

credited in the calendar but

unfortunately there is no monetary

compensation for selected images.

The SOLO Gardener

For more information on the

Master Gardener Program in Sioux,

O’Brien, Lyon, & Osceola Counties, please

contact :

Margaret Murphy

Horticulture Educator &

Master Gardener County

Coordinator

(712) 472-2576 or

mmurphy@iastate.edu

April 2013

The SOLO GardenerThe SOLO GardenerThe SOLO Gardener

April Calendar Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 3 Sow tomato

seeds indoors for

May planting

4 5 Don’t till

garden when

soil is wet

6

7 8 9 Begin

spring clean-

up of yard

10 11 Plant

pansies & other

cool season flowers

12 13 Plant

cool season

vegetables

14 15 Growing

in the Garden

Training (see

Save the Date)

16 17 Divide fall

blooming peren-

nials as new

growth begins

18 Start

fertilizing

houseplants,

repot if needed

19 20

21 22 Start a

Compost for

Earth Day

23 24 25 Remove

mulch on strawber-

ries when see new

growth

26 Plant a

Tree for

Arbor Day

27

28 29 Aerate

your lawn if

necessary

30

In the News - Health Benefits from Plants

Research at the Landscape and Human Health Lab at the University of Illinois at Urbana

-Champaign has shown that performing activities in green settings can reduce children's

Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms.

In a nationwide survey, parents rated leisure activities--such as reading or playing sports

--as improving children's symptoms more when performed in green outdoor settings than

in non-green settings. A more recent study tested children with ADHD in a controlled set-

ting after they had walked in one of three environments that differed from one another in

the level of greenery: a park, a neighborhood and a quiet downtown area. The findings

confirmed that the attention of children with ADHD functions better after spending time in

more natural settings.

ADHD affects up to 7 percent of children. Those afflicted have chronic difficulty pay-

ing attention and focusing on tasks and can be impulsive, outburst-prone and sometimes

aggressive. These behaviors often result in family conflict, peer rejection and academic

failure. The current treatments of drugs and behavioral therapy do not work in all cases

and in many cases offer only limited relief, said Frances Kuo, director of the Landscape

and Human Health Lab.

According to Kuo, "These research findings suggest adding trees and greenery where

children spend a lot of time, such as near homes and schools, and encouraging kids with

ADHD to play in green spaces may help supplement established treatments to improve

children's functioning." From Iowa State March 2013 newsletter, Master Gardener News & Views

Get Your Camera

Ready

Crabgrass Spring is the time to stop crabgrass from taking hold in your lawn. Crabgrass is an annual

grass that germinates from spring to mid-summer. The seeds begin to germinate when soil

temperatures reach 55 to 60 degrees F. A pre-emergent herbicide can be used to prevent the

growing of crabgrass.

For successful crabgrass control, timing is everything. Pre-emergent herbicides should be

applied when soil temps (at a 2 inch depth) are about 55 degrees F. In the northern areas of

Iowa, this can be late April or early May. Typically, when you see the bright yellow flowers

of forsythia or start to smell the lilacs in bloom.

Gardeners can also control crabgrass by applying corn gluten meal. A corn milling byproduct, corn gluten meal inhibits

the root growth of crabgrass seedlings. You can check with a garden center or nursery for commonly used herbicides and

always read and follow the instructions carefully. Avoid applying pre-emergent herbicides in areas you are trying to reseed.

These chemicals will inhibit the growth of the grass seed. Apply the pre-emergent well after the grass seed has sprouted.

When planting trees, proper watering is the key to success

Last fall, we saw a number of trees go into the winter water-stressed due to the extended dryness of the season. As a result,

folks may be wondering about the health of their trees this spring. In general, well-established, hearty trees are pretty resil-

ient. However, if you're left wondering whether or not a tree has survived, be patient and wait until bud break. Branches that

are still living will eventually show new growth emerging from the buds.

If you find that you need to replant, one crucial element to a newly planted tree’s survival is proper watering. Freshly

planted trees lack the established root system needed for adequate water storage. As such, the tree relies on rain or supple-

mental watering and generally needs supplemental water even when we are not experiencing drought conditions.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to recommend a set schedule for watering a new tree. How often and how much to water de-

pends on several factors including the amount of rainfall we receive and how well the site holds moisture. For the first few

months, the need for watering could be as often as two to three times a week or even daily if the weather conditions are par-

ticularly hot, dry, and windy. As the tree grows, watering frequency can be reduced

but the watering area will expand.

As a rule of thumb, apply one to two gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter

directly over the tree's root ball. Inspect the tree and the soil moisture frequently,

especially in hot, dry weather, and before you water. It’s important not to overwater as

excessive irrigation can lead to root rot. You can monitor soil moisture by digging a

small hole with a trowel or soil probe (keep the tool you use small to minimize root

injury). Check the soil moisture in the root zone to a depth of about one foot.

To help conserve soil moisture, place two to three inches of mulch over the develop-

ing root system (usually out to the tips of the branches). Keep the mulch at least four

inches away from the trunk to avoid conditions that invite decay or unwanted pests

like insects and rodents. Suggested mulches include: wood chips, shredded bark or

pine needles.

Lastly, fertilizing a newly planted tree is not recommended. Fertilizer may harm de-

veloping roots plus research shows that fertilization is not that effective until the tree

has re-established part of its root system.

A newly planted tree needs to be checked and tended while it gets established. Typically, for plant hardiness zones 4 and

5, establishment takes one season per inch of trunk caliper. For more information on how to care for newly planted trees see

ISU Extension and Outreach publication Community Tree Planting and Care Guide at www.iowadnr.gov/portals/idnr/

uploads/education/tree_planting_care_guide.pdf.

Lawn & Garden

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach programs are available to all without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic informa-

tion, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Compliance, 3280 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1V THE SOLO GARDENER EDITOR: MARG ARET MURPHY, HORTICULTURE EDUCATOR PAGE 2

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach programs are available to all without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic informa-

tion, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Compliance, 3280 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1V THE SOLO GARDENER EDITOR: MARG ARET MURPHY, HORTICULTURE EDUCATOR PAGE 3

Odds & Ends

Integrated Pest Management Education

Starting now and continuing through June 30, 2013, IPM3 courses offered through the University of Minnesota are

available. IPM3 provides a Web-based opportunity for individuals interested in IPM. Learn to become proficient in the

principles and application of IPM as taught by leading IPM authorities from various universities throughout the United

States. Most of the individuals who seek this IPM training are not academics but are folks looking for practical infor-

mation so they can implement IPM in their day-to-day pest management decisions. You can find more information and

register at www.umn.edu/ipm3.

Also, the University of Illinois Extension currently has 8 free IPM modules online for Master Gardener continuing

education. The topics are: bacterial leaf scorch, brown marmorated stink bug, sudden oak death, thousand can-

ker disease, spruce problems, downy mildew on basil and impatiens, emerald ash borer, and bur oak blight. The

modules include information and pictures of the pathogen or pest, host plants, symptoms, diagnosis, and management

strategies. Participants must create a login and password to access the modules. After studying the material presented

in the module, participants take a short quiz. They must repeat the quiz until they receive a perfect score and then they

are directed to an online evaluation of the module. When finished, the participant is able to print out a certificate,

which validates their completion of the module. Each module takes about ½ hour to complete. Check with your local

Master Gardener coordinator to get approval for Master Gardener continuing education credits (½ hour for each seg-

ment). Click here to access the modules.

In case you’re interested... Share your community garden story and the garden could receive a one-year supply (56 bags) of Milorganite organic

nitrogen fertilizer. Five community gardens will be selected as winners. Visit Milorganite.com for details and the ap-

plication form. All entries must be submitted by April 15th, 2013.

Free seeds: Select Seeds, a company that specializes in heirloom open-pollinated flower seeds, donates leftover seeds

to 4-H Clubs, Master Gardener Programs, Cooperative Extension activities, and schools all over the country. To re-

quest seeds for your projects write a description of your project and how the seeds will help! Please contact me if you

are interested.

Sign up here to receive issues of Horticulture and Home Pest News.

Volunteer Service Opportunities

2-3 volunteers are needed for AgCiting (a 1-day agricultural camp for 5th graders) to help students plant seeds and assist with teach-

ing kids how to grow plants. The date is Friday, April 26 from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Dordt College. Volunteers will assist a Dordt

student who is leading an educational section on local foods of NW Iowa.

We have an opportunity to work with the Superintendent of Sheldon school system to create a water-wise landscape design for up-

coming building projects. If designing sustainable landscapes is your thing, come be part of the effort!!

Volunteers are needed for the upcoming Green Thumbs, Dirty Fingers summer program at the Orange City Community Garden.

Help participants plan, plant, care for and harvest their very own garden plot, while assisting in activities to foster excitement for

local foods and healthy living. Opportunities are available throughout the summer to lead a prepared lesson; assist participants in

activities; help with planting and harvesting; assist in garden maintenance. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please

contact Lynda Kroeze or call (712) 737-4230.

Volunteer opportunities helping with several gardens spring through fall:

1. the ISU Extension Demonstration Garden in Rock Rapids

2. perennial beds in Rock Rapids and Sibley

3. Kiwanis Butterfly Garden in Rock Valley

(Any planting will be in May but spring clean-up as well as educational programming for the Demo garden will begin this month)

Contact me if you want to participate in any of these

opportunities!

Feel free to submit announcements or volunteer opportunities for next month’s newsletter

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach programs are available to all without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic informa-

tion, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Compliance, 3280 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.

Save the Dates

April 6

The Prairie Heritage Center is offering a stroll through the

beautiful Waterman Prairie in search of the early spring-

blooming Pasque flower. The walk begins at 2pm. The prairie is

located 1.5 miles south of Highway 10 on Wilson Avenue.

April 6

ISU Webster County Extension and Outreach Viticulture

Program. Learn about vineyard pruning, drought management

and fertilization at this workshop. Program is at the Webster

County Extension office 9am-noon. Call (515) 576-2119 or

email Mary Jo Wagner for registration and questions. Cost $10,

includes a light lunch.

April 15

Training on Growing in the Garden curriculum. The Iowa 4-H

Youth Development Program is offering a Growing in the

Garden K-3 Curriculum training on Monday, April 15 from 6:00-

8:00 p.m. at the Sioux County Extension Office in Orange City,

Iowa. The training is designed for anyone interested in teaching

grades K-3 garden-based, nutritional, environmental and

agricultural education, including program volunteers.

For more information, contact Lynda Kroeze or call the Sioux

County Extension office at (712) 737-4230.

July 12-13

2013 Master Gardener Summer Session—Friday, July 12th

meet for dinner at Reiman Gardens. Saturday head to the Iowa

Arboretum and then onto the Horticulture Research Farm and

then back to Reiman Gardens. The session promises to be fun

and educational.

September 7-14

Alaska Flowers, Fjords & Friends

Join nearly1000 other Master

Gardeners from around the

U.S. and Canada on an

Alaskan cruise for the 2013

International Master

Gardener Conference.

Register for the conference

and book your stay on the

ship at the conference

website: www.uaex.edu/

imgc2013/

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1V THE SOLO GARDENER EDITOR: MARG ARET MURPHY, HORTICULTURE EDUCATOR PAGE 4

What’s the difference between the terms Daffodil, Narcissus, and

Jonquil?

Much confusion has existed over the proper name for these plants. Actually, both daffodil and narcissus are correct. Narcissus is the generic botanical name given these plants in 1753. In England, however, the plants commonly were known as daffodils. This term was carried to other countries by English-speaking people.

Jonquil refers to a specific kind of narcissus, and is not correct for the group in general. True jonquils have a reedlike leaf and sweet-smelling flowers.

Narcissus, then, is the correct botanical name for the genus; daffodil is the correct common name for all members of the genus; and jonquil correctly refers to one particular division of the genus.

Taken from University of Missouri Extension

Garden Fun Facts

Reminder: Attendance at gardening presentations, workshops and webinars count

toward continuing education hours!

Find us online at your local County Extension website or on Facebook

I’ve had a few questions about what counts for volunteer service hours. The State guidelines

define appropriate Master Gardener volunteer service as “any horticultural-related educational

activity, public service, and/or activity that is sponsored by ISU Extension or approved by the

local ISU Extension office. Preference should be given to those activities that are educational,

as opposed to activities that are just labor.”

Example: Digging holes, planting trees, and spreading mulch for a local community beautifica-

tion project. Does this count as Volunteer Hrs, Edu Hrs, No Credit, or Needs Revision?

Needs revision: Community beautification is a good thing, but since the goal of the MG pro-

gram is to educate we need to strive to make every project an educational opportunity. To do

that we could make the project a demo by adding signage/labeling or we could train others on

techniques such as tree planting, watering, mulching etc.

To aid in this, I am looking into how we can provide some signage to not only label plantings

but to show what projects Master Gardeners are involved in.

Another question that has come up is about counting time spent traveling to and from a Master

Gardener event as volunteer time. Travel time can be credited for approved volunteer service

activities though travel time is not credited for educational activities.

If you have not submitted any hours in recent years and are an inactive Master Gardener, you

can be reinstated to active status through volunteer service, continuing education, and approval

of the local coordinator. In the first year as a returning volunteer, you need to complete 12

hours of continuing education and 12 hours of volunteer service.

Submit your hours online by clicking here.

Learn it

Grow it

Teach it

Master Gardener Notes