Weeder’s DigestWeeder’s DigestJune 2013June 2013

Whatcom County Master GardenersWhatcom County Master Gardeners

MG Garden Tour Time!

On-Going Projects at WSU Extension Whatcom County Agriculture Program

Tent Caterpillars...Again

Hail the Plant Sale Volunteers!

MG Volunteer Opportunities

MG Garden Tour Time!

On-Going Projects at WSU Extension Whatcom County Agriculture Program

Tent Caterpillars...Again

Hail the Plant Sale Volunteers!

MG Volunteer Opportunities

Master Gardener Project Updates...

Interns in the new class of Master Gardeners have become involved in some pretty interesting projects. Here are a few of them - more to come in upcoming issues of the Weeder’s Digest. Mill Shires and Barney Fleming are working with a group of members of the Max Higbee Center in their Community Access Program, planting and maintaining their vegetable plot at the City of Bellingham Lakeway Garden. Participants in the program are involved in a cooking class in which they are growing their own food.

Linda Versage has been assisting Windward High School’s Horticulture class. They have a school garden and will be growing some variety trials of beans for a WSU research project.

Rebekah Snodgrass, Linda Versage, and Julie Turner have become mentors in the Bellingham Food Bank Garden Project in which they are providing support and gentle constructive guidance to garden recipients. Mentors meet at the gardener’s home approximately once a week to provide organic gardening information and resources. In this same program, Shannon Allegra Fox and Allie Pasquier are contributing as writers and photographers to the Garden Beet, which is the Garden Project’s monthly newsletter. Check out their first issue soon at http://www.bellinghamfoodbank.org/our_programs/garden_project.

Interns are also participating in Master Gardeners at the Bellingham Farmer’s Market. MGs have a booth every second Saturday throughout the season. The topic for June 8 will be All Things Composting. This team consists of Alex Burrows, Alex DuPont, Cathy Steele, Meilani Obra, Linda Versage, Shannon Allegra, and Frank Hubka.

Interns were a huge help at the Annual Plant Sale! They participated in potting plants, setting up for the sale, assisting customers at the sale and sticking around to help put everything away after the sale. They contributed in large part to the success of this year’s sale.

And let’s not forget the enormous help of the interns in the Master Gardener Clinic during the summer and beyond. Interns volunteer for at least 20 hours each as part of their requirement to graduate from the Master Gardener program.

Stay tuned for more project descriptions next month...

Whatcom County Master Gardeners Program1000 N. Forest Street

Suite 201Bellingham, WA 98225-5594

360-676-6736http://whatcom.wsu.edu/mastergardener/

MISSION: The WSU Extension Master Gardeners Program trains volunteers to be effective community educators in gardening and environmental stewardship.

WSU WHATCOM COUNTY EXTENSION STAFF: Drew Betz: County DirectorChris Benedict: Agriculture Educator Colleen Burrows: Agriculture Special Projects Coordinator Beth Chisholm: Master Gardeners & Community First Gardens ProjectCheryl Kahle: Office Manager

Whatcom County Master Gardener FoundationROLE: The Master Gardener Foundation of Whatcom County supports the MG program with fundraising and provides information about home horticulture to the public through a demonstration garden, lectures and home gardening advice.

MG FOUNDATION BOARD: Past President: Loretta HoggPresident: Sandy Keathley1st Vice President: Louise Granger2nd Vice President: Chris HurstSecretary: Kay ReddellTreasurer: Pat EdwardsMembers at Large: Linda Battle & Kathleen BanderRepresentative to State Foundation: Linda Bergquist

The WEEDER’S DIGEST is the monthly newsletter of the Whatcom County Master Gardeners Program. Guest articles are encouraged. Please submit to Jo Fleming (jof@uw.edu). Articles are most appreciated if they contain 600 or fewer words and are accompanied by a photo. Editors reserve the right to edit for content and formatting.

COOPERATING AGENCIES: Washington State University and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension Office.

Cover photo - Lettuce Bowl - by Jo Fleming, MG 2012

Master Gardener Foundation Notes

Here’s to another great plant sale! And I think this year’s was especially great, thanks to a LOT Of people: Alden Seivers for his detailed organization of the setup and breakdown, Linda Berquist and Alicia Lanz for recruiting Master Gardeners, Judy and Jack Boxx for once again helping everywhere they were needed, Dennis Connors from Hovander Park for preparing the park and coordinating the traffic flow, and last but certainly not least, Loretta Hogg for heading up the plant sale and keeping us all going in the right direction! Also thanks to the loyal crews at the greenhouses and everyone who supplied plants! A really big difference this year were all the Master Gardeners who set up during the week, worked the sale and then stayed to the end to clean up. Everything went so smoothly and I think we may have set some time records this year. So thanks to EVERYONE! We couldn’t have done it without you!

Sandy Keathley, MGF President

WSU Whatcom Master Gardener Foundation Meeting Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 6:00 pm

Master Gardener Garden Tour. Tour three gardens in the Birch Point area. Tour begins at 6:00pm. Open to all Master Gardeners and the public. (Please see invitation on the next page for more information and directions.)

This garden tour takes the place of the monthly meeting.

MG Foundation June Meeting

All the Latest MG & Foundation News!

All the Latest MG & Foundation News!

Volunteer Job AnnouncementSummer/fall WSU Community First Garden program assistant.

• Help plan our 3rd annual Community First Garden Learning and Networking Fair.• Help plan the Sept 14th Community Garden Tour in connection with Sustainable

Connections Farm Tour and EVERYBODY Bike. • Assist our local garden partners with networking, by updating and improving our website materials. • Follow up with Community First Garden members who are looking to host workshops or work parties at

their gardens. • Attend regular Steering Committee meetings with the Community First Garden Project members.

Description: Ideally this would be someone who has a keen interest in improving accessibility and awareness of the value of community gardens throughout Whatcom County. This position would be a weekly commitment of 4-5 hrs per week, working at the Extension office or from home, helping Beth Chisholm with email, phone and site visits, and working with our local partners. Contact Beth at beth.chisholm@wsu.edu • (360) 676-6736.

MG CALeNdAr - JUNe 2013MG CALeNdAr - JUNe 2013June 1Saturday

Rain Garden Tour de Bellingham

Bloedel Donavan Park, 9:30am-12:30pm. An expert-guided tour of Bellingham’s rain gardens.

June 1Saturday

Watershed-Friendly Project Expo

Bloedel Donavan Park, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Connect with experts and see samples of watershed-friendly mulches, native plants, permeable concrete, and rainwater tanks.

June 2Sunday

Growing Vegetables in Small Spaces

Hovander Homestead Park, 2:00pm. Janet Bieber presents how to raise your favorite vegetables and fruits in containers or small spaces.

June 6Thursday

MG Foundation Board Meeting WSU Whatcom County Extension Office, 10:00am-12:00pm

June 8Saturday

MGs at the Bellingham Farmer’s Market - All Things Composting

MGs will have a booth at the market every second Saturday throughout the season. Downtown, Depot Market Square, 1100 Railroad Avenue, Bellingham, 10:00am to 3:00pm. Topic is All Things Composting.

June 13Thursday

MG Foundation General Meeting - Garden Tour

Master Gardener Garden Tour. Tour three gardens in the Birch Point area. Tour begins at 6:00pm. Open to all Master Gardeners and the public. (Please see invitation below for more information and directions.)

June 16Sunday

Smart Watering for Your Garden

Hovander Homestead Park, 2:00pm. David Simonson demonstrates how to water the right place, the right amount, and the right way.

June 20-21Thurs/Friday

MG State Coordinators Meeting

Master Gardener Coordinators Meeting in Ellensburg. Beth Chisholm is attending this statewide meeting of MG coordinators.

June 20Thursday

Dig into Reading with the Master Gardeners - Family Activity

Bellingham Central Library, Lecture Room, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Storytime for Pre-K children featuring “The Enormous Turnip” as told by MG Harriet Arkely (1:00-1:30). All-ages gardening Q&A for any questions about plants and gardening (1:45-3:00).

June 27Thursday

May Monthly Plant Study Group

Cordata Food Cooperative (upstairs meeting room), 9:00am-11:00am. Contact Karen Gilliam for more information, kgilliam@gmail.com.

June 30Sunday Good Bugs, Bad Bugs Hovander Homestead Park, 2:00pm. Laurita Whitford discusses the bugs that

live in your garden and how to manage them wisely.

You Are Invited - MG Garden Tour Time!June 13 is the first Garden Tour. We will tour three gardens in the Birch Point area instead of having our regular MG Foundation meeting. The tour begins at 6:00 p.m.

The first stop will be a lovely Japanese Garden surrounding the home of Barbara and Richard Skudlarick. As you walk up the drive, you will enjoy the many Japanese maples and the Rhododendrons. You approach the front door through a red gate and walk through the courtyard which has a pond, gong and lovely plantings. Follow the path to the right of the house to enjoy the stone lined creek and discover the many Japanese maples and High Mountain Hemlock. The hemlocks were individually picked and dug from high on the mountains when the owners accompanied a person licensed to dig these gorgeous trees. The tortured shapes are something to behold.

Your next stop is the home of Gary and Bonnie Anderson. These California transplants have taken to “country life “ and filled their 5 acre lot with many horticultural endeavors. In the front is a fenced enclosure where they have planted fruit trees, berry bushes and vegetables. Later, Gary will plant a pumpkin patch next to the fence. While strolling to the back of the property, you can enjoy the tall conifers and plantings surrounding the home. In the back, you can inspect the raised beds with removable covers that Gary built. He also built a Torii for the Japanese garden they created.

The last stop is the home of Master Gardener, Luanne Williams and her husband. Enjoy the view of the bay while you survey the plantings in the many flower beds. The microclimates caused by wind, salt water, ground water flow and intense reflected sun dictate the location of different plants in each bed. You will notice Luanne loves hydrangeas so don’t miss “Hydrangea Allee” on the south side of the house.

DIRECTIONS: Take I-5 North to exit 270 (Birch Bay Lynden Road). Go west (left) for about 4 miles to the Waterslide corner. Turn left, down the hill then right. Go about 4 miles then look for the open gate. You can park there to see this garden then drive .2 miles north to Luanne’s house and park on that street. Walk across the road to Anderson’s to view their property. End the evening at Luanne’s house.

by Luanne Williams

On-Going Projects at WSU extension Whatcom County

Agriculture Programby

Chris BenedictWSU Whatcom County extension

I was asked to pull together a brief article on the current projects that we are working on in the Commercial Agriculture Program at WSU Extension Whatcom County. First, I want to take a second to explain our mission. This program’s goal is to support and sustain the commercial agricultural industry in Whatcom County. To this end we are involved in a number of projects that investigate solutions to current issues and also develop avenues to transfer information to commercial producers. I can’t emphasize enough that we do this by accessing extramural funds (public and private funds), work in partnership with a number of University and industry personnel, and work hand in hand with the diverse set of commercial agriculture producers that provide food products and manage our working lands in Whatcom County.

Small Fruit IndustryOne of the most economically damaging pressures that small fruit growers (particularly red raspberries) face are issues surrounding declines in soil health. These declines result from a number of factors, but result in increased soil-borne pathogen pressure that can dramatically reduce the productivity of plantings. While soil is a complex of physical, chemical, and biological components, this decline is overwhelming the results of imbalances in the biological component. Since 2010 we have been investigating this complex to more accurately understand what factors contribute to this decline, identify cultural practices that can assist with mitigating pathogen pressures, and have worked with a number of researchers and producers to seek solutions that are economically compatible to mitigate these pressures. We will also be performing a county-wide survey of the presence of Verticillium dahliae (a soil-borne pathogen that has a wide host range and has not historically been identified as a major causal agent in decline issues) in red raspberries.

As many of you know, one of the most economically important direct arthropod pests for the small fruit industry is Spotted Winged Drosophila that can reduce yield and yield quality. While this is a recent pest, if one looks at the history of the small fruit industry here in Whatcom County, its presence has dramatically altered the practices that commercial growers undertake. Since its introduction into the County, we have been involved in developing monitoring strategies that can improve management tactics.

Birds are a major issue in crops grown in Whatcom County and Washington State such as cherries, grapes, and Honeycrisp apples. A new project has been designed to address bird damage to blueberries, cherries, wine grapes, and Honeycrisp apples utilizing a systems approach. Research is being performed in Washington, Michigan, and New York states to compare environments and growing systems. The long-term goal is to provide producers with cost-effective, environmentally sustainable bird management strategies.

Seed Potato IndustryWhatcom County houses the largest seed potato industry in the state. As Washington is a major producer of potatoes, both for fresh and processed consumption, the vitality of the seed potato industry is important for many thousands of acres found throughout the state and region. As potatoes are asexually propagated, it is imperative for this industry to maintain strict sanitation standards to ensure that the products they sell are free of plant pathogens. One economically important pathogen is Potato Virus Y (PVY). This virus is transmitted/disseminated through aphids in space, but transferred through time by the asexual propagation process. Beginning in 2012, we have been quantifying the distribution of this virus, but have also been monitoring the various strains of PVY that are present in seed lots. Just to give you an idea of the laborious nature of doing such a survey, in 2012 we walked a combined 130 miles in potato fields looking for the presence of this virus. The end result of this work will lead to improved management tactics for commercial seed potato producers.

Dairy IndustryThe dairy industry has a large footprint in Whatcom County, and plays a strong role in crop rotation with other agriculture industries. While dairy production has many facets associated with production, animals need to be fed high quality feedstocks to maintain their productivity. One of the highest costs associated with Whatcom County dairy production is feed costs. Whatcom County is the second largest silage corn producer in the state; all of which is consumed locally by the dairy industry. A key component to maintaining productivity is to identify varieties that are productive in our cool maritime climate. Beginning in the spring of 2012, we have been evaluating a number of commercially available silage corn varieties that can help to increase yields and yield quality, thus reducing production costs for our dairy industry.

Scouting a potato field for sympotomatic plants

A PVY sympotmatic plant

Short season silage corn variety trial

Diversified Direct-Market Vegetable IndustryFor many people in Whatcom County, the “face” of the agriculture industry is present during the exchange of goods at the farmers market in Bellingham/Fairhaven, through a CSA share, or through purchases at the local supermarkets/Co-ops. These producers commonly grow a number of different products (mainly vegetables) that are sold and consumed directly from producer to consumer. These producers are commonly small in scale (< 25 Acres) and raise a number of different crops to meet consumer demand. We have a number of different projects ongoing that support this industry; I’ll give a brief overview of them.

Beginning in the fall of 2012 in collaboration with Cloud Mountain Farm Center and WSU Mt. Vernon, we initiated a screening of commercially available leafy green types/varieties. This project is attempting to identify types/varieties that perform well during the “shoulder-season” (Early Spring & Late Fall). In addition to improving profitability, we are evaluating a set of tools to mechanize the process. In the end we hope to increase the availability of healthy, locally produced products.

Since 2009, we have been part of an integrated team working to evaluate an organically approved reduced tillage system for vegetable growers in the Pacific Maritime Northwest. This production system relies on identifying cover crops that can be mechanically terminated using a variety of tools. Below are some photos of the tools we utilize to terminate the cover crop to improve soil health and suppress weeds. Throughout the course of this project we have evaluated over 20 different cover crop types/varieties to see if they can be terminated utilizing reduced tillage equipment in a timely manner.

The 2012 reduced tillage trial at WSU NWREC - 15 cover crop types/varieties were included in this trial.

A roller/crimper that crushes the vascular system of the cover, creating a mulch

layer to suppress weeds.

A strip tiller that cuts through the terminated cover crop, creating an area where the cash

crop can be planted.

I probably have missed some projects we are working on, but there are always ample opportunities to hear about ongoing work and the results from these projects by checking out our newsletter Whatcom Ag Monthly (http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/newsletter.html). We have had many MG volunteers participate in our projects doing various fieldwork, so if you are interested, let me know!

Tent Caterpillars

Again

You know that feeling you get when you make a difference to someone? I had that this morning! My neighbor was freaked out by all the “web worms” on his trees. I looked at them and told him these were not fall web worms, but were Western Tent Caterpillars. I told him they come from a grayish/brown moth with some dark patterning, unlike the webworm which comes from a white moth.

He was concerned they were going to kill his trees. I reassured him and explained that while defoliated, the branches or limbs had a good chance of recovery next spring and that it was unlikely to kill his trees except for very young heavily infested trees. He was going to spray his trees, but I suggested he wait till evening, then just cut out the nest section of the branch and put it in a bag in the trash.

He was grateful and impressed and wondered how I knew this. I told him because I was taking classes and studying to become a Master Gardener, and I learned about these from WSU Extension.

It made my day!Thanks!Mill (Millard Shires, MG 2013)

By now, tents and the orange caterpillars should be visible. Huge outbreaks were reported from Whidbey Island, San Juan Island and in Clallam County in 2012. Expect them to be abundant in new areas this year.

Prune out nests (do not burn) or when caterpillars form masses on the tree trunk, the underlying silk can be pulled off along with the caterpillars which will cling to the silk. More details at http://snohomish.wsu.edu (search for tent caterpillar) or for controls check Hortsense or PNW Insect Management Handbook, Common Landscape Pests.

from Bugs & Blights, Sharon J. Collman, WSU Snohomish County Extension

Months of work every year are spent preparing for the yearly (and only) fundraiser for the Whatcom County Master Gardener Foundation. It’s the Plant Sale, this year held at Hovander Park on May 11.

Every year there are constraints and every year there are challenges. This year was no exception. But every year there are hale and hearty Master Gardener and partners of Master Gardener volunteers who work long and hard to ensure a profitable outcome. This year we’re proud to announce that round about $11,500 was raised.

The money raised pays the salary of the Master Gardener Coordinator and helps support many varied programs.

This year, two sale veterans headed up the planning and preparation—Loretta Hogg and Alden Sievers. Together with their leadership, and many Master Gardener volunteers, the work took only half the time it has in years past.

Innovations this year include accepting credit cards for the first time. Common wisdom says card use increases sales. It certainly makes it easier for people to make their purchases. Good weather played a part in the success, no doubt, as did the sale of veggie starts and lettuce bowls, which proved to be very popular.

Set-up this year went smoothly, with one major exception, that of an injured knee for Alicia Lanz. She had to miss the

sale itself, which was a shame as she had worked so hard lining up volunteers.

As Linda Bergquist, a Master Gardner who has seen many sales, puts it: “It is always so obvious to me how much my fellow MGs like being together.” Anyone at the sale knows that without Linda, there wouldn’t be nearly the humor and fun, as well as the expertise she provides.

An issue that is becoming important to veteran Master Gardeners is that of succession. For example, who will take over the running of the 2014 Plant Sale? For several years, Alden Sievers has masterfully orchestrated the show, but he’s stepping down from the post.

The answer was clearly seen during the sale. Following Alden around, making notes of everything that was going on, was Sandy Keathley, who has tentatively agreed to do the job next year. She says she’ll bring someone along to train as her successor, as well. It’s good to know the sale will be in good, experienced hands. One thing is clear. Change is inevitable. It keeps things fresh, it keeps things moving. So if you have any great ideas for next year’s sale, or want to help out in any way, just contact Sandy. (She’s serving this year as President of the MG Foundation Board). And if you have any hesitation about helping, consider this. At the end of the sale, when everyone is tired but the break-down has to be finished, no grumbling ever occurs. Everyone just works until the job is done. New MGs and Veteran MGs work side by side, and take pride in a job well done!

Hail the Plant Sale Volunteers!by Kathleen Bander

Linda Bergquist & David Simonson

Alicia Lanz

Sandy Keathley & Alden Sievers

Loretta Hogg

THANK YOU !Thanks to all our fellow Master Gardeners who helped with our plant sale! We had a successful sale, the weather was perfect and it was fun to see so many veterans. This year’s class of interns was very well represented too! The spirit of fun and “let’s get it done”made the tasks much easier. Thanks to that spirit all tasks were done quickly and we finished early.THANKS AGAIN!Loretta Hogg & Linda Bergquist

WOW!!!! What a great group of Plant Sale volunteers you are! Your work moving materials to the site on Tuesday, marking the ground on Wednesday, setting-up on Thursday and Friday, and dismantling the sale area on Saturday was phenomenal. Your willingness to get the job done made the task so easy -- especially compared to previous years. We did most of the work this year in half the time it normally takes us. So, many thanks to you for making this year’s Plant Sale extra fun. There is only one problem for me now -- I forgot how many of you I promised a beer to. Thanks again, and cheers, Alden.

PS. I think there are some set-up/take-down volunteers (like TJ, Julie Turner, Bill Mirand, and maybe others) for whom I do not have an email address. If you know of any, please pass my thanks on to them for me.

Alden Sievers

And More

Thanks!

Volunteer OpportunitiesNorthwest Youth Services NWYS: WE GROW GardenBackground: We Grow is a seed-to-market education and employment preparedness program that provides opportunities to get hands-on experience working as part of a team in planting, growing, and harvesting food to bring to our local youth-run market stand and partnering restaurants. Youth participants work with staff and community volunteers to gain experience in all aspects of bringing food to market, including harvesting, prepping, marketing and sales of the produce. NWYS clients work in the garden on a weekly shift. They receive a stipend for that work. WSU Extension will team up to provide a mutually beneficial partnership in programming. WSU will have the opportunity to use the We Grow garden as a demonstration site for teaching gardening practices to the community through their Community Horticulture programs. The role of WSU Whatcom County Ext. at We Grow: Our primary role is to provide leadership to NWYS clients, providing weekly lessons and guiding the youth with garden management. This is a seasonal commitment to teach and facilitate the NWYS clients. WSU Extension will offer NWYS clients science-based horticulture practices and opportunities that will assist in building work experience for the youth. Volunteer opportunity EVERY TUESDAY, 1:00pm-4:00pm - help teach and empower youth in our community.

Homeschool Garden Visit June 7th, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Volunteers needed to work with kids ages 5-12 year.Where: WE GROW garden, Northwest Youth Services.If you are interested contact Beth Chisholm for more information, beth.chisholm@wsu.edu • (360) 676-6736. She plans to lead the lesson but if someone else wants to, that is always an option!!

WSU Community First Garden Project ForumA date in June to be decided. Volunteers needed to help plan this event. Where: Roeder Home.This event will bring together all Whatcom County Community gardeners and other partners and supporters (Bellingham Food Bank, etc.). The date is yet to be set, but Beth Chisholm is looking for help with such activities as planning food, invitations, logistics at Roeder Home, PR, etc. Please contact Beth if you would like to join this committee,beth.chisholm@wsu.edu • (360) 676-6736.

Roeder Home Plant Restoration ProjectEvery other Tuesday during the summer, 1:00pm-4:00pm. Where: Roeder Home.Last summer, a group of MG interns (MG 2012) initiated a project to restore some of the landscape plants at the Roeder Home. The initial group consisted of Shelley Fishwild, Linda Battle, Susan Ediger-Blum, Charly Moore, Tina Mirabile, Ken Salzman and Stephanie Salzman. They are continuing their efforts and are looking for new volunteers to help with weeding, planting annuals in front of the sign, pruning boxwoods and other shrubs, and sawing out trees that the birds and squirrels planted. Oh, we also need to spread more mulch. We need you to bring tools if you can. Our heritage roses have started to bloom and need a little attention as well. The Roeder Home and Garden are located at 2600 Sunset Drive. If you just wish to come by and check on our progress and give us some advice, we welcome you as well! We have fun pruning!

Spring Creek Dementia Care Garden ProjectLocated near Bellis Fair, http://retirementperfected.com/communities/springcreek/directions.asp.In February they began planting seeds indoors, as part of the horticulture program. We’re ready to begin planting our cherry tomato, pea and kale so the residents can pick and eat as they walk along the path in the sunshine. Some of the residents have been raking, helping clear the debris from the Winter, and we’re ready to begin in earnest. What would be fantastic is some help in starting a worm bin, and simple composting that the residents can help with. I’m also at a loss as to a plan for the area. We’d like to begin a square foot garden with trellis, but it needs to be raised and we would like to have more plants. Are there any Master Gardeners who would donate their time and expertise to help our program in the making? We appreciate your consideration. Please call 305-7717 if you need any more information.