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Worm castings get new boost |
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Written by BILL RYAN Sentinel Garden Editor
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Thursday, 17 May 2012 08:52 |
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Troy Heflin with worm castings as featured at the recent Wood County Home & Garden Show. (Photos: J.D. Pooley/Sentinel-Tribune)
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Organic methods of gardening were always used centuries before the term "organic" became in fashion. Nature took care of all the details.
In recent years, many gardeners are trying to minimize chemicals and return to the basics by gardening organic.
In a natural environment, earthworms aerate the soil and also distribute nutrients as well as aerobic bacteria and fungi through their waste.
At the recent Wood County Home and Garden Show held at the Wood County Fairgrounds, Troy Heflin was on hand to showcase a new product which gives a boost to nature, while still maintaining organic practices.
Heflin, operator of Green Earth Solutions of Ohio based in St. Paris, offered his enhanced earthworm castings and earthworm castings foliage spray.
According to Heflin, standard pesticides and chemicals disrupt the natural processes of a garden.
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Flower Day' part of Toledo market weekend |
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Written by Sentinel-Tribune Staff
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Thursday, 17 May 2012 08:51 |
TOLEDO - On May 27, Flower Day will be celebrated featuring 35 of the area's best flower growers and greenhouses at the Erie Street Market, 237 S. Erie St. The vendors will also spill outside from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More than 20,000 visitors have been known to visit on this day.
It is part of weekend activities which will also include "Market Days" on both May 26 and May 28.
Master Gardeners from Ohio State University's Extension Office will be on hand to help answer questions and give tips on plant and soil care.
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Gardeners focus on ditches |
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Written by Sentinel-Tribune Staff
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Thursday, 10 May 2012 08:55 |
The Wood County Master Gardeners present, "What's in Your Ditch?" Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Way Public Library, Perrysburg.
There will be an expert available to talk about plants that grow in and around ditches, what plants should be removed and what can be left in.
The program will also include discussion of legal issues regarding caring for your ditch and the role local governments play with regard.
Participants are encouraged to bring plants from your ditch for identification.
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Grafting improves the backyard tomato plant |
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Written by BILL RYAN Sentinel Garden Editor
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Thursday, 10 May 2012 08:55 |
Home-grown tomatoes are always a popular feature at many homes. Even non-gardeners will often have a tomato plant or two outside their back door.
Rarely is there anything this new in tomato plants.
Klotz Flower Farm showcased a "grafted" tomato plant at the inaugural Wood County Home and Garden Expo held last weekend.
Gene Klotz says the new type of plant originated in Oregon and debuted on the west coast last year.
All of the plants being sold locally come from Oregon.
The grafting, a process which has been used successfully with other species, merges two varieties together to make a better plant.
Klotz says the merged plant is more disease resistant, more insect resistant, and will produce tomatoes all summer, once it starts producing fruit.
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Fresh mint can enhance garden and foods |
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Written by Sentinel-Tribune Staff
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Thursday, 03 May 2012 08:48 |
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| A container of mint used as an accent planting (Photo courtesy of Green Earth Media Group) |
Mints are fast-growing spreading plants, so you need to give them room to grow without getting in the way. Mint varieties send out runners that spread above and just under the ground, quickly forming large, lush green patches.
Many authorities consider them invasive as they can easily take over any garden spot you choose, so choose wisely. Thus some experts prefer large containers to t confine it. If placed on a patio or near the kitchen door, it will also be handy for use in food preparation.
In the right place, mint makes a sensational, seasonal ground cover. You can also contain mint in tight places such as between pavers of a walkway.
When planted outdoors, it is important to select a damp area in the garden in either full sun or partial shade. Mint prefers fertile soil with a pH from 6.0 to 7.0, and is plenty vigorous on its own but will appreciate a little fertilizer every few weeks, especially if you harvest a lot. It can take over the whole garden if you let it.
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Last Updated on Thursday, 03 May 2012 11:33 |
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