5 8 0423 rs mich farm&garden

MICHIGAN

Farm & Garden

5

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Foreign enemy

The Daily News

Ryan Schlehuber • Daily News features editor • scoop@staffordgroup.com • (616) 548-8279

Local group aims to eradicate garlic mustard that is dominating native flora

G

arlic mustard, sounds harmless enough, maybe even palatable. But this seemingly innocuous plant is actually an invasive species choking out native flora.

Sue Aagaard, vice president of the Montcalm Master Gardeners, and Ginny Wonty, master naturalist coordinator of Kent and Ottawa counties with the Michigan State University Extension, would like to see the biannual plant eradicated.

At 9 a.m. on May 14, both Aagaard and Wonty will be at the Flat River Historical Museum in Greenville to discuss how to identify garlic mustard, pull it and properly dispose of it. Garlic mustard cannot be composted with other yard waste as the compost pile never reaches a high enough temperature to kill it. One plant alone can contain up to 1,000 to 2,000 seeds and it is hardy. “(Garlic mustard) will kill other plants around it,” Wonty said. “It’s very prolific — nothing can grow next to it.”

Without having a natural predator, garlic mustard grows uninhibited. In addition, the plant is part of the mustard family, so the seed is encapsulated with a protective coating. According to Wonty, the seed size

By Stacie Smith is similar to a grain of sand, making it eas- Daily News features writer ily transplanted when picked up by shoes, a dog’s paw or bicycle tire along the trail.

Michigan State University publishes a guide to identify invasive species that are growing in the state. Aagaard keeps a copy handy, but said it can be downloaded for free at mnfi.anr.msu.edu/invasive-species/ InvasivePlantsFieldGuide.pdf.

Within the guide, pictures of garlic mustard are available, making it easier to distinguish. Garlic mustard is in the top 10 of most invasive plants in Michigan, according to Aagaard.

She became involved with ridding the area of garlic mustard when, on a trip to dispose of yard waste at a drop location in Greenville, she noticed both garlic mustard and Japanese knotweed overtaking the area. This, in turn, made her think to contact Wonty with MSU and to speak with Tom Pollock, director of the Greenville public services department. The three have come together to organize the garlic mustard pull in May. As part of the pull, Wonty will give a 20- to 30-minute presentation to help participants identify garlic mustard and organize groups. Water, latex gloves and snacks will be provided for those participating in the pull. Pollock, with the city of Greenville, will provide black bags for proper disposal.

“The event is two-fold,” Aagaard said. “We want to help educate the community about it, so they can go home and then look for it, then help lower the numbers and pull it on their own property and help clean up the trail here.”

Though garlic mustard is not toxic for people, it is toxic to other plants and will render the soil void of other plant life for a couple years. Fortunately, it is easy to pull due to its short and narrow root system.

While the focus of the pull is garlic mustard, both Aagaard and See Foreign Enemy, Page 7

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6

Daily News • Saturday, April 23, 2016

F

When starting a beginner’s garden, always have a ‘Master’ at hand

or me, when it comes to gardening, it might as well be rocket science or figuring out the evolution of the platypus.

Alas, I think I am still going to give it a try this spring. After speaking with Montcalm Master Gardener Sharon Witter of Carson City, I actually feel confident I might grow something that is edible!

If she isn’t on her many acreage of land tending to her many flowers, crops and fruit trees, Witter is busy tending to work at the Garden Center By Ryan Schlehuber at Harvey’s Milling Daily News features editor Co. in Carson City during the spring and summer. A Master Gardener since 1998, Witter has a plethora of “green thumb” knowledge, which I happily tapped into during our conversation about a beginner’s garden.

Now many of you may have knowledge and many good tips about gardening. But for us beginners, it feels like a leap of faith. So my first question to Witter was, “where the heck do you start?”

“Finding the proper site is the first thing when starting a garden,” Witter.

“You have to find a spot where it gets at least six to eight hours of sun.”

Easy enough. Ok, I said. So all I need next is to till up some dirt, throw down some seeds and water the heck out of it, right?

With a good laugh, Witter calmly and patiently walked me through the next step, which was getting my soil tested.

Oooooooh, yeah, I suppose any ol’ dirt may not do when it comes to sprouting life from the ground.

Thus, she said, it is always a good idea to get soil tested. That way, you know what kind of dirty beast (pun intended) you’re dealing with.

Witter said Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) is the best place to get your soil tested. Through MSUE, you can order a kit and get results back promptly by going to msue.anr.msu.edu/resources/ soil_test_kit_self-mailer, which I will be doing soon. The kit is $25.

“The test will tell you what you need, if anything,” Witter said.

So, I said, all I have to do is just go to

open house & smart gardening Harvey’s Milling co.

May 7 The reopening of Harvey’s Milling Company’s Garden Center, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will include great sales on several items including trees, shrubs, perennials and crops, and Michigan State University Extension will be hosting a booth for its Smart Gardening campaign, with Montcalm Master Gardener Sharon Witter on site to answer questions on gardening. Food will also be available. Call (989) 584-3466. Harvey’s Milling Co. is at 729 W. Main St. in Carson City.

Meijer or Walmart and ... “no, no, no, no,” she interrupted. “Youre best bet to get the right kind of soil you need is to go to a garden store.”

My first thought was, “of course she would say that since she’s a Harvey’s employee ...,” however, she quickly explained that the soil test is specific in what is needed for my soil to be ready for gardening and gardening stores are more apt to have the right kind of soil I need.

“Maybe you just need some nitrogen, potassium or urea,” she said. “A garden store has all the ingredients you will need, plus they can help you figure out your soil test results, too.”

Witter said my procrastination to start a garden, which, believe me, will probably happen, won’t be a problem unless it lingers past the first week of June.

“Because I work a lot, I’m always a late gardener,” she said. “If you can get a garden in by the beginning of June, you’ll be fine.”

I have only talked with Witter once, on the phone, but I swear she knows me well because she knew I still had doubts about my gardening skills and reinforced my confidence by saying, “Don’t get discouraged. It’s all trial and error.

Sometimes, it doesn’t matter if you’re the best gardener in the world, you may still fail. The most important thing is to keep at it.”

There is no “easy” vegetable to grow, Witter said, adding that all vegetables are pretty easy to manage. Peas, she said, you’d need a trellis to put them on as they grow, but beyond that, things aren’t complicated.

She did point out that it is a good idea

to divide your garden into quarters and rotate your crops every season. Witter’s garden, for example, is sectioned into nine compartments, in which in one area she plants peas she never harvests, which adds to the nourshiment of the ground in that area.

“Each year, rotate (your crops) because it will help deter soil-borne insects or disease,” Witter said. “Rotating your crops helps eliminate this.”

Yet another good point that I will indeed incorporate.

Finally, we talked about planting seeds and watering. And once again, I was glad to have a wise gardener at my disposal.

Shockingly, when Witter told me to read the directions on the packet, I had an “oh yeah, duh,” moment. Typically, my brawny brainy automatically ignores directions on packages, as I always figure they are just more guidelines. But when Witter told me that some seeds can’t be put in the dirt too deep, I suddenly heard the steely crunch of my brain’s gears halt and rework itself to actually listen to this advice and remember it.

So, read the directions ... got it.

Lastly, watering. This is a simple task, as well, as long as you’re paying attention to the weather. Good rain, no need to water; hot dry spells for days, yeah, watering regualrly would be good. Man, I think I CAN do this gardening thing!

Thankfully, if at any point I run into a problem, I have the ever-so-helpful guide of Montcalm Garden Masters.

I also have the opporutnity to stop by Harvey’s Milling Co. May 7 to learn more about MSUE’s Smart Gardening program, during which Witter will be on hand to answer questions. The program offers a wide range of science-based inforrmation for gardeners of any experience.

It’s nice to know that a beginning gardener’s leap of faith isn’t so different than any other gardener’s. I just hope to have the same success as they do. With the help of experts like Witter, I feel my faith in myself in gardening is much stronger.

She has planted the seed of confidence in me. And yes, pun intended. scoop@staffordgroup.com (616) 548-8279

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Why should I get an MSU soil test?

By Gretchen Voyle

Michigan State Unviersity Extension Smart gardeners often think of getting their soil tested in preparation for planting in the spring because it can give seeds or plants a better chance of growing. But there are gardeners who have not heard about soil testing or are not sure what kind of information a soil test will give them.

It could be about the World View or the “Me” View.

World View: By knowing what nutrients are already in the soil, you are not adding additional, which can run off from the site. Fertilizer washing off into drains, ditches or other areas can contaminate surface and groundwater. Phosphorus causes abundant plant growth in ponds and lakes. The verdant green surface of the water is caused by algae and duckweed which are enabled by excess nutrients. Gardeners with a soil test recommendation aren’t guessing; they are using science for an answer.

“Me” View: If I know what’s in my soil, I just have to add what will help my plants grow better. I know what to use and how much to apply. This saves me money and I get better plants and better vegetables and fruit. I know what to buy and how much to use.

Where can I get a Soil Test Self-Mailer? Purchase at shop.msu.edu or some local Michigan State University Extension office have them for sale.

What kinds of tests are available? Your soil can be tested for use as a vegetable garden, lawn, trees, shrubs, flowers, tree fruit and small fruit—each are available as individual tests. For each purchased soil test, you can choose one kind of test. Each kind of test is designed for the crop or kind of test you select.

How much does this cost? A test and kit costs $25, which includes envelope and postage to send the kit to the MSU Soils Lab. You do not have to go to the post office; you just drop it in the mail box.

What do I get for my money and how long does it take? You receive an envelope containing a plastic bag for the soil that you will mail back, directions on how to take the soil and an information sheet to fill out and return. Your return envelope does not need postage. In about two weeks, you will receive an email with your recommendation.

What does it test for? This test is for nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium, soil pH and organic matter percentage. Your recommendation will include which nutrients are needed and in what amount per 1,000 square feet. Nitrogen will be included in the recommendation, if needed.

If I have a question about my soil test recommendation, what can I do? Online, email your question through the Ask an Expert box on the www.msusoiltest.com webpage. Or by phone, call the Michigan State University Extension Lawn and Garden Hotline: 888-678-3464.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu. edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Michigan Farm & Garden

Daily News • Saturday, April 23, 2016

goodies

7

home grown

W

ith the advent of warmer weather comes fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade goods and open air markets. The communities of Montcalm and Ionia counties offer a variety of farmers’ markets beginning in the spring through midfall.

EDMORE FARMER’S MARKET Aaron Hadley, the market manager of the Edmore Farmer’s Market, started as a vendor with the market, selling

Foreign Enemy

Belding

The Belding Beatnik Bazaar Farm Market is open the second Saturday of the month, June through October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. located at the corners of Bridge and Congress streets, just south of City Hall.

Crystal Farmer’s Market

The Crystal Farmers Market operates Saturdays, June through October from 8 a.m. to noon located at 831 S. Main St. parking lot.

Edmore

Edmore Farmers Market is open from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays June through October, opening June 3, located at the corners of Pine and Lewis streets.

The Market-Downtown

The Market-Downtown is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the last Saturday of May through October, located at the corner of Cass St. and Lafayette (M-91).

THE MARKET-DOWNTOWN If strolling the streets of downtown Greenville on the last Saturday of the month, stop by The Market-Downtown and purchase produce or handcrafted goods.

Debi Merren has served as the market manager and this year has helped create a committee to oversee the market. The committee includes Robin Atwood and Lynn Hodges.

As a vendor, Merren sells pickled asparagus and various baked goods.

This year, Merren will be including home beauty items such as beard oil and chapstick.

The committee invites other vendors who create handmade crafts, homemade baked goods or grow produce to become part of The Market-Downtown.

Vendors interested in joining The Market-Downtown can contact Merren at (616) 754-4465 or call the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce at (616) 754-5697.

As with other area markets, Merren would like to see growth with the Market-Downtown, especially with the move to the new location at the corner of Cass and Lafayette streets.

Spring is here and with that comes farmers markets. Shopping farmers markets is a great way to spend locally and eat healthier with fresh, local produce and homemade food items.

Greenville Farmer’s Market

The Greenville Farmer’s Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays May through October, located at 1325 W. Washington St. (M-57)

Howard City

Howard City Farmers Market operates 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturdays May through October, located at 125 East Shaw St.

Ionia

The Ionia Farmers Market is open from 2 to 6 p.m.

Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, June through October located at the corner of Adams and Steele streets.

Sheridan

Sheridan Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesdays and Thursdays, June through October located at Main and Evergreen streets.

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PETERSEN

Continued from Page 5 Wonty want to educate the public about another invasive plant species: The Japanese knotweed.

Japanese knotweed has been deemed the most invasive of all species and is illegal to have on property or to transport.

Invasive species arent’ just an inconvenience, but can have a devastating ripple effect.

“Certain birds, certain butterflies, certain caterpillars will only nest in one tree,” Aagaard said.

“Birds will only eat one variety of caterpillar and that caterpillar will only live on a certain plant.”

If an invasive species overtakes growth of native plants, it can affect nesting habits of birds and butterflies and ultimately pollination.

“If we lose all our trilliums and those types of plants to this,” Aagaard said, “it would be just devastating and it throws off the whole ecosystem, which eventually comes back to human beings.”

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BELDING BEATNIK BAZAAR Belding resident Jenny Bennett had long been thinking of starting a farmers market, and after speaking with Kevin Hall of Pro Hardware, Bennett and nine other vendors opened the Belding Beatnik Bazaar Farm Market in June 2015.

The Belding Beatnik Bazaar Farm Market features hand-grown and hand-made local items and does not allow any direct marketers or advertising.

“The Belding Beatnik Bazaar is part farm market, part street fair, part art craft show,” Bennet said. “Each market features live

By Stacie Smith music and has Daily News features writer become a social gathering that people look forward to.”

The 2016 market has moved to a new location in the former Breimayer car lot, at the corners of Bridge and Congress streets.

Additions to this year’s market include a food vendor, on-site restrooms and also a registered nutrition director from the Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) office available for a walking tour through the market. The MSUE will also provide reusable shopping bags (while supplies last) on the opening day of the 2016 season.

“The future goals (of the bazaar) include working diligently to build on our market and continue to attract the type of quality vendors our customers have come to expect and appreciate,” Bennett said.

Vendors interested in being part of the Belding Beatnik Bazaar Farm Market must register two weeks prior to each market date. Contact Jenny Bennett at (616) 255-7146, email her at blueribbonbakery@yahoo.com, or send a message through the bazaar’s Facebook page.

homemade jam. When the opportunity arose to serve as manager, Hadley thought it would be a great way to be more involved with the community.

Like Bennett and the Belding Beatnik Bazaar, Hadley would like to see the Edmore Farmer’s Market expand and include more vendors. The market would like to include more produce vendors and those offering homemade food and baked goods. Artisans who create handmade jewelry, sewn items and crafts are welcome at the market, as well. Potential vendors can submit an application and view guidelines at www.edmore.org and select the “marketplace” tab.

The 2016 season will begin June 3 and will continue Tuesdays and Saturdays through October. Along with expansion, Hadley would like to see the market develop its location, as well.

“We would like to develop the property to include pavement and a covered pavilion,” Hadley said.

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Daily News • Saturday, April 23, 2016

Michigan Farm & Garden

Earning a

GREEN THUMB

Local farm offers agricultural experience to high school students CEDAR LAKE — Good News Farms is situated on 28 acres in the open farm lands of Cedar Lake, just outside of Edmore.

Andy and Janna Britton, proprietors of Good News Farms, are committed to growing the freshest and best tasting produce as possible, all in keeping with the certified organic standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). To do that, they’ve enlisted the help of students from nearby Great Lakes Adventist Academy.

“They wanted to have a way for the kids to earn money to put towards their tuition. They (reached out) to see if (we) minded having students work here as part of their curricuBy Emilee Nielsen lum for two to four Daily News staff writer hours a day,” Janna said. “It’s good work experience for them and it helps us.”

The students who work at Good News Farm range from freshmen to seniors, and their responsibilities range from transplanting seeds to packaging produce and other goods in farm boxes.

“They harvest, (they) do a lot of harvesting. They maintain plants out in the greenhouse and make sure everything is clipped up, and that it’s on the string so nothing will fall and break,” she said.

The farm was initially started from a dormant orchard by the Michigan Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which the school is affiliated with. It was a way for the Michigan Conference to incorporate an ideal work experience that goes along with the scriptures of the church, according to the Michigan Conference.

The students at Good News Farm are

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Tasha Pletcher, 18, and Sierra Crook, 16, right, tend the tomatoes in a greenhouse at Good News Farms.

Meghan Fleetwood and staff member Dawn Kroll work on packaging farm boxes to ready them for shipping.

trained to go through all of the steps from growth to shipping, such as planting and transplanting, maintaining plants, harvesting and shipping produce and goods. Adult members of Good News Farms make sure all of the products going out of the farm are of the highest quality.

The school enrolls about 160 students who are from all over Michigan and some from other states, as well, with some students who live in the area of the farm and school.

Daniel Fickett, 18, is a junior and is from Cloverdale, Ind. His day-to-day duties on the farm include hanging ropes for the tomato plants to grown on so they don’t droop.

“They’re like the lifelines for the vines,” he said.

There are two groups of students, one that comes to the farm in the morning and one in the afternoon.

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According to the academy’s vice principal, Kassie Norcross, the groups are split into sophomores and seniors in the mornings and juniors and freshmen in the afternoon.

“It provides a mentorship program between the older students and the younger students,” Norcross said.

The academy gets to use the fruits of the students’ labors while on the farm.

They use all types of produce from the farm, but the tomatoes and cucumbers are the two things that they use the most.

Norcross says going to work on the farm gives the students the chance to work with their hands and to “detox their minds from technology.”

“When they come here, their priority is school and feeling a closer connection with the Lord, that’s the priority. To have a program such as the farm reminds us that keeping to the basics and learning to grow your food and working with

the soil is just healthy,” Norcross said.

The students have been coming to the farm for approximately three years.

Savanna Naranjo, 17, a junior at the school, says her favorite part of her daily duties is washing the vegetables.

“It’s nice, you don’t get too dirty,” she said.

Each piece of produce that’s packaged for shipment is washed and inspected for quality and freshness. Some are destined to go to different stores across the state, including Whole Foods chain store and Harvest Health Foods in Grand Rapids.

Others are destined to end up at restaurants throughout the state and still others are on the way to farm box customers.

Freshman Meghan Fleetwood, 15, said that her favorite thing to do on the farm is to manage the farm boxes.

“It’s fun to do,” she said.

Farm boxes come in customizable orders and predetermined orders. The order minimum for a box is $22, and the different goods available range from organic produce to locally made artisan chocolates, energy bars and even vegan marshmallows. There are several drop sites throughout local areas where customers can go to pick up their boxes.

“We have a variety of things that make it easy to get to $22. The custom option is most popular because you can choose what you want,” Britton said.

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