Q&A Master Gardeners with the

With our crazy spring weather, with several frosts, a drought followed by massive rainfall, should I worry about my garden?

Does anyone remember a “normal” weather year? Not in recent history, it seems, but this year is a doozy! Looking back at the temperature swings we’ve had this year, January through April each had close to or more than half the month with highs at least 10 degrees above the average range. May went the other way, with half thenightsreachingtemperatures at least 10 degrees below average and, in W. Bloomfield where I live, three solid frosts that month. June’s temperatures seem to hover close to

from Cornell Cooperative Extension, Livingston County

average,which is a bit of a relief. Looking at precipitation, again it has been all over the map. Generally speaking, though, we had very little snoworrainJanuarythroughthefirst week of June. Between Friday, 6/9 and Wednesday 6/14, we received over two inches of rain! Crazy, right?

As I told our Farm Manager, Mike Kincaid, we can always count on a gully-washer right as the peonies start to flower, but this has been an exceptional amount of rain in just a few days.

So,howdoesallof thesetemperature and precipitation swings affect our plants? For established plants you should not need to worry. They have reserves of food to help them through stressful times. If we go back to very dry conditions, which we most likely will over the next couple of months, you may want to supplement watering plants with higher water needs, such as hydrangeas. With newly planted material, of course, you will want to be sure to add water as needed. We like to see the plants get about an inch of water per week – a small investment in a rain gauge is money well spent to help you know how much water your plants have gotten. And remember, when we do get a gully-washer, most of that rain runs off before it can percolate into the soil. Sometimes the best measure of moisture is to stick your finger in the soil and judge by feel.

-Andrea

Lista, CCE Monroe County

Gift Auctions Can Successfully Raise Funds

Gift auctions are a fun way to raise money for good causes. Organizing a gift auction requires a team of dedicated volunteers.

* Enlist a team of gift-wrappers. Presentation may determine bids and increase those bids. Ask for donations of baskets and wrapping materials, such as ribbon and cellophane. Each prize can be wrapped in ways to entice bidders to bid high and bid often.

JOHN DEERE TWO-CYLINDER EXPO XV CONSIGNMENT AUCTION

ursday, July 13, 2023 at 2:30pm

SHOW DATES: ursday, 7/13 through Saturday, 7/15, from 9am to 9pm

Admission Donations: Adults $7.00 or $14.00 for a 3-day pass, Children under 12 $3.00 or $6.00 for a 3-day pass

NY Steam Engine Association Grounds • 3349 Gehan Rd., Canandaigua, NY 14424 Call now with your consignments - It’s not too late to advertise! Accepting anything John Deere, including equipment, toys and memorabilia! Call Je Dann at 585-233-9570 or email dannauctioneers@gmail.com to advertise early consignments! Consignments will be accepted on-site Tues., 7/11 & Wed., 7/12 from 8am to 6pm and urs., 7/13 from 8am to noon.

Early Consignments (Subject to Consignor Delivery): Tractors: JD 50, Serial #5032602; JD 60 WFE, good tires, new radiator, fan clutch, rim, 3-pt attachments; JD 320U, restored, mint condition; 1970 JD 2520, gas, canopy, restored; JD MT, wfe, restored; JD MT, nfe, restored; Equipment: JD 290 planter; JD hay conditioner No. 1, new condition; JD tilt bed trailer; JD 2-row planter; JD 8-ton running gear; JD 4110 cultivator, o of 430S but will t some others, complete, purchased new and been in barn since 1965; JD Snowmobiles Spit Fire, Liqui re, Snow Fire, Sprint Fire, 440; JD golf cart; Collectibles: (2) JD vintage bicycles; JD bicycle originally purchased new from Hall Equipment; Toys: Collection of JD diecast toys; JD pedal tractors; Misc: JD parts; parts for JD 3020, inc. (2) front weights & builder blocks, fender mount AM radio, chrome stack, (2) 7.50L15 tires on rims, set of front hubs w/bearings; manuals; pair of JD original dealer window decals 14”x21”.

Terms: ID for bidder number. No buyer’s premium for cash or honorable check. Credit cards accepted with 3% fee. View updated listing and photos at DannAuctioneers.com!

OTHER UPCOMING AUCTIONS:

Wednesday, 8/9, 2:00pm: Pageant of Steam Consignment Auction, 3349 Gehan Rd, Canandaigua, NY. Call or email now to list and advertise your consignments! Accepting any make/model, including antique and modern farm and construction equip., steam & gas engines, signs, toys, literature, tools, lawn & garden and memorabilia!

Wednesday, 8/23, 9:00am: Auction for the Estate of Rodney Mikkelsen, Ferguson Corners Road, Geneva, NY. Farm Equipment, Vehicles, Motorcycles, Shop Tools, Limited Household.

Dann Auctioneers

4215 Belknap Hill Road, Branchport, NY 14418 Je Dann: 585-233-9570

Nelson Horning: 585-554-5335

Nelson Zimmerman: 607-243-8932