Nl january15

15 20 Y U AR N JA

...for discerning weeders

In this issue Meet Your Board Scourge of Hives Walking Catfish Weed of the Month and much more!

The Foundation for the Gator Nation.....An equal opportunity institution.

NEW YEAR...NEW LOOK! Here we are in a new year! Not only that, it is also the 20th Anniversary of the Okaloosa County Master Gardeners! What better way to celebrate the beginning of 2015 and our 20th year, than with a new look to The Compost Pile. We hope that you’ll find this format engaging and something that you return to again and again.

Not only has our newsletter received a facelift but our web sites will be changing as well. As of May, 2015 we will no longer have a separate site for our members. All that information will find a home on the main web site, www.ocmga.org. The member only pages will be password protected just as an added layer of security for our personal information.

There will be more active links so you will be able to find out more information on the topics we cover. We are also going to organize our coming events page better to make it easier to see what is happening in our neck of the woods.

As with most things, change can be slightly unnerving. Not to mention when dealing with electronic media, all the bugs and hiccups have to be dealt with. We are hoping to keep any disruptions to a minimum. We encourage you to let us know if there are problems and also give us your suggestions! What are topics you would like to see covered? Do you have suggestions on how to make this publication better? The web sites?

We had a lot of new folks contributing to The Compost Pile in 2014 and we are hoping that even more folks submit their articles and/or ideas in this coming year! Your pictures and articles are always welcome and should be submitted no later than the 24th of each month. Any submissions received after that date will be held for the next publication.

Get those gardening ideas percolating and gear up for a great New Year!

V. Grund M. Koser L. Morris L. Penry S. Petty P. Rawson C. Rose

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Happy New Year from the editorial staff!

Events

2

Meet the Board

Start the year off right!

Sign in to VMS and log in your hours!

You may access the VMS site by clicking on the link below: https://florida.volunteersystem.org/ UniversalLogin.cfm

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3-4

Wildlife Happenings

5

Turf Tips

5

Book Review

6

Blessing or Curse

6

Updates and Info

7

All A-Buzz

8

Walking the‌.catfish?

9

Potato of the tropics

10

Recipe Round-Up

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Last Word

11 January, 2015

Tuesday January 13th—7am—4pm Okaloosa County Extension, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview

Limited Pesticide Training and Exams—Contact Sheila Dunning at 850-689-5850 or sdunning@ufl.edu to register. Click here to download the flyer for more information.

Wednesday January 14th—9:30am—noon Valparaiso Library, 459 Valparaiso Parkway, Valparaiso

Forestry Service Arbor Day Tree Give Away—Hosted by the Valparaiso Garden Club. Presentations will be given on the different agencies and also on how to properly plant the trees. The tree give away will commence at the conclusion of the presentations. Tree varieties include: Crabapple, Chickasaw plum (Guthrie), Sparkleberry, Flame Azalea, Dahoon Holly, and Redbud.

Wednesday January 14th—9:00am Okaloosa County Extension Annex, 127 Hollywood Blvd., Ft. Walton Beach

Board Meeting

Wednesday(s) January 15th, 22nd, and 29th 6:00pm—7:30pm Okaloosa County Extension Office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview

2015 Small Farm Series: Organic Vegetable Production. This video conference series will be taught by university professionals who have a great deal of experience in organic production.

Cost is $30 per person for the course or $45 for a couple. Call 689-5850 or email bearden@ufl.edu to register. You may also download the flyer here.

Thursday January 15th—10:00am Okaloosa County Extension Office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview

Tri-County Horticulture Study Group—Sheila Dunning will be the speaker on the topic of Propagation. Activity will include the native plant trail at the Extension Office and Crestview Nursery. Lunch will be at the Wild Olive Restaurant, 797 N. Pearl Street, Crestview. For lunch reservations, contact G. Baltz at 225-252-1423 or email baltzg@valp.net

Saturday January 17th—9:30am—noon Ft. Walton Beach Library, 185 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Ft. Walton

Forestry Service Arbor Day Tree Give Away—Hosted by the Garnier Beach Garden Club. Presentations will be given on the different agencies and also on how to properly plant the trees.

The tree give away will commence at the conclusion of the presentations. Tree varieties include: Crabapple, Chickasaw plum (Guthrie), Sparkleberry, Flame Azalea, Dahoon Holly, and Redbud.

Wednesday January 28th—9:00am Okaloosa County Extension Annex, 127 Hollywood Blvd., Ft. Walton Beach

General Membership Monthly Meeting

The Jokester: Arachnoleptic Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you’ve accidentally walked through a spider web.

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January, 2015

MEET THE BOARD

by Staff

The start of a new year means the start with a new Board. We A.Ogle—President-Elect sent our new Board members a list of questions: How long have “I have been a Master Gardener since 2013. I am you been a Master Gardener? Are you a native Floridian? If not, also currently enrolled in the University of Florwhere do you originally hail from? What do you consider your ida Master Naturalist Program and I am on the biggest gardening challenge? What is your favorite plant? What is the weed/invasive that you detest the most? During 2015, what MG nursery team. I am a native Floridian and do you hope to see the Master Gardeners do? What is your favorhave resided in Northwest Florida since 1972. My ite part of being a Master Gardener? and finally, a free zone husband and I live in Santa Rosa Beach. I am a where we asked them to tell us a little bit about themselves. We retired Senior Vice-President of commercial lending with Vanextend our warmest welcome to our new Board and wish them a great new year! guard Bank, completing 43 years in banking. My interest are propagation, edible landscape, wildlife and native plants. I perL. Penry—President sonally get so much pleasure and satisfaction out of being a Mas“I have been a Master Gardener for two years. My ter Gardener. Also, the amount of knowledge that I have acdad was in the Air Force (formally known as the quired and continue to acquire is amazing. What I gain from Army Air Corps) so we moved frequently. Dad being a part of this organization is more than I would ever be was stationed in Marietta, Georgia and I was able t repay in volunteer hours. ‘In teaching others we teach ourborn in Atlanta. From there he was stationed in selves.’”

England, then Ohio, Florida, Mississippi, back to Georgia, back to Florida, Maine and finally retiring in Fort B.K. Kirk-Williams—Secretary Walton Beach in 1963. My biggest gardening challenge is turf “I was in the third Master Gardener class in 1997, grasses. My favorite plants are ferns. I don’t know why, exactly, so this is my 18th year. I was born in Baton except there are so many strange and exotic looking ferns. The Rouge, Louisiana and grew up in southeast Texas most invasive weed which gives me trouble is Chamberbitter (Cajun country). My biggest gardening challenge (Phyllanthus urinaria). is lack of time and an acre yard. I haven’t used Our membership works hard to meet the needs of the public any spray or chemicals to treat for insects or disthrough manning the phones, seeing customers in the offices and ease since 1991 and use only glyphosate to conmaking home visits. We also provide horticultural education to trol weeds. Surprisingly, that hasn’t been a challenge at all. My residents through our Speakers’ Bureau and various shows. All of favorite plant is antique and old garden roses. They are hardy, these activities aid in accomplishing our Mission. As a trusted disease-resistant, beautiful, fragrant, long-blooming, offer infiresource, we can always do more to meet the needs of our nite and unique design possibilities, and definitely should be “customers” so I would like for us to sponsor monthly workshops planted much more often. I get so frustrated when I see so many and involve more Master Gardeners to assist in this endeavor.

Knock Out roses—if only homeowners knew that old garden Our Five-Plan states our goals to support these workshops but it roses offer so much more and are easier to grow! The weed I dealso states that we should have more advanced training by which test the most is Chamberbitter  we are better able to meet our goals. I would like for us to estabIf there’s enough support, I hope we can have a Fall Gardening lish training programs in addition to the monthly meetings.

Seminar similar to the one the Baldwin County (Alabama) MasMy favorite part about being a Master Gardener is the knowlter Gardeners have every year. It could serve as both an educaedge I gain from our meetings, from other MGs, and through tional outreach project and a fundraiser. literature. However, what I gain from the friendships I have deI enjoy being a part of such an incredibly diverse and intelligent veloped and hope to develop is priceless. We all have one thing in group that has a common interest and a common goal. I’m proud common and we use that commonality to reach out to each to be associated with our group. other….

I worked in advertising and marketing before I married. DeI am a retired school teacher, having taught in Okaloosa spite coming from a family of avid gardeners, I only discovered a County elementary schools and have lived in Okaloosa County passion for gardening after we bought our first home. When our for 50 years. As an educator, I believe in life-long learning so son’s high school debate coach quit, my husband and I stepped after teaching about 12 years, I returned to college to earn my in to help out “temporarily.” Now, 10 years later, we’re still very Master’s Degree. Since that was so much fun, I decided to extend active in helping students find their voice and we both feel it is my college education and earned my Doctorate Degree in Educa- the most rewarding thing we have ever done.” tional Management. That is probably why becoming a Master Gardener appealed to me; just continuing my education. My husband and I live in the Fort Walton Beach area and between us we have three children and five grand-children.”

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January, 2015

BOARD B. Bayer — Treasurer “8 years ago I became a Master Gardener on July 12, 2006. I was born in Brooklyn, NY and lived in New York until 1980 when I retired as a NY City fireman. I have gardened most of my life and find the biggest challenge is trying to keep ahead of the weeds. While all weeds can be challenging, I find Florida Betony (aka Rattlesnake Weed) at the top of my most detested plant list. I enjoy a wide variety of plants but lean toward Cycads as my favorites, including our native species, the Florida Coontie.

I enjoy the outdoors and would prefer spending my time in the garden rather than being confined to the indoors. Being part of a group that also enjoys gardening and related topics and shares their experiences is probably my favorite part of Master Gardeners. The Nature Trail has become part of what I really enjoy, even though there have been some setbacks, I still see it as a major area for a fantastic learning opportunity. The new composting areas along the Trail is progressing nicely and should produce some rich, low cost, organic soil amendments to improve our Extension office’s poor garden soil.

While working in the NYFD I attended the NY State University at Farmingdale and earned degrees in Business Administration and Ornamental Horticulture. I used this education as the Propagation Supervisor at Half Hollow Nursery in Laurel, New York, after an injury forced my retirement form the fire department. After 4 years as the head propagator, I moved to 25 acres in Crestview and began Poverty Creek Nursery, which I owned and operated until selling and moving into the city.”

C Strom—At-Large Member “I have been a Master Gardener for 4 years. I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and moved down to Fort Myers in 1990. My biggest gardening challenge is keeping up with all of my gardens. Just when I get one looking like I want it to, another one gets jealous and pops up with weeds to spite me. My favorite plant changes with the seasons. Currently it is Camellias. The weed/invasive that I detest the most is Chamberbitter.

I hope that 2015 sees the Master Gardeners offering more classes to the community. My favorite part of being a Master Gardener is working with the other MGs and serving the public.

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from the University of Pittsburg with a degree in Psychology and Sociology. Unable to find a job in the area, I packed up my little Plymouth Horizon and a minivan and moved to Fort Myers, Florida at 23 2ithout a job but lots of hope. I eventually found work as a substance abuse counselor for pregnant women and embarked on a 9 year career in that field. I got a Masters in Rehab Counseling in 1995, met the man of my dreams and married him in 1998 and had twins in 1999. In 2002 we had a third daughter and moved to Crestview in 2003. One year later we had our 4th daughter and I was officially a stay at home mom. Now I fill my days taking care of my family and doing volunteer work for the An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

cont’d Master Gardeners and Baker School.

L. Vanderpool—New Training Class Member (Last Class Member) “I have been a Master Gardener to two years more or less. I was born in Missouri, raised in Kansas, citizen of the world… My biggest gardening challenge is maintenance. I like to plant seeds, stick cuttings and otherwise propagate plants but, after they are established, have a difficult time keeping them in check. It’s hard to say what my favorite plant is. I have many plants and like most of them. As a group, I like tropical blooming plants best followed by temperate bloomers. The weed/invasive that I detest the most is Chamberbitter. During 2015 I hope to see the Master Gardeners volunteer more. Too many MGs put in their minimum hours then take the rest of the year off. I feel that, if you are going to belong to an organization, you should support that organization more than just the minimum amount.

My favorite part of being a Master Gardener is working at the nursery and learning from more experienced gardeners.

I have always liked plants. Every location I spent enough time in, I had plants—Hawaii, Philippines, England and many other places. I first saw a bonsai demonstration in Hawaii in the late 70’s and fell for the art. I jointed the Ft. Walton Beach Bonsai Society in 1984 and have enjoyed their activities ever since. I have displayed trees at most Gulf Coast bonsai shows and have had two trees on exhibit at the Japanese pavilion at Epcot Center under the auspices of the Bonsai Societies of Florida.

After 22 years in the US Air Force and 20 more years as a Civil Servant, I decided to finally do something that I would enjoy so became a Master Gardener. It gives me pleasure to give back to the community. I particularly enjoy doing home visits which directly benefits homeowners.”

Check out our 2014 Christmas Party! You may see more photos of the festivities at http:// jalbum.net/a/1581521 Many thanks to the Fabians for the great pictures!

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January, 2015

WILDLIFE HAPPENINGS Not only does January bring in a new year, it also gives us a new batch of animal behavior to look out for.

BIRDS Male cardinals begin territorial singing later in the month. Nesting activity can be seen by ospreys, sandhill cranes, hawks, and owls. Look for red-tailed hawks perched in trees along highways.

courtesy of www.wec.ufl.edu/extension Huge clouds of tree swallows should be visible around sunset roosting over large marsh areas. Don’t forget, now is a great time to watch our over-wintering populations of ducks and geese.

MAMMALS Gray foxes, bobcats, and raccoons begin breeding this month. Deer reach the peak of the rutting season. Black bears are inactive or in dens.

FISH Striped bass and sunshine bass move into open water to feed on shad.

TURF TIPS

by L. Morris

A planned lawn has someone to care for it. Keeping a recommended length of grass will depend on the type of grass (warm season). Studies show by cutting your grass high (not scalping) your roots will grow deeper thus allowing them to take in more moisture, nutrients and thus allowing the roots to grow thicker.

(Preparing soil for growing more grass). Mulching clippings provides nourishment and saves landfill space. Depending on how much mulch is available and applied to the lawn, it can decrease the amount of fertilizer over a year. Soil pH awareness is a good indicator of how effective this works.

If you notice white tissue sticking out of the leaf blades after you mow, check on the sharpness of the mowing blade.

perennial that can be a weed or a nice ground cover.

FPS-612 includes all the general information, description, foliage, flower, fruit, culture, management, and pests & diseases.

Google Search, Wedelia (images) has a huge sample of pictures that can determine whether you want to consider this a WEED or a GROUND COVER. Ref: Weed Photo Gallery; FPS-612 (Ed Gilman), reviewed June 2011; Wedelia (google search) Images; WVU; How stuff works.com; Floridata Wedelia trilobata

Wedelia trilobata is a low growing

Composting system installed on the Nature Trail at the Extension Office. Reclaimed pallets not only provide the support structure but also provide space for housing new plants!

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January, 2015

BOOK REVIEW

by E. Smith

Maria Wilson’s informative presentation to our group caused me to wonder if some might be interested in learning more about the history of the once abundant longleaf pine forests. A valuable resource was almost lost because of over harvesting but now recently implemented programs are under way to save and restore this valuable resource.

Looking for Longleaf by Lawrence S. Earley, who clearly has an understanding that we are part of nature not separate from it, spent years doing the extensive research into historical records as well as horticultural studies to fully understand this once great system. The old growth forests has been estimated at 92 million acres and stretched all the way from Virginia south to Florida and west to Texas. In the book a map is provided for clarification of the vastness of the forests. You will also discover the Eglin range number for the old growth long leaf and you will learn the definition and origin of the term “Hoover Chicken.”

This non-fiction book is written in an easy to read and entertaining style. As casual readers we sometimes skip the prologue but do not skip this one. A poem at the end will tell you why.

Each chapter is headed by a short and documented quote which provides an insight into what is to follow. It is divided into four major sections of Biology, Exploitation, Forest Management and Ecosystem Management which may be read independently or consecutively. The latter does provide a broader knowledge base of understanding.

Include in your resolutions for the new year to set aside time for the pleasure of learning about this great natural ecosystem, the way nature provides for all who live there and why we must restore these systems while we can. As for me this book has made it to my reread list. Really good books deliver more with a second reading.

Looking for Longleaf: The Fall and Rise of an American Forest,

by Lawrence S. Earley, Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2004, 322 pages, a great bibliography and 22 pages of photos. This book is available in our county library system.

BLESSING OR CURSE

by L. Vanderpool

Oenothera speciosa ‘Rosea’ - pink primrose, is both a blessing and a curse.

Easily propagated from cuttings, runners or seed, this lovely light pink-flowering perennial blooms in early spring for about two months. Each flower is on a 8-10 inch spike and lasts for only one day, being replaced the following day with a new spike and a new flower.

After plants or rooted cuttings are rooted in, very little care is required to keep them healthy and flowering. Virtually no fertilizer is required and the plants are drought resistant, requiring little or no supplemental water, even during the driest parts of the year. Plants may be grown in full sun to partial shade although sun is the most desirable.

After flowering, the plants set to work aggressively acquiring new space and may invade plant beds where they are not desired. The runners are easy to pull but persistence is required to keep them in check. Although some people complain about seeding, I have not had any seedlings result from this plant.

The small leaves of this plant is rather weedy-looking and unkempt. This shortcoming is counterbalanced by the beautiful flowers and pink or red fall and winter foliage.

statement - she knew what they were going to do. Fortunately, I planted the three plants in a large pot with annuals. By the end of the first summer when the annuals gave up the ghost, the primrose had completely taken over the pot. They have been happily living in that same pot for two years and show no sign of weakening. The pot remains on my driveway year round and the plants thrive but cannot get into the ground to send runners helterskelter through the lawn.

Amazingly, this plant, even with its aggressiveness, is not listed in the Florida Invasive Plant Listing either as a class I or class II invasive.

If you have plenty of room such as a hillock, boggy area or other location which is not ideal for other plants or if you just want a natural looking garden, you may want to try the pink primrose. It will reward you with two months of gorgeous pink flowers each spring with almost no care.

I acquired my first plants by digging three small runners (with permission) from a bed at the Garden Gate Nursery in Gulf Breeze. The owner threatened to require me to sign a no-harm The Jokester: Hospitality The art of making your guests feel like they’re at home, even if you wish they were.

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January, 2015

UPDATES AND INFO

by Staff

In honor of Arbor Day, check out this site with amazing pictures of jaw-dropping trees http://www.duskyswondersite.com/tag/ amazing-trees/ This 5-page fact sheet answers questions consumers might have about genetically modified food. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs084 Outbreaks of Food borne Illness Associated with Melons http:// edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs258 4-H Pizza Garden: An Agricultural Adventure - This curriculum was designed for educators to teach young people about where their food originates by using something children love to eat…

PIZZA! This 4-H in the Classroom project, originating in Pinellas County, Florida, was designed for grades 3–5, but can be adapted to serve other grade levels. The lessons cover subject areas such as mathematics, social studies, language arts, and science. It has been used in Pinellas County very successfully since 2000 by the 4-H Program in collaboration with their Florida Ag in the Classroom Initiative. This 89-page fact sheet. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/4h356 Gulf Coast Tick, Amblyomma maculatum Koch (Acari: Ixodidae: Amblyomminae) - Gulf Coast ticks are found in grass prairies and coastal uplands throughout much of the western hemisphere. The ticks are ectoparasites that feed on a variety of birds and mammals, and will readily bite humans. Gulf Coast ticks are of increasing concern because of their ability to transmit several pathogens of veterinary and medical importance. http:// edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1062 Spousal Individual Retirement Accounts - A spouse who stays at home to take care of children or other dependents is likely to have reduced Social Security benefits and will not have access to a workplace retirement plan. So a spousal Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can be an important step to enabling retirement security. An IRA is a tax-advantaged way to accumulate money for retirement. In order to contribute to an IRA you must have taxable compensation. But if your spouse has taxable compensation and you file a joint return, then you can fund an IRA. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1456

us feel better and improve our health, but if we do not use them correctly, they can make us feel worse or even cause major health problems. To use your medicines safely, keep the following tips in mind. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy667 Reduce maintenance and improve palm health http:// nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/2014/12/02/reduce-maintenanceand-improve-palm-health/ Check it out! The new UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in FL’s Natural Areas web site and database is live: bit.ly/1CCcZOg Now you can predict the invasion risk of nonnative species that occur in the state as well as species proposed for introduction. The website features 800+ species, easily searchable by common or scientific name!

US (FL): Panel approves three tomato breeding lines, three cultivars http://www.hortidaily.com/article/13288/US-%28FL%29Panel-approves-three-tomato-breeding-lines,-three-cultivars Techniques for Melon Grafting—this 5-page fact sheet introduces commonly used grafting techniques and their application in specific circumstances. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1257 Pest Identification Guides—http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_series_pest_identification_guides Producing biochar using a custom designed Top-lit Updraft (TLUD) gasifier—http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss626 Best Management Practices for Siting Honey Bee Colonies: Good Neighbor Guidelines—http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/aa137 Carinata Production in Florida—http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag389 The Facts about Mothballs—http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi254 Postemergent Herbicides for Use in Ornamentals—http:// edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wg059 Handbook of Florida Fence and Property Law: Trees and Landowner Responsibility—http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe962

Healthy Living: Use Your Medicines Safely! - Medicines can help

National Arbor Day originated in Nebraska City, Nebraska in 1872. It is celebrated on the 4th Friday of April each year.

In the US, each state celebrates Arbor Day in different months due to the variation in climate and the most advantageous planting time.

Florida Arbor Day is celebrated on the 3rd Friday each year.

This year it falls on January 16.

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January, 2015

ALL A-BUZZ Hello and hoping your Christmas was as sweet as honey! This month, I will continue my article on:

by P. Garrett SHB’s can also damage honey waiting to be extracted in the honey house.

Small Hive Beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida Murray (Insecta: Coleoptera: Nitidulidae): They are members of the family of sap or scavenger beetles.

Management and control of SHB’s ranges from chemicals (in and around the hive poured into the soil, mechanical methods such as various beetle traps for in-hive use (using non-toxic oil to smother and an attractant (recipe in last months article), and even biological measures such as nematodes (Steinernema rioOriginally from sub-Saharan Africa, brave and Heterorhabditis indica) to eat the pupating SHB’s. I SHB’s are now in many states, including want to look into these nematodes further and see if I can order Florida, since 1998. They were discovonline?? Diatomaceous earth has also been suggested sprinkled ered in the US in 1996, but were not identified properly. In the around the hive or in the bottom board of a hive under a screen beetle’s native range, they are considered an occasional pest. In so the SHB larva may cut their soft bodies (bees would not have Africa, many subspecies of the western honeybee (Hymenoptera: access to the earth under a screen). Additionally, researchers Apidae, Apis Mellifera Linnaeus), demonstrate more aggressive- have proven that some honeybee colonies can detect and remove ness to the SHB. Also, differences in housecleaning practices of eggs and larvae deposited by SHB’s!! Where can I find these bees in Africa and the US can signal varying responses to the girlz?? beetles. As a result, our European subspecies of honeybee colonies can suffer greater damage and are affected more negatively. My favorite method of control is mechanical – squeezing, pinching, etc. Also, I would be lost without my hive tool for mashing Usually flying at night, beetles find colonies in which to enter by (1000 of uses for this tool) or my dental forceps. Also, I am lookodors such as pollen, honey, etc. and even may be able to detect ing for a small vacuum now like we have at the PBH (Panhandle the alarm pheromone released from stressed hives (Elzen and Butterfly House) for those hard to get to places. (If you’re wonNeumann 2004). dering, we use the vacuum at the PBH to clean the frass from the cages). Of course the number one best intervention for SHB conYou may ask what exactly do the beetles DO in a hive that is so trol is maintaining a strong hive, avoid colony stress, re-queen as detrimental? The SHB’s damage honeycomb, stored honey, pol- necessary (we do this once a year), monitor for other diseases len and even bee brood. If the infestation is bad enough (> which may weaken a hive and hope for the best!

100,000 beetles), all the honeybees may just leave the hive. As stated last month, females can lay eggs in crevices/cracks, etc., Bee Happy in 2015! but they also can lay eggs directly onto food sources (pollen, brood combs). In about 3 days, if the humidity is >50%, larvae References: will emerge and begin to eat pollen, honey, and bee brood. Some Elzen PJ, Neumann P. 2004. The biology of the small hive beelarva will feed longer, but usually in about 10-16 days they will tle (Aethina tumida, Murray): Gaps in our knowledge of an invabegin to wander with one goal in mind, leaving the hive. They sive species. Apidologie 35: 229-247 want to find soil in which to pupate. Dr. J Ellis once stated in a Dr. James D Ellis and Dr. Amanda Ellis, Dept. of Entomology lecture that in a lab setting, SHB larvae were observed crawling and Nematology, IFAS, UF, Gainesville, FL 32611 down the stairs of the building, so we know they can travel quite Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia a distance in search of soil. Most larvae pupate in 10-20 cm of soil immediately surrounding the hive. There they will stay for approximately 3-4 weeks, but the time frame depends on many environmental factors such as soil temps, moisture, etc.

Since the SHB carries a yeast on its body (Kodamaea ohmeri), fermentation of honey can occur as SHB larvae feed. Obviously, this honey is not fit for human consumption. The larvae just run through the comb, tunneling everywhere, damaging comb, eating honey, pollen and brood - defecating and destroying!

The Jokester Time Management Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine.

As one can imagine from viewing the photo, it is a terrible sight to behold. We have had one hive “slimed” in 5 years, and it was horrible.

The honey just ran out of the comb, and what an utter mess it was!

The hive smelled like decaying fruit and the honey was frothy and dark. It was in the winter two years ago, and this hive was previously our strongest hive. Often when temps drop, SHB’s will go to the larger, stronger colonies to stay warmer. Maybe this is what happened.

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January, 2015

WALKING THE…….CATFISH????

The idea of air breathing, walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) may seem like something a sci-fi writer conjured up for a movie, but they are very real. They are so named because they can use their sharp, spiny, pectoral fins to “walk” on land with wiggling, snakelike motions, from one body of water to another, or one fish farm to another in central to south Florida.

In the 1960’s, aquaculture farmers in Florida imported this exotic fish from Asia, where they can be found in fresh water ponds and fish farms from Pakistan to the Philippines. Whether they were imported for aquarium trade, or brood stock for ponds seems open to debate, but within ten years the walking catfish had spread to twenty counties in Florida. The importation and possession of walking catfish was banned in the sunshine state in 1967 as being a major, invasive species.

The wild walking catfish population became established after the state of Florida passed their 1967 law. Apparently fish were purposefully released into the wild so people would not be in violation of the new law. The Florida Museum of Natural History as reported by the Sun Sentinel quoted scientists as saying this catfish population appeared to decline in the 1980’s and 1990’s after the initial population boom in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

“Populations suffer from periodic die-offs from cold temperatures and subsequent bacterial infection (Loftus and Kushian 1987).”

You can identify them as the elongated, scale-less brown to gray-brown fish with large mouths waddling along unexpected places in the rain.

Their size is 12-30 inches in length reaching a weight of three pounds.

Albinos were the original imports, but usually do not occur not in the wild.

Calico coloration is also possible.

They travel mainly at night, when it rains so they can stay moist. They migrate to find food, or suitable environments such as canals, wetlands, stagnant muddy ponds, ditches and similar habitats.

Walking catfish are voracious eaters who consume food rapidly. In fact, they have been described as eating everything in their path. They feed on eggs, larvae of other fishes, smaller fish, mollusks and other invertebrates as well as, aquatic weeds, insects and waste. Walking catfish are food for predators such as other fish, birds, reptiles and mammals. They can fall victim to cars when migrating.

Their impact upon the economy of Florida seems to be largely unknown. In 2012 the value of Florida aquaculture was $69 million according to Jeffrey E. Hill. Walking catfish have invaded aquaculture farms where they prey on fish stocks. Fish farmers have built fences and levees to prevent this. They can carry disease which could infect farmed catfish.

One government publication from 2003 stated, “Many scientists consider the introduction of the walking catfish into the area as one of the most harmful introductions in North America.”

Yet Wikipedia states few native species are at risk. Herons and egrets are natural predators. However, the walking catfish cause millions of dollars in damage as they travel from fish farm to fish farm.

The University of Florida (IFAS) assists Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Aquaculture by conducting research related to non-native species and providing extension services to these agencies and the aquaculture industry. They do health inspections at the lab and offsite.

Our state has the only established wild population of walking catfish in the United States. In addition to central and southern Florida, they have lived and reproduced in the Everglades National Park and in Big Cypress National Preserve since the mid-1970s. They have been found as far west as California, and although they have been seen as far north as Massachusetts, cold sensitivity limits their establishment farther north. During the cold, dry months when temperatures dip below freezing, they burrow into An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

by A. Rosati

the sides of streams and ponds where they remain dormant until the spring rains.

Unauthorized introductions of non-native species are illegal and undesirable in Florida. Although regulations change, each aquaculture facility must be inspected and certified annually by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and aquaculture certificates are issued annually. There are Best Management Practices that govern the conduct of aquaculture.

In 2013, Jeffrey E. Hill (Shafland et al. 2008 and the USGS 2013) claim 37 species of non-native freshwater fish reproducing in Florida. According to Hill, “History, climate and geography play major roles in determining the distribution of Florida’s exotic fishes….Circumstantial evidence links the growth of the aquarium industry with the increase in exotic fish introductions into Florida.”

In summary, Hill tells us the potential dangers of exotic fishes and the management difficulties they represent are important challenges to Florida’s fisheries managers in the 21 century.

Hill, Jeffrey E. “Exotic Fishes in Florida.” University of Florida, Gainesville, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 2002.

Hill, Jeffrey E., “Regulations Pertaining to Nonnative Fish in Florida Aquaculture,” Publication #FA-121. 2012.

National Geographic, Education, “Walking Catfish.”

Sun Sentinel article, Jan. 9, 2005.

USGS NAS-“Non-indigenous Aquatic Species, Walking Catfish Fact Sheet”, 11-2014.

Walking Catfish Video at the golf course in Tampa Florida. July 2012.

Wikipedia: “Walking catfish.”

You can find more information on invasive and exotic species by going to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/ Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council www.fleppc.org/list/list.htm We’ve all seen the destruction and negative impact that invasive species have had and continue to have on our eco-systems. Make sure that you take all the precautions necessary so you don’t transport unwanted ‘guests’ to our area via plant materials etc.

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POTATO OF THE TROPICS Colocasia esculenta (Taro or Dasheen) is sometimes called the "potato of the tropics," and often called "elephant ears". It is a wetland herbaceous perennial with huge elephant ear like leaves. It produces heart shaped leaves 2-3 ft (0.6-0.9 m) long and 1-2 ft across on 3 ft long petioles that all emanate from an upright tuberous rootstock, technically a corm.

Colocasia esculenta is superficially similar to other large-leaved arums such as the true elephant ears (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) and the arrow arums (Peltrandra spp.), but Colocasia esculenta is the only one with peltate leaves. It should not be confused with the non-invasive variety of elephant ear Alocasia spp.

In frost prone climates Colocasia esculenta is grown as an ornamental foliage plant in a container in a warm greenhouse or at the edge of an indoor pool. It also is sometimes grown outdoors as an annual.

Colocasia esculenta, is an invasive exotic in much of peninsular Florida. It is listed by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council as a Category I Species, known to be disrupting native plant communities and displacing native plant species. Taro forms dense stands along lakes and rivers where it completely eliminates native plant species. Taro should not be cultivated outdoors in the vicinity of wetlands where it could escape and establish a self sustaining population that would eliminate native species.

All parts of taro can cause stomach aches if ingested without cooking. Contact with the sap can irritate sensitive skin. http://

by D. Stever www.floridata.com/ref/c/ colo_esc.cfm Native alternatives include Golden canna, Pickerelweed and Arrowhead.

Non-native, non-invasive alternatives include Butterfly ginger, Shell ginger and Pinecone ginger. http:// edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep468.

We talk a lot about invasive species but maybe not about the reasons why it is important to be aware and cautious with these plants. Here are some reasons for us to consider before using them in the landscape.

Once invasive plants take over our native plants, the result is that:

 Florida’s natural biodiversity is destroyed.  Our native plants can eventually become permanently eliminated.

 The animals that use those native plants for food and habitat cannot make use of the non-native ones.

 Aquatic invasive plants can harm fish habitats.  Boating, swimming, hiking, and other activities can be limited or impossible in areas overtaken with invasive exotic plants.  It costs billions of dollars to control invasive exotic plants, and it is usually very difficult to eradicate them completely. http://livinggreen.ifas.ufl.edu/landscaping/ invasive_exotic_plants.html

RECIPE ROUND-UP Original recipe courtesy of www.jocooks.com Sweet Chicken Bacon Bites 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes 8 to 12 slices of thin cut bacon, cut into halves or thirds 3/4 cup dark brown sugar 1/4 cup spicy brown mustard salt and pepper to taste parsley for garnish Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover a baking sheet with foil and place a cookie rack on top of foil. Place the sugar in a shallow plate and set aside.

Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Smear a bit of mustard on each piece.

by M. Stewart is nice and crisp.

Remove from oven and let stand for a couple of minutes. Remove chicken bundles from rack and onto serving plate. Garnish with parsley.

Cook’s notes: Thick cut bacon doesn’t work well with this recipe. I personally use very little salt in this dish since the bacon usually has more than enough. Another neat addition is the mustard. Spicy brown mustard works very well but if you have a horseradish mustard or other spicy mustard that would work as well. You can refrigerate any leftovers but I doubt that you will have any.

These tasty little bites don’t last very long on the platter!

Wrap each piece of seasoned chicken with a piece of bacon. Roll each wrapped bundle in the brown sugar. Place on cookie rack, seam side down.

When all the pieces are finished, season again (lightly) with salt and pepper.

Bake in the pre-heated oven for about 45 minutes or until bacon An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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January, 2015

M. Stewart —Editor S. Farrell , K. Harper and S. Berry—co-editors

Have pictures or an idea for an article?

Send it in!

Articles and pictures are always welcome.

Mission To assist Extension Agents in providing research-based horticultural education to Florida residents.

Vision To be the most trusted resource for horticultural education in Florida.

LAST WORD After years of singing the Christmas Hippo song...my efforts paid off! Happy Hubby believes that this will eliminate the need for me to sing said song (for some reason he does not seem to appreciate being woken up with my rendition). Ahh, silly man. I shall just change the words to “I got a hippopotamus for Christmas!” You would think that after eleven years of marriage Happy Hubby would know better.

But I suppose that it is true...hope springs eternal. As you can see from the picture, I don’t think my cat appreciates the new arrival either.

Now that Christmas has come and gone...a new year has arrived...full of promise and badly written checks. Even if we remind ourselves, you know darned well that the next few weeks will result in numerous cross outs and rewrites as we cling to 2014.

Yes, a new year is upon us and the resolutions to go along with it (as for mine numbers 7 and 12 are already toast). But what is a resolution anyway and why do we do this to ourselves? According to good old Webster a resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something. The legal definition is that a resolution is a written motion adopted by a deliberative body.

We can blame the Romans for our current predilection for making New Year resolutions. Way back in 153 B.C. the Romans had a deity named Janus (where we get January from). This guy had two faces—one looking ahead and one looking backward. The Romans believed that Janus could forgive them their wrongdoings in the previous year and they would give gifts and make promises for the New Year to gain Janus’ blessings.

So, here we are, masters of space travel and Iphone 6—yet we cling to this ancient ritual of making New Year resolutions. But let’s get back to the definitions. A firm decision to do or not to do something. That may be well and good but we all know that situations change and Congress gets involved. Something you made a firm decision to do may well be considered environmentally unsound or at the very least made illegal in 32 states before you know it!

Then there would be the case where something you resolved not to do. What if you resolved to spend less time on the computer? You might miss that important email about winning a computer or getting

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

By M. Stewart a few million bucks from some guy in Nigeria! Don’t even get me started on the other definition—a written motion adopted by a deliberative body. I don’t know about you, but there is nothing deliberative about my body prior to the second cup of coffee in the morning. As for putting it in writing—that would mean finding a pen that actually works and a piece of paper that I won’t lose shortly thereafter. Besides, NEVER put anything in writing. Not in today’s society—law suit city.

I have therefore come to the conclusion that I will only make one resolution for the New Year….I hereby resolve not to make any resolutions! Hmmm, that posses a problem in itself...if I resolve not to make any resolutions then did I actually make a resolution or break one? These are the types of questions that usually gave me weird looks from professors and cause Happy Hubby to turn up the volume on his football game.

So in the best spirit of the season and with careful consideration so as not of offend anyone nor incur the wrath of various and sundry personages…

I wish everyone a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted new Gregorian calendar year, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference.

And if you are brave enough to face the task of resolution making...make darned sure they are fun, fattening, and at the very least something you might well regret in the morning!

January, 2015