GREEN pages Fall 2018
Companion Planting
&
VEGETABLES HERBS
Planting two or more plants together creates a symbiotic relationship...
Garden Centers Las Vegas, NV Ann Road & Simmons 2600 W. Ann Rd. North Las Vegas, NV 89031 (702) 216-STAR (7827) West Cheyenne & Tenaya 7330 W. Cheyenne Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89129 (702) 253-STAR (7827) W. Charleston Blvd. & Cimarron 8170 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89117 (702) 360-STAR (7827) W. Tropicana & Fort Apache 9480 W. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89147 (702) 278-STAR (7827) Boulder Hwy. & E. Tropicana 5340 Boulder Highway Las Vegas, NV 89122 (702) 435-STAR (7827) S. Eastern & Pebble 8725 S. Eastern Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89123 (702) 333-STAR (7827) Blue Diamond & Lindell 5380 Blue Diamond Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89139 (702) 444-STAR (7827)
Pahrump, NV Buol Rd. & Hwy. 372 911 Buol Rd. Pahrump, NV 89048 (775) 727-5300
Star Nursery has been privately owned and operated for 35 years. We are proud to be the premier garden center for all your landscaping needs. Currently, we operate in Southern Nevada, Southern Utah and Northern Arizona with a total of 16 Garden Centers and 9 Decorative Rock Yards. We cater to both residential and commercial clientele. Star Nursery offers the best in garden supplies. From a large assortment of trees to shrubbery, drought tolerant plants, succulents and houseplants, we have landscape material to suit anyone’s lifestyle. We offer the largest and most complete line of products that include irrigation supplies, gardening accessories, yard tools and our very own exclusive line of Dr. Q’s Garden Products. This line of products consists of soils and fertilizers that are specifically formulated to help you succeed with your gardening efforts in the Southwest Region. We also carry a selection of hardscape products ranging from flagstone to pavers to decorative rock and bulk soils. Find everything you need to maintain a beautiful landscape or garden space. We pride ourselves in giving our customers the right price and best advice.
Star Nursery -Your Garden’s Partner for Every Bloomin’ Thing Since 1983.
Lake Havasu, AZ Lake Havasu Ave. & College Dr. 1141 N. Lake Havasu Ave. Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 (928) 505-5255
Kingman, AZ Stockton Hill Rd. & Gordon Dr. 4140 Stockton Hill Rd. Kingman, AZ 86409 (928) 757-3701
Fort Mohave, AZ Hwy. 95 & Boundary Cone Rd. 6325 Hwy. 95 Fort Mohave, AZ 86426 (702) 444-STAR (7827)
Mesquite, NV
Bullhead City, AZ
Commerce Cir. & Pioneer 549 Commerce Cir. Mesquite, NV 89027 (702) 613-4770
Mohave Dr. & Miracle Mile 1579 Mohave Dr. Bullhead City, AZ 86442 (928) 758-STAR (7827) NOW OPEN
St. George, UT Sunset Blvd. & Bluff St. 1145 W. Sunset Blvd. St. George, UT 84770 (435) 688-STAR (7827) Dixie Dr. & Gubler Ln. 1335 S. Dixie Dr. St. George, UT 84770 (435) 628-8004
Washington, UT Telegraph Rd. & 500 W. 385 W. Telegraph Rd. Washington, UT 84780 (435) 986-0820
A note from the editor The fall season is just around the corner. It’s an escape from the heat of the desert southwest. It’s a chance to actually get outdoors and do something productive. We’ve all been kept indoors due to the extreme weather conditions of summer. Your yard awaits the ideas lurking in your mind for a fresh approach to your new space. This season I plan to plant some citrus and fruit trees in containers. Growing your own food seems to have stuck. It has surpassed the “trend” phase. Gardening and growing your own is where its at. All of the work is primarily in the prepping stage. Digging. Amending. Planting. The reward for all the hard work is definitely harvesting all of your goodies – vegetables, herbs, and fruit. Nothing beats the fresh taste of home-grown produce.
Our Staff
Editor-in-Chief
Nina Gallagher
Art/Design
Doug Ryan Taylor White
Contributing Writers
Crystal Gwaltney Christine MacRae Terry Newcomb
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Research and asking questions will help with the success of your garden. Think about all the foods that you and your family enjoy eating. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the number of edibles you can either grow from seed or purchase from your garden center as a seedling. Get outdoors and work off the carbs you’ve consumed all summer long. A little sweat equity goes a long way. Clean up your garden areas and prep them for the fall season. It’s time to fall in love with the outdoors again.
GOLD WINNER
Las Vegas Review -Journal bestoflasvegas.com
2017
READY FOR FALL? Rejuvenate your landscape and select new plants
The dog days of summer are still here, but there is a slightly different feel to the heat. Nighttime temperatures are just a little cooler. Add the traditional August monsoons and plants will begin to show signs of new growth. Our energy levels will soon start to rise and fall planting fever will soon be upon us. The arrival of fall heralds the beginning of the very best planting time for nearly everything. This is the ideal season for adding new plants, assessing performance of those currently in the yard and replacing those that didn’t measure up to expectations. There will be much to do—let’s take a look. Survey your landscape carefully during the next couple of weeks. Do any of your plants have burned leaves on the
outsides and tops? If so, you may have put them in the wrong location and should carefully consider moving or replacing them. If the symptoms can be attributed to something as simple as plugged or blocked irrigation sprinklers/drip emitters, or excessively hot, windy days, wait until midSeptember then prune off the burned foliage. Plants need the right temperatures to “harden off ”. If you prune too early, the tender undergrowth will burn in the August and early September sun.
Apply fall fertilizer to existing trees and shrubs from late August through September. Choose a balanced, low nitrogen fertilizer like Dr. Q’s Triple Play (7-7-7) or Super Iron Plant Food (9-9-9) for ornamentals. Add a little Superphosphate (0-18-0) when feeding fruit trees. It helps in the production of flowers and new fruit spurs for next spring’s crop. Make your last application of Palm Food in August. Move existing palms or install new plantings from August through September. Fall is the very best time of year to plant or move new shrubs and trees. Shorter days and longer nights slow down plant metabolism. Root systems on newly planted specimens establish much faster when pressure to produce top growth has eased. Specimens planted in fall have larger root systems to absorb nutrients and water for rapid spring growth. Comparisons have shown that trees and shrubs planted in fall establish faster and grow much larger in the first year than those planted in spring. There are also fewer twig dieback and summer stress problems on plants installed during the fall season.
Help to insure successful planting by choosing specimens that have pleasing shape and branch structure. They should be well rooted in their containers but show no large roots poking out of the bottom. If in doubt, ask a nursery consultant to ease the plant out of its container so you can see the roots. Girdling or severely circling roots are a no-no. Also avoid those plants with trunk and branch damage.
One of the great surprises to many new Las Vegas and Utah gardeners is the variety and quality of produce that can be grown during cooler weather. The fall growing season is ideal for growing veggies like cabbage, broccoli, peas, spinach and more. If you want to start your own seedlings instead of using transplants, add a 6 to 10-week lead time, depending on variety. For example, if you want early broccoli, you should start it indoors in mid-August to have it ready for an October planting. Pick up a copy of Star Note 200, Cool Weather Vegetable Gardening, at your favorite Star Nursery store or download Online, www.starnursery.com.
New drought restrictions affect watering beginning in September. This is an ideal time to tune up your irrigation system. Examine sprinklers and drip systems to be sure all are working properly. Clean or replace plugged nozzles, emitters and soaker hoses. For those of you who want fescue lawns, the beginning of September is the start of the second seed/sod season. Fall is an excellent time to de-thatch and aerate existing lawns.
Save any major pruning chores for the winter season, but do cleanup and maintenance pruning this fall. Remove any dead twigs, spindly growth, or any branches that have intruded on walkways or driveways. Pay particular attention to mesquites. These fast-growing trees rapidly produce foliage during hot weather. This often causes canopies to become overgrown, increasing wind resistance and potential for major limb breakage. If you can’t see the sun through the top center, thin out growth by removing any crossing branches or “water growth”—small branches growing straight up through the tree center.
As fall progresses, you will notice a big increase in insect activity. They are either filling their bellies before going dormant, or looking for places to hide from the coming colder weather. Keep them off your plants by picking (sometimes tough to do…) or spraying off with water or insecticides. The nursery can advise you on the best course of action depending on the host plant and pest. Keep creepy crawlers out of the house by using a long-lasting barrier spray like Bayer Home Pest Control. Apply to door stoops, cracks and crevices, under washer, dryer and fridge as well as in the garage—a favorite hiding place of undesirable critters! When using any pesticide, follow label instructions exactly. If one is good, two is not better! Whatever your gardening pursuits, enjoy the fall season—fall fever is second only to spring fever and just as much fun.
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Your Garden Calendar September Reset sprinkler clocks to match requirements of the SNWA Drought Watering Restrictions Guide. Get a copy from any Star Nursery. As temperatures cool, watering longer but much less often is better for all plants. Inspect your irrigation system for correct water delivery to all plants. Clean, replace and repair system parts as needed for efficient water delivery. Give fruit trees a final feeding with low nitrogen, high phosphorus fertilizer to stimulate fruit buds for next spring. Feed shrubs and trees with complete, organic-based fertilizers from the Dr. Q’s fertilizer line to help them recover from summer stress and get ready for winter. Clean and feed roses to bring them from the summer blahs to the fall color show. Prune dead wood, spindly twigs and lightly shape the bush. Remove and discard all old leaves and other debris to prevent insect and disease problems. Feed with Dr. Q’s Rose Food (6-12-4) each blooming cycle and enjoy great flowers throughout the fall.
October Space fruit tree irrigation further apart to encourage dormancy and fruit spur production. Decorate your patio and yard with fall color. Now is an ideal time to plant cool season flowers like pansies, stock and kale. They’re great in pots or beds and give continuous color straight through the winter too! Fall is for planting all kinds of trees and shrubs. Get them in now! They will establish good root systems through the winter and perform beautifully next spring. Stop lawn weed seeds from sprouting through application of a preemergent herbicide like Bonide Crabgrass & Weed Preventer to prevent cool-season weeds like wild mustard, dandelions, oxalis and spurge. Application of this product will also stifle crabgrass seeds. Don’t use a pre-emergent if over-seeding the lawn. Apply seeds in fall and a pre-emergent next spring instead.
November Fertilize winter lawns to maintain good color. Dr. Q’s Winter Gem® is an excellent choice. Protect tender plants from cold weather by covering them with burlap or N Sulate. Water plants the day before a predicted freeze. Moist soil will store up heat from the sun’s energy and release it at night, keeping your plants warmer. This is a good time to clean those trees and shrubs of dead branches. Spray Prickly Pear, and Cholla cactus whose pads are covered with a white cottony substance (cochineal scale). A strong spray, but low volume of water, using a “shut off valve” attached to your garden hose, will remove much of the white-waxy coating. Then apply an insecticide like Bonide’s Organic Neem Oil to prevent their return. The interior of your citrus trees should be kept free of unwanted water sprouts. These will never produce much fruit, and keeping the inside clean will assist you in harvesting your fruit. Now is the time to plant beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, collards, endive, lettuce, mustard, parsley, peas, radishes, rutabaga, spinach, and turnips.
Companion Planting
&
VEGETABLES HERBS Written & Illustrated By: Christine MacRae What Is Companion Planting? Think of companion planting as a buddy system for your garden. Each plant requires its own specific set of nutrients. When you put two plants together that need the same nutrients to thrive, survival of the fittest ensues. Which leaves one plant struggling while the other soaks up all the glory within the soil. Or even worse, neither wins and you have nothing to show for your monetary and physical efforts.
Planting two or more plants together creates a symbiotic relationship, for the benefit of both plants. When determining which plants to grow together, consider choosing plants that require different nutrients so that each has access to what they need. You may also want to consider pairing plants that have different root lengths to prevent competition for nutrient requirements that are the same or similar. Another option is to create micro-climates by putting taller, sun-loving plants with shorter varieties that depend upon more shade. Companion planting isn’t exclusive to just vegetables, herbs can play a part too! Some herbs provide organic pest control to some of your more sensitive fruit and vegetable plants. Take cabbage, for example, it is a favorite amongst garden pests. But if you plant thyme or rosemary alongside it, the pests will stay away as the herbs act as natural repellents. Ready to play match-maker for your vegetable and herb yard mates? This chart will guide you through making the perfect pairs (or trios) in your garden so that everyone wins, especially you!
Artichoke
Kale
Beets
Lettuces
Broccoli
Mustard Greens
Brussel Sprouts
Peas
Cabbage
Spinach
Caulifower
Squash
Collards
Chard
Peas, Parsley, Sunflowers, Terragon
Brussel Sprouts, Chard Broccoli, Cabbages, Collard Greens, Cauliflower, Kale, Lettuces, Dill, Marjoram
Beets, Spinach, Chard, Dill, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Oregano
Beets, Cabbage, Chard, Cauliflower, Lettuces, Spinach, Dill, Mint, Rosemary, Sage
Beets, Brussel Sprouts, Chard, Kale, Mustard Greens, Spinach, Lettuces, Peas, Dill, Mint, Rosemary,Sage, Thyme
Beets, Brussel Sprouts, Spinach, Chard, Dill, Sage, Thyme, Oregano,
Beets, Chamomile, Dill, Marigolds, Mint, Rosemary. Sage, Thyme
Beets, Cabbage, Chard, Lettuces, Peas, Spinach, Dill, Mint, Sage, Rosemary, Geranium
Beets, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Kale, Peas, Spinach, Squash, Coriander, Dill, Marigolds, Sage, Thyme
Peas, Mint, Dill, Fennel, Chamomile, Rosemary, Sage
Artichoke, Cabbage, Chard, Kale, Mustard Greens, Spinach, Lettuces, Squash, Parsley, Sage, Thyme
Broccoli, BrusselSprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, Lettuces, Peas, Sage, Thyme, Cilantro
Chard, Lettuces, Peas, Borage, Marigold, Oregano, Peppermint, Sage, Thyme
Beets, Broccoli,Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, Peas, Squash, Sage, Thyme
beer braised
chicken
tacos
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic minced or grated 2 in chipotle chilies adobo minced 2 teaspoons chili powder 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or more or less to taste salt and peper 1 (8 ounce) beer 1/2 cup apple cider plus more if needed 1/2 -3/4 cup enchilada sauce 8 warmed flour or corn tortillas for serving sharp cheddar cheese + cotija cheese for serving
• Add the chicken to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil. Add the garlic, minced chipotle chilies in adobo, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, brown sugar and a pinch of both salt and pepper. Toss well to combine, making sure all the chicken gets coated in seasonings. • Heat a large brasier or dutch oven over medium high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear on both sides, about 2-4 minutes per side. Reduce the heat slightly and pour in the beer + apple cider. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. • Meanwhile, make the salsa. Add the chopped apple, pomegranate arils, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice and sweet thai chili sauce to a bowl. Toss well to combine, taste and adjust if needed. Cover and store in the fridge until ready to serve. • Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the pot and shred with two forks. Meanwhile reduce the sauce that is left in the pot down to about 3/4 of a cup. Add the shredded chicken back to the sauce in the pot and toss. Now add the enchilada sauce and continue to cook about 2 minutes or until warmed through. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of apple cider. • To serve, add the shredded chicken to a warmed taco shell. Top with cheddar, avocado and then the apple salsa. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. Happy taco eating!
Recipe courtesy of halfbakedharvest.com
A Rose –– By Any Other Name Written By Terry Newcomb
A
favorite moment for us happens when customers, new to the Southwest, wistfully say, “I sure wish I could grow roses here but we live in the desert now so I suppose that’s not an option.” “Oh no,” we proclaim, “Not only can you grow roses in the desert but you can grow fabulous roses! Do you have a few minutes so we can tell you more?” Roses, by nature, like well-draining soils, full sun and a winter just long enough for them to go dormant for a few months. They don’t mind a bit of a struggle—our high heat index days are addressed by planting your roses where they’ll receive some afternoon shade, but still a full six hours of direct sunlight. Initial soil preparation and a regular fertilization schedule are the keys. By digging a big hole (2’ X 2’) and making sure the area is away from grass and free of tree or shrub roots, you can check the drainage before planting and insure your rose bush can “dry its feet” between deep watering. Always check the drainage by filling the hole with water before planting. (If it doesn’t drain, don’t plant). Amend the native soil with an equal amount of a quality organic mulch, like Paydirt Planting Mix. Add in a cup of Gold Dust starter fertilizer and a cup of Soil Sulfur (mixing it well with the soil) and you’re off to a great start on a spectacular rose garden. The second most asked question regarding roses is, “How often should I fertilize?” The correct answer is regularly—8-10 times a year, skipping November, December and early January to allow for dormancy. We recommend a good granular soil fertilizer formulated specifically for roses like Dr. Q’s Rose Food. Avoid liquid foliar fertilizers like Miracle-Gro during high heat days--they can cause leaf burn. Always follow the directions on the packaging for proper amounts and safety information. Many promising rosarians are intimidated by pruning, asking us, “What if I damage it or worse, kill it, trying to make it healthier?” Roses are very forgiving. In mid-January, remove any remaining leaves, prune off dead or crossing branches, and then cut out remaining interior branching. (The goal is 3-5 strong canes about the diameter of your thumb that grow up and outward). Our Star Note #520, entitled “Rose Selection, Care and Planting” (and several more rose-related handouts) can be found on our website www.starnursery.com. There’s nothing more satisfying than a showy and abundant rose garden. The gorgeous colors, the dizzying fragrance and the satisfaction of making it happen yourself is all the reward you need.
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Transform Your Outdoor Space When it comes to our yards, many of us think of it as an unused afterthought. After all, we spend most of our days indoors. But with an ever-increasing trend to limit our screen time and get back to nature, thinking of what to do with the yard is moving to the forefront of our minds. What if you could make your yard work for you? What if you had a space that not only invited you, but enticed you to spend time there? Taking the time and investment to change your yard can pay off in some pretty unexpected and surprising ways:
Boost Curb Appeal We all know first impressions are important in life. While curb appeal is nice to have at any given time, it is especially nice in a healthy real estate market. If you’re looking to sell your home, an investment into your landscape can increase your property value up to 20%. This small change can help make all the difference between a potential buyer driving by, or stopping to take a look.
Bonus Room Even houses with ample room for entertaining can benefit from a cozy outdoor space. Imagine having a space specifically designed for relaxation around a soothing water feature, a family gathering with the perfect bbq spot, or a lively party that gathers around the firepit long after dark. Having this outdoor option adjacent to a living or family room gives you the added benefit of being able to enjoy the view of the greenspace even when the weather keeps you inside.
Increase Green Footprint We are all increasingly aware of our individual ecological footprint. Technology has created so many ways to help us make decisions to reduce our demand for finite resources. Changing to fluorescent or LED lights and opting out of disposable plastic straws are great steps in the right direction, but you can make even more of an impact by using your outdoor space for good. Think of adding a pollinator garden, or a strategically placed shade tree to reduce your energy consumption in the summer. Starting a home vegetable garden is a great way to reduce your dependence on environmentally costly food transportation.
Increased Quality of Life Studies show that exposure to nature, in various forms, helps to relieve stress by lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Carving out a green space is an investment in your long-term health by providing a place to give your mind and body a break. Oh, and that vegetable garden we just mentioned? Designating a spot to grow your own food can be the key to unlocking that “eat healthier” goal that we are always striving for. Having fresh veggies at your fingertips will make it easier to make good food choices. If you’re looking to transform your outdoor space, let one of our experienced Landscape Designers help you take that first step towards realizing your landscape dreams. Visit our website at www.starnursery.com/landscapedesignconcepts to learn more and to schedule a consultation.
W
hen I look around our desert and see the oasis we have made of many of our suburban areas, it makes me stop and ask, “If we can turn this dry, nearly lifeless desert into a thing of beauty, just what else can we do?” Ever think about how nice it would be to eat what you grow?
of apple tree varieties. The range of fruit trees available for home garden use in our climate is much wider than generally thought. Some need a certain degree of cold weather for high production and the best quality fruit. This “winter chill” or “vernalization” requirement is most
To the surprise of many new to our desert, peaches do very well here in Southern Nevada and surrounding areas. They do not require cold winters and can actually put up with our poor soils and alkaline water. Though far from the only fruit tree that thrives here, peaches are a favorite. Their delicate and flavorful flesh is a juicy delight straight from the tree. Do you enjoy the crunch of a fresh apple or the sweetness of a fig? The “sweet-tart” of a nectarine is difficult to beat. And then there is the indescribable flavor of a fresh-from-the-tree apricot! Store bought produce can’t touch these flavors. As if flavor was not enough, fruit trees exhibit some of the most colorful flower displays in the spring. They have a job to do and they need some help to do it. During the spring, most of the fruit trees will provide a glorious show of color as they attempt to attract the pollinators to help them set fruit. Peaches and plums will generally display massive pink blooms. A beautiful contrast of white flowers can be found on a number
commonly expressed as low, moderate or high. These chilling factors refer to the total number of hours the tree experiences at or below 45 degrees during its dormant period. All trees with low chill requirements will fruit well in the Southwest Desert most years. Trees in the moderate to high range may produce
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more or less fruit depending on the severity of our winter in any given year. In a very mild winter, you may get very little fruit from high chill varieties. In a cooler or slightly cooler than normal winter, all varieties may fruit well. To have a healthy tree and years of delicious crops with strong production, there are some things you’ll want to do. Trees that bear fruit will require an expanded root system in order to provide the nutrition and water it takes to put out a good crop. When first planted, the drip emitters that you provide for your new tree will naturally be located near the base or trunk of the tree. As the tree matures, in the second and third years, you’ll need to add emitters away from the trunk. Without water being applied further out, there is little reason or ability for the root system to expand. When it comes to fruit and nut trees in the desert, think about the foods you most enjoy and talk with us about what to plant, how to plant and how soon you can begin enjoying the fruits of your labor.
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Meet the TEAM Star Nursery is definitely as unique as it’s employees. There is no real comparison which makes our organization even more special. With that said, we are proud to share a little more about some of the individuals whom are part of the Star family.
Nefi – S. Utah
Cassie – S. Nevada
Q: What gets you out of bed in the morning? Q: What gets you out of bed in the morning? A: Knowing that I have people who love and A: The fact that I have good life and job. An support me in all that I do. amazing family that loves and cares for me. As well as just being able to live for another Q: What is your biggest achievement to date day. – personal or professional? A: My biggest achievement to date is how Q: What is your biggest achievement to date far I have gotten in life. I’ll never be satisfied – personal or professional? because I have a lot more to accomplish. A: I started at the bottom and now I’m working way up to the top. Q: What 3 words would you use to describe your role? Q: If you could switch jobs with someone, A: Important. Busy. Never-ending. who would it be? A: Anet! I would love to be able to help supply Q: What’s your most memorable face palm the valley with flowers and help brighten moment? everyone’s day. A: Loading the wrong rock for someone and having to shovel it out. Q: If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor? Q: What is your motto or personal mantra? A: Paul Noe AKA “Dr.Q” He knows his stuff A: I believe in being honest and working and I could learn a lot from his knowledge hard at all that you do. It will always propel and experience. you ahead. And, be open to learning new things. Q: What advice would you give to recent new entrants? Q: What’s your favorite line from a film? A: My advice to new employees would be to A: Grass… taste bad! work hard, do what you’re told, and learn Q: Given a chance, who would you like to everything you can while you’re here. You’ll never know when this knowledge can help be for a day? you or your family (especially if the zombies A: I would love to be a doctor for a day. ever do come ).
Ryan – N. Arizona Q: How would you describe your day job to a child? A: That I take care of beautiful flowers , trees , and other plants. I get to drive big tractors too. Q: What is on your wish list for your next five years here? A: You know Star Nursery is so full of different opportunities within the company that I can only hope to be given more of. So I can’t wait to see what’s next. Q: What do you like most about your job? A: I like this industry, really enjoy being around plants, making people happy, building bonds with co-workers, What’s not to like? Q: What advice would you give to recent new entrants? A: Don’t be afraid to ask questions, strive to be more knowledgeable. Q: What is your motto or personal mantra? A: Hope anchors the soul. Q: Given a chance, who would you like to be for a day? A: My wife Jessi, so I could see the world through her eyes (but only one day).
Your dedication contributes to our success.
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water. How about the fun part? – Harvesting! Pick your cool-season vegetables at the peak of perfection using these guidelines:
Those pots or that raised planter that you planted into this spring needn’t just lay there unproductive all winter. It’s time to start your winter vegetable garden.
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Ah, but this is just the beginning of our winter eating opportunities. There is Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage and Cauliflower to mention a few. Garlic and Onions handle our winters just fine. Parsnips, Peas, Shallots and Turnips round out a veritable cornucopia of delicious opportunities. Vegetables do well in soil that has good drainage. This is why so many desert gardeners have discovered that containers or pots and raised beds are just what the Doctor ordered. If your soil doesn’t drain very well, then here are some ideas for improving that. Amend your soil! This means a good quality compost like Pay Dirt, and some peat moss. If your dirt is very fine (high clay content) add some sand to loosen it up. If your garden is in the ground, “berm” the areas where you’ll be planting. Higher soil levels where plants will be growing naturally drain better. Make the berms at least five to six inches and make them out of this great “mix” you have blended together. Whether it’s a raised bed or in the ground your vegetables need good fertilization to grow well and taste their best. Use a slow release, calcium rich, complete fertilizer like Dr Q’s Vegetable & Tomato Food. Like all the Dr Q Fertilizers, this one is designed specifically for our soil and climate. Watering in the winter can be tricky. We get very little rain, but then sometimes a lot. When we get our winds, the plants will need more frequent water, but if you give them too much and keep their feet wet this will cause trouble. A moisture meter is inexpensive and especially for these type of variables – indispensable. Get one and use it. Check before you water in the top few inches of soil and if it is already quite wet; Don’t
Broccoli - When you begin to see the head form in the middle, start checking daily. You want to harvest broccoli while the little buds are tightly closed. Don’t be surprised if your broccoli head is smaller than the ones in the grocery store. Brussels Sprouts - Brussels sprouts are ready to harvest when the heads are firm and about an inch in diameter. Remove by twisting them from the central stem. Cabbage - Cabbage is ready when the head forms. Some types stay well in the garden for weeks, while others may need to be cut soon after the heads are firm. Test the heads by squeezing them to see if they are solid. Cauliflower - Check every day as it gets near to maturity. Let the head grow as long as it is small and compact. Maybe until it reaches about 6 inches. If the head begins to open up, cut it then. Collards - Collards are easy! They’re ready to eat at just about any size. Cut off the lower leaves and let the plant grow more from the top. Routine harvesting will help keep the plant growing fast to produce more tender leaves. Lettuce - Lettuce leaves also are ready to harvest at just about any size. Pick leaf lettuce by breaking leaves one at a time from the outside of the plant. Leave the center bud to grow more leaves. Lettuce that matures in cool weather is the sweetest. Onions - When the tops begin to yellow, it is a sign that they are just about ready. Then, stop watering and let the bulb tops fall over and dry. The onions are mature and ready to be pick. After pulling the onions, spread them out dry place to cure for a few days. Later in the season as the weather warms, many plants will go to seed. By the time they begin to stretch and send out a seed stalk, the leaves are often bitter. You planted and watchfully cared for your garden, don’t forget to harvest and above all… Enjoy!
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Recycling is SMART! Do your part and be rewarded! Bring in your empty black plant pots and receive IN-STORE CREDIT toward future garden purchases.
We accept the following sizes: • 1 Gallon..........................5¢ per pot • 3 Gallon........................10¢ per pot • 5 Gallon........................20¢ per pot • 15 Gallon.......................50¢ per pot
JUST MIX & POUR *See label for listed insects or pests. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL INSTRUCTIONS. Not for sale, sale into, distribution and or use in Nassau, Suffolk, Kings and Queens counties of NY. ©2018 SBM Life Science Corp. 1001 Winstead Drive, Suite 500, Cary, NC 27513. 1-877-229-3724. BioAdvanced™ is a trademark of SBM Life Science Corp.
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